Harlequins is rarely a happy hunting ground for teams making the away trip to Holmesglen Reserve.
But things will need to change this weekend, as the only way to make it to Grand Final Week is by picking up a W at Quins tomorrow.
Harlequins await the winner of this one. Quins shot out to a big lead before Melbourne got their skates on to get within 2 points before the Minor premiers flexed their muscle and booked a place in the big dance.
Melbourne have not played a consistent 80 minute match in the past month or so and they will be aware if they give Power House a sniff then its season over for them.
In fact, Unicorns have only won 2 of their last 5 matches. Ouch!
The giant killing run of Power House continued last week, as they knocked out the home team Moorabbin. It was a seesawing battle but the tenacious House held their nerve and finished off a game that they were behind in for most of the match. This team knows how to fight when the chips are down and we think they might still have a little more left in the tank
We do know however, that every time we write off the Unicorns they prove us wrong so this will be a classic.
Power House is an UPSET by 6 points.
The unbeaten Brimbank outfit continued their charge to the premiership with a 20 point win over Northern and will be keen to see who they play next week.
As we predicted, Kiwis caused a boil over last week against higher ranked Casey but we think this game against Northern might be a stretch too far.
The Panthers should have too much firepower for the wily Kiwis outfit but it could go deep into the game for Northern to assert dominance.
Northern by 12 points
Harlequins made a huge statement last week and the Unicorns just couldn’t get in the game.
They will need to start better against the surprise packets Box Hill or it could be all over for the Unicorns. Box Hill won in a thriller against Moorabbin and will carry the hopes of the Bronco nation into this match.
There will be great support for both teams and with Melbourne’s depth being tested with having two teams playing, Box Hill might find themselves in the running late in the game. This will be a game where little moments matter and ref Schwilk will have his hands full.
We are going to go with finals experience and pick Melbourne to squeak through to next week.
Well done to Power House on winning a high quality semi against Quins last week and earning themselves a week off.
Quins played well without getting over the line and will have learnt a lot about themselves and how to play finals footy. Endeavour just hung on against Uni last week and will look to bring down the higher fancied Harlequins this week with their freewheeling style.
Harlequins might be too structured and polished but it will still be an intriguing game to watch.
Harlequins to win by 11 points.
The Navy boys at Cerberus are off to the big dance after a well-constructed win against Shepparton last weekend.
The Bulls travel again this week and will be better for the run and experience and expect a large travelling contingent to come down the highway.
Maroondah outlasted Brimbank in a high scoring freewheeling affair and the Griffins are full of confidence that they have the game to win it all. Whoever starts well and controls possession will go a long way to winning this.
Maroondah to continue to next week by 8 points.
Two massive games this week in the Lindroth with only the winners to advance.
The Eagles go into their first final in many years against a very experienced outfit. Western will use all their smarts and experience to shut them down and stop them getting on a roll.
If Endeavour get the space they desire then shut the gate.
Two styles collide and who holds their nerve wins this.
Endeavour Hills by 10.
Northern have been the pacesetters of the comp and go in as deserved favourites. Uni have never really gotten out of 2ndgear this season and will be hoping it all clicks and they can cause an upset. No doubt Uni have the talent but Northern are a slick machine with no weaknesses and they have strong belief in their group.
Uni to challenge at times but Northern to advance by 12 points.
Good luck to St Kevin’s and Brighton in the schoolboys grand final. Also, a big congratulations to emerging ref Sarah Porter on her first Grand Final appointment.
With a huge crowd expected at Haileybury College, we can't see any reason why Skevs will be overawed by the occasion.
Skevs by 18
This weekend, Liam Barr referees his 50thgame when he takes charge of the Lindroth Cup semi-final between Endeavour Hills and Western Districts. What a great game to bring up your 50th in! Go well Liam.
