West Coast Hawks v Wirrulla at Piednippie
The former Streaky Bay FL derby match, high flying Hawks hosting neighbourhood rivals, the much improved Bombers. This time at Piednippie, the most central of venues.
These two share a border of hotly disputed territory, and highly value a win in this game. More than “just” two premiership points on the line here.
West Coast Hawks have turned everyone’s heads with a demolition job on Central Eyre last outing, only the most ardent supporters deep within the Hawk Nest would have seen that coming. Wirrulla started the season slowly, but have built momentum in recent games, coming off a great win against the Tigers.
The Hawks are a star studded, speedy unit, perched at the top of the table and setting the standard. Dylan Kelsh, Mid West’s best last week and in ominous form. Mark Dolling hard balling winning ability, Aiden Whitford prolific in front of goals. Scott Montgomerie and Kyall Renshaw back in action, Jake Mc Evoy and Cam Montgomerie in outstanding touch at the moment. Quick decisive ball movement and the ability to surge during matches piling on quick goals regularly.
Wirrulla are on the improve, no doubt about it, playing with a purpose and results are showing. Noticeably they are running games out well, winning last quarters well and they must consider this match as a true measure of where they are. Ryan Watson, good all year, including last week at Inter -League level, Simon Webb finding the goals, strength across half back with Lachy Ross, Ollie Mc Cullam, Milton Holmes in good form. Callan Roe in the ruck is enjoying a great year and providing regular first use, and Jason Henderson always classy.
Last week’s win by the Hawks has seen hope turn to expectation, they are the clear ladder leaders now. A good showing by the Bombers here is a must, but the overall depth of talent at the Hawks should see them in front at the end
Tip – Hawks 30 -40
Elliston v Central Eyre at Elliston
Two sides coming off quite different results last round, the Roosters sweeping to a 66 point home ground smack of the Magpies, and the weakened ‘dogs caned to the extent of 84 points at the home of the Hawk. No-one knows in recent times how the Bulldogs respond to a loss, losses just don’t happen! The Roosters are about to find out big time!
Roosters list is impressive when they finally find themselves all out there at once. Jay Williams back last round, his presence more than “just” a State level elite player, his leadership and passion lifts all those around him. Ben Hurrell back on shore and a huge boost for Elliston, Adam Hurrell and Ross Bascomb having great years again, Brad Fisk providing bite in the ruck, enjoying some enforced time on the pine last match when his enthusiasm became just a little too high! Liam Newton, Matt Bascomb, Guy Hutchison lead a capable group. Tom Rumbelow still nursing a broken finger, unlikely to re emerge until after Mortlock. Jack Sampson will relish the challenge against his old club.
The ‘dogs regroup, in come Jesse Stringer, great last weekend for Mid West FL, Jared Sampson, Ty Mc Kenna. Tyler Chapman. Jake Bruce off early against the Hawks and was missed. They will be eyeing a quick return to the winners circle and reaffirm to the League who is really the boss! Fitzgeralds Zac and Tasman are tall marking players who will handle Elliston conditions well. Clint Winter, Jake Sampson winning plenty of it, ever reliable Kane Sampson the general in defence. Corey Waters is emerging as a star of the future.
Home ground advantage to the Roosters here, and they do play this venue well. They have a vocal support base but an angry Bulldog on the rebound will be hot to handle. Too many scoring options for the ‘dogs to drop this.
Tip – Dogs 40 - 50
Western Districts v Wudinna United at Poochera
Neighbours also, and plenty to play for. Likely a finals place! The Tigers have looked good for long periods in most games, but have had some down time, similarly for the Magpies. Both play a higher possession style, and therefore find themselves well matched up. The key here will be how quickly they can get the ball to their respective key forwards, as the productivity of Jack Shanley/ Xavier Smith-Scott as full forwards will go a long way to deciding this fixture.
The Tigers will be desperately disappointed with the last quarter fade out against the Bombers, having led until that point. Keys in the middle Shannon Horgan, welcomed back into League colours last week and the evergreen coach Scott Feltus. The run of Riley King, Charlie Williams, Brodie Falciani test every opposition, with Thomas Lee and Zane Montgomerie taking on big roles each week. Chris and Joseph Williams will be huge ins should clearance negotiations be fruitful.
The Magpies expect to welcome back talented veteran Henry Zwar, sorely missed in recent weeks. Young Bronte Ingomar is on the rapid rise, Adam Jericho and Tom Dupree impressive, Brett Watkinson, Jack Lange, Neil Seaman, Matt Greatbatch are heavy lifters each week and must have good matches here. Darryl Marshall playing in defence is a regular thorn for the Districts boys, they seem to be able to find him with regular pin point accuracy. Tyson Jackson heading overseas is a loss
Expect this to be close, Poochera is a big ground and will suit both clubs. The Tigers have been playing the more consistent football over the year and therefore start as favourite, but the Maggies know they are well in this.
Tip – Tigers 10 - 20
Last Modified on 25/05/2017 11:44