At Warramboo, the match of the round billing played out exactly as everyone hoped, the winner not decided until the final minute and two good teams locking horns in a hard tough and entertaining game. The Bulldogs hit the front for the final time in the time on period in the last quarter, snatching a victory that ten minutes earlier looked like had been kicked away. Both sides held sway at various points of the game but the Bulldogs run in the end set themselves up for more scoring opportunities. While both supporters will look forward the the remainder of the year with expectation, there are headaches in the Medical rooms, Jarden Stoetzer started the match on fire with two goals early, but left the ground with hamstring soreness, similarly Jake Bruce exited for the Bulldogs in the third quarter, hamstring again! In form Bomber Mark Binder took a trip to the hospital with a badly dislocated finger.
Central were well served by many, Lachlan Heath, hard run across centre and out of the backlines named best, star full back Kane Sampson, forever competitive on the last line of defense, but backing his judgement and running forward was just outstanding. Ty McKenna, either towering marks, long goals and great off the ground, there for four big quarters. Jake Sampson speed and ball winning ability in the tight contests propelled the ‘Dogs forward plenty! Jared Sampson headed to his old stomping ground in the middle and showed is wonderful skill and disposal making him an elite player, Jesse Stringer another classy high possession game, slowed by a hard knock and moving forward in the second half, he continues his great season. Others doing well include Tom Freeth, Connor Dowden, Kane Murphy and Clint Winter.
No disgrace in the Bomber camp, disappointed not to win, but plenty to look forward to. Yanni Kozminski another big day out, both in the ruck and then as a key marking forward. Yanni is possibly enjoying his best season, big, strong and deceptively quick. Ryan Watson a superb match, backline and around the centre. Wasn’t hampered by shorts appearing two sizes too small, he mopped up in defence and ran all day. Adam Braendler plenty of the ball again, and threatened to break the game open with a couple of devastating bursts of hard running football in the first and third quarters. Simon Webb, another aerial wizard, and he covers so much ground. One of the club leaders and enjoying more freedom up the ground this year. Paul Haynes showed poise and style around the centre, picking the right option and quick hands in the contest. Others playing well included football journeyman Truman Hoffrichter, young gun Lachlan Ross, big man William Mayhew across half back, Rowan Chester, Evan Whillas a great job at full back and Andrew Bitmead.
Centrals pleased with an eight point win, no one will have left the ‘Boo unhappy with the effort of their team or the entertainment provided.
Heading down to Roosterland, the Districts boys needed the bring out their best to stay in the finals race, and the best is what they brought! The Tigers ran out 31 point victors, but only had a couple of goals breathing space early in the last. Coach Fingers Feltus may breathe a sigh of relief, it has been a hard season so far, always competitive but just on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Elliston is a hard away game for everyone, premiership points won here are hard earned.
Leading the Tigers best is Brodie Falciani again, what a season he is having, high in the best each week and bringing others into the game. Old war horse Shannon Horgan keeps on keeping on, tough around the ball and happy always to lend advice to opposition. Braydn Hedley-King is starting to return to last years form, which bodes well for an improved showing by the Districts in the second half of the season. Braydn was one of the Mid West’s best at last Mortlock and brought that form back to club football, he is the original speedster! Kade Gill always good, either ruck or around the ground, Damon O Loughlin – King back in goal kicking form with three big ones, but more importantly being a target forward. Elliston lead by Jay Williams, for the second consecutive week which is a great sign for the club. He is a wonderful player in full flight and excels in all areas of the game. Steve Paul another big game, versatile enough to play forward or back, strong and a great mark. Welcome back to Jamie Kidney this week, a classy on baller and handy up forward, Tim Kidney’s first match and a valuable in. Wayden Sumners run and ball use again good, and Luke Sladdin, four valuable goals and proving a great pick up for the club.
The Hawks took out their match against a spirited Wudinna United by 56 points. Setting the match up by three quarter time, the Magpies held sway in the last scoring five goals to three. The business continues for the Hawks as they continue to rotate players around and ensure that they have all bases covered for the second half of the year. Coach Paul Evans will be pleased where his side is placed as we reach the half way point, and similarly head coach Zwar will be happy with the efforts of his younger side.
West Coasters were led by Aiden Whitford, veteran star of the League and still one of the best going around, a true utility go everywhere player. Dillon Cabot another big game around the centre and is well placed to charge into Mortlock with plenty of confidence. Possibly his best year so far, one of the fittest players in Mid West, James Westley in for his first A Grade match and staking a claim as a player to look out for, Nick Schumann, supremely brave at the contest and employs the play on style of quick football. Leading the way for the Magpies are youngsters Sam Buckham and Ian Jericho. These fellas put in hard on the track and this enthusiasm shows on match days, the hard tough Henry Zwar around the packs and the occasional screamer, Darryl Marshall, the general of the back lines. Luke Harradine chipping in for three majors and Remi North another handy match.
Seven games into the season and the competition is very much alive, the Hawks remain the side to beat, but Wirrulla and Centrals are building themselves a formidable case that they will challenge. Big improvers this year are Wudinna United, with a young side and find themselves with an excellent finals chance. Western Districts have raised themselves off the bottom after a slow start, but when looking back at their recent years form, they always play a better second half of the year, so look out for them. The Roosters are playing plenty of players and are competitive most weeks, If they can get their best together on the same day, look out! Possibly the most unpredictable of Mid West sides, even for coach Fleming who does a wonderful job with a changing list.
All eyes to Mortlock and Port Adelaide Cup next week and good luck to all the Mid West representatives, promises to be a big weekend. This weeks results are summarised here or check the results menu section above for greater detail
Last Modified on 01/06/2015 19:34
