31 August 2017
A Grade
The Dogs have set themselves for a three peat, enjoying a week off while their Grand Final opponent is thrashed out. No easy win last match, decided very late. So how do the Hawks respond the week after a loss? No one knows, no losses this year. Roosters surging as they gather the troops, this will be a cracker!.
West Coast Hawks v Elliston
The smarting Hawks outfit against a building and confident Elliston. Elliston narrowly winning against the Tigers in the first semi final while the Hawks narrowly losing against the Dogs. Memories of a similar start in the 2012 finals series , seeing the Roosters rising all the way to premiers after a similar narrow 1st semi win over the Tigers. Disappointment last week at the Hawk’s nest, but they needn’t be, the Central side is a classy outfit and the match could well have gone either way.
The Hawks play so well together, disciplined and hard working, strong on every line. Aden Whitford goal less for the first time in 2017 last week, that cant happen again! The Montgomerie’s stood tall as expected in finals, just need good work to convert to goals. Jake Mc Evoy had a huge job last week on Fitzgerald, but will enjoy greater freedom this week, his pace is outstanding and he is able to play tall or small. Key is the middle with Froggy Dolling, Dylan Kelsh and Cam Montgomerie propelling the ball forward, they must not let the Roosters get their noses in front early, could be hard to peg back. Look out for Kyall Renshaw to dominate the air, and work ethic of Nick Schumann and Corey Cabot to win plenty of footy. Derick Freeman and Tyson Montgomerie marshall a strong rebounding defense.
Plenty to play for other than a Grand Final appearance at Roosterland, favourite son Tom Rumbelow plays his 200th match for the Elliston, joining his father Grant Rumbelow who also achieved this feat. Tom is a champion, a true match winner and leader at his beloved club. What better way to celebrate the achievement than a win against their old foe the Hawks. Back in comes Liam Newton who is part of a great core of the side. Jay Williams back in form after a mid season break, Ross Bascomb in fantastic form, Adam and Ben Hurrell sheer match winners. Guy Hutchison is fit and firing and Andrew Mc Leod adds that X factor required to win finals.
The venue holds no spooks for either side, both win more finals than they have lost at Wudinna. The match may well come down to early ascendancy. Elliston can produce thrilling bursts of adrenaline filled football, whereas the Hawks rely more on constant pressure and high work rate. Mark Dolling will be burning the midnight oil for another crack at the Bulldogs. Elliston ran into the finals in stirling form, and will be very pleased with the depth of talent available.
Very hard to tip against a Hawks so used to winning, but this will be tough, Elliston love this sort of challenge and will be in it very late, only concern will be whether their fitness can last the full distance. Unconfident tip:
Hawks 10 – 20
Reserves
West Coast Hawks v Western Districts
The Tigers have the luxury of no A Grade playing, so full list from which to select, whereas the Hawks are fielding sides in both senior matches. The Tigers have played a wonderful second half of the year, gathering momentum after late seeding and really looming as a premiership threat.
Old timers Dion Trezona, Brent Bascombe and Simon Tucker lead a generally young Hawks, with players who will have A Grade careers in front of them. Jonty Brice, Jacob Baldock, Hayden Brands are quick talented youngsters who will lead the Hawks forward, Damien Johnson is well experienced in the finals rigour, Jock Hollitt and Jay Johns are all class.
The Tigers have a host of current and former A Graders at their disposal, the likes of Angus Gunn, Jerel Fromm, Jesse Hull and Matt Carey are leading a Tigers tilt at the premiership. Very focussed in that they are the sole club who is yet to win a B grade flag, this is a huge opportunity. Nathan Hebbermann eternally dangerous and Cam Parker in fantastic goal kicking form.
Should be a good match, the Hawks will need to keep the game flowing, ball moving to match it with the stronger bodied Tigers, who cannot afford to play catch up football against the younger faster Hawks.
Tigers 20 – 30
Colts
Elliston v Wudinna United
Both sides will enter this match with confidence, home advantage to the Magpies but Elliston winning all matches here.
The Roosters big guns include Oska Richards, Luke Hutchison, Jacob Newton, Rory Kelsh and Josh Nuske, all having big years. Run and team work to the fore here as they play with enthusiasm and pride for their Guernsey. Look for quick ball movements through the centre as the Roosters attack the goal front.
Magpies have a generally smaller side, but play with plenty of heart, Ryan Lymn charges from the middle time and again, Phoenix Foster a prolific goal scorer, Aden Dowden, Josh Moses, Riley Martin and Harley Mc Cormick win plenty of it. Ezra Foster and Jack Petty are ball magnets.
The Roosters will be keen to re match the Hawks, given that they are the only side to beat them this year, so will start favourites
Roosters 30 - 40
Last Modified on 01/09/2017 18:33