The 2016 Mid West Finals series heads to Elliston, with the 2nd Semi Finals providing the first right to challenge for the seasons spoils. The loser has no guarantees, they face a repechage against a rested 1st Semi Final winner and definitely the long route to the Grand Final at Warramboo.
Warmer weather is here, the stakes so much higher now, everyone is watching and opinions are formed, this is the big stage!
A Grade - Central Eyre vs West Coast Hawks
The two Boom sides of the past few years are at it again, this time around it is the ladder leading ‘dogs who are the hunted ones. Undefeated and having taken 2016 before them, popular opinion is that they simply cant be beaten, bring forward the cricket and tennis AGMs!
How quickly people forget! This time last year it was the Hawks undefeated and the Bulldogs the ones chasing, no one thought the top side could stumble, but that is the pressure of finals football repeated time and time again.
A few quick stats-:
Head to Head in Finals
Played 10, West Coast Hawks 6, Central Eyre 4
Head to Head 2016
Central Eyre 3, West Coast Hawks Nil
Round 2 Central Eyre by 116 points at Warramboo
Round 7 Central Eyre by 45 points at Streaky Bay
Round 12 Central Eyre by 62 points at Kyancutta
2nd Semi Finals Appearances
Central Eyre Played 11 for 7 wins (63%)
West Coast Hawks Played 15 for 11 wins (73%)
Finals at Elliston
Central Eyre Played 5 for 2 wins (40%) (not that flattering!)
West Coast Hawks Played 6 for 2 wins (33%) (even less flattering!!)
Centrals have held sway in 2016, reasonably comfortably, especially round 2, but hidden here is the physicality of these matches and the sheer hard work needed to gain ascendancy. This year it has been the Hawks struggling to come to terms with injuries and absences, but they are coming together now! The other key from the numbers here is that for two dominating finals sides, neither have really enjoyed the smaller confines at Elliston oval.
The Bulldogs look the full package, run, height, speed and skill. Fresh from a week off and pretty much a full list to select from, although a fit Matt Sampson would be welcome too. Into the side Zac Fitzgerald, Keenan Bury and Tom Freeth from last start v Wirrulla, all big names to a side which won well. Options aplenty at the Kennel, Ty Mc Kenna has stepped right into the leading ruck role and his leap and run is telling, fleet footed runners revolving through the centreline include Jake Sampson, Jesse Stringer, Clint Winter, Keenan Bury and new reigning Mail Medallist Jake Bruce. Just so hard to match up on everybody here. Add Zac Fitzgerald and Ty Habner’s bigger bodies to the midfield mix, and opposition coaches have a head ache. Forward line aerial strength includes Tasman Fitzgerald, Hayden Heath, Wade O Brien, with the guile of Tyler Chapman back in the side, kicking 4 to 5 every week upon his return. The Bulldog backline packs a punch, Kane Sampson and Tom Freeth the Generals at Full Back/ Centre Half Back, and devastating rebound of Lachlan Heath, Jared Sampson, Martin Grocke. The depth of the club provides for a difficult selection proposition, as there is simply too much talent available to all fit into the 21.
The Hawks will welcome back Dillon Montgomerie, Kirk Montgomerie, Darren Brown, Derek Clarke into their mix, and need to be at full strength for this one. Likely that Jay Johns will be called up also, he is a star of the future. Dylan Kelsh heads a stylish and tough midfield, looking better now that Dillon Cabot seems to have regained his full powers after knee surgery. Dillon and Dale Montgomerie, Jake Mc Evoy, Nick Schumann will all spend plenty of time around the middle, and maybe veteran Aiden Whitford to match the taller strength of the dogs in the centre. Nathan Johnson will need to fire at full forward, a tough assignment given that he will likely by standing grand master Kane Sampson, so help will be needed. Corey Cabot is a highly productive small forward and Derek Clarke to provide height.
Hawks are always well served by their strong defence, Derick Freeman, Tyson Montgomerie, Damien Johnson, forever reliable and just get the job done, Kirk Montgomerie too, although if his hamstring will take it, maybe back to a run with role with one of the ‘Dog dangermen, such as Jake Bruce.
