tony
il capo
- Apr 30, 2004
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Welcome to the Grand Final of State of Origin Series XIX
Ladies and gentlemen, Qooty fans from all corners, it's time to buckle up for the thrilling conclusion of this year's State of Origin series. In one corner, we have Western Australia, the proud warriors from the west, eager to reclaim their glory. In the other, the relentless Allies, determined to make history with back-to-back premierships.
Both sides have etched their names in the annals of State of Origin history, each boasting four flags. The Allies, the reigning champions, are fresh off their Series XVIII triumph and hungry for another victory. Western Australia, having last lifted the trophy in Series XVII, are more than ready to make it a fifth. Whoever wins this week will be the first state to reach five State of Origin victories, setting a new benchmark of excellence.
The last encounter between these two states was a Round 3 clash at the SCG, where the Allies triumphed by 17 points. On that day, the Allies' Irish BlueBagger dominated with 32 possessions, closely followed by Grav with 28, and The Filth Wizard and moginie with 26 each. ShaunDuggan and BRAB were the standout goalkickers, with 4 and 3 goals respectively. For Western Australia, Chipmunk led the charge with 29 disposals, MWPP and Falconista each racked up 27, and TY24 added 26. Tonga Bob was the main man in front of goal with 3, while Matera92, Freofalcon, and Falconista chipped in with 2 each.
But this is the Grand Final, and the stage is set at Perth Stadium. With the home ground advantage and the passionate Western Australian crowd behind them, WA is primed for revenge. The battle for supremacy is fierce, and only one team will emerge victorious.
Who will it be? Will the Allies cement their dominance, or will Western Australia rise to the occasion and reclaim their crown? Let’s find out as we witness the epic showdown of Series XIX!
Now, let’s take a closer look at the two teams and their stats, and see what they bring to this monumental clash.
Rd 1 Western Australia 18.4 (112) defeated Victoria Country 12.11 (83)
1st Quarter: The match started with Vic Country looking sharp, but WA wasn’t going to let them have all the fun. Despite some early goals from Pamcake1 and Ocha905, omgfridge kept WA in the contest with a quick reply. Vic Country piled on the pressure with a flurry of goals, stretching their lead to 33 points by the end of the quarter.
2nd Quarter: WA came roaring back in the second quarter, refusing to let Vic Country run away with it. Tonga Bob and MWPP sparked the comeback, quickly narrowing the gap. serial_thrilla and Freofalcon joined the goal fest, bringing WA within striking distance. Despite a couple of late goals from Vic Country, WA had clawed back to trail by just 17 points at halftime. The momentum was shifting.
3rd Quarter: The third quarter was where WA put the foot down. Freofalcon kicked off with two quick goals, and serial_thrilla put WA in the lead for the first time. Tonga Bob and Freofalcon continued to apply pressure, and by the end of the quarter, WA had turned a deficit into an 18 point lead. It was a remarkable turnaround, with WA outplaying Vic Country in every aspect.
4th Quarter: The final quarter saw WA maintaining their dominance. Purple Jesus and Tonga Bob extended the lead, and @omgfridge’s goal pushed it further. Despite Vic Country's attempts to fight back, WA's defense held strong. The match ended with WA securing a solid 29 point victory, thanks to their relentless effort and superb second half performance.
Rd 2 Western Australia 19.5 (119) defeated South Australia 15.11 (101)
1st Quarter: South Australia had plenty of opportunities early on, but their aim was about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. Despite having 12 scoring shots, they couldn’t pull away as much as they hoped by only kicking 4 goals. MWPP put WA on the board, and with additional goals from CursingFijian and serial_thrilla, WA managed to stay within striking distance. @Falconista’s goal right before the siren kept WA in the game, trailing by just 6 points.
2nd Quarter: WA came out of the gates like a team possessed. MWPP quickly leveled the scores, and despite SA’s attempts to regain control, krakouers and MWPP kept the scoreboard ticking over for WA. Tonga Bob joined the party, and by halftime, WA had flipped the script, turning a 6 point deficit into a 26 point lead.
