AFL HCC – Week 2 Finals Preveiw
Photo: Bruzer Photography
AFL HUNTER CENTRAL COAST – WEEK 2 FINALS PREVIEWS by Alex Tigani
AFL BLACK DIAMOND MENS CUP
Second Semi Final (2:20pm – Adelaide Street Oval)
Killarney Vale (1st) vs. Terrigal Avoca (2nd)
“Killarney Vale’s minor premiership has been the feel-good story of the year.”
It is the statement I have heard from those driving out of Adelaide Street Oval each week, those who have waited for the Cup to return to the club’s trophy cabinet – in fact, odds are….. I may have even heard it from you in person?
Goal-kicker Tim Oosterhoff has been prolific, midfielders such as Joshua Mifsud and Aaron Duncan have displayed pinpoint accuracy under pressure to compliment a backline already worthy of a premiership. The only concern is that the Bombers have not competed against a top four side since their hard-fought win against Newcastle City 34 days ago.
There is only one side that can defeat the Bombers this weekend. Enter Terrigal Avoca.
The Panthers look to have a full-strength side bar Mackenzie Leecroft (injury). They have the finals experience, extra avenues to goal and enter this final on a nine-game winning streak.
Could South Australian recruit Jonah Duperouzel make an early statement in his bid to join the Panthers’ premiership club? Or could Scott Burkinshaw deprive Killarney Vale’s big man from scoring the ton?
You could not have selected a better match to commence our Men’s Black Diamond Cup finals series.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Ryan Arthur (Killarney Vale). It has been a long fortnight for key forward Tim Oosterhoff who has had 96 goals to his name….. yet only two of those were in his three games against the Panthers. Therefore the spotlight will be on Killarney Vale’s midfielders, including speedster Ryan Arthur, and their amount of delivery to the Bombers’ spearhead.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 14, 2022. Killarney Vale 5.8 (38) defeated by Terrigal Avoca 6.8 (48) at Adelaide Street Oval.
FINAL PREDICTION: Terrigal Avoca by 9 points.
Chris Bishop (Terrigal Avoca) pictured during his side’s convincing win over Cardiff. The Panthers are now two wins away from another premiership in the top tier competition.
First Semi Final (1:30pm – Pasterfield Sports Complex)
Cardiff (3rd) vs. Newcastle City (4th)
When discussing a senior side’s ability to score goals from turnovers Cardiff has slowly taken the mantle off of Newcastle City since their impressive head-to-head win in Round 1.
Cardiff’s running talents, such as Pat Delaney, Tom Lashlie, Billy Towers and Brayden Hawkins, have been able to give their forward line a decent supply. The Hawks do not have a traditional stay at home forward either this finals series which will work in their favour against Newcastle City who have made a statement in recent weeks via lockdown defender Keegan Mason.
Ultimately, we have a battle of two very exciting midfield groups with a preliminary final spot-on offer for the successful one.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Zachary Hopper (Cardiff). His former Torquay Tigers’ premiership teammate James Darke admits the midfielder has possessed one of the best side-steps in local footy. Many Davey medal hopefuls have fallen victim to it in each centre clearance. But the question remains. Where will he line-up against Newcastle City?
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 16, 2022. Cardiff 11.8 (74) defeated Newcastle City 9.7 (61) at Pasterfield Sports Complex.
FINAL PREDICTION: Cardiff by 2 points.
AFL BLACK DIAMOND WOMENS CUP
Second Semi Final (11:10am – Pasterfield Sports Complex)
Newcastle City (1st) vs. Cardiff (2nd)
“A team of champions will never beat a champion team.”
When you think of a champion team across our five senior tables, it is hard not to highlight the undefeated Newcastle City Cup side. They have a 3-0 winning record against Cardiff who are the second-best team by the length of the Flemington straight. Even when the Hawks managed to pile more scoring shots in Round 13 it was the accurate City line-up who captured a 9.1 (55) to 4.10 (34) win.
The team boasts countless names which should be on the radar of AFLW selectors and their reputation in the women’s top tier has been justified by their success since 2015. So, how can Cardiff pull off the victory?
If forwards Georgia Box, Beth Martini, Hayley Hawkins and Eloise Peterson can capture as many marks inside-50 as possible this will deny Newcastle City’s early run off half back we have seen time and time again.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Danika Spammer (Cardiff). An excellent midfielder who performs in the big matches. She will have a lot of work to do after Clare Cummings’ season-ending injury.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 16, 2022. Cardiff 3.5 (23) defeated by Newcastle City 6.8 (44) at Pasterfield Sports Complex.
FINAL PREDICTION: Newcastle City by 33 points.
