Wallan v Macedon
at Green Hill Reserve
Last week
Wallan - The Pies enjoyed having a bye last week after falling to Riddell by 35 points back in Round 16. It was a difficult match for them and one that they needed to win at the time if they were to remain even the slightest of chances to make an appearance in the finals. They played two solid quarters and kept within touch at three quarter time before the Bombers kicked away in the final term to record a strong victory. The Pies were far from disgraced on the day with Justin Colliss and Rhys Frost amoung the stars on the day. Marc and Galea kicked two goals apiece while Luke Anderson was a strong tall around the ground at a testing Riddells Creek Reserve.
Macedon - The Cats enjoyed a week off and confident that their place in the top six would be assured. They come into this game on the back of a 35 point win over Rockbannk at home, a match that wasn't overly inspiring for the opening three terms before they kicked away with six goals in the final term. James Wright showed his rapid climb up the ranks as one of the stars of old with a best on ground performance. Jack Kernan re-affirmed to the rest of the competition that he was a worthy recipient of a Rising Star nomination, not bad for a full forward turned backman. Al Meldrum stepped up with three goals in a must win match for the Cats.
THE GAME
Wallan has a big chance to dampen Macedon's confidence on the eve of the finals. The Pies are very hard to beat at home and have the wood over the Cats after beating them by 26 points at the Tony Clarke Reserve in round 13. Macedon has the run and height around the ground to take on the best that Wallan can produce. James Wright has been in fine touch while Darren Goodwin has enjoyed a purple patch in the midfield over the last four weeks. Al Meldrum is an imposing target in the forward line and makes such a big impact to the Cats' line-up. The Pies will be fuelled by Shannon Galea and the hard efforts from Luke Zeralla but they lack the height to perhaps defeat the fast-improving Cats who are licking their lips at finals.
Broadford v Rockbank
at Harley Hammond Reserve
Last week
Broadford - The Roos were extremely disappointing in their loss to Diggers Rest last week. They only had two stars step up for the day with Scott Dylan rising to kick three goals and Matt Coomans was a star in the midfield. The rest of the team appeared to lack that confidence and drive in their 108 point loss. They matched the Burras in the opening term to a degree, closing to within 23 points. Otherwise, it was one way traffic as they remain in 11th spot on the ladder with six wins.
Rockbank - The Rams are determined to finish the season on a high. They defeated Kilmore by 67 points at home led by a seven goal to one final term. Malcolm Lynch stepped up with six goals in a strong performance while Shaun Wilson continued to put his name up in lights with a good physical performance between half back and half forward. They ran hard and played daring football against a well determined opposition. Matt Krul enjoyed a stand-out game with four goals and showed just why is one of the stars from the game since growing up with the club through the Under 18s system and evolving into a dangerous long term successful player that the club willy rely on for many years to come.
THE GAME
Broadford is determined to finish this season the way it started it; with a win at home; while having the match broadcast on radio. This is a big day for the club to finish the year on a high in front of a big crowd. Scott Dylan has been the 'go to' man up forward in the absence of Barry Hall but not even he has been able to single-handedly arrest the game from the opposition in recent weeks. The Rams will head into this match full of running after last week's win over Kilmore. Dylan Creed has been impressive in recent weeks for Rockbank and will look to continue that form as his Rams battle for pride to finish out the season. If Hall plays, Broadford will win; if not, expect the Rams to continue their impressive form in the later half of the season.
Listen to the game on 88.1FM around the ground/ 98.3 OKR FM/ or - okrfm.com
Riddell v Sunbury Kangaroos
at Riddells Creek Reserve
Last week
Riddell - The Bombers made a big statement to the rest of the competition with a thumping 11 goal win over Lancefield at Lancefield last weekend. They oozed class from the opening bounced as they had 11 more scoring shots than their opposition at quarter time. Young guns Ethan Foreman and Haydn Ross continued their stellar touch to single handedly take the game away from the Tigers. The Bombers extended their lead at the end of every quarter in a dominating effort. Twin towers James Nolan and Matt Darby kicked three goals each up forward. Sadly from all reports Darby has injured his shoulder and may be out for the remainder of the season which would be devastating for the young star who was named best on the ground in last year's Under 18.5 premiership.
Sunbury Kangaroos - The Roos enjoyed the week off last week as they head towards their premiership title defence. They enjoyed a big win over Romsey in round 16. They had their most dominating performance in the final term where they kicked five straight goals into a strong wind to knock the wind out of Romsey's sails and advance to a 57 point win. Jared and Ryan Pretty kicked four goals each while Matt Welsh was a star across half back in an amazing performance by the team.
