The hotly contested rivalry between Hanwood and Yoogali SC will again take centre stage when the sides met in the major semi final on Sunday afternoon.
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In the two meeting between the sides, this season have ended with close results with a 0-0 draw followed by a 1-0 win for Hanwood White.
Coach of the Hanwood side, Jason Bertacco knows it will be a tough match up.
“It is a major semi final, and the boys are really looking forward to it,” he said.
“There is a bit more on the line, but at the end of the day we will just approach it like a normal match.”
It was a goal from Ryan McWhirter with virtually the last kick of the game which made the difference and Bertacco feels it just came down to the bounce of the ball.
“Both sides had chances to take the game, and we were lucky enough to convert,” he said.
“They had some chances last time, and we will have to work hard to make sure we limit the chances.”
For Yoogali SC according to coach Luke Santolin, his side are excited and grateful to be at this stage of the season.
“We are proud to that we are able to push Hanwood as well as we have this season,” he said
“We have been through a lot of adversity this season and to be within striking distance is great.”
Yoogali will have the advantage of heading into the crucial game with no injuries reducing playing numbers, and Santolin hopes this will help them go to the next level.
“They have set the benchmark all year and are the minor premiers for a reason,” he said.
“They have quality all over the field with Daniel Johnson scoring goals and the speed of Kyle Greaves.
“Andy Gamble is the heart beat of their side and was crucial for them in our last game.”
Hanwood is in a similar situation in terms of side makeup and Bertacco admits there will need to be a difficult decision made.
“We have a squad of 20, and we don’t have any injuries at this stage,” he said.
“It will be a tough decision on who misses out on the game.”
Since White finished as minor premiers, the coach is hopeful there will be a decent crowd for their home final.
“We have been very lucky this year,” he said.
“With local boys and familiar faces playing the crowds have been really good.
“It is up to us to take advantage of the atmosphere they create.”
The two sides will face off at Hanwood Oval as the second game starting at 3pm on Sunday with the winner booking their place in the grand final.
Liam Warren
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
