Finals Series Round 1 Preview – State League Men’s

The business end of the season has come about as the Men’s State League enters its first round of Finals Series matches with two epic encounters set to grace Fraser Park on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

 Bankstown United FC vs. Camden Tigers FC – Saturday 3 September, 6PM at Fraser Park

Fraser Park will host this weekend’s must win Elimination Semi between the Camden Tigers FC and Bankstown United FC.

Camden and Bankstown were inseparable come season’s end, both sitting on 38 points with goal difference the only margin between the two.

In their first season in the State League Men’s, Bankstown have made a name for themselves with extremely difficult to break down defending. Meanwhile, their strike force is led by the seemingly unstoppable Tom Markovski – who scored 18 times this season in just 19 appearances.

Camden started the season slowly, but recovered in the second half of the year to finish very impressively. Their direct, physical style of football has turned heads, spearheaded by dynamic young attacker Jayden Russell. Russell’s 19 goals makes him the competition’s second highest scorer.

These two sides met only two weeks ago, where Bankstown emerged narrowly victorious in a tight 1-0 chess match.

Bankstown coach Petar Finka recognises the magnitude of this Saturday’s clash for the team and the club.

“The squad is coming together… we still have a couple of players with an injury concern, so we are monitoring that this week to make sure we have our strongest eleven on the park.”

Finka is wary of the attacking threat provided by the Tigers, saying, “We know that they have firepower up front and a hard working midfield, so we have been working on how we are going to contain that and be able to play our brand of football.”

“Once again, we are excited and looking forward to playing some Finals football and know that we have to be ready for nothing, because anything can happen.”

Camden coach Dean Bradley hopes that his squad continue to play this weekend as they have throughout the past couple of months.

“Preparation is the same as always, though the whole squad are pushing each other for starting positions… we have and will concentrate on what works well for us though it will be tough.”

Bradley acknowledges that Bankstown will be a particularly tough challenge, as Camden have not beaten them all year.

“As a club, we are happy to be playing Finals football… we wish all the other teams well this week and can’t wait for the weekend.”

Hurstville FC vs. SD Raiders FC – Sunday 4 September, 5PM at Fraser Park

The league’s most fearsome attack will take on one of the league’s best defensive outfits this Sunday, with the SD Raiders FC and Hurstville FC going head to head.

Despite coming third, the Raiders have been a force to reckon with in attack this year, scoring an incredible 82 goals. Mitchell Mclintock has been the star, totalling an unbelievable 33 goals to lead the league in scoring. Mark Symington has been his partner in crime, notching 19 goals over the course of the season.

Hurstville FC haven’t been nearly as prolific in front of goal as their counterparts, but have conceded only twenty times throughout the year. Their midfield has also been extremely impressive, led by captain Andrew Harb and spearheaded by Henry Kamleitner.

Hurstville coach Alex Prophet backs his squad to continue their form against the Raiders this season, saying, “We have had two games with Districts, winning one and drawing the other… so yes, we respect them, but we know where we are as a group… we go in confident.”

“The whole club is looking forward to it, and the squad is looking great… ready to fire and progress further in the Finals.”

-by Daniel Palmer, Football NSW State League Men’s Reporter