Wildcats face season-defining clash
WOODSIDE will look to keep its premiership hopes alive when it meets Yallourn Yallourn North in Saturday’s first semi-final on Sunday at Tyers Recreation Reserve.
The Wildcats and Jets have met only once this season, with Woodside claiming a convincing 39-point victory in wet conditions at Yallourn in round 10.
Woodside won every quarter and produced 23 scoring shots to YYN’s nine, breaking the contest open with a six-goal third term after holding a 21-point advantage at half-time.
“It was belting down, so it was just basic football — straight lines, first in — and eventually we drew away,” Holmes said following the win.
Despite some inaccurate kicking, Woodside gradually increased the pressure and took control of the contest, with Josh Morgan and Matt Dyke named among the Wildcats’ best.
Holmes described that victory after the game as Woodside’s “best 22 performance this season”, highlighting the even contribution across the ground.
However, YYN will enter the semi-final as a much more dangerous opponent than the side Woodside defeated earlier in the year.
Since that round 10 meeting, the Jets have lost just once — a five-point defeat against Heyfield in round 18.
That performance demonstrated YYN’s ability to match it with one of the competition’s leading sides.
The Wildcats’ season has been interrupted by injuries to several important players, with some spending extended periods on the sidelines.
Key forward Luke Johnson was one of those who returned from injury recently and will be vital to Woodside’s chances.
Johnson along with coach Holmes are the Wildcats’ most dangerous attacking weapons.
There has been a noticeable gap between the competition’s top three teams and the remainder of the field this season, meaning Woodside deserves to enter the match as favourite.
However, semi-finals carry no second chances, and the Jets’ strong finish to the home-and-away season suggests the Wildcats will have to produce something close to their best.
woodside ins and outs
- Liam Hard (No. 35)
- Darby Taylor (No. 46)
Out:
- Daniel Missen (No. 21)
- Michael O’Sullivan (No. 31)
Prediction: Woodside by 20 points.
2nd semi final
The second semi final will see Cowwarr as hot favourites to defeat Heyfield at Yarram. Cowwarr have lost just one game this season – against Woodside. While Heyfield has lost three one to woodside, one to Churchill and the last one to Cowwarr in rd 10 by 22 points. Cowwarr have earned the right to be flag favourites but they will have a battle on their hands in what should be a enthralling 2nd semi final.
Reserves chase preliminary final berth
Woodside’s reserves will also face YYN in their first semi-final as they attempt to continue their finals campaign.
The Wildcats defeated the Jets at Yallourn in round 10, although the Woodside team that takes the field on Saturday will look considerably different.
Several thirds players featured in the earlier victory, while Woodside strengthened its side for its opening final against Glengarry through the inclusion of James Mattern, Alex Jeffs and Ryan, who have spent much of the season playing senior football.
With that added experience and senior exposure, Woodside should have enough quality to overcome YYN and book a place in the preliminary final.
Woodside ins and outs
In:
- Alex Walpole (No. 9)
- Michael O’Sullivan (No. 31)
- Cohan Hanning (No. 56)
- Harry Foat (No. 64)
Out:
- Liam Hard (No. 35) senior selections
- Darby Taylor (No. 46) senior selection
- Matthew Ellman (No. 63)
