Pictured-:
1. Brodie Falciani (WD-40)and Joe Danis enjoy a quiet conversation during the contest at Poochera. Both good players for their respective teams
2. Reserves action at Poochera, with Shard Gosling (WD-7) desperate attempt to reach Rhys Wisbey of the Hawks
Photos - with thanks to Jacquii Daniel
The Bombers went supersonic this weekend as they reduced the undermanned mighty Rooster to a neat pile of feathers. 176 points, Holy Smoking Craters! Winners all over the ground, and sharp right from the first bounce. Coach Mick Kessell pleased with his charges and structure however like all good coaches, still likes to find the areas for improvement, a very hard job this week for him! After six weeks on the sideline, in fact this match round one, captain Jarden Stoetzer back in action, snagging ten goals at Centre Half Forward in the three quarters that he was allowed. Probably equally as pleasing was that he is through unscathed, the hamstring all in order! Joining the forward feast – Shannon Haynes, eight goals and a few more given away. He probably also deserved 10. Simon Webb resplendent in his new Merv Hughes moustache (or is that movie star John Holmes), excellent with five majors. Big time ball winners across centre, Adam Braendler, 45 disposals and Ryan Watson with 36, Riley Mc Donald on his wing was great, especially his second half. Good players everywhere, strong backline, elusive midfield and dangerous forwards. Yanni Kozminski rucked well all day and Robert Holmes clean ball handling and immaculate disposal skills on display. Could really go through the whole team.
Roosters went in undermanned with some key losses late, then also some latecomers on the day. Two real standouts must be mentioned, Jay Williams in possibly his best match of the year, following his shoulder surgery, he is now starting the recapture the form that had him lead Elliston to a premiership in 2012, and Ross Bascomb, classy high possession player, either in and under or on the run. Steve Paul had the unenviable task at Centre Half Back and competed well, Adam Green solid all day, Matt Bascomb on the last line of defence. Jayden Smith and Wayden Sumner enjoyed excellent second halves. Rex Martin shows signs of a promising future as does Lachlan Custance who worked hard. This is the longest road trip on the EP for a home and away match.
Bombers will be looking forward to their match up against the Bulldogs next week at Warramboo. Won this encounter at the Hanger last round, but the next one will see a stronger, more confident Centrals keen on reclaiming a strong grip on that coveted double chance. Promises to be a classic encounter on the eve of Mortlock. Both sides are contenders this year so they must win games against good sides. Seeding is coming to an end on the upper Eyre Peninsula, training will be higher intensity for both teams in preparation.
On the ‘Dogs, they will be doubly pleased, a hard working win at the Magpie nest, and the successful return of 2012/2013 mail medallist Jake Bruce from another hamstring repair. The young Magpies good for three quarters but you cant hold a good ‘dog down all day and a great second quarter setting up the win. Jesse Stringer another big day, hard ball winner and just so hard to tackle. Keenan Bury, new to the club this year and staked a strong claim for his place in the side, Jake Sampson continuing a wonderful 2015, Clint Winter, getting better each week which is ominous, as he is a match winner. Lachlan Heath, Jared Sampson and Ty Mc Kenna silky skills and good under pressure. Kane Sampson just mops up the last line of defence, maybe he should have arrived back their earlier in his career, he is a natural! Magpies young key position defender Ian Jericho had a great game, standing the grand master Wade O Brien he competed extremely well all day. Remi North an excellent work ethic and sure ball control, Darryl Marshall, again the master of the backline, Neil Seaman hard running and sensible ball movement/ decision making and Matthew Greatbatch around the centre.
Maggies travel to “Hawk Nest” the Bay next week. Probably the horror away game in Mid West given the Hawks irresistible form. Only a couple of goals in this match in round one. The Magpies must take their A Game no doubt, but are playing a game style that sees them very competitive. West Coast are playing a formidable team oriented style of football, and enjoy great club depth. Underlining the Hawks depth is the luxury of a Darren Brown playing reserves, kicking 16 goals this week, and Derick Freeman, making a successful return from a problem calf.
Poochera hosted the final match of the round. A seven goal to two second quarter by the Hawks sealed what was an otherwise closely fought contest. The run and creativity of the Hawk machine winning out in the end which is so often the case. On a weekend of grand returns, this game saw the Hawks own big unit Brent Bascombe back, and he celebrated his first match with eight majors. He adds a dimension to the Hawks, particularly for big matches. Dale Montgomerie back to his best and just kept getting the ball. Dillon Cabot, Joe Mc Innis both big winners in a sharp Hawk mid field, Jake Mc Evoy reveling in key forward responsibility and a well drilled backline.
The Districts boys don’t give up, Scott Feltus wonderful match again, Brodie Falciani a valuable in this year and always around the best, strong for his younger years. Braydn Hedley- King, speed and energy, he loves a run and no one can catch him, Chris Williams highly skilled and elusive. Handy match by Trent Brace as always, once an Eddie Betts type forward, he has made quite a home in the backlines in recent years.
Western Districts are still searching for their first win, and face their recent nemesis side, the Roosters at Elliston. Despite not winning a game this year, since round three 2014, the Tigers have beaten every other side in the League, except Elliston, falling short in round 3 2014, the 1st Semi final and then again round one 2015. Elliston will regroup this week no doubt, they smell Tiger blood in the air and will fancy their chances to stay in the final race at home, all hands on deck! For the Tigers part, they play a well disciplined, structured and thought out game plan, but they just struggle to cope with the less structured Roosters, ranging at anytime from a smothering defence to an adrenaline fuelled surging attacking red and white tidal wave.
The match results for round six are summarised here or check out the results section for each game
Last Modified on 26/05/2015 12:36