AFL Canberra 1st Grade Finals Week One – Preview
Courtesy of Queanbeyan FC
AFL Canberra 1st Grade Finals Week One – Preview
UNSW Canberra 1st Grade Women
Queanbeyan Tigers Vs. Belconnen Magpies, Saturday 26th September, Allinsure
To kick off the AFL Canberra UNSW Canberra Women’s Competition finals for 2020, our first semi-final sees the undefeated Queanbeyan Tigers host Belconnen Magpies at Allinsure Park at 4:30pm this Saturday.
The Tigers finished top of the ladder after dominating the Competition, with the Magpies finishing second, only losing two games all year, both against the Tigers.
The first time these two teams meant was in round 4 when the Tigers won 5.13.43 to 3.0.18. The Tigers were poor at executing their shots on goals during this game, scoring 13 behinds. In round 9 these two teams faced off again with the Tigers displaying their skill and power winning 12.8.80 to 1.2.8, keeping the Magpies to one goal. During this game the Tigers dominated in the second quarter, kicking 6 goals to control the game.
Key players to watch in this game are A. Hamilton from the Tigers and H. Wallet from the Magpies. Both players have kicked 32 goals this season and are tied in second place for most goals scored in the AFL Women’s Competition. These matchups will be important and play a vital role in who wins this game.
Eastlake Demons Vs. Ainslie Tricolours, Sunday 27th September, Adero Law Nest
In our second semi-final, Eastlake Demons will play Ainslie Tricolours in a must win game. This game will be played at Adero Law Nest at 4:30pm on Sunday.
The loser of this game will be eliminated from the competition with the winner advancing to the next round the verse the loser from the first semi-final.
Eastlake finished third on the ladder with Ainslie in fourth. Eastlake are coming into this game with confidence having beaten Ainslie twice this season in round 3 5.10.40 to 1.3.9 and in round 8 when they improved and won 9.8.62 to 1.3.9, keeping Ainslie to one goal each round.
Demant has been the key player for Eastlake, leading the goal scorers with 38 goals, 6 ahead of second place. K. Demant is sitting in a comfortable spot to take the title for most goals this season. Ainslie will need to play their matchups correctly when trying to shut K. Demant down. If Ainslie are unable to shut K. Demant down she will take control of the game and won’t miss the chance to score goals.
1st Grade Men’s
Queanbeyan Tigers Vs. Eastlake Demons, Saturday 26th September, Allinsure
The Queanbeyan Tigers will play Eastlake Demons in our first semi-final for the AFL Canberra Men’s Competition. The Tigers have the home field advantage at Allinsure Park and will look to get a big crowd involved in the game this Saturday at 1:35pm.
Both teams finished on seven wins and two losses, however since the Tigers have the better percentage they finished top and received the home ground advantage. The Tigers have the best attack in the competition scoring 879 points, being the only team to past 800 points with an average of 98 points per game. The Tigers also have the best defence, only letting 406 points in for the season at an average of 45 points per game which is a result of their strong defensive structures.
The first time these two teams met was in round 1 when the Tigers won 14.8.92 to 8.8.56. During this game, Tigers were able to get their hands on the ball more which allowed them to control the game and have more opportunities on goal. During round 7 Eastlake learned from their mistakes and won, 11.12.78 to 7.10.52. With both teams having won one game each, this semi-final will be a close and physical game and definitely one to watch.
Eastlake are the most balanced team in the competition, with top-end talent such as Angus Baker, Alex Smout, and Aaron Bruce. These players are able to flourish as opposition teams are unable to double team them due to Eastlake’s quality across the park.
Baker is a player to watch from Eastlake, being the AFL Men’s Competition leading goal scorer with 27 goals, 7 goals ahead of second place. In second place is R. Pollock from the Tigers, making this game even more interesting, as the two leading goal scorers go head to head.
The main risk for the Tigers moving into the semi-finals is only having one ruckman, Tom Stapleton. The Tigers have placed Andrew Swan as their second ruckman. If Tom Stapleton was to become injured it could all unravel for the Tigers.
Belconnen Magpies Vs. Ainslie Tricolours , Sunday 27th September, Adero Law Nest
Belconnen Magpies will play Ainslie Tricolours in a must-win game. The Magpies have the home field advantage playing at Adero Law Nest at 1:35pm this Sunday.
Belconnen Magpies finished third with six wins with Ainslie right behind them with 5 fives for the season. Ainslie struggled at the beginning of the season unable to win games. Once Ainslie finally found their form they have been unstoppable, beating top teams to lock in fourth place and their chance to play finals football.
The first time these two teams played each other was in round 1 when the Magpies won 11.15.81 to 10.6.66, having 26 scoring shots to 16.
Towards the back end of the season in round 7 Ainslie had found their form and surprised everyone to beat Magpies 8.16.64 to 8.7.55. Ainslie had 24 scoring shots while Magpies only managed 15. Both teams have won once however, Ainslie are coming into finals with momentum and confidence to keep their winning streak alive.
Delves is a player to watch out for from Ainslie as he sits in third place for leading goal kicking with 19 goals.
This game will be won or lost in the midfield with both teams having some key players running through there. Expect this one to go down to the wire.
