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Round 17 SGL Wrap
Solomontown 21.12 (138) def. West Augusta 5.13 (43).
Solomontown showed why they are the team to beat, producing a dominant performance against West Augusta to finish the minor round with a thumping 95-point victory. The Cats were in complete control from the opening bounce, running out convincing winners Jamie Kovacic was the standout performer, booting an impressive eight goals and earning best-on-ground honours. Corey Davey was also influential, finishing with four goals in another strong performance. Solomontown now head into the finals with plenty of confidence after sending a clear message to the rest of the competition.
PropRisdon 15.6 (96) def. South Augusta 11.15 (81)
In yet another game of two halves, PropRisdon defeated South Augusta by 15 points, running out winners in an entertaining contest. South Augusta made a strong start and looked in control early, but PropRisdon produced a powerful second-half fightback to turn the game around and claim an important victory. The Lions were led in front of goal by Oliphant and Wallace, who both finished with five goals each. Harry Promnitz in an outstanding performance was named PropRisdon’s best player, while Nathan Houston was South Augusta’s best performer.
Semi Finals Preview
Solomontown vs Port at Memorial Oval
Saturday’s Qualifying Final brings together the top two teams from the minor round, setting up a mouth-watering clash with plenty at stake. Both sides have shown throughout the season that they have the ability to go all the way, but now the pressure of finals football arrives.
The Doggies will enter the contest with plenty to prove after their loss to the Bloods. Port appeared in control for much of the contest before a second-half fade-out allowed the Bloods to take control and ultimately claim the win. That result will still be fresh in the minds of the Port players, and they’ll be determined to respond when the stakes are at their highest. For Port, the key will be maintaining their composure and intensity for the full four quarters. They have already demonstrated they can match it with the best, but finals football leaves little room for lapses. Expect Port to come out with plenty of energy and look to establish control early.
The Cats, meanwhile, are hitting the finals at the right time. They appear to be getting more complete with every game, with their recent form suggesting they are building nicely towards September. Their big win over the Hawks in the final minor-round game will have provided plenty of confidence and momentum heading into the Qualifying Final. The Cats will be looking to carry that confidence into Saturday, but finals football presents a very different challenge. They’ll need to handle the pressure, win the important contests and make the most of their opportunities when they come. With a place in the Grand Final on the line, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Port will be desperate to respond after their recent disappointment, while the Cats will be keen to show that their improving form can translate into finals success. Two of the competition’s best teams. One huge opportunity. Four quarters to decide who earns a Grand Final berth. This is what finals football is all about.
South Augusta vs Central Augusta at Central Oval
Sunday’s Elimination Final shapes as a fascinating battle between South Augusta and Central Augusta, with both sides desperate to keep their season alive and earn a place in the Preliminary Final.
Bulldogs head into the contest having occupied third spot for much of the season, establishing themselves as one of the competition’s more consistent sides. They will be confident that their season-long form can translate into finals success, but they know they cannot afford a slow start in a do-or-die clash.
Bloods, the journey to the finals has been very different. The Bulldogs have spent much of the season hovering around the lower end of the ladder, but produced when it mattered most, securing their finals berth with a final-round victory over second-placed Port. That win will give Central plenty of belief heading into Sunday, but they now face the challenge of producing another big performance against a South side that has been far more settled throughout the season. With no second chances, expect pressure, intensity and plenty of finals football from the opening bounce. South have the consistency. Central have the momentum. Who will hold their nerve and emerge victorious?
