Prospect of home final motivating Magpies

ALTHOUGH they’ve already secured a finals double-chance, North Geelong 1st XI has plenty to play for in the last home and away round of the Geelong Cricket Association season.

Captain Tom Mathieson said the Magpies would love to secure a home final ahead of the three-week series.

First-placed Newtown and Chilwell (65.08 points) are currently in the box seat for hosting duties for the 1 versus 2 battle in finals week one.

But the Magpies, sitting on 62.32, could swoop on the minor premiership, if they convincingly defeat St Peter’s at home across the next fortnight.

The fourth-placed Saints (40) are also gearing up for a big performance because they are in a tight battle with fifth-ranked Highton (40.18) to clinch a top-four spot.

“It’s exciting for us knowing St Peter’s I think have to win to play finals,” Mathieson said.

“Obviously the hiccup from Newtown on the weekend gives us a little chance to fight for that home final so for us it’s a mini final I reckon.”

North Geelong are chasing their sixth-straight premiership and Mathieson said the lead up to this year’s pointy end felt a little different.

“The last three to four years, we probably looked at going in as favourites at this time of the year either sitting top or thereabouts and we are there again; but Newtown have obviously had a really good year and they’ve looked strong with the bat,” he said.

“This year’s finals is probably a little bit different going in (for us), maybe as a little bit of an underdog to Newtown.

“But I think that’s exciting, especially with the new format of finals that we play them in the first final to get into the big dance.”

Elsewhere in Round 14, Highton will be giving it everything against St Joseph’s, Grovedale host East Belmont, and Newtown & Chilwell will be looking to bounce back against South Barwon.