The most important and absorbing match of Round 14 will be at Western Park when the Dusties meet ladder leaders Nyora. If the home side loses it will most likely be displaced in third spot on the ladder by Catani. And should results go as expected over the upcoming weeks the Dusties look unlikely to have a chance to regain this vital position until round 17 when it will play the reigning premier in a showdown for the double-chance. At the top of the table Nyora and Longwarry now look a lock to finish first or second – the main interest here is who will finish minor premiers.
WARRAGUL INDUSTRIALS v NYORA
With a touch of luck, the Dusties could have been playing for top spot today rather than to protect its third spot on the ladder. While Warragul has lost four matches – they have been by a combined total of 18 points. On the contrary the accumulated tally of Nyora’s four smallest wins tallies 17 points. Bunyip recruit Jack Blakey (6 goals) last week showed fans he was a big asset and could be an X-factor come finals while rising star Travis Ogden has shown plenty over the last fortnight after he missed over a month o football in May and June. Cooper Minichiello has also put in some good efforts of late to ease the reliance of the usual midfield guns Bale, Brewster, Bale and Holland.
For Nyora Ben Schultz (42 goals) and IIan Osman (35) are the go to men for the Saints but plenty of others led by Aiden Cumberland, Ryan Spooner and Ben Hallas chip in around the big sticks to make this a fascinating and difficult match to predict. With more riding on a win I’ll go with the home side.
BULN BULN v CATANI
The Blues face a real danger game at Buln Buln. The locals will fancy their chances having lost their first encounter in round 5 by only six points. Both clubs do not punish the scoreboard which suggests another bob of the head result. Catani will be out to put last weeks 74-point home ground loss to Longwarry well behind them. On a dismal day for the Blues Dylan Williams and Tom Keily again made their presence felt and both are having breakthrough seasons while Bill Temby also showed a fair bit in surprisingly only his second senior game of the season. Buln Buln will hope for a dry day on the premise its pace and run can help it seize control of the midfield. Catani’s superior experience should guide it home – just!
LONGWARRY v NEERIM SOUTH
Neerim South face a tall order when treks down to Longwarry. It will meet the inform team in the competition and one eyeing top spot and unlikely to take it easy. Many pundits said if the Crows could put four quarters together they would be a top combo – and that is what they are now doing.
Unheralded forward Braydon McHugh (35 goals) has proved a good foil for Daniel Fry (51). Such is McHugh’s consistency he has kicked at least three goals no less than eight times this season. Got to admire Neerim South. After eight straight losses it is now making very good progress having won three out of their last five outings. Among many improvers Jeremiah Jones was the latest to announce he will be a name fans will hear more of in the future after kicking four goals in only his fourth senior game last week. The Crows will win but Neerim insiders will keep a close watch on how their youngsters measure up in top company with a view to next year.
LANG LANG V ELLINBANK
Can the Tiger kick 10 goals for the first time this season.? As the Eagles have hit a rough patch it must be chance to kick double figure goals - if not record a surprise victory. Last week Ellinbank in its shocker at home against Neerim South it missed 11 of the side that played in 2017 elimination final. With this it has lost run and balance but one thinks confidence is also low. The mere fact the visitors must win to keep in contact with the top five should drive it victory.
NILMA DARNUM v POOWONG
The Bombers again look to be up against it this week. Its opponents the Magpies achieved their best win for the season when it pipped Warragul Industrials and well deserved too after taking it up to every side in the top four but hitherto without success. Nilma Darnum holds its annual Life Members and Sponsors day this Saturday which should inject a bit more competitiveness among the players but having not won since round 4 and not having kicked more than 7 goals in a game since round 8 it is hard to make an argument to support the home side.
Last Modified on 20/07/2018 21:32
