Once again, the highest ranked team was able to choose their opponent and with Iron Knob and Waikikamoocow both getting knocked out in the quarter finals, the defending premier, Chief Russell, was able to take on that task from his 3rd place finish. Who he picked may come as a surprise after they beat the top team last week, but Powlett Plains have been picked first for the second week running - time will tell whether it pays off or not.


Here's the preview, as written by Bandit:

Foul Bay vs Powlett Plains

Some may say that the chief is taking a risk picking the Raptors as his Semi final opponent... only time will tell. The Chooks now are a real chance of going back to back, but they have a hurdle to get over this week. The size of the hurdle really depends on how the Packers respond to having to travel down from Iron Knob during the week. Old blokes like Murphy, Boyd, Kornes and Riewoldt are known to favour a light week after travelling, preferably being tucked into bed with some hot cocoa and a new Depends liner. The trip to Foul Bay will not be quite as therapeutic, however the young guns of Grundy, Scully and Henderson will carry the bags to minimise any risks of injuries. Foul Bay will be grateful for 'sneaking' home by 160 odd points last week, and with the likes of Dangerfield and Roughhead being a little out of form, the Chooks will be hoping a cattle prod up the Khyber will get them focussed on the game ahead.



Tough game this one... I am picking the Packers to turn up with their A game and give the Chooks a fright. Foul Bay by 64




Birdsville vs Darraweit Guim

Some of the Birdsville folk have been partying a little too hard after their win against the Incorrigibles, and hopefully the shenanigans being witnessed in some of the coterie functions don't lull the Battlers players into a false sense of security. Darraweit Guim are coming off a week where the were the best of the underperformers, and will be looking for big games from some of their big names.The Cannon will want to reload, The Mullet will want to continue his good run of form against McEvoy, who is also coming off a down week. JC will be hoping the likes of White, Clarke and Rich have another good week, and Travis Cloke will be salivating at the chance of tearing Alex Rance apart.



Another close game, I think Birdsville by 54