One factor to decide NEAFL final between Southport Sharks and Aspley

One big factor could decide who plays in the NEAFL grand final.

THE battle between the two biggest men on the ground shapes as the greatest factor when it comes to deciding if Southport will reach a second consecutive NEAFL grand final.

Southport will meet Aspley for a fourth time this season when they play in the NEAFL preliminary final at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.

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The Sharks have won two of the three past encounters, and another in the pre-season, with their only loss to the Hornets coming in a rain-affected Round 14 game.

Their two victories were by margins of 11 and eight points and Sharks coach Stephen Daniel is expecting another tight encounter this weekend.

Jed Turner scores for the Sharks. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“We are looking good and looking forward to the game,” Daniel said.

“Aspley are a quality side and just like last year we have to face them again in a prelim to earn the right to play in a grand final.

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“Home ground advantage does certainly play a bit into it and there is not much between us.”

“We are very similar. It’s going to go right down to the wire, there is no doubt about that. We have to hope we can play our best footy against a quality opposition.”

Daniel said the battle of the ruck could decide the game.

“One thing that sticks out would be (Aspley ruckman Jake) Spencer,” Daniel said.

“He can be very dominant and in my eye is probably the best ruckman in the league.”

Daniel backed Sharks tall Jed Turner to match it with him after a stellar season.

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“He has been fantastic and he is terrific around the ground,” Daniel said.

“Jed is certainly giving a lot of height away but he is a real battler, he fights the good fight.”