Semi-Finals Preview
The long awaited FQPL 3 Darling Downs Finals series is set to commence this weekend. In this edition of the Round Ball Round Up, we preview the four elimination semi-finals and also take a look at the lower divisions match ups.
FQPL 3 DD Women
Semi-Final #1 (Willowburn 1st Vs South Toowoomba Hawks 4th)
Willowburn will come into this match has favourites given their dominant stamp on the competition in 2022. They have plenty of finals experience in their big game players and will chase another grand final appearance. Hawks will know they will have to be at their best to go with the magpies for a full 90mins and possibly beyond. Earlier in the year they drew 3-3 with Willowburn and will they use that as a confidence boost to know they can match with it with the best team in the comp. Players are to watch Bridget Fraser and Melony Baker if they can link up they can do some damage in the attacking third.
Semi-Final #1 (Highfields Gold 2nd Vs Rockville Rovers 3rd)
The last time these two teams met was 3 weeks on the last game of the season, and it ended in a nail biting 1-1 draw. We can expect another thriller on Saturday night at Highfields Sports Complex. Both teams are evenly matched across the pitch, and this could come down to which manager gets the most out of their bench players, coming on late with tired legs. Golden Boot Winner Maddy Lockwood will no doubt pose a threat for the Highields defenders, but Gold have some weapons of their own including Rahni Pritchard.
FQPL 3 DD Men
Semi-Final #1 (Willowburn 1st Vs Gatton Redbacks 4th)
Gatton will have nothing to lose and everything to gain as they face minor premiers Willowburn. With no losses record for Season 2022, the Redbacks will be eager to inflict the first loss to the Magpies at their home ground on Saturday night. This game may be decided in the middle of the park, with both having aggressive and mobile midfield players. The spoils may go to who can take control early. Willowburn are flush with players that have big game experience and will call upon these in key moments, whilst Gatton also have their fair share of older heads to help steep their younger players around the field.
Semi-Final #1 (West Wanderers 2nd Vs St Albans 3rd)
These two sides last met in the last game of the season, and it was Wanderers who came away with the victory. However, if Saints can recapture some of their mid-season form, they could be very hard to beat on the day. Wanderers will be looking for their first grand final berth since 2016 in the top league and captain Tom Fowler and his lads will need to ease their nerves early to get into the match early and not let the occasion get the best of them. The other consideration is the weather, with rain predicted on Sunday it could change the dynamic of the match significantly.
