TWO huge contests at Preston City Oval are set to kick off this year’s Division 1 finals series.
On Saturday old rivals Greensborough and Montmorency will clash for the right to play minor premier Heidelberg in next week’s second semi final.
Then on Sunday Bundoora takes on Macleod in a knockout final with both sides looking to keep their season alive for at least another week.
Continue below for a preview of this weekend’s action.
Qualifying Final: Greensborough v Montmorency @ Preston City Oval
Two of the competition’s oldest foes resume their rivalry on Saturday when Greensborough and Montmorency meet in the Division 1 qualifying final.
The Boro return to Preston City Oval for the first time since 2011 and will be on the hunt for their first Division 1 finals victory since beating Bundoora in the 1991 first semi final.
Under the guidance of Robert Hyde, the Boro have been the competition’s most improved side in 2014 – winning 14 of 18 matches, following just six victories for an eighth-place finish in 2013.
A quick look to the stats outlines the Boro’s dominance this year. They are one of only two sides to average 100 points per game (the other being Montmorency), while they also rank second for points conceded, at an average of just 66 points against per game.
The absence of suspended co-captain Tim Bongetti is bound to be a blow, given the sharp shooter has booted 62 goals in 17 matches. However,
Greensborough is better equipped than any team to cover his loss up forward.
Bongetti aside, Greensborough has four other forwards who have booted 20 goals or more this year, while a total of 10 players have kicked 10 goals or more – ranked No.1 in the competition.
Rhys Boyden has made a superb return from injury and has booted 16 goals in his past four games. He also booted five goals in his only appearance against Montmorency this year.
Key recruits Michael Hooper and Daniel McLinden have both made a profound impact this year. Ruckman Hooper has featured in the Boro’s best on 14 occasions, while McLinden has been in the best a dozen times, including in each of the past four weeks.
After languishing in seventh place at Round 12, Montmorency heads into the encounter on the back of six straight wins, which includes away victories over finalists Heidelberg and Bundoora.
Key midfielders Ryan Jackson and Jesse Donaldson and dashing defender Harley Ryan have all been instrumental in helping last year’s runner-up overcome a 5-7 start to claim a double chance in the finals.
The Magpies’ forward trio of Pat Fitzgerald, Ryan Willits and Wayne Pavitt has also found form at the right time, combining for 136 goals for the season. Fitzgerald claimed the competition’s leading goal kicker award with 66 goals, which included 36 goals in the last seven regular season matches.
But despite Montmorency’s recent hot form, Greensborough has been a convincing winner in both outings between the sides in 2014.
The Boro started the season with a bang, beating the Magpies by 67 points in Round 1, before claiming an equally impressive 27-point away win when the sides met again in Round 10.
Recent history will also be against Montmorency. In each of the past three seasons, the side that finished third on the ladder has exited the finals series in straight sets.
Elimination Final: Bundoora v Macleod @ Preston City Oval
After a dramatic end to the regular season, Bundoora and Macleod find themselves in a knockout first semi final when they meet at Preston City Oval on Sunday.
Bundoora’s fourth-place finish provided it a 14th consecutive finals appearance, while it is new territory for Macleod who plays its first Division 1 final since 1972.
It’s been an indifferent approach to the finals for Bundoora. The perennial finalist found itself outside the top five for much of the second half of the year, before jumping back inside last week – right when it mattered most.
Conversely, Macleod was sitting as high as third midway through last weekend’s round of matches before nearly missing out on the finals altogether. After letting slip a four-goal lead against Heidelberg, the Roos had to rely on Montmorency defeating West Preston-Lakeside to sneak into fifth place.
Bundoora had looked the side to beat in the early stages of the season, winning its opening three matches by an average of 10 goals as it set about defending its 2013 premiership.
However a combination of injury and poor form resulted in the Bulls winning just five of their next 13 matches and needing results to go their way in the final fortnight to return to Preston City Oval.
Fortunately, results did go their way and they now become the competition’s dark-horse as they hunt a third premiership in four seasons.
With countless finals experience to bank on and with a host of match winners in its side, Bundoora is not without a chance of emulating Northcote Park’s efforts of 2012 and claiming the flag from fourth place.
The Bulls have also begun developing the next line of emerging talent this year, with 45 players used in the senior side. Ned McKeown has impressed in 17 appearances, while Damo Aujla and Ben Young have been selected regularly in recent weeks.
After a final round draw cost it a place in last year’s finals, Macleod will feel it is a deserved finalists following a season of many impressive wins, mixed in with a few disappointing losses.
In Justin White, Cathal Corr, Kane Shaw and Hamish Paynter, the Roos have the top-end playmakers to match it with any side in the competition. Throw in the talent of Chris Long, Brad Leggett and Jack Langford and you have all the hallmarks of a very good football team for years to come.
Macleod’s form against fellow finalists should give it plenty of confidence heading into the finals series. It has twice beaten Greensborough and has claimed away victories over both Montmorency and Bundoora. Meanwhile, its two losses to Heidelberg have been by a combined aggregate of 13 points.
These sides last met just three weeks ago, with Macleod claiming a gripping-six point victory at Yulong Reserve. The Roos held a 33-point lead early in the last term, before withstanding a late Bundoora charge.
