Sunbury Kangaroos v Broadford
At the Boardman Reserve
Last week
Sunbury Kangaroos - Coach Chris Meacham had the hardest job in football when he selected the squad to take on the Hawks. He welcomed back the calibre of Mitch Streiff, Ti Cuffe and Leigh Fishenden into the fold and they all had a starring role to play in the 38 point win. They were challenged by the emerging Hawks but they were able to do enough to get the job done. Kane Murphy was also a welcome addition to the team and he kicked two goals in a starring performance. There were many positives in the win and they will take that into the clash with the opposing Kangaroos.
Broadford - The Roos had the week off after their thrilling seven point loss to Diggers Rest. They will be fresh from the break and determined to take on the reigning premiers. They will feel confident that they can be quite competitive after a bold showing against the Burra's. While Barry Hall kicked nine in the loss, they did not have a bench in the final term and fought bravely. One of the more pleasing aspects of the loss was the form of Corey Hall. He starred in just his second game of senior football with the club and he is more than capable of finding the goals. Jason Harvey was another shining light. The former Under 18.5s star kicked two goals on debut in the same game and won plenty of the football.
THE GAME
The Sunbury Kangaroos were challenged in parts by the Hawks. The weather wasn't favourable but they did what they had to do. They can't take Broadford lightly. While Barry Hall has played in two of Broadford's three games to date, the side is a much improved unit. They attack the ball harder, have great speed in the midfield and have a great range of multiple goal kickers. Sunbury has just a little bit more experience and confidence across the ground and should win in a spirited game. Michael Gillard will have the job ahead of him in the ruck against the twin towers of Fishenden and Jamie Cuffe. This battle will add more excitement to the contest. Sunbury is very close to full strength.
Lancefield v Melton Centrals
At Lancefield Reserve
Last week
Lancefield - The Tigers really turned it on last week against Kilmore at the JJ Clacny Reserve. Their A Grade performers really stepped up with the Collins and Swindells brothers winning plenty of the ball and John Baker making the most of his opportunities up forward with eight goals. There was plenty to like about the Tigers who were able to score 18 goals. They kicked goals with and into the wind and that's a great positive sign in their development as a club.
Melton Centrals - The previously unbeaten Centrals matched the Redbacks every step of the way last week. They led for all except three minutes in the first three quarters last week. Wade Livingstone goaled in the opening minute and they ran away from there. They were a little undisciplined in the last term when the game was up for grabs and allowed Romsey the confidence to soar back into the game. If that was the only major flaw in their five goal loss, coach Brian Wheelahan can feel confident that he has the cattle on the park to challenge the best and addressing the nature of conceding 50 metre penalties at the wrong time of the game is an easy fix. They were just about the best team for most of the day.
THE GAME
This shapes up as being the game of the round. Both teams have been in exceptional form. The Tigers have dropped games to Broadford and the rampaging Rupo while the Centrals have dropped just the one game. The Tigers have great pace in the midfield while the Centrals have a greater physical presence. If Lancefield can win the centre clearances and their midfielders can provide assistance to Baker on the goal front, they will be in with a great chance to win. The Centrals played some amazing football against Romsey and they are a well balanced team with several key forwards and hard running from their backline. On that basis, they will get over the line, just.
Listen in on 100.7 Highlands FM around the Macedon Ranges or 88.1FM at the ground from 1.30pm.
Rockbank v Riddell
At Ian Cowie Reserve
Last week
Rockbank - It was a hard day at the office for the Rams that took on a powerhouse Diggers Rest line-up. They trailed by just 23 points at half time before conceding 10 goals to one in the second half in a real blow-out. There were some great positives to take from the loss with Mark Stevens kicking two goals and Shaun Wilson playing some blistering football. Sadly it was too much saved for two few. They will look to put that game behind them and restrict the flow of goal kickers on the opposition (Diggers Rest had 10).
Riddell - It may not have been overly pretty football at the Tony Clarke Reserve but the Bombers were determined to put the demons of the venue to rest with their first win at the ground in three years. Aaron Blade enjoyed a stellar game against his old team, which he had won his Bowen Medal for. He was back to his brilliant best after leg injuries impacted his 2012 season. Ethan Foreman continued to show why he is a star of the future alongside fellow youngsters Jordie Taylor and Haydn Ross. The future is looking bright at the Bombers and it was clearly on display last week.
THE GAME
The Rams have nothing to lose in a big home game against the Bombers. They suffered a win against them in recent years at this venue but both teams have come a long way since then. Riddell is similar to Diggers Rest with quality run from a high number of players and a wide spread of goal-kickers (nine last week). The depth on the Bombers list is good with several top players playing in the Reserves and the newer players having an immediate impact in the team, making sure they really earn their spot. The ground should suit the Bombers' run and attacking style of play but expect the Rams to make it a challenge.
