History on the line in AFL London 2009 Preliminary Finals
All three West London teams are in action this weekend with a place in the Grand Final at stake.
The West London Wildcats take on the Putney Magpies, who are still licking their wounds following a hammering by Wandsworth in the Qualifying Final last weekend. Putney have beaten the Wildcats twice this year, but the Wildcats played some of their best footy of the year in disposing of North London last week, with league B&F winner Dan Nankiville leading the way. There were solid contributions all over the park - Paul Konderenko, Nick Ingall and Al Carlson being the best. Ciaran Merrigan also chipped in with 2 handy goals.
Not too many teams can boast having won the Premiership every year since they began, but the Shepherds Bush Raiders are the exception to the rule. Premiers every season since 2001 in the Conference Division, they narrowly went down to Clapham in the final minutes of last weeks Qualifying Final. They really have a point to prove and take on the Hammersmith-Fulham Magpies who easily accounted for the Regents Park Lions. Complacency for the Raiders is the danger in this match who will go into this clash as overwhelming favourites as they chase 9 Premierships in a row.
The South London Demons smacked the Ealing Emus last week and it will take a huge effort to turn their season around against the talented Nottingham Scorpions in the early game on Saturday. This re-match of last years Grand Final should be a ripper of a game.
Get along and show your support support this Saturday at Barn Elms as these teams fight for a place in their respective Grand Finals. For those Brits who have never been to a game of Aussie Rules before, the day will be a great spectacle, showing why it such a better sport than Sooker & Thugby. With the forecast of hot, 27 degree conditions, it'll be a great day with a few beers, watching some great footy.
Preliminary Final Fixtures this weekend at Barn Elms in Putney.
