By Nick Creely
SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
FINALS PREVIEW – WEEK 3
NARRE WARREN (1st) v CRANBOURNE (3rd) – PRELIMINARY FINAL
Saturday 8 September, Toomuc Reserve, 2.00pm
THE RECENT HISTORY:
Round 14, 2018: Narre Warren 12.11 (83) defeated Cranbourne 7.5 (47)
Round 9, 2018: Cranbourne 7.11 (53) defeated Narre Warren 5.13 (43)
Round 1, 2018: Narre Warren 15.8 (98) defeated Cranbourne 10.22 (82)
Preliminary Final, 2017: Narre Warren 17.10 (112) defeated Cranbourne 9.10 (64)
THE STATS THAT MATTER….
Cranbourne’s defensive half is incredibly underrated, and were outstanding in holding off a youthful Beaconsfield who were desperate to attack at all costs in the semi-final. The Eagles – superbly led by the likes of Brandon Osborne, Glenn Osborne, Jordan Bertrand, Stuart Morrish and Brandon Wapshott – are one of just two sides to keep Narre Warren under 100 points, which is a great indicator that they have the ability to halt the Magpies’ forward class. If they can keep the Magpies to less than 100 points, they will back in their game style to kick a winning score.
Narre Warren were beaten in the midfield battle against Berwick last week, and the influence of their prime movers was taken away as a result. But it’s been a major strength for them this year, so expect Matt Shinners’ midfield group to respond in a big way and get some ascendency in the clearances. The battle between Michael Wenn and Trent Shinners/Trent Papworth will go a long way in deciding who comes out on top.
THE TIPSTERS
SEFNL chairman Ryan Ford: “We’ve seen some incredible games in the past decade between two of SEFNL’s power clubs and this week will be no different, and to add some intrigue it could well be the last time these two greats play against each other. Narre Warren will be disappointed with their result against Berwick and should come out firing. Cranbourne were too strong around the ball for Beaconsfield on Sunday and thoroughly deserve their spot in the preliminary final. This Saturday is SEFNL’s most engaging modern rivalry and we are guaranteed a contest right to the final siren. Narre Warren to win by 20 points.”
Officer president Nick McLennan: “Cranbourne have a lot of very dangerous weapons at their disposal, however Narre Warren, the highest scoring team this season have been the team to beat all year. I see this game being won in the midfield with Scalzo and Collins being too strong. Narre to win by 15 points in a tight contest.”
MORE: It’s the same venue and the same occasion as last year – both sides playing off for a chance to get a crack against Berwick in a grand final. Confidence will be high from Steve O’Brien’s camp, who have been one of few sides that have trouble Narre Warren at times this year, and could have very easily had a 2-1 record against the Magpies had they kicked straight in the opening round of the season. But the Magpies finished on top of the ladder for a reason, and didn’t do a heap wrong against the Wickers last week, and will be breathing fire. Matt Shinners’ squad is fit and raring to go, while the Eagles will be sweating on the fitness of several players, including speedster Ryan Jones and the versatile Troy Tharle. The two sides have played out two thrillers this season, and match up well against one another. It will be two fast, exciting squads looking to run their opposition ragged and get it in quickly to their forward line.
