Highfields and Willowburn square off in major TFL semi-final

FOOTBALL: Highfields coach Lachlan Peden wants one thing from his team tonight. One thing he cannot coach – intensity.

Willowburn’s Kiama Gray takes on Rockville’s Penny Dukes. Willowburn and Highfields square off in tonight’s semi-final.

Highfields finished the regular season in second – four points behind their semi-final opponents Willowburn.

Their form heading into the clash has been less than ideal – winning two of their last five games and scoring just three goals in the same stretch.

“The intensity hasn’t quite been there the last few games,” Peden said.

“And unfortunately that’s something you can’t coach.

“You can have the structure and a plan, but the players are responsible for the intensity.

“It’s been a tough run into the finals.

“We came up against a USQ team keen to send their retiring keeper out a winner, and Hawks have been tough all year.

“Lifting the intensity is something we’ve talked about this week – the girls have to want to fight for those 50/50 balls and make those effort plays.”

Despite their recent woes, Peden is adamant the semi-final is anyone’s game.

“It looks like they (Willowburn) had a few tough games the past few weeks as well,” he said.

“They’re a good side though, so we will have to be at our best to get the win.

“It’s going to be an interesting game – their attack versus our defence.

“I really think it’s going to go down to the wire.

“I wouldn’t say we’re confident, but we do have belief.

“Ideally we want to win this one and go straight into the grand final.

“I don’t think either of us wants to be playing the winner out of that Rockville and Hawks game – that’s going to be a tricky match up.”

GAME DAY: Rockville vs Hawks, 5pm. Willowburn vs Highfields, 7pm. Both games will be played tonight at Highfields Oldham Oval.

Originally published as Highfields and Willowburn square off in major TFL semi-final