Epic Semi Final battles set for mid-week clashes

A 2021 All Flags Premier League Grand Final berth, as well as a spot in this weekend's Preliminary Final is up for grabs tomorrow night, when Melville takes on University of WA and Reds takes on Westside Wolves. 

A closely-fought second-versus-third battle between Reds and UWA at the weekend decided which side would play against Melville this week for a spot in the Grand Final, UWA edging out on top 3-2. 

Wolves put on a dominant 3-1 performance over Victoria Park in the Elimination Final on Saturday, scoring all three of their goals within four minutes, before Victoria Park's Ben Taylor scored his side's lone goal at the 30-minute-mark. 

The second Semi Final will commence the evening's action, Melville and UWA fighting for a spot in the big dance, set to be a nail-biter with both teams having one win apiece from their previous two outings this season. 

Kookaburras Tom Wickham and Flynn Ogilvie will pull on the green kit for a second time since the Tokyo Olympic Games, looking to be supported by strong performances from a skilled young Coby Green and goalkeeper Christian Starkie.

For Melville, their list includes National squad members Lachlan Sharp and goalie Andrew Charter, and the side will look to see goal hound James Day step up yet again from penalty corner opportunities. 

In the first Semi Final, which will follow shortly after, a do-or-die match between Reds and Wolves will determine which side will fight for their life this weekend in the Preliminary Finals. 

These two sides have met twice in 2021, Reds narrowly grabbing wins both times, however both matches evenly fought.

Reds' Blake Govers made his post-Olympic return last week, the side missing WA Kookaburras star Aran Zalewski, but benefiting largely from the return of 2018 Olympians Medallist Ian Smyth. 

Smyth coached the side to their first Premiership in 24 years in 2018, before securing another flag with the team in 2020, and hoping to get a third in four years for the 2021 All Flags Premier League season.

Led by the legend Ric Charlesworth, Wolves have a point to prove after being the first team in the 2021 season to beat Melville, looking to secure themselves another opportunity to do so. 

Kookaburra Jake Harvie joins his younger brother Tom, both players putting on stellar performances last weekend in the Elimination final, with the family affair being continued with Ric (Charlesworth) and his son Oscar. 

Both matches will be livestreamed via the Hockey WA Facebook and YouTube channels, however the action is even better in person, so all fans are encouraged to get down to Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University to show their support. 

Game times:

Men's Semi Final 2 

Wednesday, September 8 

18:45 - Perth Hockey Stadium Turf 1

Melville vs University of WA

Men's Semi Final 1

Wednesday, September 8 

20:30 - Perth Hockey Stadium Turf 1

Reds vs Westside Wolves