Who has the loudest Roar?
Minor Premiers the University Cougars will play the Highfields Lions in the 2012 Under 12 Preliminary Final. The winner will advance to the Grand-Final to play the Dalby Swans while the loser will hang the boots up for the year.
Last time these two sides met was back in Round 11 where the Cougars received the four premiership points; University ran out 25 point victors as the Lions roared home but fell short.
Their previous encounter was even more interesting back in Round 5 when both sides contested one of the lowest scoring games in Darling Downs history where University received the first points of the season winning 1.1 (7) to 0.4 (4) out at the Lions Den.
University would be drained after their heartbreaking 1 point loss last week to the Swannies but will need to regroup quickly if they are to get over the line against an inform Lions outfit.
Highfields gave South Toowoomba a footballing lesson in the Elimination Final two weeks ago, piling on 13 scoring shots to just 1, in a one sided affair. Lachlan Davies and Brodie Ernst were the main Lions in the win and will need to be both watched closely by the Cougars coaching staff.
University on the other hand will be disappointed with their loss to Dalby last week but will come into the Preliminary Final with confidence as they know they have beaten Highfields twice this season.
But again does regular season form count during finals?
Emmanuel Fallah and Lincoln Bouttell are the stand out for the Cougars and will feature heavily in the league best and fairest evening. Fallah is a key position player and was used in both defence and attack last week. Emmanuel had the opportunity to put the Cougars into the Grand-Final after the Siren but the kick missed to the near side. Lincoln (Bouttell) on the other hand is a silky skilled in and under midfielder who sets up a lot of play for University around the stoppages.
Davies of Highfields is a similar player to Bouttell a hardnosed midfielder but his main attribute is his leadership around the ground. Highfields will need their leader to step up today if they are to progress to the Grand-Final.
Brodie Ernst is another key to Highfields success as Ernst predominately played forward this season and has kicked a handful of goals. Ernst is a good over head mark and also classy when the footy is on the ground. The Cougars coaching staff will more than likely send Fallah to match up on Ernst.
Should be a cracker of a game and will through up more surprises than the spelling of “Floccinaucinihilipilification”.
