By Daniel Huttig
The Mallee Football League has come full circle as it moves into round 8, and teams now start playing each other for the second time. Beulah host Hopetoun for the first match of the round, and after a one sided affair last time they met, The Devils will be looking to make amends. Shaun Monohan had the ball on a string last time these teams played and his form has continued. Tyler Lehman and Cal Buchannan have also been in good form up forward and changing through the middle. Hopetoun will need to contain this trio if they are any chance to get into this game. Coleman Schache has been doing his best to get The Devil's across the line each week and Hayden Drew is starting to command some respect after some strong performances over the past few matches. Sam Martin has been controlling the Beulah backline each week and will be a worry for Hopetoun, as they'll need someone to kick a bag if they stand any chance of overrunning the undefeated Blues.
The second match of the round sees Ouyen United take on Woomelang-Lascelles up at Blackburn Park. These two teams are situated at 3 and 4 on the ladder and will be desperate for the points this week. The Cats lost second place to Sea Lake last week and will be disappointed to have gone down so easily. Last time these two sides met, a fast starting Ouyen team were overrun by a stronger and more experienced Woomelang-Lascelles. Jack Shannahan is capable of playing a number of roles in the Woomelang side and could be a good fix it man, while Nyaburu Kelly has run into some good form and will be a difficult match up for Ouyen. Marc Hahnel has been dominating the Ouyen midfield with plenty of clearances and hard work around the stoppages. If he isn't contained early, then Brad Vallance will be given plenty of opportunities up forward. A big win to The Demons could seem them jump a spot on the ladder, and a win to the reigning premiers will put them back within reach of a top 2 finish.
The final match of the round is between Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers and Walpeup-Underbool over in Sea Lake. Both teams are coming off wins last week, and the Roos will be wanting to make it two wins on the trot after a poor start to the season. Kane Munro was superb last week for Walpeup-Underbool with a bag of goals, while Matt Palmer and David Piasente were also back to their best. There are a lot of quality players in the Walpeup-Underbool side and opponents would be wise to remember this. The Tigers have also been in good form since these sides last met, having only dropped the one game for the year. The forward line has been dominant against all sides but one, and the backline has been running the ball out with ease. Luke Martin has been playing well and Cliff Ryan is always a handfull. There will be plenty of key match ups for coaches this week and this game could go down to the wire.
Last Modified on 05/06/2014 23:47
