In the elimination final Central defeated St Mark’s Celtic and minor premiers Port were defeated by Blue Wren setting up the preliminary final game between Port and Central at 8.30pm. This will follow the preliminary final contest of the A1 Reserves between Chequers and Blue Wren commencing at 7pm.

The last time that Port played Central in round two it ended in a drawn game so this sets the scene for an exciting and hard fought game with the loser packing the body suits away for another season and that thought is enough to spur on both teams.

Port will be desperate for a win to have another crack at Blue Wren in the Grand Final and Central believe they deserve a position in the Grand Final due to their form throughout the season.

Central’s coach, Geoff Zubrinich has swapped his goalies bringing Stephanie Anastasiou out to goal attack and giving their deadly accurate gaoler, Tegan Pine the shooter position. These goalies will be up against Chloe Joyce and Chloe Willersdorf who bring plenty of height into the ring ably assist by Hollie Joyce at wing defence which will keep either Abby or Emily Zubrinich on their toes.

The last time these two teams met the battle for dominance of the centre court area between Jessie Webb for Central and Kayla Hayes for Port, was a treat to watch with both players working tirelessly to gain the upper hand and Friday night’s game wont be any different.

Emma Hayes will return to wing attack this week after illness kept her from last weeks game and she will have Anne Russack to content with.

Ports goalie combination of Jess Dunkley and Hayley Combe will keep Central defenders Lisa Brock and Mel Harmer on their toes and the Dunkley/Brock battle will have a big impact on the result of this game.

Ports coach Deb Hayes is in the ideal situation of having flexibility within her team and she never hesitates to make any necessary changes.

Both preliminary final matches in the stadium will be well worth the entry fee, with all players and coaching personnel prepared to give anything it takes to gain that elusive berth in the Grand Final.

– Tricia Thoman