THE GAME
Stop the press, the Riddell District Football Netball League finals have arrived a week early. This is going to be the most hotly contested home and away clash for the season. Riddells Creek Reserve should be packed as the Roos look to try to secure a win to make the top two. The Bombers will be desperate to win this clash to get as much confidence as they can heading into the finals. James Nolan and Sunbury Kangaroo Dan Gregory will enjoy a mighty battle in Riddell's forward line. Both teams will be evenly matched across all positions. There has been little to separate the top three sides this year and there will be little that will separate these two. The Bombers enjoyed a big win against the Roos in Round 12 and they will hope to the psychological advantage from that win to give them the edge in this contest. Expect a heart-stopping finale to the home and away season with this potentially going to a draw.
Listen to the game on 88.1FM around the ground/ 100.7 Highlands FM/ or highlandsfm.org.au
Rupertswood v Diggers Rest
at Salesian College, Rupertswood
Last week
Rupertswood - The Sharks secured their finals ticket with a 47 point win over Woodend/Hesket at Kyneton in perfect conditions on Saturday. Rupo kicked away to an early four goal lead and lead from as early as the two minute mark right through to the final siren in a comprehensive performance. Leigh Brennan starred up forward with four goals; John Corso; Brent Swallow and Dave Morrice impressed in the midfield while Mitch Gaunt was at his usual best.
Diggers Rest - The Burras were clinical in their win over Broadford last week. They led by 23 points at quarter time and kicked away at every change to win by 18 goals. Brett Tuckey was the star up forward with six goals while Steve Fogarty was dangerous in he midfield alongside team mate Dylan Hannan. There was a lot for Burras fans to get excited about with the win as they press hard to secure their place in the top two and may have a tilt at the minor premiership. They possess the best attack in the competition ahead of Riddell, Sunbury Kangaroos and Rupertswood. Their efforts over the weekend confirmed that they are in amazing form at the right time of year.
THE GAME
Diggers Rest should have all the answers to win this contest. Tuckey was the difference in his side's last match with 15.1, ironically the exact margin between the two teams. Rupertswood was strong last week and will hope to remain competitive and keep the margin under 40 points. Other than wanting to win the match, this would be a big positive for them. Leigh Brennan is capable of kicking a big haul of goals and keep the Diggers Rest backmen busy. Both teams feature some very determined runners and outstanding players with clever abilities. Rupertswood's Mitch Gaunt and Diggers Rest's Steve Fogarty will be an intriguing match-up in the midfield. While the game is being played at Rupertswood, all signs point to Diggers Rest taking the four points.
Romsey v Woodend/Hesket
at Romsey Park
Last week
Romsey - The Redbacks lost a heart stopper to Melton Centrals at MacPherson Park last week. They led the Centrals by three points at quarter time before conceding five goals to one in the second term to trail by 25 points at half time. They clawed back to level the scores at three quarter time before the Centrals hit the front and held on to a memorable victory, one of the finest in recent memory. It was a hard day at the office for the Red and Black Army with Phil Romeril, Blake Henderson and Craig Robbins amoung the stars to work hard. Jayden Murnane battled hard for the Redbacks in a trying effort.
Woodend/Hesket - The Hawks tried hard in their loss to Rupertswood at the Kyneton Showgrounds. They lost the clash by 47 points and the third term played a big part in that loss. The Hawks were held scoreless after clawing to within three goals at half time before the Sharks kicked four goals in the term to seal the contest. Tom Gawthrop and Robbie Bowen worked hard to kick two goals, Dan Martin was strong in the ruck all day while Ethan Gove was another outstanding star for the Hawks that tried hard all day.
THE GAME
Romsey will play finals this year and will not want to do so on the back of a six-game losing streak. This is what is facing the Redbacks if they can't get the job done against the Hawks. The Redbacks battled bravely against the Centrals and will hope to have captain Steve Burlak and star midfielder Ash McNaughton re-join the team. The Hawks have a good young list coming through and will hope for a strong third term - the quarter that has arguably been their worst this year. This match could go either way but expect the Redbacks to make a statement to the competition and re-affirm that they are a genuine powerhouse team that will be a force in the finals. The Hawks will love nothing more than to upset the applecart and put Romsey on the ropes in week one of the finals, however it looks too big of a job.
Last Modified on 16/08/2013 13:35