Having despatched QUT last weekend, the almighty Herston Hatchets will now come up against a Naita Phoenix side looking to win their first ever QIF Sunday Premier Division title. The match is sure to be a tough one, with both sides fancying their chances.

The last time these two sides met.

This season: The two sides have met three times already this year. In their first meeting, Herston were able to win 3-2 thanks to a ‘goal-of-the-season’ contender from Nick Boyer. In game two, a draw was probably a fair result in a physical battle. And just a few weeks ago, it was 0-0, with the Hatchets unlucky not to win.
These sides have some serious history. All three games have been ill-tempered affairs – dominated by late tackles, bad sportsmanship and some feisty smack talk. On the big stage of a grand final, it’s foolish to expect the two teams to overcome their differences and make plans for tea.

Key player (Hatchets): 

Amin on the ball against Naita Phoenix this season.

Sonesh Amin has hit a rich vein of late-season form. The first-year has scored four and set up two in his last four appearances, and Naita Phoenix will have to keep him quiet if they wish to restrict Herston’s attacking threat.

Key player (Phoenix): 

Referee: “I’d card you for your personality as well if I could.”

I don’t know the guy’s name and quite frankly I don’t want to. Number 10 for the Phoenix is fast, skilful and dangerous on the ball, but he’s also a Grade-A prick. Look out for him laying the dirtiest tackles of the match, then screaming in agony whenever he gets tackled himself.
Who knows, he might be a nice guy off the pitch.

Predicted line-up – Herston:

Drew Williams comes into the team as goalkeeper.

Predicted line-up – Phoenix:

Subject to change without notice.

Prediction: You haven’t been paying attention to this blog if you think I’m going to predict anything other than a Hatchets win. 3-1 to UQ.

Herston Hatchets vs Naita Phoenix
Opperman Park SC, Bethania
9am kick-off
October 19, 2014.