by Jim Gordon
OUYEN UNITED V JEPARIT RAINBOW
It will be big challenge this week for Jeparit Rainbow as they travel up to Ouyen to take on a United side brimming with high profile, talented recruits. Yet to win a game, the Lakers are battling to match it with the top sides and coach Luke Werner will be looking for a big effort this week.
Ouyen United are in top form at the moment after good wins over the Cats and the Devils. Jerry Wilson is on fire, Mitchell Taylor gives them run from the backline and Laurence Angwin dominated last week both in the ruck and up forward. Alexander Morrish is playing well, Dean Jardine was brilliant against Hopetoun and Bradley Summerhayes works hard around the packs.
Jeparit Rainbow will have to play with a lot more intensity over the whole game, rather than in bursts. Their decision making when they have the ball also needs to improve.
On a bright note for the Lakers, the form of their new players has been pleasing with Josh McCleary, Chris Meyer and Josh Murphy featuring amongst the best players most weeks. Ryan Bulluss is their leading goal kicker after three games and Greg McLeish has worked hard in the forward line.
But it has been the younger players who have stood up for the Lakers. Nathan Cocks and Simon Clugston have been outstanding for Jeparit Rainbow in the first three games.
The Lakers hope to have several senior players returning this week and this should strengthen the team. Last week against Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers Andrew Watson, Ben Zanker, Nathan Millard, Adam Schumann and Scott Hughes were all missing and are desperately needed if Jeparit Rainbow is to have any hope against what is turning out to be one of the top teams this year in Ouyen United.
SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS V BEULAH
In a top of the table clash between the two undefeated sides in the Mallee Football League, Beulah has suffered a major blow with Shaun Monohan out due to a shoulder injury. In a star studded line up, Monohan has been probably Beulah's best player for the Blues in their wins this season.
This game should be a beauty and one not to miss if you are in the Sea Lake area. Beulah has been busy in the off season with some great recruiting and the Tigers have managed to add class to what was already a very good line up.
On a positive note for Beulah, coach Tom Hallam is set to return and William Keenan impressed in his first hit out for the season in their very good win against Woomelang Lascelles and he will be up and about for the big game this week. It should be an interesting duel in the ruck as Keenan comes up against an inform Dan McEwan who rucked wonderfully against the Lakers last week, giving his onball brigade first use of the ball at the stoppages.
Last week young Beulah player Kai Forsyth had his best game so far in the seniors and is now starting to cement his place in the team. Playing on the wing, Forsythe is fast and fit and should do well in the wide open spaces of the Sea Lake oval.
The Blues are going to have a real battle on their hands to get on top of the Tigers. Last week Cliff Ryan marked everything up forward and ended up with six goals in the Tigers win at Jeparit. Ryan’s right hand man Wes Harrison snagged anther four whilst crumbers Bill Barry and Darcy Ryan collected two each. Matt Elliott continued his excellent form in the middle of the ground and John Foskett created many attacks whether on the ball or across half back. Veteran Joel Lloyd is back to his best form and defenders James Summerhayes and Stephen Lyons are playing well.
If Beulah can get on top in the centre, they have the talented David King up forward and may be able to do just enough to get home against the Tigers.
WOOMELANG LASCELLES V WALPEUP UNDERBOOL
One fifteen minute spell of poor football in the third term last week cost the Cats any chance of winning against a very good Beulah side. The Cats have improved on last year’s bottom of the ladder finish. They won their opening game of the season against the Devils and were closer than the scoreboard indicated in going down to Ouyen United the week after.
Walpeup Underbool started the season as the side to beat. They were coming off a brilliant 2012 premiership, they have managed to keep most of their talent and they are a very experienced outfit. The Roos will be determined to win this week after going down surprisingly meekly to a rampant Beulah in their last game.
In a plus for Woomelang Lascelles, they have no injuries to report out of Saturday‘s loss and the talented Josh Radcliffe will be back in the side.
The weekend off last week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Roos as their early season injury numbers grow. Jim Wakefield is likely miss the next six weeks after hurting his knee at training. He will leave a huge hole in the Roos’ defence. Also under an injury cloud is backman Jeremy Brown who strained a hamstring in that loss to Beulah.
Luke Nathan and Matt Brown will be close to selection this week although Josh Charles is still a week or two away.
As with all clubs, the Roos’ depth will be tested in the following weeks and they will be looking for a few of their talented younger players to step up for the club. In a side bristling with imported talent, it gives some of the young locals the chance to show their skills and cement a place in the team.
In recent years, the Cats have proven to be a tough opponent for the Roos and this game should be no exception. The Cats won’t be able to have even one poor quarter of football this week, it is going to have to be a four quarter effort if they hope to have any chance against quality opposition.
There won't be too many changes this week to the Woomelang Lascelles side. The Cats need to get back on the winner’s list soon as the MFL is strong, competitive and unpredictable. Walpeup Underbool will go in as firm favourites, but Woomelang Lascelles will put up a fight.
Last Modified on 01/05/2013 19:43
