Some surprising results last weekend, maybe not the win/loss, but the margins! Roosters on the rise, Bulldogs building and Hawks stamp their ongoing authority.
Where has our winter gone? Spring seems to be here, but more rain needed. The dry weather has enabled high scoring and free flowing footy, but most would be happier getting their feet wet!
Western Districts v Elliston at Poochera
Appears to be the close one, with the two sides most likely to confront each other in the 1st Semi final in a few weeks, so a confidence building win here would be handy.
The Tigers a bit flat last week against the Hawks, but missing a few. Joseph Williams back, maybe Shannon Horgan and Jarrad Tomney. Home ground at Poochera with space to move, look for the return of the play on running game that looks so dangerous. Jack Shanley a great target forward, with firm defence lead by Kenneth Newcombe and Sam Beare. Coach Scott Feltus will be pleased with the Tigers best form, they just need to produce it for four quarters.
Roosters are coming, no doubt about it, last week’s 30 goal haul reminiscent of the halcyon days of the late 90’s/early 00’s. The core of today’s side is as good as they have ever had, which is a big statement given the outstanding footballers that the club has produced. Jay Williams back now with a match under his belt. Will this be Jordan Newton’s start after the knee reconstruct? Adam and Ben Hurrell, Guy Hutchison, Del Miller, Brody Kenny, Liam Newton, Ross Bascomb continue great form, Brad Fisk maybe unlikely this week due to travel factor.
Road trip for the Roosters which isn’t always easy, these two will be eager to set themselves for September, so this will be close. Good arguments may be made for both sides on why they will win, but momentum with the red and white for now
Roosters 1 - 10
Wudinna United v West Coast Hawks at Wudinna
One might think that this is a cut and shut affair, top vs bottom, premiership favourites vs likely wooden spooner. Take a closer look however. The Magpies have pushed the flying Hawks to their closest margin, just two points in round three and personnel changes at the Hawks this week leaves them vulnerable. The addition of, whatever happens this match, Hawks will play in the 2nd Semi Final, could this be an upset?
Wudinna United were soundly accounted for by the Bulldogs last week, but have troops back, Matthew Greatbatch, Neil Seaman, Remi North all in selection contention after injury absence, great form continues for Jack Lange and Diesel Lymn, Xavier Scott finding the goals, Tyson Tree, Brett Watkinson highly effective, Tom Dupree and Adam Jericho youngsters on the rise. Henry Zwar adds class and experience, very welcome back in recent weeks.
The Hawks will miss coach and key play maker Mark Dolling offshore for a brief period, missing also one of the Mail Meal favourites Dylan Kelsh, key big man Kyall Renshaw, Braden Holmes. Likely return of dashing defensive dynamo Kirk Montgomerie however. The Hawks have successfully integrated youth in their side this year, Jay Johns, Harmyn Baldock, Zak Lovegrove, Callum Saunders amongst those with exciting careers ahead. Aiden Whitford leading the goal kicking of the league, Jake Mc Evoy in outstanding form, Nick Schumann having a great year, not only regularly in the goals but huge drive from the midfield.
Despite key losses, the Hawks maybe the best placed of all clubs with the depth to keep the big ship heading steadily. Magpies are not without a chance but must find goal scoring options to assist big X Scott.
Hawks 20-30
Wirrulla v Central Eyre at Wirrulla
Centrals a solid win last week at home, did what they had to, and will continue to build their best side as key players return. The Bombers have been devastated with injury and absence, and last week’s smack at the hands of the Roosters will hit the proud club hard. The two clubs at different stages in the year, Bombers looking to finish the season with pride, whereas the ‘dogs eyeing a retention of the Premiership Flag in six or so weeks time.
Bombers will have Callan Roe and Dion Pittaway likely back this week, but still have some key absence. College students returning to Adelaide doesn’t help. Defence will be stretched against the free running and scoring Bulldogs. Will Mayhew has been great, along with Milton Holmes and Dan Swaffer in defensive lead roles. Old Stagers Simon Webb and Rob Holmes in great form, and their leadership will be to the fore this week.
The dog’s have the impending returns of Zac Fitzgerald, Clint Winter, Jared Sampson amongst those who will be in their best side, while the current side continues to get the job done. Jesse Stringer, Jake Bruce, Jackson Joyce, Hayden Heath all great last week and loom large against the under siege Bombers. Jordan Stutley and Jake Sampson prolific in the midfield, tough uncompromising defence, Tyler Chapman a great option when Tasman and Zac Fitzgerald are not on the end of forward moves.
Too late in the season for the Bulldogs to lose any concentration here, they have finals matters to attend to very soon!
Bulldogs 70-80
Last Modified on 28/07/2017 16:28