Shepparton announced the re-appointment of coach Brad CAMPBELL for the next two seasons at the time of going to press. Bears president, Geoff O’SULLIVAN, said the club was more than happy with the way the veteran coach had handled the team this season and by re-appointing him now would give the club further stability. At the same time Steve KERWIN was announced Reserves coach and Tim KELLY re-appointed Thirds coach.
CAMPBELL has certainly done wonders with the Bears this season and last Saturday’s win against Mansfield in the hills was the first time they have put together back to back wins since beating Kyabram and Shepparton Swans in rounds nine and 10 in 2012 and their first away win since that round nine win against the Bombers on June 12, 2012. Could history repeat itself today when the Bears and the Bombers clash at The D, I don’t think so? The Bears have come a long way this season and full credit to Brad and the boys but the Bombers are too talented and the Bears would have to improve 80 points on their first encounter on June 7.
Beware Tigers, not beware of the Tigers. What would have looked like an easy four points a few weeks ago, today’s game against the Lions will be a real danger game. The Lions are back in business after a horror run of injuries and the Cats found out the hard way last Saturday at Seymour just how good they can be, especially at home. Coach Brent COLBERT has made a remarkable recovery from back surgery and his presence on the field along with others returning from injury has made life tough for opponents. Blake CAMPBELL would have been mindful of the tough task his men faced at Kings Park last Saturday and when the Lions led at the first change it was all uphill from there on and they missed their chance of slipping into the six.
Grant WEEKS booted four on Saturday against the Swans to take his tally to 67 for the season against a class opponent in Dan LOVICK and he will find it hard to boot a bag today because of the opposition the Tigers will face from the Lions in the middle.
Mooroopna get another chance to get in the six when they play host to Echuca but it won’t be easy. The Cats are out of the six on percentage at 6-7 while Echuca ninth at 4-9 and the felines can go into the six if they win because United in sixth place, on percentage, have to meet the unbeaten Benalla. The last time they met on July 5, the Cats won by nine points and it will again be close at the final siren.
Euroa will be home to the Swans and once again the Magpies skipper, Nathan GILLILAND will lead from the front but they will not have enough fire power against the Swans who now hold second place which they will defend stoutly until the finals.
Gilliland’s efforts last Saturday against Echuca and for the season have earned him the Home Central Player of the Round Award.
Poor kicking proved costly at Echuca last Saturday and if the Magpies are to have any hope of downing the Swans they will need to make those shots at goals count. The Magpies don’t need reminding the last time they met the Swans won by 90 points.
Benalla will remain undefeated following their game against Shepparton United at Benalla. The Saints won by 19 points when they met at the D on June 7 and the Demons were pretty happy with their effort but they dropped away badly last Saturday against the Bulldogs.
Co-coach, Tim LOOBY, can’t do everything and much more support will be needed against the Saints who are now flag favourites after downing Kyabram at Ky. Bookmaker Tom WATERHOUSE has the Saints even money favourites and the Bombers at 2-1 with the Swans at 3-1 and the Bulldogs 4-1 for the flag.
Tatura are back in town and demonstrated last Saturday against United they are the real deal. Mansfield will find it an unpleasant afternoon against the Bulldogs at Tatura because the Dogs are barking and want to hold onto fourth place on the ladder. Linc WELLINGTON was at his vintage best against the Demons last Saturday winning the ball continuously out of the centre while Billy HICKS and the boys up forward turned supply into goals.
Last Modified on 28/03/2015 18:56
