The Putney Magpies will take on the Wandsworth Demons for  the 2010 AFL London Premiership at Barn Elms this Saturday August 21st, after the Magpies defeated long-time British footy goliaths the West London Wildcats last weekend.

The 95-66 win over the Wildcats will see Putney make their first-ever Grand Final appearance, as well as marking the first year since 2001 that West London have not competed in the season's main event.

After winning the past six London Premierships on the trot, the Wildcats will have to be content with third place in the premiership conference, however their seconds (Shepherds Bush) and thirds (Ealing) will be playing for the cup in their respective divisions.

The day's footy at Barn Elms Reserve commences with Ealing vs South London for the Social Division GF at 11am, Shepherds Bush vs Clapham for the Conference GF at 1pm, and the Premiership Division at 3pm.

The Putney Magpies will challenge The Wandsworth Demons in the London AFL Grand Final this Saturday @ Barn Elms Sports Ground. Consider one the strongest competitions outside of Australia, both teams will look forward to a highly skilled and competitive game in front of around 1000 spectators at Barnes Elms Sport Ground in Putney.

The Demons made the final by crushing minor premiers the West London Wildcats by 10 goals in wet and greasy conditions in the first semi final two weeks ago. In what was a scrappy game early on due to the conditions, the Demons took charge in the second half and earn themselves a week off and went straight in the Grand Final.

The Wildcats were then defeated by well drilled Putney Magpies outfit by 5 goals last Saturday ending their chances of securing a record 7th straight premiership. The Wildcats would have to be disappointed with their exit of the finals after winning the minor premiership and being the dominant team throughout the year. However, it was the Magpies who stood up when it was needed and took all their chances in the last quarter to run out 29 point winners after scores were almost level at three quarter time.

Both teams will be very evenly match with Wandsworth defeating Putney in a low scoring 1st round clash at Clapham Common while the Magpies took to the honours in their second meeting at Putney Heath last June.

The game could be easily won or lost in the middle of the ground with both teams having a number of quality midfielders. British based players could also have a say in the outcome due to the quota system used in the AFL London Competition whereby 9 Aussies and 9 EUs must be on the pitch as one time.

For Putney, Pete McGettigan has been in steller form during the last part of the season up forward after kicking 6 goals in their win against the Wildcats last week. While the engine room of midfielders Greg Chapman, Greg Hesse, Paul Sosic and Clayton Fitzgerald will be the key to helping Putney’s chances of winning their first ever Premiership Cup in the clubs short 6 year history. Down back, Dan Couch and Casey McLeod, who kept the Wildcats key forwards quiet last week, will be hoping to do the same thing this weekend. British players Rob Hamerston, Andy Ruinoff, Christian Lloyd and veteran Paul Harris, who all have represented Great Britain, have also been in terrific form.

Putney will need to restrict the goal scoring power of Wandsworth’s full-forward Chris Cant who led the league this season on the goal kicking charts and Mark Brescian kick 5 goals in their Semi-final win to put the Dees into their 2nd Grand Final in two seasons. They will be well supported by Gavin Mahoney, Jeremy Combe, Chris Hood and Peter Tyson. Great Britain players James Stewart, Alex Cooke and Paddy Williams will look to shine and Irishmen Charlie O’Hagan and Matt Donnelly might also have say on who could get their hands on the Premiership Cup.

Whatever the outcome, there will be a number of Aussie ex-pats down there this Saturday supporting and cheering for both teams.

Aaron Richard

 

August 17, 2010