Wildcats, Kangaroos set for finals showdown

WOODSIDE and Heyfield will renew their rivalry in a highly anticipated qualifying final, with the winner advancing to the second semi-final and moving within one victory of a grand final berth.

The second-placed Wildcats and third-placed Kangaroos meet twice in the home and away season resulting in one win apiece, setting the stage for what should be one of the matches of the finals series.

Woodside claimed a 14-point victory in round one, winning 12.11 (83) to 10.9 (69). After the teams were level at quarter-time, the Wildcats established a lead before half-time and held Heyfield at bay.

Thomas King, Ryan Foat, Luke Johnson, Daniel Missen, Rowan Missen and Joh Fythe were among Woodside’s best.

Heyfield responded emphatically in round 12, restricting Woodside to just five goals in an 11.15 (81) to 5.4 (34) victory.

The Kangaroos led by 18 points at half-time and dominated the second half, with Mitchell Bennett, Joel Lambourn, Thomas Marchesi and Jack Christian prominent.

Woodside entered that match without key players Michael O’Sullivan and Thomas King, whose return to the side should strengthen the Wildcats’ line-up. 

Heyfield’s 47-point victory makes the Kangaroos a genuine threat, but Woodside’s strong finish to the season and greater scoring power should give the Wildcats a slight edge.

Woodside deserves to start as the narrow favourite, although Heyfield has already shown it possesses the defensive pressure needed to cause an upset.

Prediction: Woodside by 10 points.