The M-League mixed semi-finals are set to be a cracker, with eight teams across two divisions going head to head for a spot in the elusive grand final. With four 2018 grand finalists among their ranks and two reigning premiers in Parkville Panthers (Premier Division) and Melbourne Bucks Mixed (Division One), the four mixed matches across the two time slots are set to be massive clashes.

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

Parkville Panthers (1) v. Valley Wolves (4)

Valley Wolves have their work cut out for them this week, taking on the undefeated Parkville Panthers. The two sides did battle twice this season with the Panthers running out supreme on both occasions, with impressive margins and scorelines to boot. Something that may work in both sides’ favour for different reasons is the Panthers’ Round 14 bye, with both sides able to take something out of that –  the Wolves could use this to their advantage with consistency across matches coming into the final, while the Panthers had the week off to regroup prior to the final. The Panthers goaling combination of Uneeq Palavi and Brodie Roberts has been impressive this season with the feeds of Elle McDonald and Riley Richardson providing ease of access to the goal circle and creating plenty of opportunities for their shooters while Joel Gosbell has also provided a solid option around the goal circle when required. Dylan Nexhip has been key defensively and will be once again this week when he takes on Wolves’ James Story, who has held onto the goal shooter bib for majority of the season thanks to his height and ability to work in tandem with Nat Billings and Monique Nagle in attack. Alastair Punshon is a massive threat in the Wolves side with an ability to rotate through just about any position on the court, able to have an impact anywhere he is required and making it difficult to pinpoint where he will play on any given day. Erin Jay is a stalwart option in defence, with her speed and timing key for the Wolves.

Geelong Cougars (2) v. Pasifika Sharks (3)

Expect a massive contest with two highly talented teams going head to head for the second spot in the grand final. While Geelong reigned supreme in both of their prior matches, the Sharks put up only one solid performance against the Cougars and that was back in Round 1. The Sharks had a difficult patch through the middle of the season with their second game against the Cougars laying smack bang in the middle in Round 10. The Sharks cannot be underestimated however, with key players swapping out of their typical positions last time they met the Cougars, namely Junior Levi who played out majority of the match in defence meaning the Cougars had little chance to practice how they would defend Levi at the post. The Cougars have plenty of talent stationed across the court, with key attacking duo, Brayden Pastore and Julia Woolley creating a force to be reckoned with on a consistent basis. Gerard Murphy, Luke Rawlings and Sarah Szczykulski are other key players down the court, all who play their role week in and week out and create plenty of turnover ball while they are at it. The Sharks have plenty of exciting players themselves however have not played in the past two rounds with a successive bye and forfeit to finish the season, meaning there may be a lack of consistency heading into this match against a side that has the ability to score well and score quickly. 

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

Fitzroy Phoenix (1) v. Melbourne Bucks Mixed (4)

Another side that went undefeated throughout the home and away season, was the Fitzroy Phoenix and will look to continue their winning streak when they take on Melbourne Bucks who were lucky to make finals after dropping their last two matches of the season. The two sides went head to head back in Round 9 where the Phoenix came out on top by 25 goals meaning they have a real chance of going two from two unless the Bucks come out with a performance to remember. The Phoenix had another massive confidence-boosting win last week to finish the season on a high so will look to continue their fine form. The two sides played off in the 2018 Grand Final with Melbourne Bucks getting the chocolates making this a real interesting matchup given the Phoenix’ form this season.

Ariels Mixed (2) v. St Kilda Bullets (3)

Ariels Mixed had a slow start to the season but finished relatively well, only losing four games with their most recent loss against table-toppers, Fitzroy Phoenix back in October. St Kilda Bullets will be feeling confident coming into this matchup, after only going down by one goal in their last match against the Ariels back in Round 6. The Bullets only lost one more match than the Ariels and have won their past two matches so know that this match is achievable if they have a solid start. Both sides have a plethora of key players that can take it up to the competition and will be wanting to edge one step closer to the next phase of finals.