By NICK FINLAY |
THE 2026 ODFA finals series gets under way today, with all roads leading to Mt Pleasant as the top-ranked side hosts both the first and second semi finals. By virtue of finishing on top of the ladder after the home-and-away season, the Mounties earned the right to stage the opening week of the finals, a privilege they last enjoyed during their premiership-winning campaign in 2021. Interestingly, the same teams contesting today’s matches were involved in that finals series, which featured a major upset and served as a reminder that ladder positions count for little once finals football begins.
CHECK OUT THE ODFA 2026 MAJOR RAFFLE
The day kicks off at 11.30am with the knockout first semi-final between Campania and Triabunna. The Wallabies enter the contest as favourites after a commanding 78-point victory over the Roos last weekend. However, they will be wary of taking too much confidence from that result. When the two sides met in the first semi-final in 2021, Campania overturned the odds to claim a dramatic two-point win after losing to Triabunna the previous week.
Campania regains Cameron Korn and club stalwart Jeff Bevan, adding valuable experience to an already strong line-up. Coach Brodie Johnstone continues to lead from the front and has booted 60 goals this season, while Jaylan Devine looms as another key scoring threat after a five-goal haul last week. Caleb Wilton is expected to hold the advantage in the ruck, while the inclusion of Jordan Dunn in the second half of the season has added further strength. Dylan Huxley also returned last week and will benefit from the hitout.
Triabunna has battled for player availability in recent weeks but will be determined to challenge the more fancied Wallabies. Captain Brendan Klok reaches his 100-game milestone for the club, providing extra motivation for the Roos. Jack Wilson and Corey Murfett return to add depth, while Campbell Quarrell, Dylan Russell and Brock Wilton will all be important contributors. Experienced campaigners Jeremy Klok and Ashley Woodhead will also have significant roles to play.
With a 2-1 advantage in head-to-head meetings this season, Campania starts as the favourite to progress.
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The second semi-final begins at 2pm and promises to be one of the games of the season, with Mt Pleasant taking on Bothwell. The Mounties have been the competition benchmark for much of the year, although a Round 13 home loss to the Rabbits briefly reopened the premiership race. Since then, they have regained momentum and continue to boast one of the league’s most balanced attacks. Joel Hazelwood has been in excellent form, while John Geard and Mitch Byers are among eight Mounties players to have kicked 15 or more goals this season. Jimmy Webster is another player capable of turning the match in spectacular fashion and brings AFL class to the day.
Bothwell enters the clash riding a seven-game winning streak and appears to have hit peak form at the perfect time. After resting several players last week, the Rabbits are expected to come out firing. Association Under-21 Best and Fairest winner Brodie Speed will be central to their chances, while the experience of Ashly Drew and Cody Morgan will be invaluable in a high-pressure encounter. Captain Simon Bryant celebrates his 200th game for the club and will be eager to mark the milestone with a strong performance. With a side rich in finals experience and premiership pedigree, coach Brad Chaplin will be confident his players can rise to the occasion in what shapes as a blockbuster contest today.
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