IT is do or die for Sale on Sunday. The Magpies have a sudden death semi-final against Traralgon to deal with.
A good contest in the Qualifying Final was of little reward to Sale last week, as they went down 12.7 (79) to 9.9 (63).
The reality now is the Magpies must defeat the Maroons to avoid going out in straight sets for the third consecutive time.
Sale was undone in the third term last week, when Power forward Troy Harley enjoyed an extreme purple patch, kicking four goals for the term.
The Magpies fought valiantly to overcome a 28-point three quarter time deficit, and were still in with a fighting chance at the 22-minute mark.
A new game however presents a new opportunity. Sale will take an extra day’s break into the match, and having earned the double chance during the regular season, will feel they have some sort of edge.
What the Magpies will need to overcome is Traralgon playing a final on their home deck.
The Maroons played a very quick brand early on in their Elimination Final victory over Morwell last week, but were forced to hold off a fast-finishing Tiger outfit.
With scoreboard pressure exacerbated during finals, Sale will be out to make sure this does not work against them on Sunday.
The Magpies have a number of players who can keep the goal umpires busy. In the Qualifying Final last week, the first four goals Sale kicked all came from different players.
The Magpies have had a great spread of goal-kickers this season. Brad Dessent kicked 48 goals in the home-and-away, followed by Jarrod Freeman (25), Tom Campbell (25), Jack Johnstone (20), Shannen Lange (20) and Kane Martin (20).
By contrast, Traralgon has relied heavily on Brett Eddy, who nailed 68 during the regular season. Ironically, the next ‘best’ was Jake Best on 29, and Matt Northe on 29.
Dylan Loprese also kicked 26, although he is out for the rest of the season with an injury.
Magpie defenders Will Leslie and Tom Glenn will be out to stop Eddy having a major say in the result.
The Maroons have defeated Sale this season, although the Magpies did win the most recent encounter in Round 17.
It will be a busy Sunday for Sale, as the Magpies reserves are also playing.
Those in the early game need to beat Wonthaggi to continue in season 2022.
SHOWDOWN between the southern teams will be played tomorrow.
Minor premier Leongatha has a challenger in Wonthaggi, with the winner to progress to the Grand Final.
Maffra’s reserves play the curtain raiser, up against Leongatha for a spot in the Grand Final.