Wallan v Diggers Rest
At Greenhill Reserve
Last week
Wallan - The Pies battled bravely against Rupertswood in an explosive game of football. They showed glimpses of brilliance and ran the ball well at times. They slipped away in the second half. They conceded eight goals to three and lost by 46 points. Harry Trotman was a stand-out and Brenton Hanson performed well with three goals. Steven Bell showed some promise from the back line while their youngsters were beaten by their more experienced direct opponents. There is still many positives to take away from the clash and give themselves a bit more confidence to take into this big game.
Diggers Rest - The Burra's registered 36 scoring shots and managed to win by 14 goals. Their inaccuracy would have proved costly against a stronger opposition. Rockbank worked hard to apply enough peassure to make kicking for goals a challenge. They enjoyed 10 goal kickers and Stuart Clarke stepped up with four. Brett Caton was dynamic across half back and he is back to his best football. They look a dynamic team to watch when they are in full flight.
THE GAME
The Burras will look to stretch their winning streak to four games since their five-point loss in the opening round to Riddell. Wallan won just the one game this year but showed promise in the defeats. The Pies will provide a great challenge to the Burras in this big clash. They know the Green Hill Reserve ground well and they have many players capable of attacking the ball and setting up scoring opportunities. They currently lack a forward who is capable of taking the game away from the opposition backmen. Diggers Rest has many forwards at the other end and leading forward Dan McCabe has yet to leave first gear. Look out when he gets to fifth. Diggers Rest should win but not easily.
Kilmore v Macedon
At JJ Clancy Reserve
Last week
Kilmore - The Blues matched the Tigers for most of the game last week. If not for a six goal to nil last term, the result could have been much different. Michael McCulloch was a stand-out in the ruck while Rob Peckham used his size to advantage and provided a strong tall physical presence around the ball. Nick Sheldon and Simon Heather kicked multiple goals which is a big positive for the developing team. The 10 goal loss doesn't reflect their hard work over the course of the game.
Macedon - The Cats were disappointing yet again. They trailed by five goals at half time with only three goals to their name and could not reel in the Bombers from that point. They played better in the second half but the job was already done. Their great potential has yet to really gell this season against two strong sides in recent weeks. They can look at the efforts of Jason Davies and Nick Arnold as two of their more consistent players this year as inspiration. This is a very important game for them this week.
THE GAME
The Blues defeated the Cats at the JJ Clancy Reserve against the odds by a point last year in the early stage of the season. It was a must-win game for the Cats but the courage of the Blues got them over the line. The stakes are a bit different here as Macedon is looking to rebuild and return to the winners' list with great venom ahead of a round six match-up with Diggers Rest. Kilmore is a courageous team with great potential. The Blues are determined to slow the Cats down and maybe pinch their elusive first win of the year. The Cats should be too strong and expect their tall players to dominate.
Catch the game on 98.3 OKR FM around the Mitchell Shire or 88.1FM at the ground.
Woodend-Hesket v Romsey
At the Gilbert Gordon Oval
Last week
Woodend/Hesket - The Hawks were bold and daring in their 38 point loss to the reigning premiers, the Sunbury Kangaroos. They played competitive football and never let the margin really blow out. While they trailed by 58 points at three quarter time, they won the last quarter with great conviction and that will be a big positive for the young team. Jesse Sheppard led by example and Jake Hyland and Mitch Athorn showed great potential in their irst senior games with the team. The Hawks had close to their best available side and they played well against Sunbury's strongest team this year.
Romsey - The Redbacks were pushed all the way by the determined Centrals outfit. After an ordinary first term, they backed their natural run and ability to stand up and keep in the game. Tessari was a stand-out across half back and Petroro lifted with his dashing runs. He bounced the ball at almost every disposal, such is his daring nature. It was a good team performance and the older heads in Brewer, Mitchell and Dawson lifted when the team needed that extra run. David Broos (or Quillerat, if you're reading the results each week) is a star of the future in the ruck.
THE GAME
As good as the Hawks were last week, the job will be ahead of them this week. Romsey still isn't at full strength, yet the players who have stepped up have made a big impact. The Hawks will get a good look at ruck prodigy and Dome Rising Star of the week David Broos for the first term who will provide first use of the ball to Romsey's many talented midfielders. Justin Rodda will happily rise to the occasion for the Hawks with a strong and physical midfield at his feet. Small onballers Paul Podbury and Guy Donovan should have a big influence. This will be a good test for the Hawks in front of a big crowd. Expect the Redbacks to take the four points but it won't be made easy for them.
Last Modified on 10/05/2013 12:37