Koboni face last hurdle in Dockers

REIGNING premiers Concept Koboni face the Dockers for a spot in next week’s Port Moresby Esi Loan AFL Premiership grand final against West Eagles.
The Dockers beat Koboni in the minor semifinal two weeks ago and will be hoping for a repeat in Sunday’s clash the Colts Oval.
Koboni struggled to beat Sun City Cats in the second elimination final last weekend.
They will miss the services of PNG Mosquito star Brendan Beno, who is on a one-match suspension for foul play against the Cats’ Kelly Kaugla.
In the absence of Beno, coach Navu Maha must adjust his forward line-up with those who can deliver under pressure.
Douglas Lai Jr, Amua Pirika, Paul Philip, Joseph Singura and Alphonse Jambarufo will need to be on target with their kicks. Backliners Michael Macca, Chrijen Amona, Ryan Kororo, Alu Tokau and Nigel Evere must hold their ground to contain the Dockers forwards while Lai Lai and Francis Brown must combine well with ruckman Wilfred Dorigori to put Koboni on the front foot.
The Dockers will miss the services of tough midfielder Ferdinand Musi, who is also on one-match suspension for rough play against West Eagles last week.
The Dockers lost by 14 points (81- 67) to West Eagles in the grand final qualifier last Sunday.
They have beaten Koboni twice this season.
But finals matches are often a different kettle of fish with a lot more pressure on each player to perform.
The Dockers will rely on Emmanuel Tupia, Laurie Logo, Desmond Kaumu, Archie Mai Jr, Hosea Wartovo and Melie Mong Jr who form a formidable combination in midfield.
In the curtain-raiser, West Eagles, who thrashed the Dockers last week, should prove too much for minor premiers Sun City Cats, who suffered a shocking five-goal loss to Gordon Kokofas, in the reserve-grade preliminary final.