Pembroke Old Scholars and Hope Valley fight it out who makes it first into the grand final. While one of Mitcham and Walkerville will be finished for season 2020
By Liam Wormald

Mitcham v Hope Valley 

Hope Valley have consolidated a spot in the second semi-final after they defeated Mitcham by 15-points in Saturday’s qualifying-final. The Demons will now face the Kings, while the Hawks will play the Panthers in the first semi-final, in the hope of keeping their season alive. The final commenced with the Demons making the Hawks rue their misses, with the Demons leading by twenty-points at the first break. In the second term the Hawks were able to settle into the game, as the Demons struggled to increase their lead, with the margin being just seven-points at half-time. Heading into the third term, with the game in the balance the Demons found some ascendency and were able to hit the scoreboard frequently, seeing them lead by 25-points at the final break. Despite inaccurate goalkicking in the last term the Demons held on to set-up an exciting clash with Pembroke OS. Jayke Hellmanns and Matthew Min showed their importance to the Demons, with bags of six and four goals respectfully. For the Hawks Simon Tucker showed he can perform in finals, with four goals, while Damon Petersen snagged two. Joshua Hand and Eddy O’Connor were solid contributors for the Demons, while Tucker and Lachlan Hall were consistent all game for the Hawks. As the Kings have shown throughout the season, they are capable of being tested, the Demons will be confident they can challenge the minor premiers. 

Walkerville v Morphettville Park 

Walkerville have kept their season alive, following their 43-point victory over Morphettville Park in the Elimination Final at Walkerville Recreation Ground. The Panthers greater number of scoring options appeared to be the difference, with the Roo’s struggling to reproduce the performance which saw them beat the Panthers earlier in the season. In the first term the Roo’s made the most of their scoring opportunities, with the Panthers trailing by four points at quarter time. The Panthers lifted their intensity in the second quarter, with the Roo’s failing to score a goal, seeing them trail by 23-points at the major break. Unfortunately for the Roo’s they were unable to make any inroads in the third quarter, with the Panthers consistent pressure steering them to a 25-point lead at three quarter time. The final quarter saw the Panthers remain in control of the game, with the Roo’s drawing a curtain on their impressive season. Tom Sinclair was a lively presence up forward for the Panthers with four majors, while the Roo’s defenders struggled to contain Ryan Madden who booted three goals. As he has been so many times this season, Matthew Duldig was the Roo’s main scoring option, with three majors. Along with Sinclair, Brady Zwar and Sam Marner showed positive signs ahead of next weeks first semi-final, while for the Roo’s Byron Murphy and Dane Thompson showcased their classy skills. When they face Mitcham in the first semi-final the Panthers will be hoping to have a full-strength side, with their various scoring options set to be important. 

Finals Previews
SECOND-SEMI FINAL
Pembroke OS v Hope Valley

The undefeated Kings will face the potent Demons in Saturday’s second semi-final at Haslam Oval. After beating the Demons by 23-points in round nine, the Kings will be confident they can consolidate a grand final position. The Demons however will have faith that if they can get enough supply to Matthew Min and Jayke Hellmanns they will be able to score heavily. Alex Forster will have to be closely checked by the Demons if they are to cause an upset, with the star forward booting five in their previous meeting. After having the week off and having full confidence in their game plan the Kings should prevail, but do not be surprised if the Demons are in the game till the very end. Pembroke OS by 16 points.

FIRST-SEMI FINAL
Mitcham v Walkerville

Mitcham will be looking to bounce-back from their qualifying-final loss when play Walkerville in the first semi-final at Thomas Farms Oval. Last time these teams met the Hawks were victorious by eight-points, with the Panthers determined to redeem themselves. As the chance to play in a preliminary final is up for grabs, whichever team can handle the occasion with the most composure will succeed. The importance of goalkicking accuracy cannot be underestimated, with the Hawk’s Maxwell Smyth and Panther’s Ryan Madden set to have a significant influence on the result. At home the Hawks should find the energy to get the win and head into a preliminary-final.

 
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