By: Tim Fitzsimons
SOUTH CROYDON (3RD, 12-6, 1-1 in finals) v BLACKBURN (5TH, 11-5, 2-0 in finals)
Bayswater Oval is the location and a grand final berth against Vermont is the prize this Saturday, as South Croydon takes on Blackburn in the preliminary final.
Following what was perhaps their greatest win in the clubs history one week earlier, the Dogs came crashing back to earth last week as they were annihilated by Vermont to the tune of 76-points.
Despite a confident start that remarkably saw them leading at half time by two points, the second half fade out where they couldn’t manage a goal whilst Vermont piled on 13 will be sure to worry the coaching staff.
They will need to move on from the loss extremely quickly if they are to turn their form around and get another crack at the Eagles in a week’s time.
Standing in their way is a Blackburn outfit that have won consecutive knockout finals on the back of two huge final quarters. The Burners have outscored their opposition in Doncaster and Balwyn by a combined 15.2.92 to 3.4.22 in their two finals so far.
Running over the top of their opposition in final quarters is sure to give the Burners plenty of confidence that their fitness levels are high and well above the contenders around them.
Although last weeks clash against Balwyn may not have been pretty at times, they did what they had to do when it mattered and they are now just one win away from making it to the big dance.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
ROUND 14
BLACKBURN 10.5.65 def. by SOUTH CROYDON 11.15.81
South Croydon came away with a hard fought 16-point win on the road and despite having 11 more scoring shots, couldn’t shake Blackburn until late in the contest to record victory.
Matt Jones and Trent Zomer were outstanding for the Dogs whilst Ben McIntyre was a solid contributor for Blackburn in defeat.
