by Jim Gordon
SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS V JEPARIT RAINBOW
It may not have been totally unexpected that Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers lost at Hopetoun last week, but it was the way they lost and the ten goal margin that was the surprise. This should be enough to get the Tigers all fired up for a must-win game against Jeparit Rainbow this week.
New coach Jarrod Arentz will be looking for a much better effort from his charges and they will have to lift as they play a confident Laker side that will be strengthened by the return of Heath Clugston and the inclusion of the highly rated Sean Bayzand for his first game.
This will strengthen an already strong mid field that proved too much for the Cats last week. The dominance of Justin Chilver in the ruck was a real bonus for Jeparit Rainbow. He played one of his best games for the Lakers and it looks like he could be back his 2010 form when he was the dominant ruckman in the Mallee Football League.
The ever reliable Ash Clugston was in great form up forward last week and he combined well with newcomer James Philip. This game will be a big test for the young Laker defenders who come up against the might of Arentz with Troy Ferrier alongside to mop up what Arentz brings to ground. Ferrier scored three in the Tigers’ loss to the Devils. Tyler Edelsten and Simon Clugston played well last week for Jeparit Rainbow and they are going to have to maintain this form if the Lakers hope to win again.
Tiger defender Jarrod Alderton stood tall at full back last week and was ably assisted by John Guthrie playing in the pocket beside him. Dan McEwan in his first game for the club was another rare winner for the Tigers, whilst wingers Jason Campbell and Billy Price did well and were only slowed by cramp in the gruelling conditions.
Jeparit Rainbow played well last Saturday to record a solid Round One win against Woomelang Lascelles. The Laker players stuck to their game plan, Chilvers and Ashley Clugston had big games and their younger brigade stood up. They face a big challenge against Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers away from home and possibly on the rebound after a hiding at Hopetoun. The Lakers will be looking forward to testing themselves against a highly rated team and they just might come away with the four points.
OUYEN UNITED V HOPETOUN
Ouyen United versus Hopetoun is an enticing prospect well worthy of match of the day billing. Last year’s premiers welcome to the unfurling of their 2011 flag the Rd 1 ten goal winners. This is a Demons versus Devils match up made in heaven.
What a great challenge for the Devils. They have the chance to do something heroic against a new look Demon side that nevertheless still boasts a plethora of youth and talent and the Dees rarely lose at home.
There is no doubt that Ouyen United has lost a lot of their firepower through a midfield that was so dominant last season. They will miss Craig Deckert, Brett Knowles and Marc Hahnel, but they have recruited well in this area. Alex Erlandson rucked well in a practice match against Woorinen, John Jackson demands, and gets, a lot of the ball and they still have the human dynamo Glenn Joyce. The game could be won or lost in the centre so whoever wins the centre clearances will probably win the match.
Andrew Jardine will be sorely missed in defence for United, but expect talented newcomer Mitchell Taylor to pick up Kain Robins or Bryce Wellington and Adam O’Callaghan can also be used. O’Callaghan had a great year in defence last year. Luke Carr for Hopetoun will have to be covered. Carr went forward last week and presented well providing plenty of opportunities for the small running Hopetoun forwards.
Ouyen United went a long way north to recruit and in an ironic twist to this game, both Erlandson and Taylor came up against Kain Robins whilst all three were playing in Darwin.
The Devils’ defence will have to work hard again as the Demons have recruited some big names for this area of the field. Simon Cook will lead the pack back there as the experienced leader of the group. Expect more from Anthony Baker this week while Deek Roberts and Liam Price will hopefully continue their good form.
Hopetoun should have a full list from which to pick. Bryce Wellington and Kain Robins will be the big guns up forward being the main focal points and possibly the keys to the game. Ouyen United deserve favouritism. All are eager to see how some of their young chargers deal with the chance to play together as team and their enthusiasm may just get the Dees over the line.
WOOMELANG LASCELLES V BEULAH
Two of the losing sides from Round One meet at Woomelang this week. Both were disappointing, both will be desperate for a win.
The Cats are reporting no injuries from their loss to the Lakers. Jackson Quirk is a strong chance to play after a good showing in his return through the reserves last week when he was best for Woomelang and kicked two goals.
Brodie Adcock is another who will return after having last week off. Chris Foott and Tony Mudge will be all the better for the run after interrupted pre seasons.
The Cats will be looking forward to playing Beulah this week. The Blues are always a benchmark in the MFL and they still have a strong line up despite losing last week. David King and Scott Smith were amongst the goals, Bradley Shannon was their best and Gareth Hose must have played well.
Woomelang Lascelles may still have a way to go before they once again become a power in the League, but we can expect them to show improvement as the season progress and as they improve their match fitness.
Beulah should be too talented and too experienced to lose two in a row and they should win well at Woomelang.
.
Last Modified on 19/04/2012 17:26