3rd Quarter: South Australia tried to mount a comeback, opening with a quick goal, but WA was having none of it. CursingFijian and MWPP continued their stellar performance, extending WA’s lead to 31 points. Although SA managed to slot a couple more goals, WA’s defense held strong, maintaining a comfortable 19 point lead heading into the final quarter.
4th Quarter: The final term was a rollercoaster. WA’s serial_thrilla and Freofalcon gave them a solid buffer, but SA refused to go quietly, narrowing the gap to just 6 points. However, Tonga Bob stepped up when it mattered most, kicking two crucial goals to seal the match. WA emerged victorious, finishing with an 18 point win in a thrilling contest.
Rd 3 Western Australia 12.14 (86) defeated by Allies 15.13 (103)
1st Quarter: The Allies started strong, with GWS Goose and T2B_ putting early points on the board. WA didn't take long to respond, though. Freofalcon, TheInjuryFactory, and Matera92 showed their skills, turning the game around and giving WA a brief lead. The Allies were relentless but were only kicking behinds, and @ShaunDuggan’s late goal left WA trailing by 6 points at the end of the quarter.
2nd Quarter: The Allies came out swinging in the second quarter, quickly extending their lead. WA, however, wasn't about to back down. Goals from Tonga Bob and Falconista brought them back into the fight, narrowing the gap. The Allies responded with a couple of quick goals, pulling away again and ending the quarter with a 25 point lead. WA was struggling to keep up with the relentless pressure.
3rd Quarter: The Allies dominated the early stages of the third quarter, pushing their lead to 31 points. WA kept fighting, with serial_thrilla and Freofalcon scoring important goals. Despite their efforts, the Allies continued to find the goals through The Filth Wizard, Irish BlueBagger, and ShaunDuggan. By the end of the quarter, WA was 44 points behind, facing an uphill battle.
4th Quarter: WA showed their resilience in the final term. Falconista and Tonga Bob led a spirited comeback, and CakeEater added to the tally, bringing hope to the WA fans. Despite their best efforts, the Allies' defense held strong. A late goal from PMBangers sealed the victory for the Allies, despite WA’s determined efforts to close the gap. The match ended with the Allies securing a 17 point victory.
Rd 4 Bye
Rd 5 Western Australia 27.18 (180) defeated Victoria Metro 10.10 (70)
1st Quarter: Western Australia hit the ground running, with Tarkyn_24 kicking the first goal to ignite the team's momentum. Matera92 and CakeEater quickly followed suit, giving WA an early 17 point lead. Despite some resistance from Vic Metro, including a goal from PhenomenalV1, WA kept the pressure on, ending the quarter with a solid 18 point advantage.
2nd Quarter: The second quarter saw Western Australia maintaining their dominance. Tarkyn_24 and Tonga Bob were in fine form, each adding goals to extend the lead. Despite @PhenomenalV1’s efforts for Vic Metro, WA's consistent scoring and defensive resilience allowed them to stretch their lead to 53 points by halftime.
3rd Quarter: Vic Metro tried to mount a comeback in the third quarter, but WA responded with a barrage of goals, including several from the unstoppable Tonga Bob. Even with goals from Proper Gander and NaturalDisaster, Vic Metro couldn't match WA's firepower. The quarter ended with WA ahead by a commanding 59 points.
4th Quarter: In the final quarter, Western Australia was ruthless in killing off the game, kicking 9.9 to Vic Metro’s 2 goals. Tonga Bob was unstoppable, kicking 5 goals for the quarter and bringing his total to ten for the match. WA's relentless attack sealed a dominant performance, culminating in an emphatic 110 point victory.
