FINALS time has arrived in the Coates Talent League, with four quarter finals fixtures to feast on this weekend. We preview each game, scheduled into a pair of double-headers on Saturday in Craigieburn and Sunday in Geelong respectively.

Saturday September 9, 10:30am @ Highgate Recreation Reserve

IN A SENTENCE

Tasmania and Gippsland face off for the first time this season, with the minor premier coming in fresh off a Wildcard bye, but without its star player.

WHERE THEY STAND

H&A records:
Tasmania – 1st (1st Country) | 10-3 | 150.6%
Gippsland – 8th (4th Country) | 7-6 | 103.0%

Streak (most recent first):
Tasmania – WWWLW
Gippsland – WWLWW

Wildcard:
Tasmania – Bye.
Gippsland def. Dandenong Stingrays by 24 points.

Previous meeting(s):
Yet to play in 2023.

ONES TO WATCH

Though Colby McKercher remains sidelined through injury, Tasmania has a host of strong top-agers to call upon. Rising prospect James Leake has taken to his forward switch with aplomb and is among the many marking targets at the Devils’ disposal.

It looks like Jack Callinan is set to turn out in his more natural position in attack, while at the other end Arie Schoenmaker will hope to continue his strong form and help set up Tasmania’s transitional play with his penetrative kicking.

Gippsland has accounted for Tasmania’s aerial power by bringing in over-ager Liam Serong, who is sure to aid the likes of Tew Jiath and Wil Dawson on the intercept. Of course, Zane Duursma remains the Power’s star man, while Archer Reid will be out to break a three-game goalless streak.

PREDICTION

Gippsland matches up quite favourably against Tasmania, who will undoubtedly be dirty on having to travel for a home final as minor premier. It is hard to overlook the Devils though, who comfortably won their only game in Craigieburn this season. Meanwhile, Gippsland is yet to play there and has failed to win three games on the trot this year. Devils by 13.

Saturday September 9, 1:00pm @ Highgate Recreation Reserve

IN A SENTENCE

Both of last week’s lower-ranked Wildcard victors lock horns on Saturday in what will be their second meeting in just over a month.

WHERE THEY STAND

H&A records:
Eastern – 6th (4th Metro) | 8-5 | 117.6%
Oakleigh – 11th (5th Metro) | 5-8 | 89.5%

Streak (most recent first):
Eastern – WLWWW
Oakleigh – WWWLL

Wildcard:
Eastern def. Calder Cannons by 79 points.
Oakleigh def. Northern Knights by 54 points.

Previous meeting(s):
Round 15 | Eastern won by 16 points.

ONES TO WATCH

Oakleigh’s midfield rotation has caught fire in recent weeks, headlined by a trio of bottom-agers in Finn O’Sullivan, Jagga Smith, and Tom Gross. That’s not to mention Kynan Brown fresh off a five-goal haul, Will Lorenz out on a wing, and Harvey Thomas as a potential wildcard.

Eastern has been bookended nicely by backman Cooper Trembath and spearhead forward Riley Weatherill of late. The former has done jobs on Archer Reid and Jordan Croft in the last fortnight, while the latter booted four goals in a big win last week.

Through the middle, bulls like Tyson Sruk and Cody Anderson will have to feed the likes of Christian Moraes and flying wingman Caleb Windsor to make full use of a potent attack with quick entries. Inside 50, watch for Nick Watson to provide his usual energy and flair.

PREDICTION

Oakleigh is a side which is peaking at the right time and boasts serious top-end talent. So, while Eastern has arguably had the better overall season, an upset may be brewing between the two Metro regions. This one should be close, though both sides have proven hard to stop with spurts of momentum go their way. Chargers by 5.

Sunday September 10, 11:00am @ GMHBA Stadium

IN A SENTENCE

Ironically enough, GWV plays a home final in Geelong against the Falcons, with the Rebels hoping to go 3-0 against their lower-ranked opposition.

WHERE THEY STAND

H&A records:
GWV – 2nd (2nd Country) | 10-3 | 139.7%
Geelong – 7th (3rd Country) | 8-5 | 111.7%

Streak (most recent first):
GWV – WWWWW
Geelong – WWLWL

Wildcard:
GWV def. Murray Bushrangers by 73 points.
Geelong def. Bendigo Pioneers by 18 points.

Previous meeting(s):
Round 3 | GWV won by 7 points.
Round 14 | GWV won by 76 points.

ONES TO WATCH

GWV has star power on each line for the now and future. It all starts with George Stevens and Sam Lalor, while the small-tall forward combo of Lachlan Charleson and Jonty Faull has worked wonders. Top-ager guns Joel Freijah and Luamon Lual will also hope to hit form at the right time.

Geelong’s forward line, led by co-captain Michael Rudd has begun to harmonize after consecutive wins over Bendigo. The likes of Tobyn Murray and Patrick Hughes have gone under the radar, while rebound defender Angus Hastie is the Falcon with arguably the highest draft value.

PREDICTION

GWV is a mighty team and arguably the form side of the competition after seven consecutive wins. Geelong has done well to finish with such a strong record and make it through to the final eight, but faces the steepest challenge possible this week. Rebels by 40.

Sunday September 10, 1:30pm @ GMHBA Stadium

IN A SENTENCE

Two sides with identical home-and-away records meet in the finals having taken different Wildcard Round routes, and with a previous meeting just three weeks in arrears.

WHERE THEY STAND

H&A records:
Sandringham – 3rd (1st Metro) | 9-4 | 117.3%
Northern – 4th (2nd Metro) | 9-4 | 115.9%

Streak (most recent first):
Sandringham – WLLWW
Northern – LLWLL

Wildcard:
Sandringham def. Western Jets by 54 points.
Northern def. by Oakleigh Chargers by 54 points.

Previous meeting(s):
Round 16 | Northern won by 38 points.

ONES TO WATCH

Sandringham’s midfield trio of Ryley Sanders, Levi Ashcroft, and Charlie Edwards is one of the best in the competition right now. To go with the inside grunt, Tarkyn O’Leary (wing) and Archie Roberts (half-back) are creative weapons, while Murphy Reid can also join in at stoppages.

The Dragons are also bookended nicely, with Luke Lloyd among a raft of marking options up forward, and Ollie Murphy taking some tough matchups down back. Of course, Nate Caddy‘s availability becomes a crucial factor for Northern, especially given their last meeting. Another potential matchup sees Vigo Visentini take on Will Green in the ruck.

In midfield, Kristian Ferronato will be up against it as his side’s tone setter, but seems to consistently find a way to impact. The Knights will also hope their own wing/defensive duo of Lucas McInerney and Charlie Naish can provide some creativity.

PREDICTION

Sandringham seems to have found form, but only boasts two wins over Western in the last month, while Northern’s only victory in the same time came against Sandringham. It makes this clash a tough one to pick, but for pure top-end talent and a scary squad on paper, Dragons by 30.