Wirrulla v Elliston at Wirrulla
5th v 4th on the current ladder, and places will change should the Bombers prevail! The Roosters on the road this week after a good showing last week against the ‘dogs. The undermanned Bombers were soundly shot down by the Hawks. Both sides know that this is a must win to establish finals credentials and both are also coping with injuries and absence to key personnel, so depth is being tested.
Until last match, Wirrulla have been improving week by week, expectation at the club is on the rise and playing with good intensity, particularly in finishing games. Sorely missed Ryan Watson last week. Jason Henderson in great form, Jake Gardiner dangerous around goals. Yanni Kozminski is a big out whilst away. Cunning old fox Mini Lawrie will be conjuring plans to counter the loss of taller players and run the footy. Simon Webb will be called upon to rack up the goals this week, support is needed! Lochie Ross to return along with Will Mayhew.
Roosters are quite an enigma, can possibly beat anyone on their day, but some of these long trips away wear them down. None further than this week. Still missing are Jay Williams, Tom Rumbelow, Jordan Newton and sadly a major knee to star midfielder Adam Smyth. Replacement players are performing admirably,with the core of the side still strong. Liam Newton, Adam Hurrell, Ross Bascomb, Guy Hutchison are top performers each week, Josh Theodoros burst out of the block against the ‘dogs with strong marking against the best defence, and a couple of goals, more needed this week. Rob Pickett 100 club matches last week and he his playing great footy.
Important match in the context of the season, Wirrulla at home and eager to bounce back quickly after last weekend. Roosters have the chance to get breathing space in the four, take good form in so start as a favourite.
Roosters 10 – 20
Wudinna United v Central Eyre at Wudinna
The Maggies host the Bulldogs who have been nursing injury and absence to key players. Wudinna United were spirited last week, narrow losers to the Tigers, with the ‘dogs receiving quite a first half challenge by the Roosters, prior to their experienced campaigners re-gaining control in the second half. This one a derby match, which does surprise from time to time.
The Magpies tend to focus on possession and the shorter game, while the ‘dogs like fast ball movement and longer passes. The Wudinna oval bears no disadvantage to the visitors, they like the space, just like their own home grounds really!
Wudinna United will be very pleased with “Fink” North’s excellent touch, back into the form of his many, many glory days. Brett Watkinson, Remi North and Matt Greatbatch are getting regular first use. Darryl Marshall is solid in defence, with Jack Lange and the fit Neil Seaman providing wonderful rebound. Magpies need to add quick ball movement to Xavier Scott and Bronte Ingomar to give them the best chance. Pleasing form of youngsters Adam Jericho and Tom Dupree.
Centrals still miss a few, but are well placed to provide cover. Expect Jesse Stringer back along with Tyler Chapman, Tasman Fitzgerald and Clint Winter. Zac Fitzgerald looms very large, eight goals from predominantly the midfield last week, who can hold him? Ty Mc Kenna in the ruck, Jake and Jared Sampson are class acts, Jackson Joyce excellent last week and a terrior. Hayden Heath a fast moving tall, with ability to win the key half forward and half back roles. Good players everywhere for the Bulldogs
Bulldogs are an outstanding outfit, and while slightly below their best side, they wont drop this one!
Bulldogs 78-80
Western Districts v West Coast Hawks at Minnipa
Big test for the Tigers at Minnipa, up against the form team in the competition. 1st v 3rd! The Hawks have everyone’s attention again, back on top where they are most comfortable and playing a fast brand of football that will hold them in good stead for late season matches. Western Districts are very capable, and have shown glimpses to supporters that they may be the team most likely to challenge the top two. This week will show if this is reality or a mere dream!
Districts boys usually play the larger Poochera Oval well, but struggled to shake a tenacious Magpies outfit last week. Welcome Joseph and Chris Williams re-joining Charlie at the club. Personnel on paper looks impressive, Jack Shanley providing a target, strong midfield with Scott Feltus, Shannon Horgan, Charlie Williams, Riley King. Great match by Sam Beare last week and he remains important against the Hawks. Steve Brands shows plenty of promise, he must maintain work rate, Kirk Hull productive week by week and Ken Newcombe a big gain for the club.
The Hawks have plenty, defensively mean, run and carry through the mid field and many options forward. Nick Schumann spending more time forward this year, along with Aiden Whitford and Corey Cabot getting plenty of it, Mark Dolling, Jake McEvoy, Kyle Tucker lead the fleet of foot brigade and the Five Star Generals of the Hawk Department of Defence - Tyson Montgomerie and Derick Freeman. Dylan Kelsh is in outstanding form right across the ground. Will the Tigers have a match up for him where others are having so much difficulty? Hawks have fond memories at this venue, they have won here many times.
Districts will compete here but hard to see the Hawks dropping this one with the momentum that they have.
Hawks 40 -50
Last Modified on 02/06/2017 15:35