By Mark Perriman
QFA NorthQualifying Final
Noosa Vs. Kedron
Saturday 23rd August
Weyba Road, Noosa
2PM
Kedron travel to fortress Noosa this Saturday as they look to stem their flow of indifferent form for the opening finals weekend of the QFA North division.
With the second stingiest defence in the competition, the Lions will be crossing their fingers that Matthew Smith regains the eight goal touch he displayed against elimination finalists, Maroochydore, two weeks ago.
But with threats right across the paddock and a formidable scoring record, Kedron will be out to stick it right to their more fancied opponents.
Noosa, on the other hand, will be throwing the kitchen sink as they seek to progress to next week’s semi-final against competition favourites Mayne.
Tiger Brett Duke will be Noosa’s go-to-man in attack.
With 40 majors to his name for the season, the side hope will hope he can capitalise on some solid defence pressure and put the away side to the sword.
Elimination Final
Maroochydore VS. Caloundra
Saturday 23rd August
Oval 1, Maroochydore
2PM
The fourth placed Roos host Caloundra on Saturday for the right to play the loser of this weekend’s qualifying final between Noosa Vs. Kedron.
Although there is only a game between the two sides, Maroochydore holds a significant advantage in their scoring ability.
Despite coming off two straight losses in the lead-up to finals, the home side will be better off for successive strong hit-outs against Noosa and Kedron.
On the other hand, Caloundra have strung together two confidence-building victories over lowly ranked sides, and will certainly fancy their chances on the road.
The last time these two sides met in Round 15 the Panthers got over the line by eight points.
However, it was the side’s only victory over the Roos this season having gone down in their other two encounters.
Too close to call.
Finals Week 1: QFA South
Good luck splitting any of the Week 1 finalists. With all four locked on 44 points at the end of the regular season, 10.54% was all that separated second from fifth.
Qualifying Final
Robina VS Burleigh
Saturday 23rd August
Scottsdale DR, Robina
2PM
The Qualifying Final sees the third placed Bombers head up the road to neighbouring Robina, their ladder superiors by just 0.12%.
Confidence will be sky-high in the Roos’ camp having just notched a strong victory over the ladder-topping Springwood last week.
Speaking of confidence, with 8 goals in his previous two outings, Robina’s Korey Fulton looks to be hitting his straps at the right time.
However, with the spoils split evenly between the two sides this season, Burleigh will be out to rain on Robina’s parade.
With three wins from their past three matches, the Bombers will back their chances on the road.
But despite Burleigh possessing multiple threats in front of goal, the telling statistic in the lead up to the match could be Burleigh’s 106 point loss to Springwood two weeks ago, something the Robina will no doubt be aware of.
Elimination Final
Yeronga VS Kenmore
Saturday 23rd August
Leyshon Park, Yeronga
2PM
The Bears travel across town to Leyshon Park on Saturday to take on Yeronga for a place in next weekend’s second Semi-Final.
The Devils are in formidable form heading into the clash, with their last loss coming to ladder leaders Springwood way back in Round 11.
With Anthony Corrie averaging over 3 goals a game (49 for the season), the ex-Brisbane Lion will be intent on keeping the scoreboard ticking over for the Bears.
Not to be outdone, the Devils have been on a hot streak of their own, their only blip being a Round 16 loss to Springwood.
With Brad Laycock providing an even greater return of 4.5 goals a game (36 total from 8 games), Yeronga will not be deterred at being on the road.
