Moranbah Bulldogs V Eastern Swans @ Stevenson Park, Moranbah – 3:05pm
This has blockbuster written all over it.
While both teams are still working on ironing out the creases, they should be happy with how they are tracking. The reigning premiers, Eastern Swans will have to make the hardest road trip in the Allied Pickford’s Cup this week.
If they play like they did last week in the second half against Magpies, they win this one, but can’t afford to take the foot off the pedal.
Moranbah’s confidence is growing, and young team with a handful is experience up and about is as dangerous as they come. They love their home deck as well.
The Swans, will need to watch Nicholas Proud, Daniel Moloney, Ben Miller and their handful of young stars, in the likes of Jordan Hill. Nullifying the likes of Proud and Moloney will be key if the Swans are to come away from the Central Highland’s with the four points.
However, the Bulldogs will need to keep a close eye on player-coach Matthew West, who has booted 24-majors, predominately from the goal-square. West is the Swans key focus inside forward fifty, no doubt the men in red and white will be looking to tall targets in Sam Lyons and returning representative player Harrison Arnold.
The Bulldogs are undefeated and playing at home, this gives them the advantage. Though, the Swans are the reigning premiers and start this game as favourites.
Where it will be won: contested ball
Whitsunday Sea Eagles V Mackay Magpies @ Whitsunday Sports Park, Airlie Beach – 2:45pm
Fifth plays sixth, in an interesting matchup at the Sea Eagles nest, as the Whitsunday host the Mackay Magpies.
Ditch the footy boots this weekend, these two teams may as well strap on their running spikes. Both have been close the last couple of weeks, but not close enough. These two sides, who, only a few weeks back were comfortable inside the top four, now find themselves outside and looking down the barrel of their third straight defeat.
An added incentive for this match, is win and find yourself back inside the top four with the Tigers facing the Hawks, someone will be able to pounce on the Tigers spot or even the Hawks.
The Sea Eagles will be looking to bring their kicking boots this week, after a disappointing 3.16 a fortnight ago and going at 50% last week. Trevor Ritchie’s influence in the ruck will be key, if the Sea Eagles are to bounce back.
The men from Glenella will rely heavily on, veteran Heath Thiele and Jaebyn Drefke to be keys for the black and whites success.
Bakers Creek Tigers V Mackay City Hawks @ Etwell Park, Bakers Creek – 2:45pm
Who would have thought, we would be saying this….. Bakers Creek are a chance against the Hawks, however a lot must go the yellow and black’s way.
Inside word, has the Hawks missing a handful of grand-final stars including dual MJ Miller Medallist Desmond Hayes. However, the Hawks are a classy outfit and when one goes out, another comes in. Mackay City is coming off a slender 3-point loss and will be looking to bounce back with a big win over the Tigers.
Though, the Tigers have different plans.
Bakers Creek are much different outfit to last season and are starting to turn heads. However, so far they have only beaten the Saints and Magpie and yet to calm a scalp that is a contender.
This may just be it!
Depth may just be the key, with word of both sides missing key players to injury and other commitments, this may just be a blockbuster and one that goes down to the wire…… maybe.
TIPS
Bulldogs by 17 points
Magpies by 9 points
Hawks by 27 points
Photo by Chris Chapman
Last Modified on 16/05/2016 10:22