by Rob Popplestone
Everything points to the preliminary final between Fish Creek and Thorpdale to be an epic encounter.
The game at Foster on Saturday will determine who faces Newborough in the grand final.
Fish Creek v Thorpdale
As good as both of these two teams have been over the course of the season, winning will be the only result seen as acceptable by either club.
Last week saw Fish Creek throw everything they had at Newborough, only to fall short by less than a kick. The brutality of the match is certain to mean they will have some players feeling the pinch as they prepare for what is destined to be a final every bit as physical as their clash just seven days ago.
"Last week was a cracking game to be playing in," Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker said. "It was a great atmosphere and what finals football is all about."
"Yes, it would have been great to get the win, but we will need to butter up and get prepared for this week," Walker said. "We gained a lot of belief from last week and can't wait for the next challenge ahead."
That challenge comes in the shape of Thorpdale, a team well coached, well built and well and truly ready for whatever the Kangaroos bring to the table.
The Blues were challenged last week and responded as good sides do. Their ability to stay composed and patient when under pressure has them in good stead for another step forward.
"Last week, MDU started like a house on fire, winning the contested footy," Thorpdale coach Jason Winderlich said. "(They) matched that with slick ball movement, giving them scoring opportunities in the first quarter."
"But, in the second and third quarters, we were able to get our hands on the footy at the initial contest inside the stoppage," Winderlich said. "The last quarter was just good, hard finals footy. Contest after contest there were bodies getting smashed and great tackles laid."
The anticipated physical encounter is one in which each coach must have their players ready to not only absorb, but also respond. In doing so, players must not cross the line that might have them unavailable the week after.
It has been a few months since these two sides have met, and it was the only time for the year.
On that occasion back in May, Fish Creek won the round three clash by 21 points, 9.11-65 to 6.8-44.
At that time, this is what the coaches had to say:
"Good effort for first three quarters to match it with Fish Creek on their home deck," Winderlich said. "Got beaten in and around the stoppage contests last quarter, which ultimately cost us the game."
"It was an arm wrestle all day, Thorpdale are a strong side who are well coached," Walker said. "A few strong efforts from our mids and forwards helped us get over the line."
The finals to date have not disappointed, and this preliminary final may be as epic as any spectators have enjoyed to date.
Preliminary finals at Foster:
Seniors: Fish Creek v Thorpdale at 2.20pm.
Reserves: MDU v Yinnar at 12.30pm.
Under 18s: MDU v Yinnar at 10.45am.