by Jim Gordon
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers v Jeparit Rainbow
Jeparit Rainbow will be buoyed for this tough clash against the Tigers. They had a soul stirring three point win over the Cats last week and this victory has served to lift the Lakers out of what was looking like a dismal season for them. Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers were far too strong for Hopetoun winning by over nine goals and have only lost once this season.
The Lakers came from behind to upset Woomelang Lascelles after trailing by 22 points in the third quarter. Jeparit Rainbow then proceeded to outscore Woomelang Lascelles for the rest of the game to gain a much needed win after a run of heavy losses.
Jeparit Rainbow were significantly strengthened by inclusions to their side. The return of coach Luke Werner, Josh McCleary, Greg McLeish, Nathan Millard and Eliot Bath served to lift the Laker line up all over the ground. Their experience will be vital this week as they come up against a very talented and experienced side.
Nine goal kicker Cliff Ryan had a great day for the Tigers last week and ruckmen Dan McEwan kicked another three goals. In his second game for the year Luke Martin was solid in defence, Joe and Tom Summerhayes continued their excellent form and the run of Bill Barry was welcomed after he returned from injury.
The Tigers could be without two of their better players. Ben Notting copping a high bump last week and Liam Barry did not play after half time. Nevertheless Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers should win and win well against Jeparit Rainbow.
Ouyen United v Hopetoun
Ouyen United could sneak back into the four with a win over Hopetoun at Blackburn Park. The Demons will be strengthened by the return of Mitchell Taylor, Jerry Wilson and Relton Roberts, all sorely missed in the Dees loss to the Cats two weeks ago. United have had the bye to regroup and have a concerted effort at regaining and then retaining a top four spot in the run to the finals.
Hopetoun have been disappointing this year. They have skilled and talented players such as Luke Carr, Zac Robins, Deek Roberts and Liam Price, all capable of mixing it with the best in the MFL, but they drop away towards the bottom of their list and get caught out by the top sides.
United should get their initial drive from the centre where Laurence Angwin is capable of dominating play. With the speed of Wilson and the precision of Roberts, the Demons need to get the ball quickly to gun full forward Damien Cupido. He could get a bag of goals if he is not monitored closely all day.
At home and desperate for a win, Ouyen United should come out firing and have a good win over the hapless Devils.
Woomelang Lascelles v Beulah
Woomelang Lascelles will need to quickly find the form that was so glaringly missing last week in their three point loss if they are to have any hope against Beulah. The week before against Ouyen United, the Cats looked like world beaters when they thrashed the Demons away from home. Beulah will be all fired up after their first loss for the season when Roo Tyson Gordon goaled as the siren was sounding.
The Cats will need to put last week behind them. They have had a much improved start to the season this year and have recruited well. The Kelly brothers are in great form. Corey was best on ground against the Demons two weeks ago and Nyaburu was best for Woomelang Lascelles against the Lakers.
Joel Donnan is having a good year propping up the Woomelang Lascelle’s defence and brother Trent is a talented midfielder who can turn a game on his own. The Cats will need to mind the goal kicking midfielders from Beulah. Micah Buchanan runs all day and scores goals, Dennis Redden is marking and kicking well and Callum Buchanan scored two goals last week in the Blues’ final quarter, last second loss.
Pierce Liddle is a chance to play this week for the Cats, but Anthony Foott is still a couple of weeks away.
In more bad news for the Cats, Beulah should be strengthened this week as they welcome back Brad Shannon and even David King is a chance after not playing since the early rounds of the season. Unfortunately for the Blues, they are likely to be without Andrew Hughes due to a leg injury.
The last time these two sides met Beulah came away with a four goal win. Woomelang Lascelles will do well if they can get that close this time around.
Last Modified on 20/06/2013 21:49
