Championship Preview: DEFENCE KEY AS RIVALS CLASH AGAIN

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Buckle up, cuz here we go again.

The AFFL Flag Bowl is a New Tec fall tradition - and the Big Dogs playing the Beavers in the championship game has seemingly become tradition too.  

This will be the fourth time in the last five years these teams have met for all the marbles,  with the Beavers winning in 2013 by a 14-5 count and in 2014 by a 10-1 score, while the Big Dogs took the title in 2015 by a 27-7 count.   The Big Dogs are appearing in their 6th consecutive final,  winning in 2012 over the Jokers and in 2016 in a barn burner over the Agents.    

A Beavers win will give the franchise its 5th championship, tying it with the Shock for 2nd all-time.   A Big Dogs win will give the squad its third consecutive title and fourth overall, tying it for 3rd all-time with the Tottenham Express and Beavers.

So, the stage is set for another marquee match-up between the league's two premier teams. Here's 5 Things to Watch when these two square off Saturday.




DEFENCE! DEFENCE! DEFENCE!

The Beavers have given up a paltry two points in two playoff games so far, holding the top ranked Agents offence to a rouge in last week's semis.   The Beavers and Dawgs are #1 and #2 in defence and both will need to be on top of their games against each other's explosive offences.

YARDS AFTER CATCH

As one AFFL insider noted, the key to keeping both these teams in check is getting "quick flags" after completions - especially for the Big Dogs.   One missed flag against the likes of Ryan Spataro and Damon McLachlin for the Dawgs - or the Graham brothers, Chris and Jays, on the Beavers is a potential game changer.  Miss flags and you will pay.

FIELD POSITION AND THE KICKING GAME

Both teams can kick - and this game may come down to a key field goal, punt or kick-off. Each squad will want to keep the other in check and outside their 35 yard line to avoid paying a price. Look for each to pin the other deep and make a long field for their opponents.

QUARTERBACKING

The addition of former Agents and Redskins QB Neil Perry has been a boon to the Beavers this year and he is looking to win his first championship in only his second ever appearance. On the other side is Greg Moore, making his 13th championship appearance - with Ryan Spataro who led the Dawgs to the 2012 title as "back-up".   Perry's got to forget about all that and just play and has lots of targets to choose from - just like Moorezy.   Mistakes by either end up as pick sixes, but both defences will have their hands full with these two stellar helmsmen.

WEATHER

Rain is in the forecast - and lots of it.   With the championship game being the third game of the day, the field could be slick and sloppy, which could slow down both teams, on both sides of the ball. Managing footing and squeezing the pill will take on added importance as the elements may prove to be the toughest opponent for each team.