TOMORROW’S South West District Football League major semi-final between Tyrendarra and Cavendish is expected to be a high-class game, when two of the more innovative coaches in the league will go head-to-head as player and coach on the weekend.
While the sides that met in the first week of the finals last weekend had contrasting styles, there is a close synergy in how Cavendish and Tyrendarra like to play. Both rely on an attacking, high speed game.
In talking with both coaches over the season there is a degree of respect for the opposition that plays out in a strong emphasis on putting defensive pressure not only on the direct ball carrier, but other players in the vicinity of the ball.
Cavendish and Tyrendarra have similar midfields which are led by both coaches. While Tyrendarra may have a slight edge in terms of physicality at the clearances Cavendish are more polished in their capacity to hit targets by hand and foot when under pressure.
Cavendish coach Sam Gibson along with Tyrendarra’s Sam Anson both have the capacity to drift forward and impact the scoreboard. Anson’s three goals against Dartmoor in the elimination final, two in the crucial third quarter are testament to this; while Gibson is an outstanding forward, who has the knack of knowing when to swing himself onto the ball. It’s also highly likely Gibson will spend more minutes in the midfield with late season recruit Travis Graham largely a specialist forward.
The forward line of both sides is exciting to watch, Cavendish may have an edge in their aerial ability with Brodhi Carracher, Travis Graham and Jake Hardy who are excellent in the air. Tyrendarra’s Josh Atwell and Lachie Kirk along with the Edwards brothers Karsen and Kayden will need to give them close attention. Where the Tyrendarra defenders may have an advantage is if they can get the ball to the ground they are excellent in transition.
Their ability to move the ball with speed and skill is highlighted through players such as John Tucker and Kyal Murray who love to run and create when those opportunities arise.
Tyrendarra’s forwards are exciting to watch, Jordi Withers and Tom Antony are aggressive in the air and at ground level, what sets these two apart from many other forwards in the league is that they love to tackle. The third string in the bow is Alex Baker, he makes the most of his scoring opportunities.
Tyrendarra have learnt over the year to alter the tempo of the game based on need. If they can make the right decisions on Saturday in terms of what tempo needs to be placed on the football at the right time this could get them over the line. Likewise, if Cavendish can give their forwards more one on one opportunities by bringing the ball forward with speed they may go straight into a grand final. Either way this should be a game worth travelling to see.
No backward steps
If there is one certainty in the up-coming semi-final is that neither Dartmoor or Coleraine will take a backward step in the do or die clash on Sunday.
Both teams take considerable pride in their physical pressure and willingness across the ground to win clearances. They each have playing coaches that will go head-to-head for most of the afternoon. Dartmoor coach Jayden Polaski enjoys the physical nature of finals football and in a brief time Coleraine coach Adam Ward has asserted himself onto the league as a fierce competitor.
Being in the thick of the action while still being able to keep a calm head will have a large bearing on the outcome of this game. Both teams will be looking for direction in those pivotal moments of the contest. The bench coaches of Dartmoor and Coleraine will need to be well planned and ready to give guidance so that both coaches can contribute to winning the midfield battle.
The forwards of both teams have contributed significantly on the scoreboard, Joseph Franklin, Damian Monaghan and Jordan Murphy for Dartmoor while Coleraine, after losing Will Slattery midseason, have used Zach Hartly, Marcus Rhook and pinch hit with Liam Kaine.
Coleraine through necessity have had to adapt which could give them a greater spread of options if things do not go to plan in the goalscoring department. Delivery into the forward lines will have a big bearing, Coleraine showed on Sunday that they are more precise and direct in their delivery. I suspect Coleraine will have more shots on goal from within the 40-metre arch and via the corridor of the ground.
Coleraine’s backline has plenty of dash led by Harry Armstrong, his rebound and speed of half back along with his willingness to hit a leading target will need to be managed by the Dartmoor brains trust. If he is left unattended, he will set up goals at will.
If previous performances are anything to go by it is expected Dartmoor will win the crucial clearance battle, but Coleraine showed on Saturday that they can control the football and make smart decisions as they move the ball into their forward line. As mentioned earlier neither side will give up, the result could well be determined by which side can keep a calm head in those crucial moments that arise in finals football.
