Neighbourly courtesies will be renewed in the Preliminary Final on Saturday with Hawks heading out to Wirrulla to settle the final Grand Final spot. Perhaps in these two’s minds also is that mighty fine prize that they have relegated the other for the season? The western most clubs in Mid West share a blurred border, history going back into the Streaky Bay Football League, and a level of respect seemingly similar to what resulted in the famous Berlin Wall being constructed between another two super power adversaries!
The reality here is that the two clubs are very capable, and on their day will challenge the ‘dogs all the way. They must bring their A game to get through to that opportunity.
A quick look at the Mid West history-:
Finals Played at Wirrulla
West Coast Hawks Played 7 for 5 wins
Wirrulla Played 3 for 1 win
Preliminary Finals Played
West Coast Hawks Played 6 for 3 wins
Wirrulla Played 9 for 3 wins
Overall Finals Played
West Coast Hawks Played 38 for 24 wins
Wirrulla Played 27 for 11 wins
Head to Head in Finals (7 games played)
West Coast Hawks 5 wins
Wirrulla 2 wins
Season 2016
Round 3 – Streaky Bay WC Hawks +27 points
Round 8 – Wirrulla WC Hawks +90 points
Round 13 – Streaky Bay WC Hawks + 53 points
The Hawks hold sway over the season with Bombers struggling to cope with the fast and precise ball movement, and tight Hawks defence. Wirrulla have perhaps not had their best side out against the Hawks yet, so this is the chance to see where the sides are really at.
West Coast Hawks play a team oriented game style, coach Paul Evans very clear with his instructions and what is expected of his charges, and receives excellent support in return. The game style revolves around run, fast transition from defence and targets being hit. At full flight the Hawks are very easy to watch but hard to play against. Dillon Montgomerie back last match and better for the run, Dale Montgomerie to return to the side this week, Mark Dolling in wonderful form in the middle, Dylan Kelsh a class ruckman, an Eyre Peninsula or above level of talent right there in the square to start the match. Add the run of Dillon Cabot, Nick Schumann, perhaps Aiden Whitford if not forward and the Hawks are hard to hold. Strong defence led by Derick Freeman, Tyson Montgomerie, Damien Johnson and Scott Montgomerie. Good having young star Kyle Tucker back from college, and he slots right into the running game here. Kirk Montgomerie back last week and also better for the run. Forward Line looks forever dangerous, Derek Clarke likely at Centre Half Forward and Nathan Johnson at full forward loom large, the strength of Darren Brown and crumbing work of Corey Cabot. Jake Mc Evoy is in great form, and has been all year, who will have the unenviable task to hold him, who is quick enough? Tom Shaw has earned his place, hard and brave, and James Westley adds bite around the ground. Harmyn Baldock or Jay Johns likely to step up from the colts also.
The Bombers are up for this, through the 1st Semi unscathed and the real incentive to rise for the big fella, the sad passing of Wirrulla Legend Sharky Kelsh. The first semi saw quite a few absences, not really an ideal situation, however everyone should be fit a ready to go. Into the mix, William Mayhew, Andrew Bitmead, Rowan Chester, Mitchell Gum. Would love to send out a search party west to return Yanni Kozminski. The Bombers love the hard won footy, they work for each other and the younger runners. They cannot afford turnovers against the quality of opposition this late in the season. Mitchall Gum is a huge return from college, perhaps one of the very few that can jump to the heights of Hawks Dylan Kelsh, on ballers Jarden Stoetzer, Cody Colbung, Paul Haynes, Jason Henderson will get plenty of the ball. Ryan Watson is in outstanding form and loves a challenge anytime, dominating across half back with Lachlan Ross and Will Mayhew. Mark Binder is and experienced campaigner, playing mainly in the last line. New recruits Reegan Mastrangelo and Lachlan Norman have been great. The Bomber forward line boasts Joe Pedler and Simon Webb, both capable of big bags of goals, along with the high leaping small man Shannon Haynes, and marking capability of Craig Johnson. Rob Holmes provides true utility value, good anywhere. Coach Olsen is a passionate man, he will have his players focused for the task at hand
Wirrulla has some ground to make up on the year’s results and have caused heart aches for the Hawks in finals in the past. They have the benefit of home ground, but this is also the venue for their worst loss against the Hawks. Expect a fast start as the Hawks use their speed to make the Bombers chase, it is so important that the Bombers weather the early Hawks onslaughts and score themselves. On paper the teams look well matched, the only question is whether the Bombers can match the Hawks fitness over four quarters. Nervous starts are normal in finals, but large scores are not, defensive pressure usually comes to the fore.
