Pictured (Click to enlarge)
1. Bomber Jason Henderson just grasps Magpie Ian Jericho in Saturdays match
2. Lawrence Benbolt eludes a desperate Ian Jericho
3. Ryan Watson tackled by Tyson Tree as Shad Smith ready to assist
4. Tyson Tree in classic marking style
5. Yanni Kozminiski is in sparkling form, another strong mark. Yanni leading the best for the third consecutive week.
6. Paul Haynes (Wir) and Remi North (WU) dispute the ball. Both good players for their team.
7. Shannon Haynes sprints away from Shad Smith
8. Sam Buckham and Lawrence Benbolt contest the ball in the air
9. Paul Haynes under pressure from Dallas Waters
10. Shad Smith finds himself is a sea of red and black
At Warrammboo with thanks to Jacquii Daniel via ABC
11. Jared Sampson jets out a handball as Dylan Beinke arrives
12. Jerel Fromm drives the Tigers forward in the second quarter
13. Action from the Colts match, as Harley Mc Cormick get his kick just in time
Welcome rain across the region during the week, the sowing season coming to an end and those with “Tractor Legs” an opportunity to stretch out. No upsets this week in Mid West, but some entertaining football played in superb conditions.
The battle of Canine v Feline at Warramboo, and the fur flying everywhere, but sadly is was all Tiger fur, as the ‘Dogs win big! Almost as immaculate game as could be played as the Bulldogs ran, teamed, tackled and charged their way to a 162 point victory. The Tigers didn’t stop trying all day and worked hard to an admirable ten goals, but just hard to cover all areas of the strong Centrals outfit. The final quarter seeing each side scoring six goals each, some respite for the Tigers battling against the rising tide for the first three quarters.
The coach’s job is to find areas of concern and improvement, Wade O Brien will have a headache trying to find shortcomings in his side at the moment, team structures are working well, all players are working hard, dominating the air, productive forwards, mean uncompromising backline and a winning centreline. Maybe he will need to look to things like boots unpolished and guenseys not tucked in?
Jesse Stringer another high possession and productive game named best, Keenan Bury with sheer hard work, Jake Bruce around the centre with penetrating long passes and speed, probably more importantly no obvious sign of hamstring issues in his first game back. Wade O Brien, Tasman Fitzgerald, 8 goals each in a dominating performance, Zac Fitzgerald chipping in with three completing a trio of towering forwards with 19 goals between them. Clint Winter, Kane Sampson, Tom Freeth, Jake Sampson, the whole side could be named. The Tigers did work hard and never gave up at any point, running out the game right to the end. Tobyn Lennell with three goals and plenty of football around the ground, Shannon Horgan again leading the way, enjoying a great season and just getting better with age, Dylan Beinke and Scott Feltus in and under, Jerel Fromm worked hard all day, Zane Montgomerie, Damon King- O Loughlin, Kade Hood and Kade Gill all productive for their team.
Bombers raided Wudinna leaving with a hard earned two premiership points over Wudinna United, but not without quite a tussle, leading by only three points at the half. Excellent third quarter by Wirrulla sealing the win, four goals to nil. Bomber coach Olsen will be very pleased with the quick bounce back to the winners circle and setting themselves to a good ladder position as Mortlock approaches.
Yanni Kozminski another big day out leading the ruck. Three times straight leading Wirrulla best players and stamping himself as the form ruckman in the League. Cody Colbung, good work rate and very dangerous going forward with three goals also. Hustle and bustle of Ryan Watson, a high possession winner again and great whether on the ball or resting back. Lawrence Benbolt proving his worth, only his third game and will continue to improve as he learns his new team mates and game style, Daniel Swaffer, Simon Webb, Paul and Shannon Haynes all enjoying good matches. The Magpies well in the match into the third quarter but lost a bit of intensity when it was needed. Matthew Greatbatch against his old club in everything, brave and hard, old warhorse Henry Zwar again, Brayden Chambers and the dash of Neil Seaman, ever reliable Dallas Waters, and Remi North all in the best. The Maggies remain competitive, just a bit short again.
The Hawks continue to build and will be happy with their 54 point win against a good Elliston side, and at Elliston. Heavy conditions followed good rain during the week, although the oval stands up admirably. Always a hard road trip for any team.
West Coast Hawks seeming to have regained their poise and team work, working to their game plan and running strengths. Tyson Montgomere leading the way with skill and excellent disposal setting up Hawks attacks regularly, Dillon and Dale Montgomerie, Kirk Montgomerie charging from the backline, Mark Dolling another classy performance, Aiden Whitford, six goals and stepping up as the key forward that the Hawks need. Noting that Brent Bascombe is easing his way back, kicking five in the reserves, the Hawks forward line is starting to look very productive.
The Roosters won the first and third quarters but just had too many down patches in the second and last quarters, probably rightfully thinking that they should be closer on the scoreboard such is the talent in their side. Ben Hurrell leading the Roosters best, Ross Bascomb, Adam Hurrell and Steve Paul all having good matches, Jordan Newton looks dangerous whenever the ball is near the goals and Tristan Ryan continues his improvement.
Next Week
So just how far have the Hawks improved? We will know next game as they host that rampaging Centrals at Streaky Bay, the scene of the 2015 Grand Final between these two. Over the past four years, these clubs have produced some classic contests, and in that time the ledger rests with the Hawks. Centrals concern over Jared Sampson, calf strain but expect him to rise for this one, Matt Sampson, a jaw arising from head clash in the Wirrulla match, but also likely to be back. The Hawks appear to be getting players back week by week, Aiden Whitford slotting goals, old war horse Brent Bascombe edging his way back into contention. Both have the firepower for this and wonderful running games. Will the Hawks be able to cover so many Central’s scoring options? The Bulldogs start as a favourite but a good Hawks showing is a must.
The Magpies travel to the coast to take on a Roosters very keen to return to the winners circle. This match will go a long way to deciding a finals participant between these two, a long way out yes, but highly likely on current form and standings only one of these two will make it. This is a big chance for these clubs. Wudinna United competitive in most matches for a lot of the time and the same can be said for Elliston, just lapses in concentration costing games. Two well matched teams and a small margin is expected, maybe the Rosters at home!
Wirrulla visit their immediate eastern neighbour, Western Districts at Minnipa. Over the years, these two clubs have fought out more less than one goal margins than any other clubs, quite a rivralry, this is the case no matter where they appear on a ladder in any year. The Tigers looking for their first 2016 win and Bombers still sights on a top two position, so on paper this looks like a straight forward, business as usual win to the Bombers. The deeper reality is that the Bombers often just struggle to cope with the high possession, chip around Tigers game style and finding regular scoring avenues. The Tigers must win to say in touch for a finals berth, so something for both sides here. The Bombers should win on form, but another close one is expected.
Results summaries follow here in pdf or go to the fixture/results/stats menu for greater detail
Last Modified on 01/06/2016 21:59