North
Noosa vs. Mayne
Saturday May 21, 2:00pm, Weyba Rd
If you can tell me who will play in this year’s grand final, you are a much better judge than I am… it’s so open this year I’ve got no idea.
Noosa and Mayne headline a blockbuster week in the QFA North this week.
Two weeks ago I would said Noosa win, and win comfortably, but I’m not so sure anymore.
The Tigers had a convincing win over Aspley last weekend. It was a win that put the Mayne train back on the tracks in 2016.
They are going to have to continue that improvement if they are going to knock off Noosa though, who look in good touch this year.
Brent Moloney will attract a lot of attention, but stopping Lambourne, Fuare and Fitzpatrick will also be critical if Mayne want to win.
The Tigers have bounced back this year because of their leaders. Skipper Caleb Brown was huge last week, and McLean and Faulkner are working well together up forward.
It’ll be nice and tight in the middle. Contested ball will be king.
South
Bond University vs. Burleigh
Saturday May 21, 2:00pm, Bond University
It’s been dubbed by Bond as the Coast Clash.
These two teams are sleeping top-to-toe on the ladder, packed in tight in fifth and sixth.
Burleigh couldn’t overcome an on-song Kenmore last week, while Bond had an impressive win over Coomera.
A big part of that was Ben Merrett, who jagged nine for the afternoon. Kenmore would want to keep an arm on him at all times tomorrow.
The barometer for Burleigh is Josh O’Connell. He is a jet, so look for him to be a big influence.
This is a good ol’ fashioned eight-point game. You get the feeling these two teams will be locking horns at the end of the year fighting for a finals berth, so to take four points away this weekend will be crucial in the bigger picture.
Bond will finish strongly, so Burleigh will have to be as close as possible, if not in front at the final break to seal the deal.
With a huge function planned at Bond, it’s going to be a big day on and off the field.
By Andrew Wiles
Follow @andrewjwiles
