Trevor Jackson
Mid South East football heads into finals mode this weekend, with and intriguing contest first up at Robe.
Port MacDonnell will look to defend its 2021 premiership flag, while Mount Burr is back in the race after several years in the wilderness.
Of course that is all history and nothing counts but this season’s performances.
The Demons have probably overachieved this season, considering they lost around 11 players from last year’s premiership side.
They have methodically gone about their work, dropping five games throughout the minor rounds.
Coach Simon Merrett has regularly stated he wanted his side to peak at the right time, which appears to have worked to plan.
Mount Burr has not played finals since 2018, with a missed season due to Covid thrown in.
To return to the post-season has been a focal point for coach Reece Duncan, with a premiership obviously the ultimate prize.
Head-to-head this season the ledger sits at one win a-piece.
Little separated the two sides, with the Demons claiming the Round 4 win by 12 points, while the Mozzies hit back in Round 13 with a one-point victory.
Both teams have their key players who, if they fire, will be hard to stop.
Port MacDonnell has made good use of big men Will MacDonald and Tim Sullivan.
The pair have dominated the air and given a chance, can easily make an opposition side pay.
But there is more to the Demons than just two tall players.
Despite the losses from the premiership side, the list is still ominous.
The versatility of Kevin Thomson has been on show all season, as he plays either end of the ground equally well.
The hard men such as Mark Smith and Ned Wilke always rack up possessions, while Jake Schleter provides plenty of run through the middle.
The list goes on and if the Demons can tie it all together, they are in the box seat to advance deeper into finals.
The Mozzies also dropped just five games for the season, with a win over Hatherleigh possibly a highlight.
Key position players such as Hamish Smith up forward will be a danger to any chance of success for the Demons.
Youngster Kallan Bevan would be a welcome inclusion, while the likes of the Wallace boys, Dylan Ridley and Tyler Stanley all provide the tough brand of football required in a finals scenario.
Both coaches will look to their mid-field to get the ball rolling and whichever side wins that battle will go a long way to advancing.
Duncan is certainly pleased to see his side back in finals and looks forward to the clash.
“This weekend is do or die, so that brings a bit of excitement to it,” he said.
“They have some tall timber, can bring tough footy and will be hard to compete against.
“We just have to be smart and control the game, how we want to play.”
Likewise Merrett does not expect to claim a victory without a hard slog.
“It will be tough – you never blow a team away in finals,” he said.
“They are a pretty proud club and have missed finals (for a few seasons).
“They are back in now and will be a really good test for us.”
Duncan pointed to a few players who could have an impact on the contest.
“Dylan Ridley is a very classy player and uses the football well,” he said.
“Jimmy Wallace enjoys the physical stuff, while Taylor Allen, his second half of the year has been strong.
“Those three guys in themselves are very important to us.”
Apart from the obvious notable players in MacDonald and Sullivan, Merrett also noted a couple of others who could have an impact.
“Our big boys are having amazing season which has helped as well,” he said.
“Jake Schleter really gets us going, while Ned Wilke found some good touch on the weekend.
“If they can get up and going we will be a good chance.”
Both coaches also suggested the defensive effort will be a telling factor.
Provided the weather plays its part and the Robe oval is in good condition, a fast and exciting hitout can be expected.
Duncan said the importance of this game was not lost on the whole club, especially after missing finals in recent seasons.
“It is very important for the club,” he said.
“The expectation is finals and premierships, so after a slow start to the year it is good to be in the finals.
“Now we have to make the most of it.”
While the Demons are reigning premiers, the changes to the roster from 2021 almost make them the underdog.
That has not been lost on Merrett, who is looking to the future as much as just one game.
“We were hoping we would be around that four and I think we have exceeded expectations,” he said.
“It has been a year of growth and development, so if we are able to snatch a finals win and have that experience for the younger guys going forward, it will be invaluable.
“We are really happy with where our game is at the moment and if we can apply that on Saturday, hopefully we can get the outcome we are chasing.”
Regardless of the outcome, Saturday’s semi-final is one not to miss and well worth the drive up to Robe.
