Wudinna United v Wirrulla at Wudinna
The Bombers prepare to raid Wudinna this weekend, both teams are desperate for a win to open their account for the year and keep dreams of finals alive. Wirrulla coming off of a home ground spank at the hands of Central Eyre and Wudinna United unlucky not to snare the premiership points against the Hawks.
Wirrulla have lost many top level players in the off season and look to their up and coming young blood, buoyed by their seasoned veterans. Coached by club stalwart Daryl Lawrie, expect a good showing here, they play well at Wudinna. Likely to lose the services of star young ruckman, Mitch Gum as he returns to college, but Yanni Kozminski handled this role brilliantly last year, bustling Ryan Watson building form. Jason Henderson, Simon Webb and Rowan Chester lead the way, great games last week from Daniel Swaffer and Rob Holmes, with the late inclusion of Taylor Schmucker proving fruitful. Magpies nearly climbed the Hawk mountain last week, and will take plenty of heart knowing that they can mix it. Captain Remi North returns to the side, the big X (Scott) is a solid forward target, and newcomers Brett Watkinson, Jack Lange and Billy Campbell all providing wonderful drive. Add to the gut running ability of Neil Seaman and Adam Jericho, the reliability of Tysons Tree and Jackson, and defensive poise of Dallas Waters, plenty to like at the nest.
Don’t expect a shoot out, a lot at stake as it will be a long way back for the loser.
Tip Magpies 20-30pts
Elliston v West Coast Hawks at Elliston
A weakened Hawks survived a genuine scare at the hands of the Magpies last week, while the Roosters were gallant in defeat at Tigerland.
Hawks will welcome back Corey Cabot, Braden Holmes, Dylan Kelsh, Scott Montgomerie, plus maybe Damien Johnson. History says that Elliston is not always a happy hunting ground for the Hawks, either minor round or finals. Mindful of needing to keep form later challenges, the Hawks must be playing at their best. Aiden Whitford up forward is a fantastic target, Dillon Cabot, Mark Dolling are brilliant in the middle, and reliable Kirk Montgomerie back after a “holiday” for the first match. Cameron Mongomerie and Jake Mc Evoy are outstanding athletes and Derick Freeman a tower of strength in defence
Elliston does boast a strong list, the key is just getting everyone back from injury issues. The likes of Jay Williams, Jordan Newton will return soon, but for now, Del Miller, Ben Hurrell, Steve Paul, Kane Tiller and Thomas Bascomb likely ins from last week. Change is a constant at the Rooster Pen, they seem to deal with it well. Last week they were well in the game until the end, producing a stirring eight goal third quarter to remind everyone that they are very capable Bradley Fisk leading the ruck, and Adam Smyth a wonderful recruit. Adam Hurrell, Ross Bascomb and Guy Hutchison are the heartbeat of the side, and welcome back reinforcements this week. Can anyone hold Tom Rumbelow?
This will be a great match, and likely winner not decided until late. Can the Hawks find their customary space?
Tip Hawks 10-20
Central Eyre v Western Districts at Kyancutta
Plenty to like about the Tigers methods and application last week, fast forward entries, a rebounding defence and hardworking mid field. This improvement is put to the ultimate test this week against the league’s meanest defence, best mid field and most productive forward line, all combined into one club, the rampant Bulldogs.
The ‘dogs just went about their weekly destruction of opposition last week, disposing of the hapless Bombers. The lowest score they have posted in 2017 – 25 goals which was against Elliston.
On form so far, maybe it is the Hawks and Tigers most likely to compete, more will be known here! Tigers traditionally have relied on closing sides down and being hard to score against, have they evolved their game to greater score board pressure?
Central’s are the most settled of all clubs, ins awaited Keenan Bury probably the most notable. Kane Sampson prominent again, Brodi Grocke developing quickly, Jared Sampson burst back on the scene last week, straight in to the form that won him a Mail Medal, Zac and Tasman Fitzgerald high marking and long kicking targets. Strength speed and poise everywhere at the kennel. Tigers will look to recruits to lift them here, Jack Shanley with six last week will be the number one go to man, runners Riley King, Charlie King and Brodie Falciani important to provide drive, up and coming stars, Zane Montgomerie and Thomas Lee, young but take on big roles week in and week out. Always Shannon Horgan and Scott Feltus. Jerel Fromm and Angus Gunn in the wings, but not this week.
Home ground at Kyancutta, so the Bulldogs have advantage there, and an eye on perennial foe the Hawks the following week.
Tip Bulldogs 70-80
Last Modified on 05/05/2017 12:04