By Mark Perriman
QFA (North) Preliminary Final
Noosa vs Kedron
Saturday 6 September
Oval 1, Caboolture
2:00PM
With Mayne having already sewn–up a spot in the grand final, their closest contenders lock horns at Burpengary on Saturday afternoon for the right to take on the undefeated Tigers.
Having tasted defeat in last weekend’s semi against the favourites, second-placed Noosa will run onto the ground fully aware of the standard of play required to take out this year’s premiership.
While Noosa will hold a psychological edge over the Lions, after taking out their qualifying final clash a fortnight ago, Kedron will come into the clash with momentum, having put 16 goals on Maroochydore in last week’s elimination semi-final.
While Noosa appear to have the edge in some areas, both sides possess significant firepower up front.
With 122 goals between them for the season, Noosa’s James Gellie (63) and George Fitzgibbon (59) of Kedron will likely have a significant say in who progresses to face the Mayne in the big dance next weekend.
QFA (South) Preliminary Final
Burleigh vs Kenmore
Saturday 6 September
Leyshon Park Oval, Yeronga
2:00PM
Kenmore is the Cinderella story of the QFA South competition, making it to a preliminary final from fifth on the ladder.
Despite their ladder credentials, there is no questioning that Kenmore has the weapons and steely determination to stick it to their more fancied opposition.
The Bears’ firepower was on show against Robina as they put on 106 points in the second half, while it was their four-quarter effort that got them over the line in the second elimination final.
In contrast, Burleigh enters the prelim having been schooled by table-toppers Springwood in the semis.
But with 10 goals in his past three outings (including five against Springwood) Nathan Sullivan will be flying the flag up front for the Bombers.
The match should be a tight tussle between the underdogs and a side with their backs seemingly up against the wall.
