21 June 2018
Past the mid way point, attention now turns to the serious end of the season. Centenary celebrations to the fore this week at Wudinna and Wirrulla, players coming home for the festivities.
Last week saw the Roosters go about their winning ways in a convincing fashion against the straight kicking Wudinna United. The Tigers are back in town, stunning the Bombers at Poochera. While the possibility of the Tigers home win was always on the cards, the 54 point margin is above most pundits estimates. The mighty Hawks cranked right up against an undermanned ‘dog outfit at the Bay. The Centrals boys competitive in the first quarter but unable to counter the endless Hawks attack thereafter.
Expect the unexpected this week, heritage matches bring out the best in teams.
Wirrulla v West Coast Hawks at Wirrulla
Happy 100th – Wirrulla Football Club
Two teams coming off of form at the extreme end of the scales last week, Hawks very good, and the Bombers with a rethink needed. Home match and Wirrulla100. Big crowd on hand, traditional rivals and Bombers mindful that a double finals chance still very much up for grabs for them. Hawks will be the least enthusiastic of any club in providing any concessions that could end up adding to the centenary celebrations of their long term rival.
Hawks were undermanned to an extent last week also, but do boast good club depth. Expect back Jake Mc Evoy, Joe Mc Innis both EP squad members, Dillon Montgomerie and Aiden Whitford due this week also, both former EP members. Cody Colbung also possible. Braden Holmes lines up against his former club, a mail medal winner at the Bombers in a premiership year, he could be pivotal in shooting the Bombers down, here’s hoping that he has recalibrated his wayward radar around goals however! The backline was superb last weekend, ever reliable Derick Freeman, the dash of Scott Montgomerie and Kirk Montgomerie is proving a real headache for opposition forwards. Mark Dolling is outstanding ongoing form, and Dylan Kelsh back at full noise after earlier injury concern. Plenty of options forward, Ryan Hicks, James Westley and runners at their feet. Youngsters Mc Donald, Brice, Brands, Hill are improving at every outing.
The Bombers would love to win this one, this day, back will be star Tyler Baldock, 2011 Mail Medallist. The Bombers have played some wonderful footy this year, hard running and quick ball movement, forget last weekend, they are a very capable team and well coached by Mini Lawrie and assisted by Mick Kessel and Troy Olsen. Mitchell Gum has taken all before him this year, devastating form and awarded with EP squad selection, Simon Webb grabbing everything, match winner able to play forward and on the ball to great effect. A few injury niggles around with Dion Pittaway, Robert Holmes and Ryan Watson in the best Bombers side, but not likely this time around. Taylor Schmucker enjoying a break out year, plenty of energy and clean with his disposal, Yanni Kozminski a wonderful target, strong mark and long kick. Diesel Dudley, Emmanual Sansbury are class, speed to burn and quick movement over lines.
The Bombers have so much to play for and would love their full team available in what could be a grand final like match up. The Hawks are poised and confident, Mark Dolling as coach providing strong leadership and tactically excellent, with great assistance from Jason Mc Evoy from the bench. Entertaining match expected but the unbeaten Hawks are a huge hurdle any week, let alone playing them a few men down, Tyler Baldock will be a boost for the Centurions however.
Hawks 20 – 30
Last Modified on 21/06/2018 18:23