Rd 1 Allies 16.12 (108) defeated Vic Metro 16.11 (107)
1st Quarter: The game kicked off with Vic Metro taking an early lead, thanks to goals from okeydoke7 and Bovo. However, the Allies responded quickly. BRAB got the Allies on the board, and ShaunDuggan followed suit. @BRAB’s second goal was part of a quick flurry that saw the Allies surge ahead, finishing the quarter with a 10 point lead.
2nd Quarter: Vic Metro closed the gap with goals from @Elmer_Judd and gab213, but the Allies fought back with BRAB and T2B_ both finding the goals. Despite Vic Metro's efforts to keep up, the Allies held onto their lead, with a critical goal from Strigoi keeping them 7 points ahead at the half.
3rd Quarter: The Allies faced a strong challenge from Vic Metro in the third quarter, with gab213 and spudmaster giving Vic Metro a brief lead. However, the Allies' ShaunDuggan and GWS Goose kept the scoreline tight. @ShaunDuggan’s late goal ensured the Allies were only trailing by 14 points going into the final quarter.
4th Quarter: The final quarter saw the Allies mount a spirited comeback. Goals from GWS Goose and T2B_ reduced the deficit, and T2B_ again pushed the Allies into the lead. Despite Vic Metro's last minute goal from gab213, the Allies held on to win by a narrow 1 point margin.
Rd 2 Bye
Rd 3 Allies 15.13 (103) defeated Western Australia 12.14 (86)
1st Quarter: The Allies came out strong with GWS Goose kicking the first goal. Despite a few missed opportunities, T2B_ added another major, setting the tone early. The quarter saw a flurry of points, with the Allies maintaining a slim lead thanks to @ShaunDuggan’s late goal. The Allies held a 6 point advantage heading into the break.
2nd Quarter: The Allies dominated the second term, starting with The Filth Wizard’s goal. @BRAB’s efforts stretched the lead to 20 points, and although WA tried to respond, T2B_ and PMBangers kept the scoreboard ticking over. A late goal from BRAB saw the Allies comfortably ahead by 25 points at halftime, showcasing their attacking prowess.
3rd Quarter: @BRAB picked up where he left off, and the Allies continued to exert their dominance. Despite WA’s attempts to claw back, the Allies, led by ShaunDuggan and Irish BlueBagger, kept increasing the gap. @ShaunDuggan’s back-to-back goals solidified the Allies’ commanding 44 point lead by the end of the quarter.
4th Quarter: Although WA made a spirited effort, including goals from Falconista and Tonga Bob, the Allies’ early work paid off. @PMBangers’ crucial goal midway through the term helped fend off any serious comeback attempts. The Allies remained composed, ultimately securing a 17 point victory in a match where they demonstrated both offensive firepower and defensive resilience.
Rd 4 Allies 12.6 (78) defeated by Victoria Country 22.11 (143)
1st Quarter: The Allies started with promise, ShaunDuggan kicking the first goal to give them an early lead. Despite this bright beginning, Vic Country quickly countered, with Ocha905 and The @GoatBaron combining for multiple goals. Mrs Turbo added another goal for the Allies, but Vic Country's relentless attack saw them kick the last six goals of the quarter, finishing the quarter with a 35 point lead.
2nd Quarter: The Allies found some rhythm in the second quarter. GWS Goose and damicky managed to find the goals, reducing the damage. Although Vic Country's forwards were still dangerous, the Allies held their own, only losing the quarter by 2 points.
3rd Quarter: In the third quarter, the Allies showed signs of a fightback with two goals from Mrs Turbo. However, Vic Country continued to dominate, with croweater 41 and Ocha905 among the scorers. Despite the Allies' efforts, the relentless pressure from Vic Country saw the margin stretch to 69 points by the end of the quarter.
4th Quarter: The final quarter saw the Allies playing for respectability and to prevent a massive percentage hit. Goals from MayTheNorthBeWithU, tony, damicky, and T2B_ showcased their determination to avoid a humiliating defeat. Yet, Vic Country's attack remained potent, with The @GoatBaron and ClarkeM ensuring their lead was never seriously threatened. The Allies lost their first game of the series by 65 points.
