Double Header Grand Final Rematch Review

Updated 17 April 2007

The weekend saw last seasons grand finalists from Division Two Women and Division One Men play for the first time this season in an eagerly awaited double header at the Boroondara Sports Complex.

First up on Sunday was the Division Two Women grand finalists Hawthorn Magic and Craigieburn Eagles playing in the Division One Women round 3 match up. In front of their home crowd, the Magic exploded off the blocks, surging to a 19-5 quarter time lead. From there, the Eagles slowly worked their way back into the game coming as close as a point just before the final change. The Magic responded strongly with a 8-0 run either side of the last break and ran out comfortable winners 55-40, avenging their defeat in the grand final last season. Captain Hannah Lowe top scored for the Magic with 15 points.

The Magic men minus the ball handling talents of point guard Tom Forde with a hip injury welcomed the Sherbrooke Suns to the BSC for the rematch of the Division One Mens grand final series of 2006. Sherbrooke set the pace early in the game with Aaron Lester making three 3 pointers in the first half. Despite the efforts of co-captain Jay Allen who in desperation dived into the Magic bench to save the ball going out of bounds, Sherbrooke went into the half time break with a commanding 52-36 lead. In the third period, the Magic had no answers for the Suns as they extended their lead to 25 points at 3 quarter time. From there, the Magic staged a furious comeback in the last quarter outscoring Sherbrooke 30-13 and brought the margin back to 8 at the close of the match, but it wasn't enough in what was a physical match where a total of 71 fouls were called. The final score 90-82. Jay Allen led the Magic with 22 while Matt Slaven and Glenn Watts chipped in with 14 and 11 respectively.

Both teams back up at home at the BSC a week later on Sunday 22nd April from 12pm. The womens team take on the Warrandyte Venom while the men take on the Altona Gators.

Match Previews

The date is set: Sunday 15th April 2007. Back in August 2006, both Magic teams progressed through to the grand final series in their respective BigV divisions. The womens team going down to Craigieburn and the men going down to Sherbrooke. This Sunday is a chance for both teams to avenge their grand final defeats. Tip off for the Hawthorn Magic Women v Craigieburn is at 12 noon followed by the Hawthorn Magic Men v Sherbrooke at 2pm. As always, the venue for the matches is the new home of the Magic, Boorondara Sports Complex in Balwyn (Melways ref: 46 F5). Head down there on Sunday for an afternoon of hoops and get behind the Magic!

Division One Womens

Hawthorn would like to welcome Craigieburn to BSC tonight in a rematch of the 2006 Div 2 Grand Final.

Each team is coming off wins in round 2, having lost first up, and are looking to continue their good form here. Hawthorn's strength in the first 2 rounds has been their defence, which will be pitted against a Craigieburn offence which has already put up 2 good scores in their opening games.

The Magic Women produced a more rounded game last week with many players contributing, especially on the score board. Good contributions were made by Hannah Lowe, Bianca Lambert and Emily Matheson so look for them to fire again. Watch for strong a performance on the boards from Anna de Araugo who is currently leading the league in rebounds with a massive 18.5 per game and league steal leader Ash Fennell as she applies aggressive defensive pressure.

Let’s Go Magic

Division One Mens

Today the Magic welcome the Sherbrooke Suns which provides a rematch of last years Grand-Final series, from which the Suns emerged victorious to claim the 2006 BIG V Division 1 Championship.

Both teams arrive at this contest with identical records, having split their opening two rounds of competition. The Suns beat Bulleen and then lost to Altona narrowly. The Magic lost to league newcomer Mildura and then convincingly accounted for Whittlesea in Week 2.

Today’s match up will be red hot with both teams ready to climb the mountain towards another Grand Final opportunity. Hawthorn has strengthened its team from last year with the addition of Glenn Watts, Boyd Smart and the return of Stewart Cameron from injury. Watch for Jay Allen and Tom Forde directing the traffic and Seb Belfrage banging some bodies down low on the boards.

Every game between these two teams has been fiercely contested with both teams giving it their all. Expect no different today as both teams, well rested after a visit from the Easter Bunny, look to get their seasons rolling.

Go Magic!