10 May 2017
West Coast Hawks v Central Eyre at Piednippe
The Titans of modern day Mid West go head to head, the first time in 2017, a replay of Grand Finals 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 where they are two premierships apiece. Both are the pace setters again in 2017, undefeated and setting up an enticing contest here. The ‘dogs are on a scoring rampage, brushing all challengers aside, whereas the Hawks survived an almighty scare at the nest of the Magpies a fortnight ago, albeit weakened that day by players with commitments outside football.
For the past four years of their intense league leading rivalry, these two have faced off twenty times, (twelve minor rounds and eight finals). The ledger stands at
(2013 to 2016 incl) Central Eyre Won West Coast Hawks Won
Head to Head Minor Round Matches 6 6
Head to Head Finals Matches 4 4
Premierships 2 2
Along the journey have been some absolute classic games, each eager to assert whatever edge that they can get over the other. Unfortunately some of this has spilled over to off field ill feeling, which hopefully has passed, the clubs should relish the challenge of this match up.
Hawks have a few injury concerns, Dale Montgomerie hasn’t started his season, Kyall Renshaw and Kirk Montgomerie maybe’s to return. Kyle Tucker has been a great return to the Hawks this year, adding run and bite around the packs, Aiden Whitford will test the best of backmen, the prospect of his clash with Kane Sampson will be one to savour. Dylan Kelsh in wonderful form, back in the side last week after a week off, Cameron Montgomerie, Mark Dolling, Dillon Cabot and Jake Mc Evoy provide mid field grunt. Gerard Montgomerie welcome back to the club this year provides energy as a crumbing forward, or hard working midfielder.
The Bulldogs are a settled unit, so many options on every line, and flexibility to cover any gap. Ty Mc Kenna’s dual in the ruck with Dylan Kelsh will be telling as to who gets first use, both are in top form, a dozen or so midfield options who will all revolve throughout the match, Jared Sampson back to the side and immediately in form, Hayden Heath ongoing development as a key forward, Fitzgeralds as either towering targets or in the midfield. Tyler Chapman with eight last week, and sets up so many more, there are no apparent weak links in the side. Look out for the fast precision passes and a game plan that encourages team work and sharing the load.
Last match up at Piednippie was Round 6 2014, the ‘Dogs prevailing that day by two points. Hawks may be hard pressed to restrict the multiple scoring options that Centrals possess, so will look to shut the open run game down and in particular prevent turnovers. The Dog’s start a deserved favourite, their form is just so good, but if anyone is going to challenge them, it will be their old foe the Hawks.
Bulldogs 20 – 30
Western Districts v Wirrulla at Poochera
Two sides that have matched up well against each other for years and years, no matter where they sit on the ladder, so many clashes are decided by the barest of margins either way. The Tigers find themselves having been chewed on by the Bulldogs last week, like everyone else! , while the fast finishing Bombers clinched a last moments tie against the Magpies in a great contest, maybe rueing errant shots for goal in the first half which may have seen them ahead at the final siren.
Poochera is the Tigers Lair, but the reality is that it is close to a central venue for the two clubs and not much in the way of advantage either way.
Bombers played a good brand of football last week, winning regular contested balls and defending well, rebounding with run. Ryan Watson is outstanding form last week along with Jake Adamson-Thain in everything, Welcome back Billy Mayhew, who will have a tussle with new Tiger target Jack Shanley, maybe going a long way to decide this stoush! Key forwards Simon Webb and Robbie Marshall must find their range early, they are excellent targets. Callan Roe and Yanni Kozminski work to great effect in the ruck, and superb run from half back, Lochie Ross, Oliver Mc Callum in particular. On ball options of Jason Henderson, Rob Holmes and Rowan Chester will have plenty of ball heading in the Bombers direction.
Much to like about the 2017 Tigers, forgive the margin last week, they will be better for what they now know about themselves. They look sharper forward this year and continue to play a disciplined style of footy. Help for Scott Feltus and Shannon Horgan in the midfield, Riley King, Brodie Falciani and Charlie Williams are fleet of foot and productive. Trent Brace in outstanding form, playing mainly back, he still provides a real forward option of called upon. Zane Montgomerie is becoming a true utility player, and Thomas Lee taking on big roles week to week.
Quicker forays forward by the Tigers in 2017 sees them hitting the scoreboard more regularly, and less inclined to be forced to the boundaries, which they have surrendered to in the past. Last week’s form suggests that the Bombers should notch their first win soon, and they will fancy their chances here. Tigers are more settled for now and the incentive of a strong hold on a top four berth should see them home in a close one
Tigers 1 – 10
Elliston v Wudinna United at Elliston
Expect a big rally of the troops here by the Roosters, they know that to qualify for 2017 finals, a home match v Magpies is not a match to drop. The Magpies played an excellent three quarters against the Bombers last week, before “putting the cue in the rack” and playing keepy offs in the last quarter to hold on for a tie against the Bombers. Both of these sides will appreciate the must win situation here.
Roosters have their concern on the injury front, Tom Rumbelow likely to miss this week, Jay Williams, Jordan Newton not yet starters, Ben Hurrell in the wings. Some good pick ups this year, Adam Smyth is outstanding, strong and skilful, Brad Fisk excellent in the ruck, enthusiastic and has fit right into Roosterland, Guy Hutchison back from college and high in the best every week, the ongoing skill and poise of Adam Hurrell and Ross Bascomb. Del Miller and Matt Bascomb will be keys this week, both enjoy the hard tough close matches.
Wudinna United will take confidence into this match, they didn’t fare well at last visit here but generally play the ground well. Xavier Smith –Scott has a strong body and football smarts, just what a key forward needs at Elliston, Brayden Chambers and Neil Seaman hard run and take on a big workload each week, Tyson Tree against his old club, going well in 2017 and will love this challenge, Brett Watkinson in prolific form, Billy Campbell will crumb the packs. Defensively the Magpies are well served, ever reliable Dal Waters, the run of Jack Lange and settled poise of Darryl Marshall.
Tough match to pick this one, the Roosters at home are always a mountain to climb, and plenty of incentive for both sides.
Roosters 10 -20
Last Modified on 10/05/2017 19:15