ALL roads will lead to Woorinen tomorrow when the Central Murray Football League’s two heavyweights slug it out for the right to advance to the game that matters.
Following a solid four-quarter effort last week Kerang look well primed and should get the job done against Balranald.
To kick away to a significant lead is bound to be a struggle for both teams, with the forecast of likely rain. The track will be greasy and an early lead of any description will be the aim of each team.
In recent weeks this has been an issue for the ‘Roos. They lost three first terms on the trot before making amends against Tyntynder.
On the other hand the Blues have won their last four opening terms, including last week’s qualifying final. The team that can get the score on the board early should be in the driver’s seat.
The only time these teams met this season it was a case of who made best use of the wind.
At Riverside Park in greasy conditions in round 10 the Blues came from behind to win by the narrowest of margins. Again spectators can look forward to a close encounter.
Both clubs have visited the Tigers’ ground this season and each took a liking to it. The Blues amassed 50 scoring shots and piled on 28 goals whilst the ‘Roos scored 48 times for 25 goals.
Balranald will not field their best possible line-up with Isailovic and Luke Giansiracusa sidelined. They should welcome back Warrick Campbell and Josh Richards, with Ben Jones also likely to be considered.
The Blues will further strengthen their line-up with Marty Kelly back from the Bendigo Pioneers.
If the ‘Roos can get their big four into the action early on they stand the best chance. Wilkinson has to at least break even with Kelm if Balranald is to figure in the result. He will cover more of the ground and is quicker.
The Blues’ big man is making his mark thanks to his ability to drop a kick behind the play and assist the back half.
Kuret and Dane Fitzgerald will be the linkmen through the corridor and Ryan Harris will be expected to finish off their good work.
On an average day he can be expected to accumulate possessions and punish on the scoreboard. Matheson may be given the task on Harris. He can match it with him with both speed and strength and can take a contested mark. Whoever gets the job will need assistance.
Last week the Blues dominated Swan Hill. Marks inside the forward 50 would have approached 20 and many of these were converted.
Grayling, White, Thamm and Coulter all pushed forward or into space and all backed themselves. Nic Trenfield should get first crack at Grayling and brother Ben will be assigned Thamm.
Fitzgerald, Harmer and Chilton will all need to be prepared to push back and assist as the Blues stream forward through the corridor.
Kerang was successful in this area of the ground against the Swans and it paid dividends.
This will be the closest match of the finals series. The Roos are fresh and revitalised, the Blues are at full strength and coming off a big win last week. The game will be a ripper.
Balranald will rely on Josh and Mick Giansiracusa, Harris and Jess for their score. All are opportunists and can create goals from nowhere, as Jess demonstrated in the final game last year.
Kerang handled a similarly-credentialed forward line comfortably last week and was able to run from defence. This can be the area of the game that sees them gain the advantage.
In a tight tussle it should be the Blues who earn the week off. In the head-to-head clashes the Blues lead 14-13.
These clubs have met just twice before in CMFL finals. The score is one-all. Kerang won the second semi last year but the ‘Roos reversed the result a fortnight later in the grand final.
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