The QFA Division 1 HART Sport Cup premiership race has been narrowed to four, with Mayne and Coorparoo set to do battle for the first spot in the Grand Final, while the University of Queensland host Hinterland in a do or die elimination final.
Mayne will enter the match fresh after enjoying the week off, and will face the Kings who fought hard to secure the all-important win against a spirited Red Lions outfit.
Having deservedly earned the minor premiership and the week off, many would expect the Tigers to head into the match as favourties, however very little has separated the two all season.
Mayne narrowly defeated Coorparoo by seven points in their Round 4 clash at Enoggera Memorial Park, and the Kings evened the ledger at home in Round 11 with a narrow eight point victory.
Coorparoo’s Matt Suckling is undoubtably the man to stop, after collecting another five goal haul in the qualifying final against UQ, taking his tally to 14 goals in his last three outings. With a couple of Goal of the Year contenders on Saturday, Suckling is dangerous anywhere inside 50m, and is also very capable beyond the arc, making him a very difficult player to match up on.
For Mayne, all eyes will be on the competitions equal leading goal kicker, Zach Quin, who has booted 74 majors in season 2024. After a season-high 15 goals in Round 16, and a haul of seven goals in Round 4 when he last played Coorparoo, he will be one to watch for the Kings’ defensive group.
With an aggregate of one point separating the two sides in their two encounters this season, it is anyone’s guess who will come away with the win on Saturday. Whether the home ground advantage for the Tigers is enough to haul them over the line and into a Grand Final remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: this match will be an absolute blockbuster.
Across town at St Lucia, the University of Queensland will be looking to bounce back as they host Hinterland in an elimination final at Base Architecture Meadows.
The Red Lions started in impressive fashion against Coorparoo in the Qualifying Final last weekend, but faded in the second half and couldn’t maintain the pressure against the fast finishing Kings.
Proving to be one of the most influential players in the competition, Saxon Crozier added another six goals to his rapidly growing tally. Having only pulled the boots on in Round 12 for the first time this year, he is getting better every week. Vice-captain Connor Ashcroft has also continued his outstanding run of form this season, and joins Crozier across half forward to create a very formidable duo.
Further north, Hinterland flexed their muscles at home in the elimination final, knocking out the reigning premiers Springwood with an impressive 56 point victory.
Thomas Wischnat was again in sensational form, kicking four goals. His size, strength and skills both over head and on the ground make him a daunting matchup for any defender.
The last time the two sides met was in Round 12, where UQ came away with a five goal victory at home and will take some confidence out of that win. Momentum however is a powerful force come finals, and with the Red Lions licking their wounds after last weeks loss, and Hinterland on a roll after their impressive victory, the victor of this weekend’s elimination final is anyone’s call.