The rains have come and for many, minds are in the paddocks for sowing season. Seasonally clubs cope with reduced numbers as attention is given to establishing the years winter crops, although it appears that some attention is also being given to far away music events too.
Magpies swooped on the Bombers at Wudinna, in conditions that were slippery in the first half with showers bringing the big marking men back to the ground. The match was a tight and torrid affair all day, every possession earned and no quarters given by either side. Having led all day, Wudinna United held out in a last term completely goal less for both sides, despite this quarter being the driest for the day. Henry Zwar outstanding, captain coach and leading by example. Darryl Marshall in the key defensive roles knocked up possessions, reading the ball particularly well coming from contests up the ground, Neil Seaman's telling run and carry, Tyler Ingliss another good game at Centre Half Back and the young brigade, particularly Hugh Walker and Fraser Douglass excelling in tough conditions. For Wirrulla, none better than Adam Braendler, winner of the Joe Day Memorial Medal. Sheer work rate and desire to advance his team, he has settled in well at his new home and can play anywhere. Ryan Watson hasnt left any of his skills in Europe, he was great for four quarters. Mitchell Gum rucked supurbly, and as he gains strength, he will be a key player for many years to come, Jake Adamson - Thain, tough at the cotests and had plenty of it.
No panic for the Bombers, some good players out this day but a date with Tigers next week who will play a similar high pressure style of defensive football that they didnt conquer this week!
Centrals completed a business as usual victory over the Tigers who are finding it tough to get regular avenues to goal, in fact they were goal less in three of the four quarters. Thirty two scoring shots to twelve is a large discrepancy, this game was expected to be much closer.
Jesse Stringer enjoyed a big day out, high possessions and all hitting targets, winning the Joe Day Memorial Medal as best afield, he is going to be hard to contain for all opponents. Tyler Chapman, all class. He wont play all games this year whilst studying in Adelaide, but is not tied to other clubs and will play home as much as he can. Micah Van Loon a welcome return this week, leg speed and quick hands. Jared Sampson is back in business. Special memtion to Kane Grocke, young but big and strong. Five very handy goals and putting his hand up as a key postion player of the future. The Districts were well served by younger recruit Brodie Falciani, a strong customer keen to take on all contests, Chris Williams, enjoying a good seaon and Mitch Wendland home from Adelaide, big future and from a passionate Tiger household.
The 'Dogs set themselves up for a Grand Final replay next week, at Streaky Bay, the scene of the 2015 Grand Final. It is early yet, but wouldnt they love a big showing in front of the 'Bay faithful. Worth putting the tractor in park for a few hours to watch this one! Big interest whether Jake Bruce's hamstring is ready, perhaps best left until he is properly right, and then another week!
The Roosters couldnt cope with the all round Hawks game at Elliston in softer conditions underfoot. Hawks running game just too hot to handle, but the Roosters remained tenacious until the end, outscoring the Hawks in the final quarter. Joe Mc Innis lead the way for the Hawks, blistering speed and ball getting ability, Dillon Cabot around the centreline, leading the best players each week and has started 2015 on fire, Dillon Montgomerie another stirling game and Kirk Montgomerie now days as a running defender, great disposal skills and always kind enough to provide advice for any opponent willing to listen! (even some for those who dont!)
Several big names on return for the Elliston side. Del Miller a big game player, two sided and proliffic possession winner, Kane Tiller, mean defender and brave at the contests, welcome back the Luke Northcott, speacial guest reappearance, along with club stalwart/star Tom Rumbelow. Plenty has been written about Tom's exploits, probably few better to watch in Country football. Steve Paul another playing well, excellent strong marking skills and afraid of nothing.
The Roosters meet a revived Magpie outfit next week at Elliston. Always an entertaing encounter when these two play, and their form of 2015 has been resonably similar. One will establish a place in the four (Premiership Table) after this match and one will be vanquished outside. These early matches mean so much in a season where clubs are so close.
Full round results follow here, or may be viewed in the fixtures/results section
Last Modified on 29/04/2015 22:27