Suspect that the Hawks ability to train together more often will assist them setting up another date with the ‘Dogs at the ‘Boo. Hawks 20-30 points
Reserves - Wirrulla v West Coast Hawks
Similarly to the A Grade, West Coast Hawks and Wirrulla will challenge for the reserves final Grand Final spot. Almost like a club match with top 15 lists irrelevant! Wirrulla are the reigning back to back premiers, and the Hawks are the fast finishing form team, having beaten all sides in the last round.
On the season
Round 3 – Streaky Bay Wirrulla +107 points
Round 8 – Wirrulla Wirrulla + 47 points
Round 13 – Streaky Bay WC Hawks + 21 points
The Hawks have seemingly bridged the large gap that existed at the start of the year and are playing irresistible football, winning their 1st semi final convincingly. The Bombers come in with two consecutive 4 point narrow losses against the ladder leading Bulldogs, so know that they are very close to that coveted cup again.
Wirrulla coach Andrew Patterson is well accustomed to what is needed in finals, he doesn’t get flustered, but sets up a simple game plan that gets the best from his charges. Dion Pittaway has been great, a late start to season but a big contributor since, Shane also if not called to the A Grade, Tyron Fox hard at it. Younger runners will be important, Jai Holmes, Kieran Patterson and Callan Roe, with the experience of Daryl Lawrie and Quentin Webb so important. Andrew Atkinson fits into the experienced campaigners these days and a team leader.
The Hawks have a myriad of younger runners and the benefit of experience scattered amongst the team. Brent Bascombe is a regular goal kicker and many years at higher levels will take holding, Dion Trezona a leader and coming off another boom season, young guns Harmyn Baldock, Hayden Brands, Isaac Galliver, Ikale Godwin, Liam and Lewis Mc Donald see to it that the ball is moved quickly, and Paul Feltus Quinn Mohi both classy operators. A few changes to the 1st semi side as A Grade regulars return to the A side, so will this unsettle the side?
The Hawks are confident and play fast furious football in full flight, but wondering whether the changes to the 1st semi final side will be too much? The Bombers do look more settled and play this time of year so well.
Bombers 10-20 points
Colts - Elliston v Central Eyre
The Elliston Roosters take on the ever improving Central Eyre Bulldogs who have emerged as quite a force. Elliston made a fast start to the year, however have lost players along the journey, still playing with flair however. The ‘Dogs are fast finishers, gaining the benefit of college goers and returning residents, appearing to have plenty of options now.
The Roosters won all three encounters during the year, although this is perhaps the first time that the Bulldogs challenge the Roosters with their full side.
Elliston has wonderful young talent, Matthew Reeves won the Doug Fox Medal, dominating the ruck and giving first use to his on ballers. Gorn Tree is a star of the future, Rory Kelsh fast and skilled. Jacob Newton showing the class and flair of his dad and uncle, Oska Richards in everything. Ree and Will Martin have been towers in defence and productive when forward, Luke Hutchison is a strong bodied champ, Yanni Cobby run and class. Could go through the whole team, proud to play for their club.
Central Eyre look like a team ready to join the two Senior “Dogs teams in the Grand Final, getting better and better week by week. Chandler May is a goal scoring machine, Corey Waters in outstanding form all year and leading by example. Joe O Brien is a big in back from college and the height to worry the tall Roosters. Harley Mc Cormick a big year and plays anywhere. Thomas Scholz having a break out year, regularly in the best, William Sampson clever ball user, and Tom Rushmer an up and coming excitement machine.
The two side look very well matched up, just maybe the slightly taller overall Roosters starting warm favourites here and on the season’s form, expect a great game up to start the day
Roosters 20-30 points
Last Modified on 31/08/2016 00:27
