AFL HUNTER CENTRAL COAST FINALS WEEK 1 PREVIEWS by Alex Tigani
AFL BLACK DIAMOND MENS CUP
QUALIFYING FINAL – Newcastle City vs. Cardiff (2:30pm at Max McMahon Oval)
The Hunter’s two powerhouse clubs kick-off the finals series in what looms to be an entertaining match-up. Newcastle City finished the home and away season with a 13-3 record only to fall short of the minor premiership by percentage to Terrigal-Avoca. Can they secure the double chance with a win this Saturday?
Josh Taylor and Mitchell Crawford will continue as the line-up’s main targets to goal following the shoulder injury to Jack Woodhams. The club’s flow of talent will also fill the absences of Ethan Durbridge and Lachlan Falley.
Cardiff will also be without Blayne Chandler, Zac Hopper, Liam Cathcart and Joesph Harris however recent form suggests they will enter the match as favourite. The Hawks have won their past four head-to-head matches by an average margin of 23-points while Lucah Conlan and Dan Robson have impressed onlookers in recent weeks.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Max King (Cardiff). The talented teenager has slotted 15 goals in his last 11 quarters of senior footy.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 16, 2023. Cardiff 15.15 (105) defeated Newcastle City 10.8 (68) at Pasterfield Sports Complex.
FINAL PREDICTION: Cardiff by 1.
ELIMINATION FINAL – Killarney Vale vs. Maitland (2pm at Adelaide Street Oval)
When Killarney Vale trailed Terrigal Avoca at halftime of last year’s grand final, it was time to make a game changing move. Coach Corey Shackleton moved one of his ball winners forward and the rest, as they say, was history for the drought breaking premiership side. On paper, the Bombers have been strengthened by the inclusions of Jye Boby, Brandon Lloyd and two-time premiership star Rick White.
The absence of Maitland’s sidelined stars Rywin Nock and Abe Russell puts the onus on ball winner Harry Cornford to continue his match-winning form while youngsters Hamish Roy, Jarrod Inglis and Sam Jordan will be relishing their first senior finals appearance.
The Saints managed to keep Killarney Vale to eight goals on Saturday and are now spurred on for a finals win.
PLAYER TO WATCH: The colonel Paddy McMahon (Maitland Saints) is primed following a recent chicken tender themed pre-game speech.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 18, 2023. Killarney Vale 8.14 (62) defeated Maitland 6.6 (42) at Adelaide Street Oval.
FINAL PREDICTION: Killarney Vale by 30 points.
AFL BLACK DIAMOND MENS SHIELD
QUALIFYING FINAL – Newcastle City vs. Lake Macquarie (12pm at Max McMahon Oval)
Could this be the grand final preview?
Newcastle City enter the clash off the back of seven one sided wins and have a full line-up at their disposal. Matthew Lyons, Oliver Gilmour, Dominic Stanbridge and Johnathon Hamilton each registered multiple goals the last times these sides met therefore the Dockers’ back six will have their work cut out for them.
Lake Macquarie have named a handful of returning players including tall Riley Janissen who slotted two goals in his most recent match.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Harry Illingworth (Newcastle City) has impressed at both Shield and Plate level in season 2023.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 12, 2023. Newcastle City 8.10 (58) defeated Lake Macquarie 3.11 (29) at No.1 Sportsground.
FINAL PREDICTION: Newcastle City by 24.
ELIMINATION FINAL – Muswellbrook vs. The Entrance Bateau Bay (12pm at Adelaide Street Oval)
He’s back. Inspirational playing coach Matt Dunn returns to the field for the Muswellbrook Cats after 105 days on the sidelines. Tipped to start forward, the Cats’ ball winner hopes his midfield can win plenty of the footy early to launch their finals campaign with a big win.
The Blues have not played the Cats since Round 2 this season and while they suffered a 45-point defeat the side appears much stronger on paper. The experience of Mitchell Ede and Dane Amidy should never be underestimated. Harley Beckett will also enter with confidence after three games at Cup level.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jordan Solly (Muswellbrook Cats). The vice-captain proved to be the difference in the opening quarter of his side’s previous clash with the Blues.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 2, 2023. The Entrance Bateau Bay 6.7 (43) defeated by Muswellbrook Cats 12.16 (88) at Bateau Bay Oval.
FINAL PREDICTION: Muswellbrook by 30 points.
AFL BLACK DIAMOND WOMENS PLATE
QUALIFYING FINAL – Newcastle City vs. Maitland Saints (10am at Max McMahon Oval)
The Maitland Saints could go all the way in 2023, perhaps even prompting a return to the top tier competition in the next few years. The Saints finished second on the ladder, only facing defeat to Cardiff on the weeks where the Hawks’ Cup side had a bye. Ruck/forward option Nikki Robson has proven accurate with nine goals returns to the side while ball winners Skyla Dunn and Tahnesha Walls will continue to step up to the plate for sidelined skipper Brooke Flannery.
Newcastle City will be without Phoebe Blakey and Natalie Devilliers (both unavailable) however the side remains a great chance of claiming a memorable win.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Emma Chester (Newcastle City). An inspirational full back in the competition.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 13, 2023. Maitland Saints 7.2 (44) defeated Newcastle City 2.3 (15) at Max McMahon Oval.
FINAL PREDICTION: Maitland Saints by 20.
ELIMINATION FINAL – The Entrance Bateau Bay vs. Port Stephens (10am at Adelaide Street Oval)
The Blues and the Power have played out two memorable clashes in season 2023. The first saw a number of lead changes before the Blues clinched a six-point victory before Port Stephens switched on the power to celebrate a 21-point win earlier this month.
Teenager Taylor Smith proved to be the standout in both games when scoring three and four goals respectively. She will watch on with interest this Saturday hoping to see her teammates get over the line.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Cassandra Terranova (Port Stephens) will hope to lead her side to a memorable finals win.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 16, 2022. Port Stephens 8.3 (51) defeated The Entrance Bateau Bay 4.6 (30) at Ferodale Oval.
FINAL PREDICTION: The Entrance Bateau Bay by 3 points.
