Keysborough v Pakenham
Saturday, 2.15pm at Rowley Allan Reserve (Melways: 89, D9).
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:STRENGTHS
Keysborough: The ability to shut down the run of opponents at home. That, combined with a potent marking attack led by Tyson King, Luke McGuinness and Mat Freeman, gives the Burra (arguably) the biggest home-ground advantage in the competition.
Pakenham: A boost in height provided by Glen Wouters and Jake Matthews, together with added hardness around the ball after the inclusion of Ryan Cassidy, will create a much tougher outfit.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:QUESTION MARKS
Keysborough: Will the new-look Burra team together efficiently enough from the first bounce to defeat the 2009 premiership favourites in the opening round?
There must be no chinks in the home side’s armour because the Lions are the best at exploiting weakness.
Pakenham: Can the Lions dominate the ruck and get first use of the ball?
Highly rated Lion ruckman Jeremy Everett must reverse the outcome of last year’s preliminary final when he was stitched up by big Burra Shaun Witherden or the Keysborough smalls will feast at their feet again.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:X-FACTORS
Keysborough: Nobody knows anything about the ability or style of many of the new Keysborough faces.
If players like Vic Currie, Davor Rajic, Travis Skidmore and Dave Roberts are on song early, the Lions may be forced to do some serious chasing.
Pakenham: Mental strength is the key.
At this stage, only new coach Michael Holland and his players know how much psychological baggage is still in their lockers after the 2008 finals capitulation, but the whole world will know at 5pm on Saturday.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:VERDICT
Many thought that Pakenham lost last year’s preliminary final and few paid Keysborough the credit it earned after its win.
The Burra, at home, might just prove that they actually deserved their grand-final berth last year and sneak home in a thriller.
