League leaders, Benalla, and reigning premiers, Kyabram, clash at Kyabram today in what could easily be a preview of this season’s grand final. The Saints are yet to be beaten while the Bombers have dropped two games and showed everyone they are back to their best with a comprehensive win against Shepparton United last Sunday. The Bombers were always favourites in my book to win back to back premierships this season and a few weeks ago were joined as favourites for the flag by the Saints.
When they met on May 31 at Benalla there was only three points in it the Saints way at the final siren. There will not be much in it again today at Kyabram and don’t be surprised if the result this time goes the Bombers way. Both sides are talented with good players sitting on the interchange bench, ready to go on and make a difference to the outcome. Josh MELLINGTON kicked 10 goals for the Saints against Echuca last Saturday and his clash with Jason MORGAN, Josh VICK or one of the other quality defenders will be eye candy. MELLINGTON could be the icing on the cake for the Saints dreams of a flag.
Likewise, Bombers champion spearhead, Paul NEWMAN is capable of kicking a bag if given any latitude whatsoever and his opponent Jordan WOLFF will make life difficult for the champ. Then there’s the X-factor Liam BARRETT from the thirds via the Bendigo Pioneers. At Kyabram, I think the Bombers will just get up in what should be a great game of Aussie Rules.
Shepparton Swans are home to Rochester in another possible finals clash. The Swans helped consolidate their place in the six at number three with a gutsy win against Tatura last Saturday while the Tigers turned it on against Euroa with Grant WEEKS kicking nine goals for the game. The Colbinabbin Kid has been named the Home Central Player of the Round for his performance. This is a chance for the Tigers to prove to their fans they can beat the good sides. When they met on June 7, the Swans finished in front by 20 points and again today their mid field will be put under pressure on and limit the ball getting to WEEKS and CUTTRISS.
Shepparton United and Tatura meet in another blockbuster at Deakin Reserve, Shepparton. When the sides met at Tatura on June 28, the Bulldogs won by 38 points and the Dogs will be smarting after getting beaten by the Swans by 15 points at Tatura last Saturday. The Demons took a battering against the Bombers last Sunday and their confidence will be in tatters going in against the Dogs, who will show them no mercy. Coach Brendan VANDERDONK will remind the Bulldogs of capitalising on every opportunity which comes their way and not fritter them away as they did against the Swans.
Seymour will be home to Mooroopna in what will be a danger game for the Cats. The Lions coach, Brent COLBERT, made a surprise return to the playing arena last Saturday at Deakin Reserve after back surgery and his presence on the field will once again be welcomed along with others returning from injury. COLBERT not only return from injury but was among the Lions best which was a remarkable performance and the Cats will need to restrict his movements today if they hope to get the points. The Cats won’t want to take their foot off the pedal like they did against Mansfield last Saturday because the Lions will make their fur fly.
Mansfield are home to Shepparton and the Eagles will be looking to put their third win for the season on the board today. The Eagles finished out of the clouds against Mooroopna and if they apply that sort of pressure for 100 minutes today, they will make it hard for the Bears to win. Tom THORSEN has given the Bears a lift and their performance against the Lions was full of credit. This will be a good game of football in the hills with both wanting the four points, despite the fact their finals hopes are dashed. Benjamin FAGAN is playing well for the Eagles and along with Adam Boshevski will put pressure on the Bears. At home, the Eagles to get the points.
Echuca and Euroa will put on an entertaining game on the banks of the Murray River. The Murray Bombers want to make it four wins for the season while the Magpies still have their sights set on making the finals. Both sides took a hammering last Saturday and the side which can recover their confidence quickest will win this encounter and that side should be Echuca.
Last Modified on 28/03/2015 18:53