An irresistible round of football greets EDFL supporters this Saturday. This weeks round 12 match of day represents one of the big showdown matches of the season. It will see the top of the table and undefeated Nyora play host to last seasons premiers Catani. The four other games look sensationally competitive matches – not to mention season defining games - that could all go either way.
NYORA v CATANI
As their ladder position suggests it is hard to thumb your nose up at the Saints. Under Fia Too Too in his first full season as coach Nyora has played with real unity and purpose. Many critics have questioned their depth but with the late arrival of Nick Fairbank and the transfer back to the club of Rory Gilliatte last week it is gradually strengthening this perceived weakness. Fair to say Gilliatte at 36 years of age will not have the mighty influence he was when he won the Trood-Rodda medal in 2006 but if still fit will be a solid pick up. Its opponents the Blues after an indifferent start look like they are starting to shift up a gear or two. Not surprisingly their mini-revival has coincided with the return of its star on baller Paul Pattison in recent weeks. Veteran utility Luke McFarlane, who many thought would be consigned to the reserves has also popped up with some level-headed games behind the centre in recent weeks to show he still has something to offer at senior level. Home side to make it 13 wins in a row.
POOWONG v LONGWARRY
The Magpies have looked on the verge of taking a top scalp all season but despite many long periods of dominance just hasn’t kicked enough goals against the top four teams. Its leading goal kicker is small Jack Hazendonk (17) who is having an outstanding year. More goals may come if Ben Hancock returns but the big utility has only managed four games and without his presence it is hard to not pick the in-form visitors. The Crows midfielders have won plenty of kudos this season but a good deal of praise must also go to old warriors Ken Towt and Leigh McDonald while Ben Cuckson is another under rated performer that can fill spaces at short notice all over the field.
WARRAGUL INDUSTRIALS v ELLINBANK
It has lost three games but there is still a lot to like about the Dusties. It has a disciplined defence top midfield but has kicked poorly on goal – however it gets the ball inside fifty. Tyson Bale continues to show tremendous grit and courage alongwith veteran trio of Shane Brewster, Tye Holland and Mick Ablett. Last week the Eagles would have been thrilled with the game of Tim Mashado as he has what they collectively lack – run and pace. Last time the sides met the Dusties won by 54 points and on current form there is little evidence Ellinbank has bridged the gap.
NILMA DARNUM v LANG LANG
Can you believe the Bombers won three of its first four outings and boast a victory over Longwarry? Its heartbreaking loss to Neerim South in round 9 appears to have destroyed its spirit. It copped a 125-point shellacking in round 10 and last week incredibly it failed to score. The Tigers too have struggled but all season. Its plight illustrated by the fact Ben Barwick leads the teams goal kicking table with 10 majors. It has also used 35 players so has seen little stability with only Josh Brown, Aiden Nooy and Troy McPherson the only players to play every match. Talent wise the Bombers look ten plus goals better than the Tigers and should win by such a margin. The home side to win but on current form have little confidence as Lang Lang always as a crack despite its lack of stars.
NEERIM SOUTH v BULN BULN
The Cats chalked up its second win of the season last week when it was too strong for Lang Lang and will enter this week’s game confident as it only lost by three points to the Lyrebirds last time they meet. Since then there is plenty to suggest Neerim has improved by half a dozen goals. While Buln Buln have plenty of home grown talent it has managed to pick up quite a few handy recruits this season led by Tom Axford, Mat Notman, Adam Rakip not to forget Lex Wright who has been at the club a few years now but originally from Nilma Darnum. The visitors to win in a photo finish.
SELECTIONS
NYORA v Catani
POOWONG v Longwarry
WARRAGUL INDUSTRIALS v Ellinbank
NILMA DARNUM v Lang Lang
Neerim South v BULN BULN
Last Modified on 04/07/2018 10:55
