Pictured-:
1. A rare moment captured, Central Eyre are outnumbered by Tigers at the contest in Saturday's match at Poochera!
2. Punishment for an "Out on the Full" error. Maybe a better way to learn than repetition at training!
The Mid West season is up and away, warm conditions and little wind. The district is obviously going through quite an economic upturn judging by the number of work permits across the League. Always makes for entertaining football, new faces, some old favourites back and some bumps and bruises to nurse.
The ‘Dogs premiership hangover never made it out onto the oval, as they savaged the undermanned Tigers at Poochera to the tune of 176 points. The rest of the League is on notice now, if they weren’t already that Central’s will be the team to watch. Zack Fitzgerald straight into the swing of footy back home, five goals and best afield. Jesse Stringer, Jake Bruce, Keenan Bury all busy around the mid field, Tom Freeth immediately back into form, players lining up to join the scoring frenzy. Hard yakka for the Tigers first up, sweeping changes to personnel, and may take a few weeks to align their game plan. No surprise that their better players are defence based, Zane Montgomerie, break out year in 2015 and good again, Liam Sampson, a new face doing well, Thomas Lee, Kade Gill and old warhorse Scotty Feltus in the best.
Bad injury to Josh Dearman from Centrals, broken leg, so we wish him well for a speedy recovery
Good win in the B and Colts grades to Central Eyre, completing a day out for the club.
Concentration to the fore next week in round two. Centrals face the Hawks at Warramboo in the 2015 Grand Final rematch, and this is the venue for the 2016 decider, so a good showing is important for both sides. Hawks will be eager to suggest that the 2016 final was not a longer term changing of the guard, rather a blip on the radar. Centrals are primed to go however, will start the match as a warm favourite in front of the ‘Dog faithful.
Bumps and bruises aplenty at Bomberland, as the home side held off an enterprising Magpie outfit. A four goal lead established at quarter time was never really headed, but the match was hard fought and physical. First win for Troy Olsen as a coach, and he will be pleased with the level of team work and desperation of his men. Great debuts from Luke Norman (39 possessions) and Reegan Mastralango, Jarden Stoetzer a tower of strength all day, Mitchell Gum and Yanni Kozminski in the ruck. Dean Vickery providing the clean finish to good work up field with 5 goals straight. Wudinna United should be happy with their commitment and with a few turnovers cleaned up, could have pushed this match for a win. Jonty Seal a good homecoming with three goals, and also an avenue to goal, Tyson Tree good in the ruck and also around the ground, Ian Jericho and Glan Schrieber in the key defensive roles, strong competition in the air and setting up run out of the back half, Adam Jericho’s speed and good decision making sets him up for a big year. Harry Petty displayed vigour and won plenty of contested ball, on the ground and air.
Good wins to the Magpies in the Colts and B Grade, both entertaining matches
Wirrulla host Western Districts next week, two clubs who match up well against each other, despite quite a different game style, with the Bombers liking the hard won ball and Districts liking the spaces and chip around style. Probably no two clubs in Mid West have played as many matches decided by less than a goal. The Bombers should start this match as a favourite and extend the season to two/ zero on the ladder. Districts will need to re group quickly after round one, which must be confidence sapping.
The Hawks straight back in winning form at the “Bay, 52 points the better of the spirited Roosters, probably the benefit of a longer pre season and established game plan showing through. Dale Montgomerie in sparkling form, Cameron Montgomerie good all day, chipping in with five goals and plenty of the footy. Mark Dolling’s first match for the Hawks full of class, he will take some watching all year. Nick Schumann and Jake Mc Evoy both in the best. Roosters lead by Ben and Adam Hurrell, brother enjoying the opportunity to again team up for their beloved Roosters. Ben back to Port Lincoln next week and will be sorely missed. Liam Newton and Jordan Newton both played great games and welcome home Tommy Rumbelow. Elliston have a good squad, although cannot afford a big injury list, good hit out this week in a travelling game.
Elliston turned the tables on the Hawks in the B Grade and Colts, enjoying good win in both grades
The Magpies host Elliston next week, and must rebound quickly. Elliston pretty much matched the Hawks after half time and match up well against the Magpies. Both sides will loose a few players as the work permits run out. Darryl Marshall and Sam Buckham expected to be back in colours for the Magpies. Game will come down to fitness in what may again be warm conditions, with the home team maybe having an edge
All new recruits to the League performed well, and clubs will all see that finals participation as their aim for 2016.
Results are summarised here in all grades or go to the fixtures/results menu above for more detail
Last Modified on 18/04/2016 17:46