22 July 2019
The footy returns after the mid season break, EP again representing well last weeks State Championships in the Senior Men’s / Women’s at Port Pirie, Under 17 and Under 15 levels in Adelaide. Back to business as the wrestle for ladder position heats up.
Western Districts did their finals double chance hopes no harm with a 35 point win over regular nemesis Wirrulla at the beautifully prepared Minnipa Oval. Kicking against a strong wind in the first quarter, the Tigers won the quarter with hard work run and carry, having shots from close to goal, while the Bombers wasteful with longer shots with the wind missing their target. 42 point margin to the Tigers at the half, and while the Bombers were able to steady themselves thereafter recovering some lost ground, they never really got themselves close enough to threaten the well drilled Tigers. Slower starts are causing headaches amongst the Bomber brains trust, as they are well in most games for long periods!
Good players aplenty for the Tigers, Kade Gill outstanding in defence, strong marking, running rebound game, and marshalling those around him, vintage Scott Feltus, hard working high possession game, Broadie Chandler in the centre and at the bottom of most contests, setting up so many attacks with his creativity, Scott Williams plenty of it with his damaging left foot, Derek Williams solid in the crunches, strong body and so hard to stop, Shannon Horgan enjoying more space these days, and plays a hand in many successful tiger forward moves, Charlie Williams and Braydn Hedley- King leg speed to burn, and Joe Williams in the thick of it all day. No passengers for the Tigers, just how coach Feltus likes it.
The Bombers never gave it away at any stage, Mitchell Gum outstanding again, huge tank, runs all day with immaculate use of the footy, Matt Kelsh strong and hard at it, big fella and deceptively nimble, he wins big metres for his team, Callan Roe, rucking and also around the ground worked hard, Ryley Myles on the ball is hard at it, prolific ball winner and classy. Simon Webb looked dangerous whenever he was given the opportunity, one wonders whether if more ball went in Simon’s general direction in the first quarter rather than over his head, the result may be far closer!
Wudinna United travelled to the coast for a date with Elliston, taking home the points after a great first half setting the result before an even second half. The Roosters combining much better after half time! Cody Boylan another great match for the Magpies, high marking and tough in and at it. Izaac Boylan high in the best as his is most weeks, must be high in the best and fairest, Ian Jericho back from EP duty, strong in defensive key roles and excellent in the ruck from time to time, Josh Mitchell another big ‘un, Jonty Seal a go to marking forward, slick off the ground also, five goals, young Diesel Lymn, four goals and a wonderful work ethic, the grand old soldier Henry Zwar chiming in with five goals also, just to ensure those young whipper snappers do get ahead of themselves!
Roosters best served by Dale Bache, a big recruit this year. Hard at the footy and wins plenty of it, Ross Bascomb the skipper marshalling the troops, beautiful disposal and cool under pressure, Josh Redden and Steve Paul both in the thick of it, Steve very welcome back after several weeks off with injury, Gorn Tree another stepping up this year, well balanced and quick by hands/ feet, Jack Bascomb also another excellent match, another who uses the footy to great effect. Matt Williams always puts his heart and soul in for his club, along with Andrew McLeod ensured the Roosters found their way goalward.
West Coast Hawks continued their perfect season against an undermanned Central Eyre outfit at Streaky Bay. Too many targets up forward, the Hawks work the ball into great positions when they shoot for goal, many times inside 30m, and their dominant midfield ensures that those hungry forwards are well fed! Ryan Hicks one of his best games at the club and he has had a few, Mark Dolling with nine goals outstanding, giving more away, he looms large in finals, Jess Kenny, Jack Burton back together after Jack’s recent layoff, the magic is also back, Hayden Brands a big contributor all day. Braden Holmes with six goals taking his season tally to 49, but a new rival for League season goal kicking honours standing right next to him, Froggy Dolling hot is pursuit, now with 36.
The Bulldogs always expected a tough day at the office and will improve in the next few weeks as players return. Captain Jake Sampson leading the best in another complete game for the prolific mid fielder, doesn’t ever put in a bad game! Jesse Stringer another great match, heavy lifter around the contested footy, and hard to hold in a tackle, Jackson Joyce with speed, important cog in the dog’s wheel, Jared Sampson poised and strong with the football, an enforced 10 minutes on the pine with his coach which is unusual, but reads the play and game so well. Tasman Fitzgerald worked hard, one of the few times goal less but up the field far more this week.
Can anyone catch these Hawks? They are looking the goods! Rival coaching staff with finals aspirations must be working on schemes how to deal with their relentless run and team work.
Four more minor round games, and all spots in four apart from top still up for grabs!
Summary results here or go to fixture/results menu for more detail.
Last Modified on 22/07/2019 22:45