GNFL final round preview: Northampton take on Brigades in hopes to secure home finals, with Rovers lurking

A battle between two flag contenders and uncertainty over who will finish third provides a perfect sign-off for the 2022 GNFL regular season as the Brigades host Northampton this Saturday.

While the Rams could still technically jump into second, they would have to beat the Hawks by more than 100 points. The battle to secure a home elimination final is more realistic as they sit just 0.03 per cent above the Rovers in fourth.

The Hawks, on the other hand, will be smarting after their loss to Railways and will want to take some momentum after losing their past two matches.

It should be a good contest, with the teams splitting the ledger at one win each, with the Rams winning their most recent clash by 11 points at home.

The Rams have also won their past three games in a row, albeit against teams sitting outside the top four.

Still, you can only beat teams who are in front of you and they were ruthless against Mullewa and Towns and had more than enough to fend off a Royals side playing for their season.

The Hawks are coming off the bye and have lost their past two games to Rovers and Railways. On both occasions a poor second quarter left them with too much work to do.

If they go down to the Rams this weekend, it will not only mean three losses in a row but also defeats to all three other flag contenders right before finals.

After looking so good after the bye where they retook top spot, a loss would be a poor way to finish the season and put a question mark over their finals credentials.

There is also the game within the game as Dale Williamson currently leads the goal-kicking charts with a five-goal advantage over Rams counterpart Nathaniel Mourambine.

It should be a fantastic battle between two great forwards and while Mourambine did kick five last time out against the Brigades, a goal or two from Williamson would surely seal the award to add to his storied career.

In the other match, Rovers will look to take back third place, a position they held for much of the year, when they face at home Mullewa, who were blown off the park last week against the Blues.

If the Rovers can do a similar job on the Saints this weekend, they should jump Rams into third regardless of whether they beat Brigades due to the percentage boost.

But the Demons were stunned last time they played the Saints in a 29-point defeat, so don’t expect a walkover.

However, the Rovers do have more to play for and will not want to flirt with form before finals by showing any signs of complacency.

Bouncedown for both games will be 1.30pm on Saturday.