The big dance is here, Central Eyre and West Coast Hawks, the two stand out sides again in 2016, the two Mid West leading premiership winners and both boast a host of performers on the big stage. Bombers return for a crack at three in a row in the reserves, they have gained quite a liking of this Grand Final gig, but the Dogs are out for a slice of club history themselves. Joining the seniors, the young Bulldogs take on the West Coast Hawks, keen to get back to the top after more than a decade long domination ending in 2012 . Centrals have all grades in the final, an excellent club achievement in itself
A Grade - Central Eyre vs West Coast Hawks
There is no secret that there is an undertone of bad feeling between these two clubs, both proud performers and will not take a backward step in defending their pride and gaining that little bit of competitiveness. That is good for the contest, however both must be aware that so much more is on the line this week, breeches of discipline will hurt the team.
So much to like about the game style of both sides, both prolific scorers and a host of speedsters. Grand Finals however tend to be far more dour than the free wheeling spirit seen in the minor round, nerves maybe, or just that extra effort to defend and less inclination to take risks.
The Statistics
Head to Head in Finals – Played 11, West Coast Hawks 6, Central Eyre 5
Head to Head in Grand Finals Played 4, West Coast Hawks 2, Central Eyre 2
Finals at Warramboo Central Eyre – played 3, 1 win
West Coast Hawks – played 1, 1 win
Grand Finals Central Eyre – played 12 – 7 premierships
West Coast Hawks – played 14 – 8 premierships
Finals Overall Central Eyre – played 47 – 25 wins 53.19%
West Coast Hawks – played 39 – 25 wins 64.10%
Head to Head 2016 – Central Eyre 4, West Coast Hawks Nil
Round 2 Central Eyre by 116 points at Warramboo
Round 7 Central Eyre by 45 points at Streaky Bay
Round 12 Central Eyre by 62 points at Kyancutta
2nd Semi Final Central Eyre by 44 points at Elliston
Played A Grade in 2016 Central Eyre 39 players
West Coast Hawks 38 players
No doubt that the marauding ‘dogs deserve a favouritism heading into the match, four wins on the season and a home final, what could be better? However, fresh in memory in this very situation in reverse in 2015, Hawks undefeated just as Central are now, and their very own home final and heart break! What an opportunity for atonement this game brings!
The Bulldogs are fit and ready, a week of competition off, but everyone out on the track and plenty of work being done to hone themselves, only Matt Sampson short of their full complement
Looking to a midfield that has not been halted all season. Ty Mc Kenna leading the ruck, but a key position option too, seven goals in last year’s Grand Final. An elite squad who so often get first use, Jake Sampson, Keenan Bury, Jesse Stringer, Zac Fitzgerald ooze class, expect a tag role on Jake Bruce for some poor sole, but let Jake get more than 20 possessions is just gifting the game away, such is his damaging use of the footy. Expect Ty Habner and Clint Winter to spend time through the middle also, both enjoying great seasons, Ty after injury issues earlier. Forward line aerial strength includes Tasman Fitzgerald, Hayden Heath, Wade O Brien, and Tyler Chapman back in the side, The Bulldog backline is simply outstanding, boast height and strength, Kane Sampson, Freeth at Full Back/ Centre Half Back, cleaning up everything coming their way, and wonderful rebound of Lachlan Heath, Jared Sampson, Martin Grocke. Great depth within the club and selection will be quite a headache, probably 26 players deserve their chance on the big day, but only 21 can play
The Hawks have their very own truck load of talent. Dylan Kelsh leading the ruck and has been in stunning form since coming home. Mid fielders to include Dillon Montgomerie Jake Mc Evoy, Mark Dolling, Dillon Cabot. Has Dale Montgomerie recovered enough to spend his time on the ball, at least for spells, he will be needed! Nick Schumann’s run and creativity will be important. Big men Derek Clarke and Darren Brown will be key focus points. Interesting that finals veteran Aiden Whitford spent most of his time in defence in the Preliminary Final, suggest that he may find himself forward this week. Strong dashing backline, Kirk Montgomerie, Damien Johnson, Tyson Montgomerie, and the ever reliable Derick Freeman likely for the unenviable job on Tasman Fitzgerald. Corey Cabot will be asked for goals and Kyle Tucker welcome back from college providing bite around the packs. Nathan Johnson will be needed on the scoreboard this week, time on the ball last week is great, but his ability to score is crucial.
