8 May 2018
Please click on posters to enlarge
Each team will have played each other once after Saturday’s round, and a break in the season as Mid West takes on our Far West neighbour at Thevenard. Interesting results from round four, none more so than the emergence of Elliston as a premiership threat, outright second for now. For the statisticians last time they beat the Bulldogs was 2012, and they then went on to win the premiership that year!. The Tigers are right back in contention after a convincing win over the Maggies at Minnipa, and the Bombers couldn’t cope with a four quarter performance by the evergreen Hawks, in their last appearance at Piednippie for the year.
This week sees clubs raising awareness of Breast Cancer, please give generously to help in the search for a cure.
Western Districts v West Coast Hawks at Poochera
The Tigers had played well for three quarters for all games prior to last week when they solved their mystery, stringing a good four quarters together. They will need to repeat the formula this week, as they approach the sternest test of all, the Hawks. West Coasters are in great form, winning all facets of the game and improving match by match. The wide open space at Poochera hold no demons for the Hawks either, they play this ground well!
Hawks expect back Dillon Montgomerie and Dylan Kelsh, EP standard fooballers to a side already on top of their game. Mark Dolling and Cameron Montgomerie commanding the middle of the ground, Aiden Whitford a great target, although spends time up the ground also, Joe Mc Innis back to his elusive best, Jake Mc Evoy either on the ball or in key positions provide drive week in week out. Strong defence, Montgomerie’s Tyson, Kirk and Scott rebound at speed and Derick Freeman ever reliable, will he be available with seeding a possibility? Great balance of experience and youth in the Hawks side.
Districts have unearthed the forward target that they have so much coveted, Kingsley Ware leads the League goal kicking with 17 and just as importantly, assisting a whole functional forward line. Tobin Lennell was outstanding last week, hard work and creative, Damon O’Loughin-King dominated the skies, big marks and plenty of them, the run of Brayden King and Charlie Williams and the sheer hard ball winning work of Shannon Horgan and Scott Feltus. Young Josh Horgan can play tall or run, a wonderful up and coming talent likely to push for a Mid West selection.
Expecting a good game here, a real test for the Tigers against the 2018 measuring stick the Hawks. A good showing is a must to ensure they stay on track for the season.
Hawks 20 - 30
Wudinna United v Central Eyre at Wudinna
The mighty ‘dogs weakened by omissions, crop seeding starting for many, and an unusual slower start for the proud club. Wudinna oval is close to home so expect a better showing this week. Wudinna United are getting their hands on the ball, but wayward goal kicking and too many turnovers are taking toll.
Centrals should see Hayden Heath, Tyler Chapman, Ty Mc Kenna, Clint Winter and Jordan Stutley back in colours this weekend. Jared Sampson back last weekend, but still a few awaited. Jesse Stringer is back in irresistible form, leading the way, along with big man Tasman Fitzgerald. Brett Mc Comb rucking well. Kane Murphy getting his hands on the footy and valuable experience into stars of the future Brodi Grocke and Jayden Fridd. Strong and organised defence led by Kane Sampson.
The Magpies have a blend of youth and masters, Brett Watkinson superb last week, Tyson Jackson and Remi North in the middle, Tyson Tree carries plenty on his shoulders, rucking for long spells. Matt Greatbatch is strong and hard at it. Tom Dupree and Adam Jericho are youngsters with speed to burn and old stagers Henry Zwar and Dal Waters just put in every week.
Long time since the Bulldogs have lost at Wudinna and unlikely to do so this week, the first time out of a top two position for many years and this will not sit comfortably! Wudinna United defend well, but also need to score more heavily to challenge this week.
Bulldogs 50-60
Wirrulla v Elliston at Wirrulla
Different fortunes last week for these two clubs, Elliston alerting the Mid West world to take notice as they claim outright second, and a big loss for the Bombers, a result well below their expectations! Longest road trip on the Eyre Peninsula, and Elliston doing it this time around. Can they hold their standing against a Bomber outfit on the rebound?
Expecting the Roosters to be a little lighter in playing staff to last week. They are in rich form and need to keep momentum. Welcome back to Jay Williams last week, Steve Paul a tough and reliable key position player, Joe Burgoyne, Liam Newton and Del Miller elite midfielders. Glen Tonkin with five great goals last week, he will need to be held. Will Andrew Mc Leod make this trip? he is important in Elliston’s best side! Tom Rumbelow maybe not this week but another who is a key. Like the youth coming through at the Rooster Pen, and an air of hope and expectation for 2018.
Bombers need to re group quickly, they have played some great footy this year and are definitely planning finals. Mitchell Gum and Ryan Watson have been stand out performers, Darryl Dudley sheer speed and ball winning ability. Get the ball quickly to Simon Webb and the job will be finished. Will Mayhew out this week, Lockie Ross enjoying a great year and Rob Holmes reliable as ever. Rowan Chester and Reegan Mastrangelo are keys when the Bombers play well. Likely to miss Dion Pittaway this week also with farming duties
Toughest match to pick this week, they will match up well at the Bomber home deck and the match unlikely to be decided until late. Would love to see a full strength Wirrulla available for this one, but too much at stake for the Roosters
Roosters 1 -10
Last Modified on 11/05/2018 19:21