The big news from last week is terrible news for a big man and perhaps in some quarters the hopes of the Mooroopna club. Michael GAY went down in a centre ruck clash after going up against Bulldog Tim LITTLE like he has done literally a thousand times before. Football can be such a cruel game as it has now been confirmed that Michael will have to undergo a total knee reconstruction and the truth is his future is clouded given his age. Big Mick is really shattered as he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with Mooroopna - all though he won't be out on the ground he will be giving all his support to his Cat team-mates and the Club as we venture into August and September. Bad Luck Mick - all the best for a total recovery and a return to the game.
The closest game last week was at Princess Park where the Swans were able to knock over the Tigers by 17 points after being down by 2 points at half time. The Swans kicked 9 goals 5 in the second half compared to Rochy's 6 goals 4 behinds. Brian DURBRIDGE was back to his Morrison Medal best form and was well supported by the YZE brothers Damien, Adem and Ramadan. Robbo kicked 4. The Tigers best players were listed as Elliott BOWEN with 6 goals and Sam BRENNAN. Over at Mooroopna where big Michael GAY was tragically hurt the Cats lead the Bulldogs all day to run out winners by 47 points - Coach Brad CAMPBELL kicked 5, Craig WHELAN kicked 4 - Cats best were Dan COLLYER and Matt GREEN - the Bulldogs best were listed as young gun Tom SULLIVAN, Tommy DURWARD and Linc WELLINGTON. At Seymour, Shepparton United defeated the Lions 18.14 (122) to 12.9 (81) - that is 32 scoring shots to 21 so really, statisically, the Demons could have won by a lot more. Jason EAGLE and the Demon fans would be pleased with his game as he kicked 9 and worked really hard to keep the ball in the forward line. A dark horse for the Morrison in Ryan BUTLER was again very good across half back. The Lions were well served by Paul COLBERT and Shane SCHOTTNER. Despite a slow start over at Ky. with the Euroa Magpies kicking 4.1 to Ky's 1.3 in the first quarter - the Bombers ran out comfortable winners 19.16 (130) to 7.9 (51). Kane PETTIFER slotted 7, Xavier LINGTON kicked 4 and was named in the best along with Nathan BECK. Patty HORSBOROUGH was again Euroa's best player. Joel PERRY for the Murray Bombers kicked another 10 against Benalla with Matthew POLLOCK slotting 3 and being named Echuca's best. Matt SHARP and Brendan STEVENS were named as the Saints best players. It was great to see Richard WARBURTON at Deakin Reserve after stepping down as Senior Coach in the week leading up to the Bears taking on the reigning Premiers Mansfield. Mansfield were far too good for Shepp. all day and recorded a 69 point victory however there must be some concern up in the hills for the far too many points being kicked. I wonder if Brett MAHONEY from the Eagles could be another dark horse for the Morrison. Good to see that Nick ALLAN was in form and named as Shepp's best player.
Of interest at Deakin Reserve on Saturday will be the result of the Under 18 game - the United kids will be going all-out over at Euroa to bowl over the young Magpies while at the same time barracking for their co-tenants to defeat the Murray Bombers so the young Demons can get into the 6 for the first time this year. In the Senior game Joel PERRY could quite easily kick another 10 or more considering Brad MURRAY and Kristian HEIGHT are back from VCFL duties. Echuca should win and win well and use the Deakin ground to their full advantage as they will be counting on playing at least one more game there this year. Mansfield should defeat Seymour on their own ground - this game should be/could be a real beautie as both teams are still a chance to play finals. If Seymour get done they will be in huge strife as they have to play Echuca, Mooroopna and Euroa in the last three games whereas the Eagles have Shepp United, Tatura and Benalla. The Shepparton Swans could record a big score over on the big Benalla ground with them blending their terrific youngsters in with the experienced blokes who are playing very good footy. This next week could be an 8 point week for the Swans as their Appeal to get the 4 points from the Round One game should be heard and determined next Wednesday evening. If the Swans are successful with their Appeal that will certainly firmly entrench them into the finals where they have a very good lead-up to September action where they face Shepparton, Echuca and Mooroopna at home in the last round. Interesting is'nt it? Rochester will be keeping an ear open for what's happening up at Mansfield but they hold their destiny in their own hands - the Tigers simply must defeat Tatura to stay in the hunt for finals action. They were not disgraced against the in-form Swans last week but will be dirty with their 2nd half effort and will certainly have their noses to the grind stone over at Tatura. This could be another game that ends up going right down to the wire as Tatura can on their day play so very well. Rochy get's the nod! Shepp United should account for the Magpies over at the Memorial Oval and try to improve their Points For as they are 5th on the Points For ladder but are clearly winning the Points Against ladder with their back six being in great form all year. Perhaps this is one game where the Demons should go all out on trying to kick a record score. Perhaps the game of the Round is over at Kyabram with the Senior game to start at 7pm. The Under 18's commence at 3pm and the Reserves are to start at 5pm. The lights are very good over at Ky - if you have not been to a night game at Ky yet then make an effort as this really should be a terrific game and we may not get a result until right down to the final sirent. There is a good grand-stand and plenty of shelter over at Ky. but if you do go then rug up because she will be a bit "soldier's bold." Kyabram are the selection to win because the Cats will be hurting (but at the same time very determined) to cover the loss of Michael GAY but the feeling is that the Bombers are jumping out of their skins and are very worthy ladder leaders with the highest "Points For" with 1879, having 178 points more that the Swans. The Bomber defence has also been excellent all year with BECK 'n VICK down the spine and very honest flankers. The one on one contests during this game will be a highlight of the game as well.
Material will be handed out at each gate this Saturday with some officials wearing the Beyond Blue tee shirts and other apparell. This round is dedicated for each of us to consider the real illness of depression and to have an understanding and help those who reach out. Likewise, if a person is a bit down he/she should be encouraged to seek help - there is absoultely nothing at all to feel any shame about - it is a rotten bloody illness that can be treated. The catch call for this week-end is "Don't wait - talk to a mate!".
Last Modified on 29/08/2010 14:31