by Nicholas Duck
Semi final week is here in the Gippsland League, and one match between the top two sides will see our first grand finalist decided.
Meanwhile, the other game is a sudden-death affair, where any mistakes could see one side slip out of the finals entirely. Here's how this week's matches are shaping up.
Second semi final
Leongatha vs Wonthaggi
Location: Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe
A grand final spot is on the line as the undefeated Leongatha puts it on the line against Wonthaggi.
The Parrots have been the undisputed benchmark of the competition for a long while now, having now won their last 26 straight matches. It's rare air in country footy, especially in the Gippsland League. One more win will see them move into the equal-third longest streak in the league's illustrious history, right alongside Traralgon in the 60s.
Still, they'll be very aware of the fact that they've been in this kind of position before. Leongatha entered the 2016 finals series with a similarly undefeated record, only to lose twice during the finals and miss out on the premiership.
They'll also be wary that the last team that managed to beat them was Wonthaggi, all the way back in round two of the 2021 season. The Parrots are on the verge of some truly incredible history coming into this game, and past mistakes may just help them to do something special.
For Wonthaggi, this finals series is all about making up for lost time. The Power ended 2021's shortened season as equal-top with the Parrots. Had the year not been cruelly cut off, they would likely have played a large role at the pointy end of that season.
An intriguing sub-plot for this game is the return of Wonthaggi superstar Jordan Staley, who returns for his first match since a striking incident with Leongatha's Jack Ginnane in round 12. Ginnane is currently serving an eight-week suspension and won't be taking the field, but one would imagine Staley and his teammates certainly haven't forgotten the incident.
These two sides were hardly friends before, but don't surprised if this one gets physical at times.
That round 12 loss would be at the forefront of Wonthaggi's minds too, given they conceded seven goals to none in the first term to essentially lose the game by quarter time. They simply cannot afford that sort of slow start if they hope to win here and end the Parrots' immense streak.
Whichever way this game goes, there are plenty of narratives here. Given these two sides are every chance to re-match come grand final day, neither will be leaving anything in the tank.
First semi final
Sale vs Traralgon
Location: Traralgon Showgrounds
The other semi final on offer this weekend will see Sale take on Traralgon, and there'll be no tomorrow for the loser.
Sale were unable to carry their potent late-season form into their qualifying final against Wonthaggi last week, as they were simply outmuscled after half time. The Power effectively nullified the influence of many of the Magpies' big men, playing the game on their own terms instead.
Sale still loom as a premiership threat, but no doubt their week one loss has taken some of the shine off the team. And they'll have to defy some recent history against their opponents this week if they want to stay alive in this year's race for the flag.
In the last six matches between these two sides, the points have gone each and every time to the home side. Normally in finals this may not be a factor, but as this game happens to be taking place at Traralgon's home ground, the Maroons may just be going in as favourites here.
That's not to say Traralgon has been playing unbeatable footy in recent weeks though. They were able to win their elimination final against Morwell last week, but this was in large part to a massive first term that had them jump out to a five-goal lead at the first change of ends.
From that point onwards, the Tigers looked for all intents and purposes the better side. Had the Maroons not built that healthy early lead, they may have been sent packing.
The good news for them though is the return of star Luis D'Angelo, who will provide a hard edge they may have otherwise lacked last week.
The last encounter between these two teams was played in some torrid conditions, with the Magpies ultimately coming out on top in a low-scoring slog. Both sides will likely be hoping for better weather for a higher quality game.
Neither side can afford a slip-up here, with the winner to move on to next week's preliminary final for a shot at a grand final spot and the loser to leave empty handed.
These two have, at various times this season, looked to be some the most likely challengers to Leongatha's reign, but at the end of the day one will stand and one will fall.
Now we just wait and see who wins.