HEYFIELD and Churchill will square off in a mighty North Gippsland football clash at Tyers with the winner advancing to the grand final.
The Kangaroos have been at the forefront of the competition all season, finishing two games clear of their nearest rival Churchill on the ladder.
Enjoying a stellar two months, the Cougars sealed their semi-final berth after overpowering Boisdale-Briagolong in a dominant performance last Saturday.
Churchill was ruthless in its disposal of the Bombers and was not hurt by the absence of the injured Dean Jenkins and Daniel Hawking.
Of particular concern for Heyfield coach Stuart Anderson would be the damaging display in front of goal by Nathan McDonald, who kicked nine majors in less than ideal conditions for a forward.
The Cougars' backline also drew the attention of Anderson.
"Churchill's backline was fantastic and their shut down of the opposition and ability to rebound strongly from defence really set them up,'' Anderson said.
The two sides have only met once this season with Heyfield winning in round 11 by 32 points.
"We certainly rate and respect Churchill. I think that both sides are pretty similar in the way that we play and the cattle that we have on the field,'' Anderson said.
"Both sides have match-winners across the board and we will be putting a few things in place to nullify their main players.
"We won't be concentrating too much on them, rather ourselves and making sure that we get first use of the ball and use the footy well, which in turn will put immense pressure on them.''
Against Boisdale-Briagolong, Leigh McDonald and Brandon Mahoney were prolific possession-getters.
The Cougars' midfield is set to be pitted against Heyfield's Anderson, Luke Conway and Dave Kelly, who have combining effectively with forwards Brett Szabo, Jake Shingles and Lyell Berry.
Anderson was confident his side would come out ``all guns blazing'' and be good enough on the day to halt the reigning premier's nine-match winning streak.
"It's what you play for to make finals and play against the best opposition, the guys are ready to go this week,'' he said.
Churchill will play Boisdale-Briagolong in the reserves second semi-final with Stratford meeting Gormandale in the thirds.
GORMANDALE coach Shane Hamilton was hoping his charges' late season confidence will hold the side in good stead ahead of Sunday's first semi-final at Stephenson Park against Boisdale-Briagolong.
The Tigers have won their past three matches, their last loss coming at the hands the Bombers.
"Not many had given us a chance to make finals and understandably so given our poor start to the season,'' Hamilton said.
"To have snuck into the five and knock over Woodside on Sunday the boys' confidence is sky high, which will certainly work in our favour. We're fairly confident leading into this weeks match.''
Hamilton may have the luxury of adding Shayne Simpson and Marc Adams, depending on doctor assessments, to the line-up.
"Regardless of their inclusion we are confident that we have the right mix to match Boisdale. On any given day (Boisdale) can beat any side, they are a dangerous team with a number of key players who we will be keeping a close watch on,'' he said.
"We respect them we know that they are a very good team, but we are confident that the wide open ground of Sale City will suit our running players and hopefully see us over the line.''
While Gormandale's confidence is sky high, Bombers' coach Andrew Gieschen will need to rally his side to ensure they break their finals hoodoo and regain much-needed confidence ahead of Sunday's clash.
In round 18, the Bombers booted away to an early three-goal lead before the Tigers fought back to draw within 13 points at the final siren.
Sale City will play in the reserves against Gormandale while the thirds match will be between Boisdale-Briagolong and Cowwarr.
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