SANFL Hostplus League – First Semi-Final Preview

Harry Boyd (Norwood) v Liam McBean (Glenelg)

Glenelg coach Brett Hand threw a selection curveball in the Elimination Final, omitting ruckman Angus Cole in preference for tall forward Liam McBean starting in the centre square.

The triple Ken Farmer Medallist did an admirable job playing in the ruck, collecting 17 disposals, six marks, 18 hit outs and a 50m goal while being supported by Riley Holder.

Whether McBean plays the same role against Redlegs’ giant Harry Boyd remains in question as Hand assesses whether to recall Cole this Sunday.

Arguably the competition’s most dominant ruckman this season, Boyd will be looking to lift a notch even though he still finished with admirable numbers – 16 disposals, 33 hit outs, six clearances – in the Qualifying Final.

Jack Heard (Norwood) v Lachie Hosie (Glenelg)

Norwood’s Jack Heard was his team’s best player in the Qualifying Final loss to Adelaide, standing tall against a seemingly constant stream of inside 50m entries.

The composed key defender finished with 23 disposals, six marks, five tackles and nine rebound 50s to underline his importance in Jade Rawlings’ line-up.

Heard’s ability to turn attack into defence could be stifled if he is forced to blanket Glenelg dangerman Lachie Hosie.

The Tigers’ mercurial spearhead is capable of producing a piece of magic at any moment on the big stage, snapping a clever goal along the ground against the Double Blues late in the second term.

If the high-flying former North Melbourne forward can cut loose against the Redlegs, it could be the difference by the final siren.