First Semi Final (12pm – Adelaide Street Oval)
Terrigal Avoca (3rd) vs. Killarney Vale (4th)
This one is, without a doubt, the toughest final to predict.
Both have challenged the top two sides. Both have terrific coaches. Both sides can win a final. Yet only one can advance to the preliminary next week.
Killarney Vale’s Nikita Carter has proven she can rattle her opposing midfield through her fierce endeavours for the ball, often pushing through obstacles and pain barriers against women with more senior experience.
Bethany Wood is another talent who polls well at home. Can she use the Adelaide Street Oval advantage to secure her side’s spot in next week’s final?
If ever there was a match where the onus is on the side’s best ten players, it would be this one.
The Panthers have a long list of talents from end to end. Sydney Boonstra may play a handful of positions, Tereza Mareckova may sneak up forward for an early goal and Erin Wakefield may be the key to preventing the home side’s entry.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Tamara Nicholas (Terrigal Avoca). When push comes to shove you’ll often find her name in the best players against the top sides.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 14, 2022. Killarney Vale 7.7 (49) defeated Terrigal Avoca 1.4 (10) at Adelaide Street Oval.
FINAL PREDICTION: Terrigal Avoca by 3 points.
Joel Peterson (Terrigal Avoca) believes his side can return home from Killarney Vale with a win.
AFL BLACK DIAMOND MENS PLATE
Second Semi Final (11:50am – Bateau Bay Oval)
Newcastle City (1st) vs. Nelson Bay (3rd)
Minor premier Newcastle City will enter this Saturday’s clash refreshed from a season filled with wins by forfeit and abandoned clashes. They celebrated an early win over Nelson Bay only to then fall short to the Marlins by 10 points in Round 8.
The double chance will be crucial for the losing side however Newcastle City will be determined to take the first spot in the big dance from the get-go. They hope to avenge their 2020 grand final defeat.
MEANWHILE Nelson Bay soaked up the home ground advantage with their 117-point qualifying win on Saturday. Youngsters Ryan Westley, Kai Often, Lachlan Blyth and Chase Morrisey were impressive, Wayd Blackburn scored an early five goals on one end and Jason Carey and Hayden Spark were crucial down back.
Former Sydney Swan Craig Bird finished the clash with a modest 18 disposals and two goals before sitting out for the majority the final term. Yet it was his efficiency which was noted with three straight inside-50s in the second term, a handful of goal-assists and an effortless overlap handball which brought forth an applause from my co-commentator Cori Hopper.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Wayd Blackburn (Nelson Bay). He finished with eight goals in the opening three quarters of last week’s qualifying final.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 8, 2022. Newcastle City 10.11 (71) defeated by Nelson Bay 12.9 (81) at Dick Burwell Oval.
FINAL PREDICTION: Nelson Bay by 10 points.
First Semi Final (2pm – Bateau Bay Oval)
The Entrance Bateau Bay (2nd) vs. Terrigal-Avoca (5th)
The Entrance Bateau Bay looked determined to make an early statement last week when Zac Hemming waltzed in to celebrate an early qualifying final goal at Dick Burwell Oval. A decade after showcasing his skills around Melbourne’s wet weather grounds for Collingwood’s VFL side, Scott Reed proved he was still able to take contested marks and justify his side’s top two finish to the season.
However as the game went on, the hard track made for an extra hurdle for ball winners Samuel Jabour and Adam Lyons who never surrendered until the final siren.
Now there are no second chances as Kenneth Szaladzinski leads his men out to battle against many of his former Panthers’ teammates.
The Panthers held off a gallant Wyong Lakes on Saturday to keep their dream of back-to-back titles alive. After a 1-1 record against the Blues in season 2022 this clash may come down to the Panthers’ teenage talents.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Adam Miller (Terrigal Avoca). The former Gosford Tigers’ ruckman has booted 14 goals for the Panthers this season including a haul of five in the elimination final. A walk up start in any other Black Diamond Men’s Cup line-up, lets hope he finishes his injury-deprived-season with a premiership medal.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 15, 2022. Terrigal Avoca Panthers 11.11 (77) defeated The Entrance Bateau Bay 6.8 (44) at Hylton Moore Oval.
FINAL PREDICTION: Terrigal Avoca by 20 points.
AFL BLACK DIAMOND WOMENS PLATE
Second Semi Final (9am – Pasterfield Sports Complex)
Cardiff (1st) vs. Newcastle City (3rd)
It is very difficult to use terms such as “certainty” and “cakewalk” for the minor premier after witnessing Newcastle City’s teenage talents.
Emily Martin and Billie Taylor were pivotal in their side’s memorable qualifying win while tall utility Jade Archer used her basketball prowess to dominate from end to end. Throw in the goal-kicking of Cassandra Nichols, Lana Fairhall and Emma Hollis and the line-up clicked into gear after a rev up from coach Kate Handley. Can they now go all the way?
