by Jim Gordon
JEPARIT RAINBOW V HOPETOUN
These two sides have been disappointing in recent weeks both going down to Ouyen United who haven’t exactly been setting the world on fire this year. Last week the Lakers were comprehensively beaten by United in a performance that many of their supporters said was their worst for the year. The week before, Hopetoun suffered the indignity of losing to the Demons when almost seven goals up at half time and playing at home.
Of the two performances, at least Hopetoun indicated that they are capable of playing very good football. Their first half was dominant against the Dees with Kain Robins and Bryce Wellington in complete control up forward and Luke Carr at his brilliant best in the centre.
Jeparit Rainbow’s lack of depth means that the same players have to play well each week for them to be competitive. Both Justin Chilver and Andrew Watson were down a bit last week, but with the Devils still hurting without a key ruckman, it is a chance for Chilver to run back into form. Fortunately the Lakers have the Clugston brothers, Aaron Beer and Sean Bayzand to do a lot of the mopping up, the running and hard work in and around the centre.
Ben Marra was another amongst the few to impress last week for Jeparit Rainbow and it was good to see him back amongst their best for the second week in a row. Marra gives a lot of drive with his attack on the ball and he is a very competitive player.
The Devils should have close to a full list to pick from and should be refreshed after the bye. Shutting down the Clugston brothers will be the key against the Lakers. Good luck there, just when you think you have one Clugston covered, another pops up! A negating role in this area could go to Liam Price, Deek Roberts or Quentin Jones.
Kain Robins is very difficult to stop. He has been in brilliant form this year. Andrew Watson may get first crack at him although Tyler Edelsten could also be used.
A win for the Devils is essential this week after their bad loss before the bye. The last time these two sides met Hopetoun ran out easy winners by 100 points with Kain Robins in dominant form kicking nine goals. The Lakers will hope that their side plays better this week and to do so, they will need a much better effort from more of their players.
BEULAH V OUYEN UNITED
In the recent past these two sides have put on some great games, both having success at different times. Earlier this year it was Beulah coming away with the four points, but not before Ouyen United began with a seven goal to five behinds opening term. From then on the Blues outscored the Demons each quarter and but for some wayward kicking - they ended up with ten goals and 24 behinds - could have won by a lot more than the final 23 point margin.
Beulah had two late withdrawals last week in their loss against Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers with Bradley Shannon and Rob Carlile pulling out on the Friday. Jason Turnbull also didn't play and they are hoping to get one or maybe two of these players back depending on if they can get through training Thursday night. With these three back Beulah will be able to add pace and skill to their line up.
Saturday’s loss was a disappointing result for the Blues. A win would have had Beulah six points clear in second place, but as it turned out, if they can't get over the line this week, they will only be four points clear in fourth place.
Captain Tim Hill will be playing his 50th game this week for Beulah. He will probably play on Casey Stoezter who is gradually gaining in confidence; Stoezter is not dominating, but only needs a few chances to score goals as he is a very accurate kick for goal.
Beulah’s Tyler Lehmann is in great form playing through the midfield and across half forward. Tom Hallam has a had a consistently good year up to this point. He is finding a lot of the ball, he defends well and uses the ball to advantage.
Beulah need a four quarter performance and the whole team needs to contribute because Ouyen United are in very good form right across the ground. John Jackson is at his scintillating best taking on the opposition, running, bouncing the ball and kicking it a mile into attack.
Jarrod Erlandson is strong and agile across half forward, Glenn Joyce is playing well, Ben Mole is capable of the spectacular and their backline never gives up. Adam O’Callaghan usually lines up on the dangerous David King who is a regular goal kicking contributor for Beulah.
Ouyen United find it hard to win at Beulah. They will really have to have all guns firing this week if they hope to keep their season on track. Maybe if Troy Moncur is able to play this week, the scales could just tip United’s way, otherwise the Blues could be back in second place.
WALPEUP UNDERBOOL V SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS
In the match of the day, the undefeated Walpeup Underbool take on second placed Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers at home. The Roos’ form has been consistent this season and few teams have got near them, although the Tigers are one that has and only fell short by two goals in their meeting earlier this year.
This game will most likely be won or lost in the midfield battle. The Walpeup Underbool midfielders tore the Tigers apart last time they met. Players of the calibre of Matt Palmer, David Piasente and Sam McDonald dominated out of the centre and kept the Roos ahead of the Tigers after quarter time.
Unfortunately for the Roos the reliable Travis Latta will miss a few weeks after pulling a hamstring. Josh Charles should return to play in the ruck where he was another to do well against Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers in that early season win. Scott Munro will be back after a month out and he will add some more class and experience to the midfield.
Tiger coach Jarrod Arentz has been kicking goals lately. Two weeks ago he got 12. Expect Chris Lynch to renew his battle with Arentz. Another to watch will be former coach Col Durie who always seems to find space and a lot of the ball in the battles between these teams.
Last time the Roos met the Tigers it was a tough game with the Roos getting over the line in a tight contest. This week should be more of the same as Walpeup Underbool seem to have too much class in and around the centre, Kane Munro is playing well and their backline plays it close.
Last Modified on 28/06/2012 17:02
