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.
Central Eyre v Elliston at Kyancutta
Hard one here! Central’s are ailing, loss of players off shore and interstate, injury, unavailability. But this is at Kyancutta, a true ‘dog fortress, no happy hunting ground for anyone, least of all the Roosters. On paper the Roosters represent their best chance for an away win against the ‘dogs for many years, can they hold their nerve with this crucial traveller? The stakes are high too, the teams sit three and four on the ladder, to the winner, an eye on a realistic double finals chance – top two, to the vanquished, their position in the four is under siege from a surging Tigers.
Centrals are a proud club with a wonderful record, and no doubt they will rise as the year goes on, but here and now the numbers are under pressure. Jesse Stringer has been absolutely outstanding, week in and week out, in the pack, or in the open, he is doing it all. Jake Sampson , Hayden Heath, Kane Sampson are high performers all the time, and form the heart of the team. Interest in the younger brigade coming through and how quickly they develop to the wonderful standard expected at the Kennel. Big movers this year include Brodi Grocke and Chandler May. Long term club families and these blokes are stars on the rise, highly skilled and brave. Jared Sampson missed desperately last week due to Mortlock injury, maybe not back this week, his class is needed. Harry Haebich is highly productive, gets plenty of it and uses the footy well, Brett McComb likely back also this week, very welcome.
Elliston present themselves with a season breaking chance this week. At their best this team will challenge for the 2018 premiership, just keeping the best out there!. Joe Burgoyne is a true champion, seven goals last week and a wonderful display, Otis Carter in the ruck providing first look to Del Miller and Liam Newton, which spells problems for the opposition. Adam Hurrell a very welcome return to Rooster colours, he will be a huge asset as the year edges towards the business end. Andrew Mc Leod has uncanny skill, a highlight reel could be produced on him alone any match. Steve Paul is strong and tough, makes the hard won ball look so easy. Glen Tonkin is a target at the sharp end of the ground, great mark and a reliable shot for goal. Brody Kenny has matured into a prolific midfielder, but able to play anywhere needed. Matt (Biscuit) Bacomb is very welcome back to the fold after injury recovery, he is a vital cog in the Rooster Machine, and recent game time will see him better for the run. Young runners and enthusiasm throughout the Roosters team.
D day for the Roosters, a hard traveller that they have found so difficult the past. Home ground advantage is worth goals to the ‘dogs but wonder whether the ongoing player loss will be telling in the end?
Roosters 20 – 30
Last Modified on 21/06/2018 12:52