THE Bendigo Football League finals don’t officially start until next week.
However, Kangaroo Flat will be treating today’s clash against Eaglehawk at Canterbury Park as if it’s just that – a final.
If the Roos defeat the Hawks then they are guaranteed to play in next week’s elimination final.
But if the Roos are beaten their finals hopes would then hinge on sixth-placed Maryborough losing to Kyneton.
While Kangaroo Flat will be treating today with the same importance as a final, they also had the same mindset against Sandhurst last week, and it paid off, with the Roos holding on to win a thriller by two points at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.
“We realise that if we win then we’re in the finals, but if we lose then we’re a big chance of missing out,’’ Roos coach Murray Collins said yesterday.
“Really, finals started for us last week, and that’s the way we will be treating this match as well.’’
Hindering the Roos’ chances of recording their first win at Canterbury Park since 2002 is their skipper Tyrone Downie, who will be forced to watch from the sidelines through suspension.
Downie’s replacement is Josh Davies, who has been named at centre half-back.
“He has done some good work in the reserves, so he will get his chance this week,’’ Collins said.
Being a past player at Eaglehawk Collins is fully aware of just how difficult it is for opposition teams to win at Canterbury Park.
With that in mind, a strong start is the key point of focus for the Roos.
“I know what the Eaglehawk supporter base is like and how much they love the place, so if we don’t get a good start it’s going to be a long day,’’ Collins said.
Entering today’s match, Roos full-forward Justin Maddern needs just four goals to become the second BFL player this year, behind Golden Square’s Grant Weeks, to reach the century.
“It would be good if Justin could get that out of the way early, but Eaglehawk always seems to do well on him, with guys like Tim Hill and Jeremy Brown,’’ Collins said.
“It would be nice if he gets his hundred, but I’m sure he would be happy to only kick a couple of goals, as long as we win.’’
Meanwhile, Maryborough coach Shane Fisher said while disappointed his side’s finals destiny is out of its own hands, he’s confident the Magpies can hold up their end of the bargain by beating Kyneton at the Kyneton Showgrounds.
“Regardless of whether we finish this week or not, we want to square the ledger up at nine wins and nine losses,’’ Fisher said.
“For our side that would be a half-passable year, and if that then means things go our way and we play in the finals, well, we’ll take that after the game.’’
If Kyneton wins it will give the Tigers four wins in a row at home for the first time since 1997.
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