IT is hard to pinpoint the exact reason why the FNQ Bulls have dominated the NQ Razorbacks in the Queensland State League this season but all Kane Alderton cares about is that the success continues tomorrow night.
The Bulls defender and his teammates will host the Razorbacks in an elimination semi-final at Borzi Park, with the winner to progress to within one game of the season decider.
Finals are often a nervous time for players but if the Bulls need an injection of confidence all they have to do is look at their season record against the Razorbacks.
The Bulls have played the Townsville-based side three times in 2010 and are yet to lose a match following victories in Round 3 (3-1) and Round 10 (2-0), and a draw in Round 17 (1-1).
Alderton, who will most likely start at right fullback tomorrow night, said the Bulls had an edge over their southern rivals.
"It’s quite an exciting time. Townsville haven’t beaten us all year and we want to continue that," he said.
"We really think we’ve got a squad capable of beating any team in the competition and for some reason we always seem to pull it off against Townsville.
"We might not always play the prettiest football against them but we always seem to get the three points."
The Bulls are fresh off a week’s break and Alderton believes the rest was what his team needed.
"Lots of players had a few bumps and bruises and it was a good chance to recharge the batteries," the 27-year-old said.
"We had a nice quiet session last Saturday but training this week has been quite intense and we’re looking at carrying that into Saturday’s game."
Alderton also hopes the Cairns-Townsville rivalry ensures a big crowd at Borzi Park.
"I heard there’s a busload coming from Cairns and a busload from Innisfail, so fingers crossed we can get at least 1000," he said.
Gun striker David Ruiz returns to the line-up. Kick-off is at 8pm.
Squad: 1 Angelo Serafin (gk), 7 Victor Madrid, 13 Alex Plowman, 4 Kane Alderton, 12 George Koroma, 17 Nathan Bird, 19 Nathan Davis, 5 Bronson Koppen, 8 Peter McGrath, 6 Joe Rusch, 10 David Ruiz, 2 Cameron Morrison, 18 Josh De Nittis, 14 Callum Wood, 15 Angus Griffin, 20 Steve Dangaard (gk).
