All the key info ahead of this weekend’s preliminary final between Palm Beach and the Magpies
History:
You could fill up a book with the colourful history between Palm Beach and the Magpies. These two sides have dominated the competition in recent years, along with Noosa. They’ve played off for flags against each other more times than some other sides have played in grand finals. This time last year, but a week further on, the Magpies claimed the 2012 premiership at Sunlinc Oval. They have been Palm Beach’s Achilles heel – one of only two sides to best the Lions in the regular season and then adding a second victory in their qualifying final.
Superstars:
Magpies : Jimmy Rozynski took a hit last week and it took the heart and soul out of the Magpies against Springwood. That alone proved he is the side’s most critical player. The triple-premiership player has been named and if he is up and about, he brings the rest of the team with him.
Palm Beach: Clint Kelly can plug any hole in the Lions’ side on any day. He kicked four last week, but is just as capable in defence. They will be calling on him to step up this weekend again, and if he does, he will kill it.
X-factor
Magpies: In his first senior game since Round 5, Matt Thompson has come up at the perfect time for the Magpies. After an incredible 18 goal return in the opening four games, Thompson missed most of the regular season with a broken leg. He’s been toiling away in the twos for the past few weeks as the Magpies treaded cautiously. Thompson will add another weapon to the Magpies’ forward line.
Palm Beach:
Speedster, David Manning, goes under the radar a bit in the Lions midfield, but has been crucial in recent weeks. His run and carry and his raw pace on the wing have set up countless Palm Beach charges this year and he can finish well too.
Across the ground:
The Magpies’ forward line has been brutal this season, with seemingly endless avenues to goal despite lacking a traditional key forward. For the Lions, their defence has been the foundation of the side, with their ability to transition with unbelievable speed. This makes the midfield role all the more important. At the top of their game, the Magpies’ midfield is pretty much the best in the competition, and Palm Beach’s probably second. This will be a hotly contested game, played with plenty of physicality. The onus will be on the Lions to win as much as they can, because the Magpies are the most ruthless side once it hits their forward 50.
Tip: This game will almost certainly be another thrilling addition to these sides’ ferocious rivalry. I think the Magpies will do it, though, by the skin of their teeth.
