WITH finals coming up in full force, four men’s matches across the two divisions will play over two time-slots. With both divisions relatively close and no side left undefeated this season, every match could see plenty of opportunity for an upset. 

VIC M-League 2019
Men’s Premier Division – Semi-finals
4/12/19
7:15pm

Geelong Cougars (1) v. Melbourne City Blackhawks (4)

The Blackhawks are in for a massive match when they take on the top-ranked Cougars, having come off second best both times they took the court this season. While they came out much better in their second performance, only going down by 11 goals, the side will really need to tighten up to ensure they maintain possession of the ball down the court with stalwart options in the circle down each end. Both sides have won three of the four last matches with losses coming in the same round, proving some interesting parallels between the two sides. With star power across the court for both sides and plenty of flair in both attack and defence, expect an exciting match-up on Court 1. The likes of Brayden Pastore and Cameron Allum pair well in the circle with Gerard Murphy and Jed Christian able to have plenty of impact outside the circle while the versatility of Jake Noonan and Alastair Punshon can have a great impact on how the Cougars play their game. For the Blackhawks, Matthew Doyle is equally impactful going to post with Lachlan Deane while David Chisholm is a massive threat in goal shooter if he takes the court. Equally as important is the defensive unit of the Blackhawks with Simon Cartwright, Tim Marshall and Anthony Maniapoto just a few defensive options able to rotate through for a flexible and versatile defensive end.

St Therese (2) v. Sirens Netball (3)

Sirens will look to go one better than the last time they played the Saints only two weeks back after successfully beating both St Therese and Geelong Cougars in consecutive rounds earlier this season. The Sirens have had some low form in recent weeks, with their last really impressive performance back in Round 10, so will look to prove their finals berth this week to make the grand final. St Therese have had some similar form, dipping in the middle of the season before settling back in and putting up some impressive performances towards the latter part of the season. The winning combination of experience and youth down in defence has worked well for the Saints, with Dylan Nexhip and Tristan Comans working well together to dominate the defensive circle and make it difficult to receive the ball. The Saints midcourt and attack has similarly impactful players with Riley Richardson and Guy Keane able to speed the ball down the court with precision and timing with Corey Nexhip and Josh Clavarino. For Sirens, goalers Brodie Roberts and Josh Smith need to be at their best with a few quiet performances in the bank recently. Equally as important is the form of Andrew Burgess and Will Jamison in defence.

VIC M-League 2019
Men’s Division One – Semi-finals
4/12/19
8:30pm

Northern Titans Men’s (1) v. Melbourne Bucks Men’s (4)

The last time these two sides took the court was Round 11 with Titans prevailing by 12 goals though the time prior saw Bucks get far closer, meaning the side does have the ability to run over the Titans if they put up a good start and can hold on throughout against a side chock full of confidence. That being said, Titans will need to watch out for the Bucks, only finishing two wins above the side. The Bucks are coming into this match off the back of a win last week while the Titans finished the season on a low point with a loss to finish.

DDNA Teal (3) v. DDNA Red (3)

It’s the battle of Doncaster when DDNA Teal and DDNA Red face off for a spot in the grand final, with both sides sitting on the same number of wins though Teal’s percentage outweigh’s their opponent by a solid margin. The sides played each other twice this season with both sides picking up a win apiece while Red ultimately stole a victory in the second encounter back in Round 11, making this matchup an interesting one. Interestingly, both sides have defeated sides from the other match, meaning no matter which teams win today there will be a massive match coming up in the grand final round.