Ty Mc Kenna/ Dylan Kelsh in the ruck will be something to watch, can the Hawks penetrate that solid ‘Dog defence, they can’t afford slow entries against such a fast rebounding defence.
Both coaches, Hawks Paul Evans and Bulldogs Wade O Brien have been building up to this, neither have played all their cards in the lead up, expect quite different players lining up in positions this week and that little edge and surprise element is sought
Central Eyre at home start favourites to hold aloft the silverware at 5pm. They have taken the whole 2016 season before them, hard work and hunger for success is leading a great club feeling, spanning right through to the juniors. Hawks are no slouches at all, they are quietly plotting and working on climbing this mountain, and to do so must hit the front early, catch up footy simply has not worked against Centrals. Expect another great match between these two high flyers
Dogs – 30 to 40 points
Reserves – Central Eyre vs Wirrulla
Wirrulla starting to get hooked on this premiership business, back for a third consecutive crack at it, but standing firmly in the way is the ladder leading Central Eyre. The ‘Dogs only dropped two matches all year, Wirrulla once and the Hawks in the last round, but the last two successes over Wirrulla both by less than a goal, so not much separates these clubs entering the game
On the season-:
Round 5 Central Eyre by 15 points
Round 10 Wirrulla by 50 points
Round 15 Central Eyre by 4 points
2nd Semi Final Central Eyre by 4 points
The Bulldogs will play their reserve players, in that the A Grade is playing, whereas the Bombers have the luxury of a few extra, no A Grade after the preliminary finals. Similar sides are expected to the 2nd semi finals, an epic match, although League Best and Fairest Jordan Stutley will return for the ‘dogs, a huge in!
Bulldogs coached by Rob Norris, outstanding season and amassed cricket scores along the way, Bomber coach Patterson has played a well settled team most of the year considering what some clubs play, and well tuned up to winning finals,
Centrals boast a complete list of speed and skills, Jordan Stutley either on ball or forward will be a key, Kerron Cummings a beacon up forward, big Jeff Bigg aerial strength, the blistering speed of Adam, Kane and Shaun Murphy, Kane Grocke likely at Centre Half Forward, ever reliable defence of Craig and Kayden O Brien, Veterans Jamie Tomney and Tim Polkinghorne will lead the way
Bombers have a well blended mix of youth and experience, young Jack Kelsh in great form last week, under 15 EP rep, Jai Holmes strong despite his younger years. Good having Evan Whillas and Andrew Bitmead back to the team, Shane Pittway and Dion Pittaway seasoned veterans and one grab players. Callan Roe outstanding last week and another big one needed here, and Craig Johnson looked to for his trademark pack marks.
Only four points separated the teams last two starts and hard to see one side getting away too far here either. Central Eyre did finish top, and have the benefit of home ground, Warramboo where they have kicked some big score this year. Bombers will have schemes and strategies to get them on the right path, so don’t expect that a results will be known until very very late in the game. Could well come down to accuracy in front of goal?
Centrals 1 to 10 points
Colts – West Coast Hawks vs Central Eyre
Two sides coming from a different perspective, the Hawks only a single loss, in the first round to Elliston, whereas the Bulldogs scrambled into the finals late, but have taken all before them in the finals.
The Hawks will go in with a physically bigger team overall, however the Bulldogs are not underdone in the size department either with the return home of their college players.
Jay Johns is the Hawk captain and an outstanding season, Harmyn and Jacob Baldock future stars. Ikale Godwin around the centre will provide drive, Jett Brooks loves the hard footy and highly productive, Zak Lovegrove has led the goal scoring and a key target forward, Jonti Brice plenty of it all year, Dion Galliver and Jaxon Hutchison coming off great 2nd semis.
The Bulldogs welcome back Joe O Brien, Mac Heath and Chandler May, all high class players and importantly the body size to match up with the Hawks. Corey Waters an excellent free running player, Thomas Rushmer at half back, in and under. Captain Jackson Grocke in the ruck will take holding, Thomas Scholz and Harley Mc Cormick regularly high in the Bulldog best and will play well on the big stage.
Can the young Bulldogs keep their momentum going? They should give themselves a good chance here, a big assignment though, the Hawks are good all over the ground. Should be a close match most of the day, but maybe the larger overall Hawks to hold sway in the end
Hawks 20 -30 points
This will be a big day of Mid West football and netball action, good luck to everyone involved
Last Modified on 06/09/2016 00:56