Arch rivals, Shepparton United and Mooroopna will once again clash at The D for high stakes. Over the years, these two sides have had many great battles for premierships, places in the finals, as is the case today, and just bragging rights which are so important to so many.
Presently the Demons hold sixth place in the six by two points and the Cats desperately want that rung on the ladder. Both sides are similar in many ways, having blooded a lot of young players this season following the departure of a number of seasoned campaigners. Co-coaches at United, Tim LOOBY and Geoff HALL have done a good job with the youngsters and likewise Blake CAMPBELL and his assistants have introduced many youngsters to senior footy.
Once again this will be a cracker of a clash with the Dees wanting to reverse their round one result when the Cats saluted by three points. I think the difference between the two sides will be LOOBY who is playing exhilarating footy no matter where he plays and CAMPBELL will have trouble containing him.
In another “in town” contest, the Swans will be home to Shepparton at Princess Park. I’m not suggesting the Bears will beat the Swans who are sitting pretty in second place, however, I think Brad CAMPBELL will have the Bears barking and wanting to finish off the season on a high note. One clash which will be worth watching is the battle of the giants with Ash HOLLAND opposed to Mitchell BELL or Brodie A’VARD.
HOLLAND has had an outstanding season with the Bears and deserves being named the Home Central Player of the Round. These are three of the bigger men of the league who have developed into excellent followers over the season. However, I would like to see Brodie play a more permanent role at full forward for the Swans and let Justin MADDERN roam at centre half forward because A’VARD can take those big grabs in the goal square when they’re most needed.
Another clash of the Titians will take place at Kyabram tonight when the Bombers take on the Bulldogs. The reigning premiers won the opening game of the season at Tatura by 10 points and don’t be surprised if the margin is even less this time. The Bulldogs are hot to trot with the Tasmanian Devil, Sonny WHITING, in blistering form with 11 goals against Echuca last week which takes his total for the season to 67.
Of course, the Bombers have the champ for all seasons Paul NEWMAN at the other end of the ground ready to explode and kick a bag.
Rochy caused the surprise of the round last Saturday when they downed the Bombers and today at Echuca they will collect another four points. The Colbinabbin Kid, Grant WEEKS, kicked another four last Saturday to take his total to 87 for the season and his form could take the Tigers deep into September.
Undefeated Benalla are home to Seymour who are ninth on the ladder but that doesn’t mean to say this will be a one way contest. The Saints thumped the Lions in the opening round of the season and while they have continued their march to glory, the Lions have had a horror run of injuries but are now back in business with Saad SAAD kicking eight against Mansfield to take his tally to 81 in another magnificent performance.
Mansfield are home to Euroa and the Eagles have their chance to put their third win for the season on the board because the Magpies have dropped away in recent weeks.
In the opening round of the season, the Magpies won by 44 points but the scores will be a lot closer this time.
Last Modified on 28/03/2015 19:26