THE Mininera and District Football League finals get underway today, with locals involved in both senior football games across the weekend.

Penshurst v Lismore-Derrinallum

THE Bombers will be hoping to set up a semi-final clash against Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, with Penshurst facing Lismore-Derrinallum at Caramut Recreation Reserve today.

Penshurst has dominated the competition, finishing the season with a percentage of 457, but coach, Jayden Watson said it counts for nothing, as finals brings new challenges and opportunities.

“Obviously it is great to have a double chance, but we don’t want any slip ups over the next couple of weeks,” he said.

“We want to be playing our best footy until the last day of the season.”

The Bombers coach will have a strong squad to choose from, with Penshurst expecting a “fierce” contest from Lismore-Derrinallum.

Penshurst has worked hard during the season and Watson hopes it will pay dividends through the finals series.

“I think our game holds us in good stead, teams have to play a good four quarters against us to stop our scoring power,” he said.

“We have a fair few avenues to goal, so I guess that is how we have blown sides apart, but there hasn’t been too many times we have had to stem goals or have repeat stoppages.

“We just have to execute under pressure.”

As with any game, the middle of the ground will play a big part in the result, as the Bombers look to get first use of the ball and lock the ball in their forward half.

Watson said he expected the ruck contest and forward efficiency to also be pivotal.

“The midfield is going to tell a big tale, I think their ruckman is in good form, so if he gets on top, we may need to go a bit defensive in there,” he said.

“Henry Walsh didn’t play last time, he has been in good form for them and has been in their bests.

“I think the main thing is just keeping it as open as possible and not filling our leading lanes, and just trying to get it in quick.

“Lachie Constable has been in form, kicking a fair few goals up forward for them, and Blake Scott provides leg speed for them as well.”

Watson remains confident the team will step up when required, as the Bombers search for a grand final appearance, the first in five years.

“The intensity of finals, the boys have been waiting for it and they’re ready for it, I will be harnessing the energy that comes with that,” he said.

“It has always been a well-supported club, I think 2019 was the last time seniors appeared in the grand final, so we will be looking to get there again.

“There is a good buzz around the club at the moment.”

Glenthompson-Dunkeld and Ararat Eagles will battle out the reserves qualifying final, while the Under-16.5 clash will be between Moyston-Willaura and Hawkesdale-Macarthur.

Hawkesdale-Macarthur v Ararat Eagles

HAWKESDALE-MACARTHUR will play finals footy for the first time in eight years, as the team takes to the field tomorrow.

The team will be fighting to stay alive when it faces the Ararat Eagles in the elimination final at Lake Bolac Recreation Reserve.

Ararat finished fifth, while its fourth-placed opponent goes into the sudden death final off the back of back-to-back losses.

Hawkesdale-Macarthur coach, Xavier McCartney said the team needs to bounce back and put together a consistent four-quarter effort tomorrow.

“The double chance would have been nice, but the last month we haven’t been playing our best footy,” he said.

“We really need to bounce back, I am hoping finals adds that bit of motivation.

“We knew we were in three weeks ago, other teams have gelled better than us in the past week.”

Hawkesdale-Macarthur hasn’t played finals footy since 2016, with the club buoyed by the chance to be among the premiership contenders.

McCartney’s side still won’t be back to full strength, but is backing in the team in what he is expecting to be a typical finals outing.

“I think it will be very hot and physical early, the way we want to play is making the ground big,” he said.

“We have got some good forwards up there, and finals is a different ball game.

“I do think both teams can score, we both have strong forward lines.”

With Lake Bolac Recreation Reserve one of the bigger grounds in the league, McCartney is excited about the prospects of the team.

“I think the ground will be fine, our half-backs are probably our strongest point, so we will make the ground big and take the game on,” he said.

“As long as we defend well, the ground will suit us.”

McCartney’s message to the team was simple during the week.

“We are a young team and we haven’t played finals for a long time, I know we have lost the last couple of games,” he said.

“The message Monday was to stay positive, that we have done the hard work to get here, but it will get even harder now.

“I have no doubt our best is really good, and when we play our brand of footy, we are a hard team to beat.

“Make the most of it, enjoy it and hopefully we can keep going for another couple of weeks.”

Lismore-Derrinallum and Wickliffe-Lake Bolac will face-off in the reserves elimination final, while the Under-16.5 knockout final will be between Caramut and Penshurst.