It’s do or die this week for all teams as a Grand Final berth awaits the winners of all matches.
The Reserves and A Grade will be live streamed and can be found on Facebook through the ‘SA Regional Footy’ Page.
Join us as we preview all the action ahead of what’s shaping up to be an exciting day at Kapinnie.
Senior Colts – 10:00am
United Yeelanna vs Cummins Kapinnie
This game is shaping up to be an absolute cracker to start the day with both teams managing a win over the other this season.
The Eagles finished strongly last weekend to just miss out by a goal against Tumby Bay at Poochera, kicking 4 goals in the last quarter.
Cougars on the other hand pulled away in the second half against Elliston Districts two weeks ago in tricky conditions at Lock.
Both sides have some excellent leaders who have played senior football throughout the year.
Cougars will be looking towards Mitch Blacker and Bradley Phelps to bring their younger players into the game whereas the Eagles will be looking for big games from Archer Haylock, Brodie Cash and Lachlann Hancock.
With both sides having an even number of senior players, it could be the depth and younger players from each side that have a big say in the match.
This should be a close one and worth getting to Kapinnie nice and early for.
Mini Colts – 11:40am
Tumby Bay vs Eyre United
The rivalry between the young Blues and Saints continues again in September.
The Blues have won both games comfortably throughout the season, but as we have seen with plenty of Mini Colts games, anything can happen over the course of 4 quarters.
The Saints will be looking towards their young leaders in Levi Charlton and Jayden Modra whereas the Blues will look towards Jaxon Dillon in the middle of the ground and Nash Bodington up forward.
Tumby Bay will go into this one as heavy favourites but anything can happen, especially in junior footy.
B Grade – 12:45pm
United Yeelanna vs Ramblers
Another match which could go either way.
United Yeelanna started well against the Blues last weekend but were gradually outworked by a classy side whereas the Magpies came from the clouds to defeat Lock in the final minutes two weeks ago.
With the Eagles winning the A Grade last week, they have the luxury of a few fringe players dropping back to play if they desire, whereas the Magpies have had the luxury of a few sore bodies getting a week off.
Corey Hatzimanolis was extremely dangerous up forward early for United Yeelanna last week and will have to be watched closely by the Magpies defence whereas the Eagles will have to keep an eye on young forward Jackson Lockett who was ever dangerous at Lock in the first semi-final.
The big men could decide the game in this match with Aaron Lawrie’s ability to impact in the air crucial to United Yeelanna’s forward movements. Ramblers will be looking for big games from Zac Richardson and Phoenix Milburn to counteract Lawrie’s influence.
The midfield battle could decide the game with the leg speed of Alex Reynolds-Rowe, Deven Canty and Dalton Proctor of the Eagles up against the experience of Cody Pilgrim, Wade Starke and Jordan Darling.
Flip a coin, heads for the Eagles, Tails for the Magpies.
A Grade – 2:30pm
Lock vs Cummins Ramblers
Lock
Ins – Dusty Wheare, Billy Brown
Outs – Boyd West, Sam Pearce
Ramblers
Ins – Henry Treloar
Outs – Jackson Lockett
The Roos come into this one fresh off a Grand Final like bruising encounter against the Eagles last weekend whereas the Magpies will be coming in fresh with last weekend off after their fairytale finish to the first semi-final against Tumby Bay.
Throughout the season, Lock have won all games quite easily, however both sides are yet to play against one another at full strength.
Let’s look at the matchups which could decide the game.
Aaron Beard v Lachlan Treloar - With both sides having a talented midfield, whoever gives their side first use could go a long way into deciding the game. Beard has been dominant all year for the Roos, especially with his intercept marking whereas Treloar has taken his game to a new level this season with the vice-captaincy especially in the ruck contest.
Damian Kelly vs Jimmy Richardson – Richardson has played some great football throughout the season and excels in one on one contests, as does his likely opponent this weekend in Gonzo Kelly. For the Magpies to win, Richardson will likely have to play a big role and kick a handful of goals, something which is easier said than done on one of the best defenders in the league.
Casey Beard vs Harlee Chandler – This matchup is worth the price of entry alone. The 2024 dual Mail Medallist, Harlee Chandler can change a game in 5 minutes of football with his ability to burst from stoppages, but will likely be up against the defensive running and close checking of Lock skipper in Casey Beard. Beard has taken his game to a new level this year, often outworking his opponents and driving the team forward constantly with his positive voice. We’ve seen all year Chandler can play forward when needed, super dangerous in any one-on-one contest with an accurate kick to match.
Although Lock will come into this game as heavy favourites, Ramblers have showed time and time again the ability to stand up and play their best football in September.
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