Cairns Hockey: Eight players to watch in A-grade men’s grand final
Cairns Post hockey writer Rowan Sparkes picks eight players that could bust open Saturday night’s A-grade men’s decider between Saints and Souths.
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Grand finals often come down to the game breakers that take the match by the scruff of the neck.
As sure as there will be a winner between Saints and Souths in Saturday night’s Cairns Hockey Association A-grade men’s decider, there will surely be a defining moment, where a player positively or negatively makes an impact for their team.
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Cairns Post hockey writer Rowan Sparkes has pinpointed eight grand final game breakers who could be the difference between winning and losing on the night.
SAINTS
Cameron Anderson
Will look to steady the ship at the back alongside HC Melbourne Hockey One player Simon Borger.
He is one of the best tacklers in the game and can relieve defensive pressure with his pinpoint aerial game.
Daniel Pittendreigh
He is very sharp in front of goal and shows great aggression and hunger for the ball.
He has looked the most likely in the circle for the Sky Blues this season, with five goals in nine games, and will surely be a key player up front in the decider.
Adam Catalano
The experienced and versatile campaigner will be invaluable in guiding his younger teammates in the last game of the season.
His decision-making will be key for Saints if they are to get the upper hand early on.
Brodie Quirk
Can create space for his teammates and will look to continue the goalscoring form he found in Saints’ 4-0 win over Souths in the last rounds of the season.
Doesn’t have the experience of some of his teammates, but can certainly have an impact.
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SOUTHS
Liam Whipp
The young skipper is a seasoned A-grader at the age of 19, but this will be his first time leading the side into the grand final.
His composure will be critical at the back to keep the defence in order, while his control and passing game will be needed to get his side out of trouble.
Glen Geraghty
One of the most influential players in the competition and extremely dangerous up front, Geraghty took just three minutes to have an impact in last week’s semi-final.
It’s not a matter of if he will stamp his authority on the game, but when and how.
Dean Butler
The former Kookaburra, who helped Australia claim its first men’s hockey gold at the 2004 Olympics, has been nursing a calf injury but that won’t stop him from taking the pitch in the big dance.
His hockey brain provides a massive advantage in the heat of battle.
Josh Fowler
The Australian Country under-21s representative has returned from Melbourne to Cairns this season.
His level head and directing of play will be key in creating attacking opportunities.
Originally published as Cairns Hockey: Eight players to watch in A-grade men’s grand final