From Ballarat Courier
Reported by David Brehaut
Full Article Click Here
BOX Hill Hawks stand between North Ballarat and a third consecutive Victorian Football League grand final appearance.
The Selkirk Roosters face Box Hill in a preliminary final on Sunday, with the winner to earn a tilt at a premiership.
The knockout clash is scheduled to be played at Port Melbourne, but there is a strong possibility the two preliminary finals will be transferred because of the heavy condition of North Port Oval.
AFL Victoria announced last night it was monitoring the ground situation, and the venue would be confirmed today.
The ground has been used on the first four days of the final series over two weeks and has deteriorated substantially.
North Ballarat coach Gerard FitzGerald said there was no question the heavy nature of the ground would have taken a toll on the Box Hill Hawks.
FitzGerald and his coaching panel watched the Hawks upset Port Melbourne, 14.11 (95) to 12.17 (89).
The match seemed set to go to extra time before Box Hill kicked a goal inside the last minute.
A red card for Port Melbourne star Tony Pinwill early was a turning point.
Pinwill is arguably the Borough's best player and although he could be replaced, his absence was a body blow.
Box Hill finished fifth _ one position and two wins adrift of Port Melbourne.
The Roosters have played the Hawks once this season, winning by 54 points at Box Hill in round four.
FitzGerald began his planning process for the encounter last night.
He said the Roosters' path into a preliminary - a 32-point win over Casey Scorpions in a qualifying final and then a week off - had been ideal.
FitzGerald said the players would begin their preparations tonight - with those in Ballarat training at Eureka Stadium and the Melbourne-based group, including those on the North Melbourne list, having a hit out at Arden Street.
All players will train together in Ballarat on Wednesday and Friday nights.
Minor premier and premiership favourite Williamstown will play Northern Bullants in the other preliminary final on Saturday.
