Football SA State League reporter, Fin Dunford, previews the first weekend of the State League Finals Series, proudly brought to you by BORAL.
State League One
White City versus Playford kickstarts an action-packed week of finals football. Fourth versus fifth, both teams have been brilliant all year; and the winner could realistically make a deep run in this finals series.
Last week’s 1-1 draw shows there isn’t much to split these two, and one can assume it may come down to a moment of brilliance from either side.
White City’s Stefan Simic will be one to keep an eye on, having scored last week, he has put together an impressive season. Playford’s Daniel Ryan has scored some clutch goals throughout the year, and the Patriots faithful will be hoping he repeats these heroics.
Next is the big boys, as newly promoted South Adelaide take on Sturt. Momentum is with the home side, as Sturt just had a slip up against Fulham.
Panthers will obviously be motivated to win more silverware; however, promotion will surely be all Sturt have on their mind.
Jonathon Rideout is in red-hot form, and a successful finals series on his part could cap off an all-time season. Gonzalo Rodriguez has been emphatic for Sturt as well, and if he’s firing; Lions will be difficult to stop.
These two have set the benchmark all year, and this promises to be a cracker.
West Adelaide head into their fixture with Western Strikers as favourites, but it won’t be an easy task by any means.
Striker’s journey has been up and down, with their trials and tribulations surely creating a strong sense of belief. Nonetheless, Hellas will back themselves and back their stars; Kasumovic and Da Silva.
Eastern United would have been kicking themselves all week, having thrown automatic promotion away, along with the minor premiership. Cobras will be on a high and will look to turn this momentum into a memorable result.
Both teams will understand they have a double chance but bragging rights and an easier finals run will be highly-sought.
State League Two
Modbury Vista and Gawler promises to be a tightly contested, fiery Northern Derby. Vista have had the edge on Eagles throughout the year, but anything can happen.
Coming off a 10-0 demolition job, Gawler will fancy themselves, as will their talisman Benny Kovadio.
With this in mind, Vista still head in as favourites; and are certainly a dark horse of this finals series.
Last but not least is fourth versus fifth, Pirates versus Adelaide Uni. Both sides have exemplified quality all season but have had little dips in form that have separated them from the very best.
Nonetheless, within both their ranks there is immense quality that can stand up at any moment; this one will be extremely close.