Though you can never write off Cardiff at the Pasterfield Sports Complex this match will come down to speed, player availability and each club’s vocal supporters.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Kat Stellmaker (Newcastle City) was thrown straight into senior footy as a junior. Half a decade later, she has been a player to watch.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 12, 2022. Newcastle City 2.5 (17) defeated by Cardiff 3.4 (22) at Pasterfield Sports Complex.
FINAL PREDICTION: Newcastle City by 10 points.
First Semi Final (9:45am – Adelaide St Oval)
Lake Macquarie (2nd) vs. Terrigal Avoca (4th)
Lake Macquarie showed all signs of a grand final bound squad in the first half of their qualifying final however a devastating injury deflated their momentum in the finish.
Once again, they will enter with a much more confident forward line and Emma-Jayne Howe and Apryl Bailey. Though Howe had only just returned from illness she still starred in the opening half at Dick Burwell Oval.
Head-to-head the Dockers celebrated two convincing wins against the Panthers however on paper this Saturday’s opposition will field a much stronger line-up.
Last week I predicted Terrigal Avoca to slip out of the finals race against Wallsend West Newcastle. They responded with a resilient one-point elimination final win accompanied by a celebratory group photo which made its way back to my text messages.
Well played girls!
PLAYER TO WATCH: Sheldon Janissen (Lake Macquarie). A four quarter performance from Sheldon will be enough to inspire her side to their first finals win since 2020.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 13, 2022. Terrigal Avoca 0.0 (0) defeated by Lake Macquarie 17.13 (115) at Hylton Moore Oval.
FINAL PREDICTION: Lake Macquarie by 12 points.
AFL BLACK DIAMOND MENS SHIELD
Second Semi Final (9:30am – Feighan Oval)
Warners Bay (1st) vs. (2nd)
If this final is anything like the last two times these sides went head-to-head then get down to Feighan Oval early because we are set for a thriller. After a humiliating 77-point loss, the Tigers returned to the premiership conversation with a one-point win over the Bulldogs in Round 12 only to then face defeat by four points in their third encounter. Accuracy has helped the winning team in both thrillers.
Warners Bay will enter the clash as favourite, aiming for a ninth straight win if they can get a direct route to the season decider. Gosford’s Daniel White will do everything in his power as captain to hold off the Bulldogs’ early forward entries.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Ryan Clarke (Warners Bay). The bear in the square has finished with six goals in each of his last two games. Expect plenty of goal assists from Simon Rocco, Zac Munz, Ryan Sorensen, Zach Symonds and Joel Kahler.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 15, 2022. Gosford 8.10 (58) defeated by Warners Bay 9.8 (62) at Adcock Park.
FINAL PREDICTION: Warners Bay by 50 points.
First Semi Final (4pm – Pasterfield Sports Complex)
Muswellbrook Cats (3rd) vs. Newcastle City (4th)
The Muswellbrook Cats welcome back playing coach Matt Dunn for what looms to be an exciting finals series for the men from Weeraman Fields. The Cats were unlucky not to finish in the top two had it not been for a series of injuries mid-season.
Newcastle City was unable to hold down the Cats when battling under lights at Hawkins Oval in Round 15, surrendering a narrow lead to suffer a 46-point defeat.
It is hard to picture the Cats letting this one slip after they dismantled City with their running game. Despite the weekend off, the Cats still gathered for a kick around last Saturday therefore their bond should be noted as well.
Let’s not forget the major milestone either!
PLAYER TO WATCH: Ken Garland (Muswellbrook Cats). A veteran, former women’s coach and recipient of the JJ Arnold Award, the ruckman will be lining up for his 200th game. Given the countless long trips from Muswellbrook to Nelson Bay, Gosford and The Entrance I could only imagine how many kms he has clocked up in that time.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 15, 2022. Newcastle City 3.6 (24) defeated by Muswellbrook Cats 11.4 (70) at Hawkins Oval.
FINAL PREDICTION: Muswellbrook Cats by 36 points.
Matt Dunn (Muswellbrook Cats) will return from a hamstring injury this Saturday.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Tigani is the deputy editor of The Hunter River Times newspaper who enters his second season on the AFL Hunter Central Coast BarTV commentary team. Prior to his stint in the Hunter Valley he was the editor of the Geelong and District Football League record, presenter on the GDFL Footy Show (Channel 31 Melbourne and Geelong) and a gameday reporter for the Geelong Advertiser.
Email: alex@hunterrivertimes.com.au
Twitter: AETigani
Instagram: Alextigani
