Round Two – 23 April 2016
2016 ANZAC Medals
Football Joe Day Medal
Netball Dawn Benson Medal
Central Eyre v West Coast Hawks
Joe Day Medal Jake Sampson Central Eyre
Dawn Benson Medal Abbey Bruce Central Eyre
Wudinna United v Elliston
Joe Day Medal Sam Buckham Wudinna United
Dawn Benson Medal Alice Little Wudinna United
Wirrulla v Western Districts
Joe Day Medal Cody Colbung Wirrulla
Dawn Benson Medal Melissa Miller Wirrulla
Pictured -: (click on photo to enlarge)
1. Remi North and Guy Hutchison battle for possession in the Wudinna United v Elliston clash
2. Rob Pickett blocks Adam Jericho with a perfect bump, allowing Brody Kenny freedom
3. Ben Hurrell (14) and Ian Jericho contect a ruck contest. Both good players for their respective teams
4. Wudinna United veteran Regan Petty blocks Elliston Thomas Bascomb's progress as players line up
Mid West commemorated the ANZAC Spirit on Saturday with a round of generally hard fought football, perhaps apart from the marquee game of the round, the Grand Final replay, where the Bulldogs stamped their intentions on the competition.
Warramboo will be the scene of the 2016 Grand Final, maybe the early favourites for that match head to head and so much to look forward to. The Bulldogs reigned supreme, pretty much all day, only the first five minutes of the first quarter seeing the first two unanswered goals to the Hawks, than the same medicine after half time with the first two goals, but these were their only majors for the match. The ‘dogs just good right across the ground, centreline with so many options and rotations, a fully functional forward line and a mean uncompromising defence. Jake Sampson named the ANZAC medallist, and the honour could have been equally bestowed amongst so many. Zac Fitzgerald with eight goals and a towering go to option, Jake Bruce, Jesse Stringer, Lachlan Heath through the centreline, tough Keenan Bury, Tasman Fitzgerald drifting across half forward, Tom Freeth and Kane Sampson providing strength and run from defence. The Hawks were a shadow of the side that they played 2015, only eight from the 2015 Grand Final playing. Great contribution from Mark Dolling, strength in the contest and creative all day, Dillon Montgomerie in the middle, but spending plenty of time in the back half, Derick Freeman always good, Dale Montgomerie with a couple of goals.
Younger side for the Hawks this week, but they will improve as players return from their various hideaways. The Bulldogs have sent out a clear and concise message to the competition, there is no premiership hangover, they are sharp, hungry and chock full of talent!
The Roosters over ran a hard working Magpies at Wudinna, kicking the final three goals of the match that they trailed by two goals late in the last quarter. Last minute heroics are relatively common place for Elliston, they seem to be able to lift when needed most. Jay Williams in the thick of it all day and close contention for the ANZAC Medal, Jordan Newton and Adam Hurrell big games, Guy Hutchison with strength and running ability, Ben Hurrell either in the air or around the contest. Brody Kenny handy around the goals and Tom Rumbelow running into form.
Sam Buckham winning the Joe Day Medal in the centre for Wudinna United, led the way, Harry Petty assuming ruck duty after the early exit of injured Tyson Tree, Matthew Greatbatch as hard as nails, Henry Zwar captain courageous and Dallas Waters, playing at full back all had great games. Early injuries to Tyson Tree and Ryan Du Bois left rotation options at a minimum.
Pleasing win for the Roosters as they set themselves for a finals reappearance, important in the season.
The Bombers held off a very determined and strengthened Tigers at Bomberland. So often these two play close contests against each other, crowd pleasers always, and this didn’t disappoint again. Cody Colbung was awarded the Joe Day Medal and is a great recruit for Wirrulla, Simon Webb, the silky smooth veteran fantastic all day, Mitchell Gum in the ruck. Shannon Haynes playing up the ground loved the space and ability to fly for his marks, Ollie Mc Callum sturdy in defence, Robbie Marshall again providing a target forward.
Tigers very well served by new recruits Lachlan Forward and Brent Gray, certainly something to look forward to as they become aware of game plan and those around them, Shannon Horgan, the old war horse, loves the hard won ball and tougher than boot leather, Kaide Hood in the ruck, Thomas Cash in the action all day. Goals spread well around, which is usual for the Tigers. Close match but again the Districts boys fall short in a match which may well have been theirs!
Next week sees an exciting round of Mid West, probably very close to what would be described as ‘Heritage Round’ with neighbouring clubs doing battle.
Elliston climb the 2016 Mid West equivalent of Mt Everest, as they take on the high flying Bulldogs at Elliston. Home ground advantage is substantial for the Roosters, but a confident Bulldog outfit are in a rampaging mood. Elliston will be stretched to hold all the Big ‘Dogs at the same time, and they will have plenty of feed from the prolific mid field. All that said, this has been a hectic trip for Centrals in the past and family connections often see on field aggression vented. Hard to go past the dogs in this one however
Magpies travel to Poochera for a stern test against the improving Tigers. Both teams here were better in round two for their round one hit outs, and this match will go a long way to assisting finals contention hereafter for the winner. Always close but don’t expect a shoot out here, both like the defensive game style. Wudinna United retain the services of their young college men, which will help in the speed department, with Western Districts successfully unveiling new recruits last week. Maybe the Maggies in a close one, but a genuine chance for both clubs.
Wirrulla are equal top, and playing great football, but at the start of the season their acid test was identified as the Hawks! Their day has arrived!. The Hawks missed so many of their core last start against the ‘Dogs, and will be better this week. Determined to keep a solid hold on their neighbour, the Hawks will keep the game moving and Bombers running at Streaky Bay. New recruits Mastrangelo, Norman show great promise, with Colbung playing against his old team, the Bombers are facing their biggest hurdle of the season so far. There is sure to be plenty of feeling and passion in this one, on and off the field. Maybe the Bombers start as a slight favourite, but this will be close. If you can remember the West Coast Hawks losing consecutive matches, unfortunately you are very old!
Match summaries are below here in pdf, or in greater detail in the fixture/results/stats menu above.
Last Modified on 26/04/2016 23:50