Key match ups of Ty Mc Kenna/ Dylan Kelsh in the ruck, Dale Montgomerie/ Jake Sampson in the centre, Dillon Montgomerie/ Jake Bruce, Mark Dolling/ Keenan Bury and Kane Sampson/ Nathan Johnson will be critical.
Matches between these two are always entertaining, although most recently have been punctuated with tempers and controversy. Neither of these two are prepared to take a backward step for anybody, and eye each other with suspicion. Both must maintain discipline, as turnovers are even more costly at Elliston oval.
So hard to go past Central Eyre to progress to the Grand Final, their form is just irresistible, they play a true team brand of football and possess as awesome scoring power. The Hawks played this ground and match particularly well in the 2014 Grand Final, so will still be quietly confident.
Dogs – 30 to 40 points
Reserves – Central Eyre vs Wirrulla
The Bombers start their dual premiership defence in earnest, with the Bulldog’s showing plenty over the season to hold top spot. The booby prize for faltering this week is a match up against the Hawks in the Preliminary Final, possibly the current form team of the competition, and beating both of these two in the final round!. Is a loss here a signal for straight sets exit to 2016?
On the season-:
Round 5 Central Eyre by 15 points
Round 10 Wirrulla by 50 points
Round 15 Central Eyre by 4 points
Very closely matched on paper, two teams boasting youthful run along with old stagers know how and poise. The Bulldogs will play their reserve players, in that the A Grade is playing, whereas the Bombers have the luxury of a few extra, no A Grade this week and non top 15 list players are eligible. Interesting how the Bombers play their card on this one, as they have A Grade ambitions next week.
Coach Patterson is adept at winning finals, Wirrulla have played well as a team for many years now, and their success is no fluke. Saul Webb back in action late in the year has been a bonus, expect Andrew Theunans to take ruck duty, Daryl Lawrie loves the hard contest that finals bring. Judd Evans is a cool customer and good also having him back in colours. Tyron Fox and Vinnie Blumson are on the back end of great seasons, with Jack Kelsh and Mackenzie Best the young legs that will carry the ball at speed.
Centrals only dropped two games this year and have inspired with some huge scores along the way. Jordan Stutley, fresh from his Montgomerie Medal win will take serious handling, Kerron Cummings in outstanding form at the front of goals. Speed and skill abound with Shaun Murphy (Bob Whetstone Medal), Brandon Waters, Jaiden and Koby Nottle. Sheridan Roe will play against his former team and must be biting at the bit at the prospect. Old stagers Craig O Brien, Jeff Bigg and Todd Matthews keep the team on track.
Only four points separated the teams last start and expect that this one will be similarly close. Central Eyre did finish top, but tipping the Bombers here on the smaller oval to win through, those extra few “A Graders” will assist bridge the narrow gap.
Bombers -10 to 20 points
Colts – West Coast Hawks vs Elliston
The top two teams of the season and both clubs must feel very pleased with their developing talent.
Over the season Elliston won the first round match, and the Hawks rounds two and three, the first round Roosters defeat being their only loss for the year.
The Hawks do impress with a physically bigger team overall , where the Roosters have a younger average squad. Some of the best colts talent will be on display in this match, Jay Johns and Mathew Reeves crowned as the new Lockwood Medallist and Doug Fox Medallist respectively. Roosters will be playing at home play this ground well.
Look out for Jay Johns, his run and disposal skills are outstanding, Callum Saunders making big steps forward this year, Zeph Mohi, Hayden Brands midfield and scoring options, the speed and know how of Harmyn and Jacob Baldock. Dylan Eramiha is in great touch and Jaxon Hutchison has a great future. The Roosters will look to the leadership of Matt Reeves for his first touch in the ruck, and also his ability to hit the scoreboard, Ree Martin is a reliable defender from the key centre half back role, Gorn Tree is highly skilled, whether on the ball or forward. Young guns Jacob Newton, Rory Kelsh will enjoy the bigger stage and extra pressure, and Luke Hutchison’s strength will be needed all day.
Promises to be a great match to start the day, with the bigger Hawks tipped to hold sway in the end, perhaps by six or seven goals
Hawks 40 – 50 points
Elliston are great hosts, so get along for a great day of football and netball action
Last Modified on 26/08/2016 11:10