After this weekend, only three rounds remain until finals, teams are settling their best lists, injury recovery is now crucial and game plans being fine tuned. Finals spots still on the line.
West Coast Hawks v Western Districts at Streaky Bay
The Hawks bared their claws against an undermanned Bombers last week, revolving players around and testing options for things to come. Tougher assignment this week, the Tigers recovering from a flat first half to snatch an entertaining match against the Magpies by a goal.
West Coast Hawks are building themselves for a full on assault at the premiership, no doubt they are the clear team to beat for everyone, so the Districts boys must stay close.
Jake McEvoy back to full power last week, his shear work rate hurts opposition, Aiden Whitford continues in the goals and will provide quite a challenge for Kenneth Newcombe, possibly the best form back man in the competition. Cam Montgomerie and Mark Dolling give drive from the centre feeding from outstanding ruck work of Dylan Kelsh. If the Hawks have an achillies heal, they haven’t shown it yet this year!
Districts are below full strength slightly, Charlie Williams not yet ready, but maybe captain Shannon Horgan back. Riley King almost won the game from his own boot last week, five from the midfield in an eye catching performance, Zane Montgomerie in stellar form and this one against his early junior club so he will be keen to impress again. Tobin Lennell, Kirk Hull, Scott Feltus around the middle and there is plenty of ball winning ability in the Tiger machine. Jack Shanley will be called upon for heavy scoring against a high class defence.
So often the Tigers push the Hawks, but the boys from the Bay are playing a fast flowing high scoring style that they don’t want to let slip.
Hawks 30-40
Elliston v Wirrulla at Elliston
Last gasp chance here for the Bombers to play finals in this must win encounter. An Elliston win will all but sew up their appearance in the post season, and home deck advantage this week.
Elliston have threatened plenty, but just have found themselves a few players short. Special USA recruit expected this week – Jay Williams. Big in and adds to a great core of talent at the club. Jordan Newton not far off and things are looking up at the Rooster Pen. The old firm in great form last week, Liam Tree, Ross Bascomb, Ben Hurrell, Guy Hutchison, Adam Hurrell all wee in week out performers. Gorn Tree continues his great touch, strong over the ball and quick hands. The major concern is maybe a lack of height, so running the ball must be the key, Brodie Kenny stand out here then Tom Rumbelow a great target.
Ryan Watson has had an enormous year, reliable and prolific, Simon Webb a leader, either on the ball or a productive forward. Undermanned last week, and still carrying key injuries. Callan Roe still another game to serve, so Mitchell Gum looms as the key big man on the ground. Will Mayhew important up back and Robbie Marshall looked to for goals. Some great up and coming talent at the club, Mac Best, Jack Kelsh, Kahil Evans, although Kahil has had a busy week playing for EP/Norwood in Adelaide. Dion Pittaway back on the track now, and straight back into good form.
Wirrulla will know the stakes, but the Roosters at home are hard to topple at the best of times, let alone a match where they can seal finals.
Roosters 30 – 40
Central Eyre v Wudinna United at Kyancutta
The big Bulldog engine is starting to tune up again, players recovering and time to set their course for a serious defence on their premiership. Magpies again agonisingly close last week, one goal, the third loss by a goal or less plus a tie.
Kyancutta is a stronghold for the ‘dogs, not many visitors leave here with premiership points in the bag. Zac Fitzgerald with a driver, perhaps a week away, but the return of Jake Bruce, Jake Sampson sees the Bulldogs on an upward improvement curve, Jesse Stringer again in outstanding form last week, Tasman Fitzgerald with ten big ones, who will stop him this week? Jared Sampson back to his silky smooth best and Hayden Heath a fast moving big man across half forward. Good players on every line.
Magpies have shown that they can stay in most games, but must ensure that they find avenues to goal this week, big X Scott was a key target last week and will draw attention. Jack Lange in scintillating touch, Billy Campbell finding plenty of it last week and Mark North just keeps on keeping on. Tyson Tree has speed and leaping ability, and Lewis Habermann’s welcome return from college provided an extra level of fitness and willingness to do the hard work.
Big assignment this week for Wudinna United though, the Bulldogs have some late season business to take care of, and the build to that end has already started.
Bulldogs 60 - 70
Last Modified on 20/07/2017 22:32