Prior playing holds key for Culcairn victory, says Beau Packer

BP: I think it is great to have the match in town and should be something other clubs strive for. I know Howlong will be pushing hard for a final next season when the new clubrooms have been constructed. Trying something different and having the game in town may encourage more neutral supporters to have a look, so it has to be a win-win situation

BK: The general consensus is that Holbrook is one of the quickest sides in the league. Culcairn must be rapt the match is being played on the smaller Urana Road Oval?

BP: Being a smaller ground at Urana Road will make the game a lot more congested. Both teams have some big-bodied midfielders who will match up well and thrive on the contested ball. Holbrook tend to push their defenders up high to really block up the space, which will suit them defensively. If Culcairn can use the footy well, they could hurt them the other way.

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BK: How big a blow would it be for the Lions if Adam Prior doesn't come up?

BP: Any team that is missing a bloke who kicked 99 goals in the season would be a huge blow to their chances. Not only does he take the best defender, but he draws other opposition defenders to the contest, which frees up Culcairn's other forwards to do some damage. Even half fit, Adam could contribute strongly to the team and provide a contest for his other forwards to work off, especially on the shorter ground.

BK: Prior and Dennis Pedemont didn't kick a goal for Culcairn last weekend and they still won. Is that a worry or a good thing for Josh Hillary?

BP: Josh would be happy they got the job done without either of the boys kicking a goal, but I doubt he would want it to happen again. If they are well held by the Brookers' defence, Culcairn will have to find other avenues to goal. Jye Shields had to go forward last week when Adam went down, so that may happen again to provide another focal point in attack.

BK: Is it hard to match up on Holbrook because it has so many local kids who slip under the radar?

BP: Matty Sharp has got some great young talent on his list and has developed a game plan to suit his team. Unlike Culcairn who rely heavily on their top-line players the Brookers have an even spread of players and will need all 21 to play well to get over the line.

BK: Who wins and why?

BP: A lot will depend on if Adam Prior lines up for the Lions. He is structurally so important to how they set up. If he misses, I feel they will have to plug the hole he will leave up forward, which will hurt them in other areas. On the smaller ground, and with their dominant midfield and Prior in, I'd say Culcairn in a tight one.