Rematches and revenge to define DHL knockout finals
With grand finals just around the corner the remaining sides of the Darwin Hockey League have their last shot at redemption. Read how the A-grade finals are shaping up.
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With a grand final berth and the chance to make history on the line, this will be the last chance for some of Darwin’s premier hockey teams to book their ticket to DHL23’s big dance.
Read how the A-grade men’s and women’s side’s are shaping up here.
A-GRADE WOMEN
Waratah v Commerce (Pints) (Knockout final Saturday @ 6pm)
PINTS (2nd)
Looking for their fourth title on the trot, Comerce are ready to leave it all on the field when they come up against historic rival and familiar foe Waratah.
With a significant turnover in personnel this season, and a bit of a bumpy start, Pints have hit their straps at the right time of the year.
“We had a significant change in line-up this year as well as an entirely new coaching staff,” coach Damien Baronain said.
“We had a bit of an adjustment period and slow start the first half of the season but after the mid-season break we’ve been playing some very good hockey.”
Baronain expressed that he is expecting Tahs midfield to cause his side the most trouble.
“They (Waratah) have a very strong midfield core that have been great all year,” he said.
“They have the ability to turn on a counter attack very quickly so we need to do our best to hold them out from the middle of the field.
TAHS (3rd)
Looking to finally break their hoodoo and get some ‘revenge’ over their close rivals, Tahs are headed into the weekend with one thing on their mind, winning.
“Having lost to Commerce the last couple of times in the grand final, we (the side) are definitely pumped up and ready to get the win this Saturday,” Waratah’s rookie coach Ben Tilbrok said.
“This season has been one of the most competitive in recent memory and we are confident that we are capable of getting the win, especially after our win over Banks last weekend, we’re all very excited.”
The coach is wary of his opponent’s ability to get on the counter in the blink-of-an-eye and is anticipating a fast paced game.
“Their counter-attack is among the best in the competition,” Tilbrok said.
“They have threats all around the park and we need to make sure we stay on our toes and don’t give them an opportunity to strike.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PINTS
Lisa Stevens: A forward that gives 110 per cent every round, she is the side’s go to strike weapon and is also their leading goal scorer through the regular season.
Niesha Casimiro:
A 14-year-old star that’s rising through the ranks at an astonishing rate, Casimiro is a versatile and skilful player capable of playing a number of positions, but is commonly upfront leading the attack with Stevens.
Michelle Caden:
One of the most experienced and knowledgeable players in the competition, Caden is a fullback that is solid as a rock who leads her side around the park very well.
TAHS
Elle Richardson:
One of the side’s most important players, Richardson is a well rounded midfielder that puts in the hard work each week; she’s scored four goals in 15 games.
Phoebe Wiltshire:
A multiple premiership winner and continuing her good form from her stint with the NT side, the defender is extremely reliable and isn’t afraid of high-pressure moments.
Cara Evans:
One of the top forwards in the league, Evans has scored eight goals in her 11 games this season and is always a threat when on the field.
A-GRADE MEN
Waratah v East Darwin (Storm) – (Knockout final @ 8pm)
WARATAH (4th)
Returning to the A-grade competition this year, the Tahs weren’t expecting much going into the season, conceding they may only snag a few wins all season.
To their amazement, and surprising even themselves, the Tahs upset reigning premiers Nightcliff Tigers 5-3 in round 1.
“The side’s captain Ben Tilbrok has declared this season as a, “real underdog story,” and is looking forward to the challenge of facing a strong Storm outfit.
“I have a lot of confidence in our side that we can get the better of them (Storm), especially riding off the confidence boost after winning in the semi last week,” Tilbrok said.
“We will have to keep an eye on (Nathan) Hochman as he has been their main strike-weapon all year and has scored 16 goals in 11 games, so he’s obviously an attacking threat we need to contain.”
EAST DARWIN (2nd)
After a very solid season that resulted in a second-place finish, the Storm are under no illusions about this weekends game and are ready for a tough affair.
“We lost a lot of players from last year so we worked hard to finish second this year,” East’s coach and player Craig White said.
“It’s been a very close comp this year and it really is anyone’s to win.
“The ‘Tahs have definitely had a bounce-back season and they’ve been led well by a few elite players, namely Dane Gavranich, Elliot Barton and Zach Rakkas, so we’ll need to keep a close eye on them.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
TAHS
Aidan Abel:
Clutch in key moments, scoring crucial game tying or winning goals in big games.
Playing in the midfield and one of the youngest in the side at 18-years-old, Abel has scored an impressive eight goals in 12 games this season.
Riley Butcher:
Another young talent in the side, 16-year-old Butcher has been huge for the Tah’s all year, playing above and exceeding expectations.
The goalie has been solid for his side, also stepping up in big games.
Dane Gavranich:
Player and coach, Gavranich has been the catalyst for the Tah’s turnaround this season, currently his first season in the role.
The midfielder has handled the season very well, producing game plans that work against each opponent that work for all players regardless of capability or position.
STORM
Calvin Farmilio:
A centre half described as the side’s workhorse, Farmilio covers a lot of ground week in week out.
He controls the middle of the field very well and has consistently provided good distribution to his forwards all year.
Nathan Hochman:
The leading goal scorer through the regular season and Storm’s ultimate strike weapon, Hochman will not doubt be a headache for anyone tasked keeping him off the ball.
James Cooper:
The goalie has been one of the side’s most consistent players this season.
In his second year with the club, Cooper has made some massive saves in pivotal moments, having kept his side in the game numerous times.
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