Preliminary Final
Broadmeadow Magic v Lambton Jaffas
Magic Park, Sunday 2pm
Lambton Jaffas coach Shane Pryce says he will not change much in his side’s preparation ahead of their preliminary final clash with Broadmeadow Magic on Sunday.
Jaffas and Magic will meet at Magic Park for the second time in a fortnight with a spot in the grand final against Maitland awaiting the victors.
Jaffas were able to steady the ship and down a valiant Newcastle Olympic side last weekend to progress to the preliminary final, setting up a shot at redemption against Magic who delivered them a 2-1 defeat in the opening week of the finals series.
The victory extended Jaffas’ season for at least one more week but they will have to do it without star Matt Hoole who will miss the remainder of their campaign following a serious groin injury. Andrew Pawiak remains an outside chance to return in the preliminary final after missing last weekend with a foot injury.
One goal separated the sides in their clash in the qualifying final, with Magic’s Jayden Stewardson securing the win for Broadmeadow with a late strike to sink the visiting Jaffas.
Despite the defeat to Magic, Pryce said his side would not deviate from their usual routine in the lead up to the do-or-die clash.
“I don’t think our preparation will be different for this match,” Pryce said.
“I don’t think we were at our best the last time we faced [Magic]. I think we will still be in the game for a long time and if we can iron out some inconsistencies in our game that have allowed teams to attack us recently, I think we will be in the game for a long time.
“[Magic] are young, fit, structured and well-organised. They are a 90-minute side that have players that can come off the bench and change the game and that emphasises what happened in our last game against them.
“Last weekend [for Magic], the game was a lot closer than the scoreline intended to be. Magic came second in the competition and we have to respect that.”
Pryce also made mention of the sacrifices some of his players have had to make during what has been a challenging season for the club given the tumultuous weather conditions.
“Some of our players had to make a choice this weekend,” Pryce said.
“We had about six players who are going to a wedding soon and because the competition was pushed back, Matt Hoole actually had his bucks [party] booked for this weekend. Those players have paid a lot of money and had booked it to go months ago but they had to make a tough decision.
“I thought it was worth mentioning that I am very happy with those players' dedication to the other players, the club and to try and get into a grand final. [Those players] have sacrificed a fair bit and I am proud of their decision not to go.”
Magic will be looking to turn the tide quickly after suffering what was the heaviest defeat of this year's final series last weekend against Maitland but coach Damian Zane said he was not discouraged despite the 4-1 result.
Magic and Maitland were locked in an enthralling encounter at Cooks Square Park for the major semi-final last weekend until two late goals for the Magpies blew the score out of Magic’s reach.
The defeat against Maitland instead sets up a clash with the Jaffas for the fourth time this season, with Magic now looking to deliver the fatal blow to the visitors' campaign after falling to Shane Pryce’s men twice in rounds two and 14.
Magic will be without defender Jake Harris due to work commitments but Zane will welcome back midfielder Keanu Moore after serving a one-match suspension. Zane also confirmed that highly-rated youngster Riley Smith will join the club next season from Charlestown Azzurri to take Magic’s striking role following the departure of Jacob Dowse.
Zane said after a disappointing result against Maitland he was determined to set up a rematch in the grand final at the expense of Lambton.
“We have had some good matches with the Jaffas throughout the year,” Zane said.
“We will be looking for more of the same this weekend. I believe, like the Jaffas probably do, that if we get to the grand final we have a decent chance of turning the result around against Maitland. But I think we are good enough to learn quickly and I think we can come out and get it right against Jaffas, like we did last time.
“I would have preferred to get to the grand final [with a victory last weekend] but I feel with a younger squad it’s probably not a bad way to go about it [by playing the extra game]. It gives you less time to think about the grand final and just focus on actually getting there.”