South Burnett Saints v Goondiwindi Hawks
The massive roadtrips begin when the Goondiwindi Hawks travel a 9 hour return journey to travel all the way out to Kingaroy in what is expected to be a very interesting matchup.
The South Burnett Saints play their inaugural home match after a big first up win over Lockyer Valley and a heavy defeat last weekend to an experienced Coolaroo outfit. Skipper Adam Bowater has been in good touch in the first 2 matches, as has hard as nails Mat Eckerman. Steve Humbler is one of the most experienced coaches going around and has targeted 6 wins at home during the Saints first season. This match will be crucial to that goal and will help garner further support for the fledgling club.
After winning the wooden spoon in 2012, the Hawks have recruited very well during the off-season and nearly caused a big upset in Round 1 against arch-rivals the University Cougars. The Hawks had the match tied 10 minutes from full time but just ran out of legs at the last hurdle. The Hawks will have freshened up after a Round 2 bye, but their legs will be tested once again towards the end of the match as a long day catches up with them. David O’Toole has been a great pickup for the Hawks as he adds to the midfield strength of Jeremy Leahy & outgoing coach Stephen Collett.
Chinchilla SUNS v Warwick Redbacks
Continuing the roadtrips, the Warwick Redbacks will travel to Chinchilla for the SUNS inaugural home match in what is expected to be a 7 hour return journey for the undefeated Reddies. Confidence will be high after a narrow victory over the Lions in Round 1 and a strong second-half showing last weekend against a young Swans outfit.
The return of Kurt “Kooka” Millard has been instrumental in the return to form of the Redbacks, as has player-coach Jason “Rocky” Wright who is once again finding the big sticks with ease. The Redbacks will lose triple Holman Medallist Brendan Iles as he official makes his move to pursue higher level football in the Brisbane competition.
The SUNS have been given a rude welcoming to the competition, suffering 141 and 121 point defeats at the hands of Dalby & University in their first two outings. The players look a little out of touch but certainly have some promising signs as they continue to develop. Jacob Lui was superb in the SUNS matchup last week and like many of his counterparts will continue to develop his skills, knowledge of the rules and the game as the weeks develop.
South Toowoomba Bombers v Coolaroo Roos
There will be roadtrips of a different kind when 2012 Preliminary finalists Coolaroo face their first big test of 2013 against the South Toowoomba Bombers at Rockville Oval.
Powerhouse forwards Dan McPhee (Souths) & Miels Grice (Coolaroo) face off in what is expected to be a goalfest with many a ball likely to be returned from every end of Tor St. In Round 2 matches both forwards kicked 15 goals each as the forwards feasted on the defences of the newer clubs in the competition. Although goals are expected to be slightly harder to come by this weekend, the key forwards will be likely to determine which club remains with a perfect start to the season.
Highfields Lions v Lockyer Valley Demons
Highfields nearly caused a big upset last weekend when they lead the Tigers by 2 points at three-quarter time in a wet encounter at Rockville Oval. Unfortunately for them a 4 goal to 1 final quarter sealed another heartbreaking loss for the rebuilding club. The return of Clinton Watts has been key to the Lions improved performances after it was initially floated he would take a year off.
The Demons struggled to bounce back in Round 2 after a tough loss to the competition newcomers, the South Burnett Saints in Round 1. Getting up the Range may prove very frustrating for the Gatton based club as new roadworks are set to double their travel time to Highfields. How the players handle this frustration will be key to determining which club gets their first 4 points for season 2013.
Dalby Swans v Toowoomba Tigers
More time on the road as the Tigers battle the council workers to get out to Dalby in time for their 2:30pm match. The Tigers narrowly avoided a loss in Round 2 to the Lions and will be keen to avoid a similar performance in Round 3.
The Swans have been much improved with many fresh faced youngsters joining the senior team. The younger legs allow the club to get a bit of a run on when things start going their way, however the inexperienced heads do struggle to arrest a goal-slide heading the other way. The Tigers traditionally play a tough brand of football and how the younger Swans bodies handle the pressure will be crucial to determining the victor in this match-up.
The University Cougars have the bye.
Last Modified on 30/04/2013 08:21
