The biggest heavyweight clash of the weekend was held at Streaky Bay (Mayweather and Pacquiao tried a similar billing in Las Vegas!) with the 2014 Grand Final replay disappointing no-one. Both teams down a couple of players, however the action was hot from the start to end, Hawks prevailing by seven points only. The home team bolted out of the blocks, posting three unanswered goals plus several misses prior to the Bulldogs getting into first gear. But when the gear was found, the dogs hit back hard, posting the next three in quick time, The scene was then set for an epic, fast ball movement, pressure, strong tackling, high marking, and raining goals. No quarter given or asked. Interestingly in the end, it was the Bulldogs appearing the fittest, who knows what the result may have been if the last quarter went for another five minutes. Good players everywhere, both sides!. Dillon Montgomerie excellent all day, along with Dillon Cabot winning hard balls and always hitting their target. Trav Brown a highly disciplined and class act, versatile to be able to play anywhere, Joe Mc Innis sharp all day, sharing six goals with Jake McEvoy. Darren Brown a big target up forward. Central very well served all day by Jake Sampson, hard and brave, Jesse Stringer collected huge possession numbers, breaking tackles and two sided making him very hard to hold. Tommy Freeth played one of his best games since his knee issues were resolved, big unit and covers plenty of ground. The grand master Kane Sampson moved to full back, maybe the last position on the ground for him to play, but playing it like he has spent a life time there, great in the air or on the ground. Connor Dowden continues his development at senior level, strong in the air and in packs, Five big goals from man mountain Wade O Brien, underlining his ongoing importance to Bulldogs chances of success later in the year.
Both backlines appeared to dominate, yet twenty eight goals were scored in the match. Positives for both teams, both seem to have improved further from 2014, so ominous signs for the other clubs!
To complete the first round of matches next week, Hawks will aim to stay alone at the top, undefeated, against a huge challenger the Bombers at Wirrulla. If the Bombers win against the Bulldogs was a test of how much they have improved, next week is the final exam for honours! The Hawks are still the pace setters and the bar that must be scaled to win the premiership in 2015. These two are unfriendly neighbours who eye each other with suspicion. Match of the day status, and promise of a finals like intensity.
Minnipa hosted another close match between the Tigers and Bombers as happens every year, this one a relative blow out result of ten points! The Bombers appeared to have the match well in their keep half way through the last quarter, five goals up and cruising. the last four unanswered goals to the Tigers saw them sail home within a reasonable reach of actually snatching the match. Adam Braendler, for the 4th consecutive time leading the Bombers best, good either on the ball on up forward and can kick the ball a mile in the old scale! Ryan Watson and Jason Henderson wonderful contributors all day, the latter welcomed back after missing last start against the Magpies, Simon Webb, enjoying another big year although some concern over an injured hand. Tigers well served by Lachlan Mc Innis, always in the best despite younger years, highly skilled and a hard worker. Evergreen Shannon Horgan, remarkably good overhead for an in and under player, Brodie Falciani proving a valuable recruit and Scott Feltus, the legend continues! Mention must be made of three goals to up and coming champ Charlie Williams, young but quick, and afraid of nothing.
Districts are yet to win this year which is dissappointing given their excellent recruiting and fast finish to 2014. They meet a resurgent Magpie side at Wudinna next week, but are going into that game with and outstanding record against the Wudinna United team in recent years. Both are playing a defensive style, so dont expect a shoot out, but the Tigers must win or will start to see finals slip from their grasp. Magpies can consolidate an spot in the four for themselves, at least for a while and complete a great first round should they prevail.
Finally at Elliston, the Magpies grabbed themselves a hard fought eleven point win, the biggest margin of the round. The game was never really sealed until the final siren, with the two goal margin being about the biggest of the day. Darryl Marshall leading the way for the Magpies, dominating the key defensive roles and reading the play so well, marking at the right time, spoiling at the right time and long long kicking. Young stars Harry Petty and Fraser Douglass. Harry's height, reach and leap will see him pull down many pack marks this year and he will play anywhere, with Fraser's leg speed and kicking skills simply outstanding, Remi North continues good form in 2015, a far better commitment to training than his than his highly decorated father (gotta get the roast outa the oven) Michael! Elliston's best Dellahay Miller, his farewell match having gained employment in Port Lincoln and will play at Lincoln South. Best wishes to Del from all at Mid West, he is a class player at all levels! Adam Green plenty of the ball, and Tom Wadsworth valuable all day. Steve Paul's with strength/skill around the pack and Jamie Kidney also in the best
The Roosters will travel to meet the 'Dogs at Warramboo next week. Central's looking to consolidate a top four spot and then aim to reclaim the coveted "double chance", rudely wrestled from them by the Bombers last start. Elliston have often found this particular road trip difficult but have been playing some good football.
Round four summary is below here for download as a pdf, or see the results menu above for detailed results
Last Modified on 04/05/2015 17:56