Despite the tragic loss of Stefan WOLFF on Friday at Benalla, father of Benalla's gun defender Jordan and uncle of the Saints power forward Nick WARNOCK; the Saints were able to concentrate on the footy and game plan for the 120 minutes on Saturday to comprehensively account for the very disappointing Shepparton United. The Saints have now racked up 14 wins on the trot while the Demons have lost their 3rd consecutive game, this time by 63 points. The Demons seem to be shell-shocked from the belting Kyabram gave them three weeks ago by 95 points and then by 61 points v Tatura a fortnight ago. These are heavy and embarrassing losses which have tumbled them out of the top 6 - at the end of this article we will have a look at who plays who over the next four home & away games leading up to the finals. United's reign over the last few years could be over?
But; do not take anything away from the Saints - they are good without a weakness across any line - the recent adversity could strenghten their resolve and bond a very tight group even tighter. Luke MORGRAN is an absolute leader of a group of very talented young men. They are tall, they are strong, clever, fit, smart, determined - you think of another positive adjective for what you want in a premier side and Benalla will have it. They were not challenged on Saturday despite scores being level at 1/4 time, 3 goals one behind apiece. Josh MELLINGTON ended the game with 5 goals with his opponent being Tim LOOBY - Nick WARNOCK kicked 3 as did livewire Tommy HAVERS. It would have been a hard job to fit just 6 players into Benalla's best where it would be difficult to name 6 good United players who beat their opponent or at least broke even on the day.
All involved with the Goulburn Valley Football League extend our sincere sympathy to Jordon and has family and to the Benalla Football / Netball club and community in general. A sad time.
Benalla play Shepparton at Benalla this week and then have Mansfield, Euroa and Seymour so one would think they will go into the finals undefeated.
Shepparton were very good against Ky at Deakin Reserve - youngster James LLOYD kicked 3 for the Bears as did great recruit for the Bears and for the Goulburn Valley Football League Daniel WILLIS. Champion Paul NEWMAN kicked 8 for his beloved Bombers and was ably assisted by Rhys CLARK who kicked 4 of his own. Kyabram probably won the game in the 2nd quarter when they kicked 6 goals to Shepp's two to lead by 8 goals at 1/2 time but to Shepp's credit they battled valiantly all day and kicked 10 goals in the 2nd half. Final score was Kyabram 22.15 (147) to Shepparton 13.12 (90). Shepparton will be buoyed with the re-appointment of Brad CAMPBELL to lead them for the next two seasons.
Sonny WHITING was brilliant over at Tatura where he kicked 10 of the Bulldogs 20 goals. Tatura 20.16 (136) defeated Mansfield 8.5 (53). Sonny is a Tasmanian where he kicked over a ton in the Tasmania State League last year. He has shown us that he can bob up for a few minutes here and there and kick 2 or 3 quick goals and then sort of go missing but on Saturday he played an outstanding game to be clearly best man on the ground. Shannon BROADBENT was back in touch with his best game for the year. Tim LANYON for the Bullies is probably having his best year; he has been consistently very good. League rep Adam BOSHEVSKI kicked 3 for the Eagles as did the big bloke Mitch WILLIAMSON. Tom BALCOMBE was named as Mansfield's best player.
The Shepparton Swans have secured 2nd spot on the ladder with a 52 point victory over Euroa at the lovely Memorial oval - Harry MADDERN kicked a game high 7 goals; good to see youngster B.J. SQUIRE kicked a goal and was named in the Swans best after a few weeks in the Reserves and given a wrap by his coach Brett WARBURTON. Tyson SIDEBOTTOM was again named in the Swans best players - could he win the Morriuson Medal or perhaps have a few too many players taking votes from him? Another bloke who will poll well in the Morrison Medal will be the Maggies coach Nathan GILLILAND who from all reports is doing a terrific job as well as playing very well.
Moorooopna were challenged by Echuca at the Cattery and were only up by 10 points at 3/4 time but the Cats were able to kick 5 goals in the last quarter to the Murray Bombers 3 goals - Mooroopna have won 17.17 (119) to Echuca 14.10 (94).
Grant WEEKS was back to his best with an 8 goal haul at the MOON oval at Rochy for the Tigers to defeat the Lions from Seymour 18.18 (126) to 11.6 (72). Down the other end of the ground the Lions mercurial Saad SAAD kicked 4. WEEKS leads the True Boot award with 75 goals - 12 clear of Saad who has 63. Can the Colbo Kid kick 25 over the next 4 weeks with Mooroopna at home, Tatura away, Ky at home and then Echuca away on August 30th. I wonder what odds you could get? 6 goals a game makes 99 for the year - perhaps another bag of 8 or 9. Interesting is'nt it? Good luck Grant!
Following is who plays who over the next four weeks to see if we can work out who will play finals. The Senior ladder as it stands now after Round 14 is :- BENALLA 56 points; Shepparton Swans 48 points; Kyabram 44 points; Tatura 40 points, Rochester 28 points with 118.73% and a huge 27% more than Mooroopna who are also on 28 points in 6th spot. Shepparton United in 7th spot on 24 points but 3.77% better than the Cats. Then Euroa in 8th possie with 20 points. Then Echuca & Shepp with 16 points, then Seymour and Mansfield on 8 points.
BENALLA play Shepparton (H); Mansfield (A); Euroa (A) and then Seymour at Home
SHEPPARTON SWANS play Seymour (H); Shepparton United (A); Mooroopna (A) and then Shepparton at Home
KYABRAM play Mansfield (H); Echuca (A); Rochester (A) and then Tatura at Home
TATURA play Euroa (A); Rochester (H); Echuca (H) and then Kyabram away (night game);
ROCHESTER play Moorooopna (H); Tatura (A); Kyabram (H) and then Echuca away
MOOROOPNA play Rochester (A); Shepparton (H); Shepparton Swans (H) and then United at Deakin Reserve;
SHEPPARTON UNITED play Echuca (H); Shepparton Swans (H); Shepparton (A) at Deakin and then what could really decide the 6th spot they play Mooroopn at Deakin Reserve.
EUROA play Tatura (H); Seymor (A); Benalla at home and then Mansfield away.
Interesting is'nt it? This is why ever year at this time of year we realise that wins early in the season are simply a must. Like the Tina TURNER song says, "Football is SIMPLY THE BEST."
Last Modified on 28/03/2015 19:07