14 August 2018
West Coast Hawks v Western Districts
Neither side has an A Grade on the day, the Tigers in fact can concentrate on just fielding their best side hereafter while the Hawks do have later A Grade considerations. Western Districts return to the site of their premiership glory last year to start their premiership defence while the Hawks probably feel a little indignant that they find themselves here at all, probably favoured for second spot prior to a surprise Rooster win against ladder leaders Wirrulla in the last round!
Season results
Round 5 at Poochera Districts by 44 points
Round 10 at Streaky Bay Hawks by 2 points
Round 15 at Minnipa Hawks by 8 points
So who do the Hawks pick? Do the potential A Graders rest? Is the A Grade side settled or are players still auditioning? Plenty of questions! A swag of youngsters not playing colts this week and having A Grade experience will add speed, the likes of Kyan Saunders, Jacob Baldock, Mitchell Gazzola and Bailey Hawes have great futures. Regular and reliable elders such as Eric Elliott, Lyndon Jarvis and Simon Tucker provide poise and direction.
The direction is much clearer at the Tigers Lair, where they enjoyed the taste of success in 2017. Despite the long and boisterous celebration, it is certainly worth doing again! No colts or A Grade, so the best possible side will play here. Young Kysen Shepperd has found plenty of it, great around the goals and a big talent, Jesse Hull, Jacob Hull coming off of great seasons, Kirk Hull available despite mainly A Grade this year, Matt Carey is an elite player, later years but would be a first start A Grader anytime. Trent Brace love the higher pressure or finals, in and under, Brad Cronin keeps on getting the footy, Locky Redden and Cameron Tomney important players in this team.
Interesting match up, with both sides capable. Like the options available to the Tigers at home, and likely edge in body strength also. Hawks will use their youthful leg speed, if it proves to be windy, this aspect will be important!
Tigers 10 -20
Last Modified on 15/08/2018 23:13