The Baldivis Brumbies’ quest for back-to-back flags continues in a preliminary final showdown with Waroona this weekend.
Beating the Demons in a final is arguably the hardest task the league has to offer, but Brumbies coach Craig Hamersley said his side is embracing the challenge with optimism.
“We’re really excited about the battle with Waroona,” he said.
“We have a lot of respect for what they’ve been able to achieve over the past decade, so it’s a test we’re looking forward to.”
The last time Baldivis met Waroona, only a point separated the two.
It was a round 15 blockbuster that went down to the very wire, with the Brumbies squeaking out a win by the smallest of margins in what eventuated to a shootout.
This time the two meet with their seasons and a spot in the grand final on the line, in a preliminary final that could not shape as a more tightly contested showdown.
Baldivis enter the game after having their run of red-hot form against top five sides snapped by and roaring Pinjarra outfit last week.
The Brumbies were prolific in the opening half but proved no match for a Tigers side coming off a bye down the stretch.
On the flip side, Waroona showed pure dominance in sending Centrals out in straight sets.
The Demons threw caution to the wind in the win-or-go-home game, blazing their way to 150 points and a 74-point win.
But the two sides now face a new test against each other.
Hamersley acknowledged Waroona’s scoring power, and said his side would look to a defensive mindset if they are to avoid a shootout.
“We trust our defence and really rate it as one of the best in the league,” he said.
“We’ll need our midfield to be up for a lot of two-way running as well – we know the challenge that lies ahead.”
The two will meet for the preliminary final at Falcon Oval this Saturday, 2.30pm.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
