22 August 2017
The first week of finals delivered all the spectacle promised, although the supporters of the Roosters and Tigers exhausted as the players, the match decided by two points, open right to the end. Good wins by the Tigers reserves and Magpies colts as their premiership plans stay alive.
Mid West finals now head to Streaky Bay for the clash of the season’s top billing sides. The prize is first entry to the Grand Final at Minnipa and a week off.
A Grade
West Coast Hawks (1st) v Central Eyre (2nd)
Two goliaths of past seasons, playing in the last four consecutive Grand Finals for two wins each. Central’s won the last two and the very indignant Hawks full of focus since last September to ensure the silverware heads back to their nest!
A surging Roosters outfit buoyed by a solid win last weekend awaits the loser at Wudinna, a loss this week is a very long way back to a Grand Final appearance.
On the season 2017
Round 5 West Coast Hawks by 84 points
Round 10 West Coast Hawks by 78 points
Round 15 West Coast Hawks by 30 points
Margin is decreasing no doubt, but is it ready to be bridged yet? Hawks are wary of the ‘dogs, who for their part remain relatively calm in that they haven’t fronted at full strength yet. The time is here and now!
West Coast Hawks are undefeated, only really challenged by teams that are out of the finals race! Heavy weight of awards at the League medal night last week, Dillon Kelsh Mail Medal, Cameron Montgomerie Presidents Medal, Jake Mc Evoy JV Day Medal (U21), Aiden Whitford J H MC Kenna Goal Kicking award, Mark Dolling not far back in the medal count either. Despite this impressive list, the Hawks strength does not lie with its team of champions, but rather the way that these champions are just part of a team that shares the hard work and enjoys its spoils together.
Little will change at the Hawks hereafter unless injury intervenes, they have played 31 players in A Grade through the year, Jake Mc Evoy to come back in to the side after the round 15 win over Centrals, a very handy in indeed!
Kyall Renshaw is playing at his best now, he will be a key through the next few weeks, Gerard Montgomerie adds bite to the hard ball winning ability of the Hawks as does Corey Cabot. Kirk and Tyson Montgomerie have done all this before, their leadership and poise is much valued. Nick Schumann loves the contest that the ‘dogs bring, expect nothing less than 100% commitment for his side. A highly functional defence, prolific midfield and dangerous forward structure.
Centrals started the season as they finished last year, full of run, big scores the norm, what could stop them? As the season progressed, a variety of absences at different times has seen this all conquering side below their devastating best, but the troops are rallying now. The question will be: Are they fit enough to match the Hawks for four quarters?
Back in selection contention since their round 15 loss to the Hawks at this venue, Tyler Chapman, Jackson Joyce, Brett Mc Comb, Jared Sampson, Clint Winter. Big ins! All well experienced players and performers, just substantial changes to a team so late in the season. 47 have played A Grade this year at the kennel.
Big game players everywhere though, Zac and Tasman Fitzgerald, fast moving skyscrapers, Hayden Heath and Ty Mc Kenna bode well for aerial dominance. Kane Sampson lives for finals and his likely match up with Aiden Whitford could go a long way to deciding the game. Jesse Stringer, Jake Sampson and Jake Bruce are individual match winners, not all of them can be held. Jordan Stutley has been a revelation, strong body at the contest and uses the ball well. Harry Haebich reliable all year with footy smarts.
These two have played some epics in recent years, and expect that level of competition to rise again. No side wants to give ground to the other, while at the same time not wanting to show their complete hand. The Hawks will want to run the ball wider and keep the ball away from the dog marking strength. At full strength, these sides are very well matched.
Hard to go past winning form however, and the Hawks appear better settled for now
Hawks 20 – 30
Reserves
Central Eyre (1st) v West Coast Hawks (2nd)
The strength of the depth of the two leading clubs sees them facing off in the Reserves also, Central leading the way all season and clear ladders leaders, whilst the Hawks losing mid season games and regaining a double chance very late in the season.
Centrals won rounds 5 and 15, with the Hawks prevailing by 2 points in round 10.
Both sides boast a balance of youth and experience, with plenty of A Grade experience to assist.
Jeff Bigg, Kerron Cummings and Dwayne Nottle are always sharp around the goals. Concern for Bob Whetstone Medalist David Moyse, who has a knee injury arising from the last match. Justin Schultz and Hugh Teate in great form, Wade O Brien will be important for his leadership as well as his vast finals experience.
Hawks have speed on their side and will want to keep the ‘dogs running. Older war horses Dion Trezona and Simon Tucker will be looked at for their poise. Rob Miller in good form, Liam Mc Donald another who covers plenty of ground. Young legs of Bailey Hawes, Nathan Hill, Jacob Baldock and Hayden Brands have been important as they will all be stars of the future.
Centrals will have an edge in size and perhaps finals experience which may see them ahead late
Centrals 20 -30
Colts
West Coast Hawks (1st) v Elliston (2nd)
On the season, clearly the top two contenders and the Hawks looking at a clean sweep, undefeated until the Roosters rose in the round 14 clash at Elliston to win by 3 points. Can they maintain this momentum?
Hawks have played players up in the senior grades this year to assist development, and have developed some real prospects for higher levels in the future. Jonty Brice, Callum Saunders, Zach Lovegrove, Jacob Baldock, Jackson Hutchison and Hayden Brands have all played well in the A and or B Grade this year and lead a side of quickly improving fleet footed Hawk warriors
Elliston also has revolved their young players through senior experience, Oska Richards and Luke Hutchison have enjoyed outstanding years, Yani Cobby with speed and agility, young Jacob Newton is fast on the rise. A host of youngsters who have the ball on a string, Harvey and Noah Fleming, Jordan Little, Tyrese Watkins.
This match will be very competitive with perhaps the larger bodies to the Hawks giving them the edge.
Hawks 30 – 40
Last Modified on 25/08/2017 17:36