Rd 5 Allies 23.12 (150) defeated South Australia 14.13 (97)
1st Quarter: The Allies burst out of the blocks with The Filth Wizard and PMBangers slotting back-to-back goals to seize an early lead. Despite a brief South Australian response, the Allies dominated the quarter. Further goals from PMBangers and ShaunDuggan extended the lead to 21 points. South Australia managed to close the gap slightly by the end of the quarter, but the Allies still held a solid 13 point advantage.
2nd Quarter: South Australia came out strong, quickly erasing the Allies' lead and even moving ahead for a brief period. The Allies, however, were not to be outdone. Goals from Braklet, GWS Goose, and Mrs Turbo reignited their momentum. ShaunDuggan added two more goals to his tally. Late in the quarter, Strigoi added two goals to push the Allies' lead out to 35 points.
3rd Quarter: The third quarter saw a continued tussle, with South Australia attempting to claw their way back into the game. Despite their efforts, the Allies' forward line remained potent. Mrs Turbo and PMBangers added crucial goals, and ShaunDuggan continued his stellar performance. South Australia managed some responses, but the Allies' consistent pressure and scoring ensured they maintained a comfortable 32 point lead heading into the final quarter.
4th Quarter: The Allies finished the game with a dominant display in the final quarter, determined to kill off any hopes of a South Australian comeback. BRAB and Braklet were among the goal scorers, with The Filth Wizard and moginie also contributing to the scoreboard. The Allies' relentless attack and solid defence kept South Australia at bay, ensuring a comprehensive 53 point victory.
*Averages over 4 games.
Contrasting Styles: Western Australia vs Allies
The Allies lead in almost every stat line, but this highlights how efficient and reliable Western Australia have been with the ball. WA play a quick and direct game style with very few wasted possessions. On the other hand, the Allies like to possess the ball and slowly build up their plays, looking for short and safe options. Their aggressive approach against the opposition has led to them giving away more free kicks. If WA can keep the ball off the Allies, it will go a long way towards them winning.
Key Players: Western Australia
Western Australia currently have 3 players who are averaging over 20 possessions a game, Falconista 25, MWPP 23, DragoDelph 22.5 and several others in the high teens, this good spread of possession getters means its hard for the opposition to be able to stop them all. 17 of the WA players have kicked a goal with Tonga Bob leading the way with a very accurate 21.8. MWPP is showing she can not only get a lot of the ball but also kick goals with 8, Freofalcon has 7 and serial_thrilla 6.
Key Players: Allies
For the Allies Irish BlueBagger can't stop getting the ball leading the whole competition for possessions with 109. Due to their high possession based game style, he is supported by crazywildhorse, Grav, GWS Goose, moginie and PMBangers, all of whom are also averaging over 20 disposals per game. ShaunDuggan 13 and BRAB 10 have shared the goal scoring duties at the Allies, making it a difficult forward line to shut down.
The quarter-by-quarter breakdowns of the two teams almost mirror one another. What is a strength for one team is often a weakness for the other, and the team that capitalises on this contrast will likely emerge victorious.
The key to the game will be the first quarter. Western Australia are usually slow starters, while the Allies are fast starters. The Allies will aim to build an early lead and extend it in the second quarter, knowing that Western Australia will rely on their strong second halves to mount a comeback.
In their last meeting, Western Australia kicked 4.10 in the third quarter. If the Allies give them that many chances again, the usually accurate Black Swans will make them pay.
Based on all the stats, if WA can get enough of the ball into their forward line and maintain their accuracy in front of goal, the Premiership Cup could very well be heading to Western Australia. If not, Damicky and his Allies will be lifting the trophy once again.
Tarkyn_24 TheInjuryFactory damicky Dingster please submit your team sheet by deadline (18/7/2024, 11:59pm WST)
DRAGONS FFC 
