Semi finals! We’re nearly there for 2020!

GAME 1 – Long Bien Langurs v Ba Dinh Buffaloes

The surprise game of the year, the previously winless Buffalos went into the semi final against the Langurs as rank outsiders. This was further supported by the number of outs to many key Buffalos, which left the Langurs looking extremely confident before the first whistle.

But, in true Micky Francis tradition, he had a few surprises up his sleeve and the inclusion of some new Irish talent saw them make the early play.

Pottsy was very animated at the first change, and was seen asking some of his players for their tickets as they had just been passengers during the first half and were staring down the barrel of a 30 point deficit and 0 goals on the scoreboard.

The second half was an even affair as the Langurs started to get back to playing the football that saw them finish on the top of the ladder. However, it was all too little too late as the Buffalos become the first team in AFL history to finish winless in a season and still make the GF.

Best: Buffalos – A. Abrahams, L. Stark, R. Earley, O. Carr. Langurs – K. Nelson, L. Philpott, M. Barrett

GAME 2 – Hoan Kiem Herons v Cau Giay Crabs

This is one of the biggest rivalries in the history of the AFLX/HAFL. The Grand Finalist from the previous 2 years meeting yet again, however, only one team would progress to the big dance. The Herons have had the wood over the Crabs, and went into this game knowing that they had never been beaten by them.

The Crabs got the early jump on the Herons, holding them scoreless in the first quarter as they shot out to a 14 point lead. With both sides missing key players, it would be a test of fitness and depth as to who would win this. The Herons welcomed back the quarantined Jake, who stepped into the injured Jason’s shoes, however, a dodgy tofu the night before put the brakes on his influence.

After quarter time, the game remained a close tussle, with little separating both teams. The Crabs were able to hold onto the lead from the first quarter and eventually ran out winners by 19 points.

Best players: Crabs – J. Worland, L. Nguyen, S. van den Hoogen. Herons – E. Dunlavey, J. Skein, A. Williams