HAVING been close to inseparable throughout the home-and-away season, one of Wandella and Macorna will claim bragging rights in the Golden Rivers first semi-final on Sunday.
The sides split their four match-ups this year with two wins each, one at home and one away.
Last week, the Bombers won in Macorna by 11 points.
But they now travel to Murrabit for the deciding game on neutral turf, with a spot in next week’s preliminary final up for grabs for the winner and elimination for the loser.
Macorna coach Scott Wishart said last weekend’s loss likely meant the Bombers would be favourites.
“We had a pretty comfortable win over them back in the first round, but that was quite a while ago now,” he said.
“The better indicator is probably the game last week, which means we are probably going to go into the match as underdogs but that sits absolutely fine with us.
“Both sides are facing elimination though, so when people say that the underdog has nothing to lose, I don’t really think that’s the case this weekend.
“There’s been two games between us that were won by less than a goal, and the other two weren’t much bigger margins either.
“Knowing each other’s games so well, we know what individual players’ strengths are and it will be about nullifying that – I think it’ll be a real arm wrestle.”
Midfielder Malcom Neiwand is one Tiger who can get on top of the arm wrestle, possessing the pace and poise to get his team forward at a rapid rate.
Experienced key-position player Lachlan Ritchie is another who can stamp his authority, as shown by his bag of four goals last week.
But Wishart said he hoped his players would be able to take their game to the next level, as the pressure of finals football turns up the heat.
“Finals always mean that the football is going to be hot, it really doesn’t matter how you’ve matched up throughout the season,” he said.
“The pressure is going to be on both teams, we know we need to bring an amount of physicality to the game but have to retain that discipline and control.
“We’ll want to come out from the jump and be hunting the football and our opponents. From there it’s about keeping enough in the tank to run the game out.
“Scoreboard pressure is always amplified tenfold in the finals. Being two goals down always seems to feel like a lot more in finals football.”
Wandella coach Justin Robinson said he thought last week’s win would help “a little bit with the mental edge”.
“It’s always a big clash between us and Macorna, this week we will finally get to find out who are the better side,” he said.
“The only thing greater for this rivalry than this match would be if we’d met up in a grand final.
“Obviously we split the games two each for the season, but getting the last one just seven days ago is a big part of us going into the match with a bit of confidence.
“The intensity of the game steps up another whole level when it comes to the finals.
“I think the result will come down to whichever team will be able to keep their cool, and just play the same game they’ve been playing all season.”
Bombers midfielder John Cooper has shown the ability to withstand the pressure this year, showing his class through the middle and linking well with his forwards.
The experienced Logan Keighran can do damage on the scoreboard or at the contest.
Robinson said he wanted his side to match the Tigers’ pace, but not get caught out when the opposition ventures forward.
“We don’t want to take any of our own players out of the game, but it’d be great if we could nullify a couple of their more damaging guys,” he said.
“Macorna have got a couple of really handy midfielders, and obviously big Lachlan Ritchie who is a really damaging player.
“We’ll look to the guys who have finals experience. Guys like Tim Robinson and Ryan Lancaster know exactly what comes when finals roll around.
“(Macorna) are a quick-moving side, so we do need some of the younger players like Archer Lancaster and Laing Waddingham to provide us with that bit of pace.”
KEY PLAYERS
Wandella: Tim Robinson
RUNNING out for his 300th game in a do-or-die clash against local rivals, the experience of Robinson will provide a cool head.
The ability to play through the middle or at either end of the ground, Robinson’s defensive prowess will be employed to keep the Tigers midfield in check.
He is no stranger to the pressure-cooker environment of finals football, having won five GRFL premierships with the Bombers.
Robinson will look to instil his leadership and hunt the football at any cost.
Macorna: Malcolm Neiwand
THE engine of the Macorna midfield, Neiwand possesses the attributes any coach would want in a midfielder.
Lightning quick on foot, and just as clean in disposal, Neiwand provides a perfect link between the middle of the park and centre half-forward.
Neiwand is good for a goal here and there, and can be just as damaging as a pacy half-forward flanker or roving.
Finals football is made for players like Neiwand, and the Tigers can rely on their star to do his job when asked.
KEY MATCH-UP
Justin Robinson v Lachlan Ritchie
WHILE not direct opponents, the performance of either side’s experienced centre half-forward will have a big say on who continues these finals.
Robinson has the upper hand when it comes to goalkicking, kicking 28 goals to Ritchie’s 14, but both can kick a bag.
Ritchie’s strength is his strength and his body work and positioning make him a strong forward target.
Robinson’s leading ability is second to none in the Golden Rivers, tirelessly working up and down the ground to provide his side an outlet.
With goals at a premium in finals football, whoever gets the upper hand may have a big say on their side getting the win.
