Magpies, Tigers square off in Hills Football League decider

Ex-SANFL stars are ready for HFL grand final as Hahndorf aims for three-peat, while Lobethal looks to win its first flag since 2002. Read the coaches’ last words in our preview here.

Action from the Lobethal v Hahndorf semi-final which was played earlier this month. The two teams will square of in the 2020 HFL grand final this Saturday. Picture: Supplied by Aliza Fuller

• SHOCK: Hills footy team suffers first loss in 871 days
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Hahndorf will get another crack at Lobethal after winning its preliminary final against Blackwood at Echunga Oval on Saturday.

The Magpies bounced back after a shock loss in their semi-final against the Tigers to prevail over Blackwood 18.11 (119) to 9.5 (59).

They are aiming for the fifth flag in six years but are facing a tough task of beating Lobethal, which is aiming for its first premiership since 2002. .

Hahndorf coach Matt Golding said his team was even more determined to win the preliminary final after the loss to Lobethal the week earlier.

“Everyone was a bit disappointed after the Lobethal game but they quickly turned that around during the week,” Golding said.

“Their attitude was first class.

Action from the Lobethal v Hahndorf semi-final earlier this month. Picture: Supplied by Aliza Fuller

“You can’t win forever and anything it’s been a positive and maybe it might be a better preparation having the extra game”

Lobethal coach Matt Fuller said his team was well rested after earning the bye before the flag decider.

“We got a lot out of our win against them in the semi and I think the break has helped us,’’ Fuller said.

“It should be a cracking game.

“We have a couple of players who haven’t played in a final.

“But we have a mix of experience and non experience with a number of our guys having played in SANFL finals and grand finals.

“Making this grand final has been a big lift for our community”

The teams meet in the 1998 grand final and Lobethal won in extra time.

There was about 10 minutes to play in that grand final and Hahndorf led by about five goals, before Lobethal stormed home to draw the game at the end of normal time.

The Tigers then took charge in extra time to win by 17 points

SCOREBOARD

DIVISION ONE

Preliminary final

■ Hahndorf 18.11 (119) d Blackwood 9.5 (59) at Echunga Oval

DIVISION TWO

Grand final

■ Ironbank Cherry Gardens 14.18 (102) d Birdwood 9.9 (63) at Kersbrook

THIS WEEK

Division one grand final

■ Lobethal v Hahndorf at Echunga oval this Saturday