Club XVIII Semi-Finals Preview

By Norm Nugent

Section 1

Second Semi Final.

Old Xaverians and Hawthorn come to this game after less than their best performances last week. Each has achieved a home victory over the other this season. Old Xaverians won by 30 points in Round 2 and Hawthorn won by 38 points in Round 13. Sports Cover Arena has not been a happy hunting ground for “The Spartans” whereas for Old Xaverians it is virtually a home away from home. Each team has a versatile and effective forward line as shown by their 2015 records. Neither defence has faced a dominant opposition and the backline which holds up better could provide the key to the outcome.

First Semi Final.

Richmond Central and La Trobe enter this match with a home win against the other this season. La Trobe were devastating in their 95-point win under lights in Round 6 and Richmond Central finished 20 points ahead in Round 13. La Trobe’s form has tapered off since earlier in the season because of injury and the ever-present University football burden of examinations and vacations (not to mention the odd music festival). Richmond Central defenders must stop Eamon Stringer and Dale Sidebottom from kicking multiple goals, which happened in Round 6. Richmond Central have shown the better recent form and by playing on the Bartlett Reserve, their confidence will be high.

Section 2

Second Semi Final

Undefeated, St Francis Xavier, aided by home ground advantage and the confidence engendered by three wins over Albert Park during the season will start overwhelming favourites to win this match. Their versatile and multi-pronged forward line should again kick St Francis to victory, even despite the success achieved by Albert Park in their first season.

First Semi Final

For the second successive season, Kew and Melbourne High School Old Boys will contest this match. At Kew in Round 6, “The Unicorns” faded in the second half and went down by 51 points. At Forest Hill in Round 12 in a low scoring match, Melbourne High triumphed by 20 points. Kew aided by home ground advantage must be considered favourites to win, although only percentage has separated the teams on the ladder.