IT is now or never for one of UTS Bats and Macquarie University Goannas who face off in a knockout preliminary final this weekend. The two sides clash at Kanebridge Oval with the winner to advance through to the decider against East Coast Eagles.

UTS Bats were the minor premiers in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division, but went down to East Coast Eagles in the semi-finals. They come up against a red-hot Goannas outfit who toppled Sydney University and then Manly Warringah Wolves in an underdog victory to reach the penultimate match.

UTS BATS vs MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY GOANNAS
Saturday, September 2 @ Kanebridge Oval, 1:30pm

Two new teams to the top end of the competition, and there is virtually nothing that can split them in terms of play style. They both rely on players whom work the ball away from the centre contests and then get the ball forward with either run or a longer extraction.

Last week, Amanda Farrugia and Michala Ford were unstoppable for the Goannas in the first part of the game and thus created goal scoring chances through consistent pressure that resulted in turnovers. The Bats on the other hand had the opposite experience where their forwards were nullified or stifled by the Eagles’ pressure.

Both teams can do it, but are not overly reliant of linking handpasses or overlap run chains and instead will put pressure on the opponent to force the ball forward. Expect the going to be tough rather than free flowing, end-to-end football. This area is where the game will be won or lost.

The teams are so evenly matched across the board that the result will come down to those moments where players play proactively and showcase what they can do to such as breaking tackles or winning contests. It might also be a battle of attrition between strong defensive systems and the first one to breakdown might be headed home.

UTS Bats must ensure the Goannas do not have a free run at the ball around the stoppages and must contain Ford in particularly. If they can play an up tempo style and trying to move the ball quickly while keeping it off the Goannas players, it will be key to breaking down Macquarie University’s defence.

The Goannas love to suffocate the opposition and will look to slow the play down and wait for their moments to take off and catch the opposition off guard. They do not have any fears in a repeat stoppage game and have the capacity to breakaway when given the space.

In terms of vulnerabilities, both teams have a tendency to play wide in search of scoring opportunities, while looking for the shorter, cleaner options. The Goannas can be hurt with the opposition going the other way, while UTS Bats need to find a matchup Sera Kaukiono especially if she floats between positions.

For the Bats, Danika Spamer and Gillian Behan loom as key players to take on the likes of Farrugia and Sophie Kavanagh respectively. The team that can link well from the half-back line and not be breached easily will be on the front foot towards victory. Scoring will be tough, with teams needing to make the most of their chances.

The match is tipped to be a ripper with a goal or two the difference depending on who can stand up in the big moments.