By. PETER ROWE
After 18 rounds of football that began way back in April, the NRLWA Fuel to Go & Play Premiership enters semi-final territory this weekend with two closely matched games that are impossible to predict.
At Webber Reserve minor premiers Willagee Bears host second place South Perth Lions, with the winners progressing straight to the grand final on September 12 and the losers getting a second chance next week.
Just 10 kilometres east at Treeby Oval third placed Fremantle will host the Kalamunda Bulldogs in an elimination final game that really could go either way.
They have not beaten the Dogs this season, drawing 28-all at home in June before losing a close contest at Hartfield Park two weeks ago in Round 17.
The Bears, given they have home advantage may have a slight edge, but they were soundly beaten by the Lions when they visited in Round 12 early last month.
For both coaches this match-up has been in the works for some time given their dominance this season and Bears coach Nelson Davis is clear on what his side has to do to beat them.
“We analysed their last game and I think we know their playbook pretty well now, so we’ve done our homework thoroughly,” Davis said.
“And I saw last week when we had to defend with 11 men against North Beach to win the game how determined my boys are. There was a lot of courage shown that day and that has shown me we are up for the fight this week.”
Davis has a couple of injuries to contend with, one being the loss of backrower Phil Sawalu with a fractured wrist, so Nela Vi will step up.
Tamaho Tierney returns in the halves to partner Matt Lansdown. Iversen Mapu-Satiu had his on-report charge from last weekend reversed on Monday, so is available to play.
“We have prepared for this game and I believe we know how to break them down,” Davis said.
“They are a confident side with lots of power off the bench who can score from anywhere. Good around the ruck and they do the simple things right.
“I hope it will be a great game to watch between two very good sides. Discipline is important and we are fully aware of the challenge we face.”
South Perth coach John Crawford will not name his side until late in the week, but has a pretty good idea already of what it will look like.
“I still have a couple of decisions to make as we have a strong squad,” he said.
“We are healthy and confident. The game-plan that we have had all season stays the same.
“Keep the ball in play, kick to corners and turn them. If we can keep the game flowing then we will be in with a good chance.”
Kade McDonald, who was the X-factor that destroyed the Bears the last time they met, returns at fullback and Eddie Proudler will be the steadying influence in the halves.
Experienced players Daniel Green and Jarrad Smith will ensure they stick to their plan, along with Tim Noble, although Caleb Norton is a concern with a shoulder injury.
“And Hepa (Hohepa Taiatini) is for a young bloke, a calming influence as well,” Crawford added.
“I pushed Jarrad last week to play a full 80 as I wanted to see if he was ready for finals footy. He is.
“They have some big forwards so we know what we have to do there and if we are in front with 10 to go I’m confident we can get across the line.”
Fremantle v Kalamunda
Given their recent poor performances against the Dogs, Fremantle coach Duane Butler believes his side may be the underdogs for this mouthwatering Elimination Final clash.
“They had the number on us all year, so this is a big test, a massive game for us,” Butler said, adding that the disappointment of going out in the elimination game last year to Willagee still hurts.
“We have to eliminate the mistakes we made from that game two weeks ago when we led by 18 points with 15 to go and lost,” he said.
“When it comes to finals football it’s often about getting the little things right, about completing sets and applying pressure. We need to be leading with ten to go.”
Butler said the mixture of experience and youth has started to work as he welcomes back Roydon Gillett and Ryan Woolley on the edges and Gethin Thomas to partner Jules Wilson-Wyllie in the middles.
Jahkayis Mabbett also returns at hooker and with Delane Edwards, Ezra Taomia and Harry Debique adding their experience the Roosters are for the first time in a few weeks able to name a very strong side.
“But we have to get off to a good start,” Butler said. “Last year against Willagee we gave them a 20-0 lead and couldn’t catch up in the second half. We can’t afford to do that this time around.”
Kalamunda had the week off because of the bye after beating the Roosters two weeks ago and took time out to relax and rehab.
“It’s been good to take a breather and regather our thoughts,” coach Duane Gwiazdzinski said.
“I’ve told the players to treat it as just another game and to stick with the processes that have got us this far.
“It’s a great opportunity for the players to participate in a playoff game and we are under no illusions about that, but we are calm and relaxed and everyone is focussed.”
Gwiazdzinski wants his team to start well, but also compete for the full 80 minutes. With just two key additions to the squad that stepped up from Val Murphy this season he also knows that the two players – halfback Samisoni Langi and fullback Elijah Joe – will probably be targeted by the Roosters.
“They like to kick the ball and I’m sure they will throw up some bombs but our players are solid under a high ball and are solid enough to take a tackle,” Gwiazdzinski added.
“Fremantle like to switch the ruck so we have to be aware of that. I think they went through our line three times when we met a couple of weeks go, that was unacceptable, so we need to tighten up there.
“They have some quality players, but so do we and as a club we have come a long way this season. It’s a challenge but also exciting for the club as a whole and something to build on for next season.”
A large blue and white supporter base will descend from the hills to cheer on their team in game that Gwiazdzinski believes is winnable.
“We just have to play at our best,” he said. “We have a settled squad, so no changes. If we don’t make it, it’s still a good year. If we do, then people will say ‘they are still going’.”