30 May 2018
Photos courtesy Di Penna 26 May 2018 (select photo to enlarge)
1. Glen Tonkin takes a great contested mark over Kade Gill
2. Braydn Hedley-King gets his kick away ahead of Joe Burgoyne and Brody Kenny
3. Peter Carter get handball away before Josh Horgan can intervene
Four teams find themselves in a crush in the middle of the table, triple reigning premier the ‘dogs landing the receiving end of a Bomber raid last weekend, Simon Webb dominant with nine goals, finishing with a run on the ball in the last quarter (could have had a dozen, but that would be just showing off!), however the loss of champ Ryan Watson to a collarbone is bad news at the Hangar.
The Tigers signalling that they must not be messed with, disposing of the Roosters in an entertaining match in windy conditions. They are finding scoring avenues more regularly now, and continue to improve, Ethan Thompson a great pick up and reliable Ken Newcombe back in the fray.
West Coast Hawks keep on keeping on, just too much fire power for the hapless Maggies. The Hawks have stamped themselves as the team to beat in 2018, fast, precise, well led and confident!
After this week, a break in club football for Mortlock Shield and the Port Adelaide Cup representative games, so important to have momentum going into the break!
Central Eyre v Western Districts at Kyancutta
This one looms as the match of the round, the ‘Dogs limping along, player changes and unavailability taking a toll, whereas the Tigers are building, improving week by week. Round two this year saw the fast finishing Bulldogs prevail by five points only, and after trailing all day. That was at Minnipa, so trusty home ground advantage back to the ‘dogs at Kyancutta this time. Last time the Tigers won against the Bulldogs was 5 May 2012, a 16 point win at Poochera, six years ago!
Tasman Fitzgerald kicked six important goals last week and will be high on the list of match ups for the Tiger’s match day Cabinet led by Scott Feltus. Tasman only around for the next game or two before an offshore adventure, so will be keen to continue his wonderful form. Jesse Stringer is superb in the middle, high possession hard ball winner. Good having Jake and Jared Sampson back on the park, and they will shoulder plenty of load this week. Brett Mc Comb having a big year in the ruck, and may hold advantage here. Tyler Chapman forever dangerous, particularly anywhere near goals, either kicking them himself or pin point passes to others.
Districts are emerging, losing several close games early perhaps concealing their potential this year. Kingsley Ware is outstanding, so difficult to tackle, he has warmed to Mid West footy and playing well each week, either as a key forward target or more recently back in the midfield. Big ins last week with Kenneth Newcombe and Ethan Thompson, both better for their first run of the year. Run of Charlie Williams and Braydn Hedley-King has seen Tiger forward sorties much more regularly, hence the score board ticking over in the Tigers favour. Damon King-O Loughlin holding pack marks and a prime target, Tobin Lennell winning plenty of it and drive from half back, and evergreen Scott Feltus and Shannon Horgan in the centre. Josh Horgan has elevated himself from a young player with huge potential to a first pick and reliable A Grader.
Hard to pick against the home team with such a convincing record, but for the Districts boys, it is now or never against the ‘dogs. They need a big scalp to present themselves as a real competition threat, not just close enough is good enough!
Tigers 10 -20
Elliston v West Coast Hawks at Elliston
The Elliston oval is not always happy Hawk hunting territory, and Roosters are not without a chance here. The Hawks went about their business last week in their usual effective style, but the smaller confines at Elliston may need a re think. Elliston for their part have shown flashes of brilliance this year, and their best side will challenge anyone. Of concern is the sheer player turnover, the Roosters have had 51 players play A Grade this year so far, in six matches! WOW! Compare that to the more settled Hawks who have used 32. So which Rooster unit will present for action this week?
Hawks really boast strength on every line, they move the ball quickly and understand what teammates are about to do next. Mark Dolling, Cam Montgomerie, Joe Mc Innis, Jake Mc Evoy and Dylan Kelsh are an elite midfield, hard working, highly skilled and prolific. Entertaining match up against Joe Burgoyne, Del Miller, Liam Newton, Brody Kenny. Really need Otis Carter back for the Red and Whites to help nullify the effect of tall Dylan Kelsh. Hawks wont have Dillon Montgomerie or Aiden Whitford due to work commitment. Kirk Montgomerie is in great form in the last line of defence, willing to work and highly skilled, Cody Colbung very welcome back at the club and youngsters Johns, Mc Donald, Lovegrove, Brands all proving their A Grade worth.
Andrew McLeod provides entertainment and bite, he can do the unbelievable, high marking, goals and sheer brilliance. Jay Williams is warming back to task after a layoff, important cog in the Roosters machine, Steve Paul is a key position champion, Ross Bascomb forever reliable. Glen Tonkin a big forward target, his tussle with Derick Freeman will be something to watch.
Adam Hurrell? Ben Hurrell? Tom Rumbelow? Jordan Newton? What a team the Roosters may yet be!
Would love to see this game with a full strength Elliston, especially at home, but it does not appear that this will yet be the case. The Hawks in terrific form.
Hawks 30 – 40
Wudinna United v Wirrulla at Wudinna
Wirrulla quite the talking point last week with a comprehensive win at home, elevating themselves to outright second on the ladder and a real opportunity to consolidate that on the road. Ryan Watson out, but the remaining side continues to impress, coach Mini Lawrie will be pleased with the start, knowing that they must press on from here.
Mitch Gum leading the best week in and week out, good in the air, on the ground and contested possession. Big target with League leading goalkicker Simon Webb grabbing everything, Yanni Kozminski an equally imposing target. Speed in the midfield with Daryl Dudley, Emmanual Sansbury having plenty of the footy, Big Bango Dickson having a great year, Dion Pittaway important in the best Bomber side, Lachy Ross, Rowan Chester in great form. The Bomber play on style and fast ball movement is a threat to any side.
The Magpies have performed well for large parts of many matches, but need a full four quarters. Izaac Boylan and Ricky Seal back in colours last week, both good performers but availability unknown this week. Tyson Jackson and Matthew Greatbatch have been mainstays in the centre, and will be needed at full flight this week. Neil Seaman proven versatility again, and plays with good effect anywhere, Remi North a hard worker week in week out. Old war horses Dallas Waters and Henry Zwar are enjoying great seasons, with Jeff Hutt providing much needed run and carry.
Do the Magpies have the scoring options to match the high flying Bombers is the main concern, and much harder to play a shut down style on the larger Wudinna oval. The Bombers often play so well here, minor round and particularly finals.
Bombers 40 -50
Last Modified on 31/05/2018 00:02