by Nicholas Duck

One half of the grand final is set and ready to go in the Gippsland League, so this week is all about finding out who will be filling the other spot.
That's right, it's preliminary final week, as Wonthaggi and Sale once again do battle this week to see who will claim the right to challenge Leongatha in the big game.
Wonthaggi came so close to being the side to finally bring the Parrots undone last week, as they missed a last-minute set shot that would have won them the game. No doubt the thoughts of what might have been will have been plaguing their minds, but they must refocus if they are to earn another shot at glory.
The Power are a team that have managed to hit their stride at the right time, going undefeated through their final six games of the home-and-away season to hit the finals series in strong form.
Despite the loss last week they'll be coming into this one supremely confident, having knocked off the Magpies to the tune of 16 points in the qualifying final in week one of the finals. That win marked the third time this season Wonthaggi has defeated Sale, after an eight-point win and a one-point win earlier in the year.
It means that Sale will have to overcome recent history if they want to be the team lining up opposite Leongatha a week from now.
The Magpies looked to be in as ominous form as another other side towards the end of the season, destroying all who stood before them. But a final round loss to Morwell, followed by the aforementioned qualifying final defeat, has left them looking shaky.
Sale were able to overcome a brave Traralgon in a bruising affair last week, but they may be counting their lucky stars as an injury to Maroons spearhead Brett Eddy gave them the advantage there. The qualifying final was lost in the contest, and though Sale boasts some fine players through the middle if they are second to the ball they will struggle to turn the tide.
This will be the first time since 2014 these two have met twice in a finals series, again in the qualifying and preliminary finals. In that prelim, Sale looked to be in complete control at three quarter time with a 45-point advantage. What followed was one of the greatest comebacks in league history, as the Power piled on 7.5 to nothing to win.
Both of these teams have, at various times this year, appeared to be the strongest challenger to Leongatha's grip on the cup this season. But at the end of the day, only one team will remain to try and stop the Parrots reign of dominance.
Wonthaggi will be entering as clear favourites here, but these two have been known for some truly incredible clashes, so don't be shocked if this goes down to the wire.