26 July 2018
Only two more matches before finals action after this week, the final four positions still being set.
A quick look at the A Grade ladder:
Club
|
Played
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
For
|
Against
|
%
|
Points
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
West Coast Hawks
|
12
|
11
|
0
|
1
|
1299
|
683
|
65.54%
|
22
|
Elliston
|
12
|
8
|
0
|
4
|
1150
|
826
|
58.20%
|
16
|
Central Eyre
|
12
|
7
|
0
|
5
|
966
|
969
|
49.92%
|
14
|
Wirrulla
|
12
|
6
|
0
|
6
|
996
|
937
|
51.53%
|
12
|
Western Districts
|
12
|
3
|
0
|
9
|
915
|
1042
|
46.76%
|
6
|
Wudinna United
|
12
|
1
|
0
|
11
|
529
|
1398
|
27.45%
|
2
|
Albert Einstein mathematician types will still be making cases for the Tigers to make the finals (and Adelaide Crows too!) but let’s be real!
The Roosters have the attention of the Mid West world, toppling the high flying Hawks last week, Elliston are the real deal. Those who thought that the Hawks will coast to premiership honours in 2018 need to rethink. The Bulldogs have re emerged from harder times midseason, newer look young team but are playing well together in a club with high expectations and just know how to win. The Bombers convincingly took the points out west, gradually returning to full strength and the hard running play on game style that will threaten all in finals.
Central Eyre v West Coast Hawks at Warramboo
These two have met in the past five Grand Finals and offered some true epic games along the journey. Loss of personnel at the Kennel this year, but the big Bulldog engine is just starting to get some revs back! The Hawks remain the pacesetter, one point loss last week, but that may just be the spur that they need to increase focus at this business end of the year.
Central’s lose the services of star centreman Jesse Stringer this week, congratulations to him on State Country selection, he will play at Adelaide Oval against WA Country. He is a standout not only at the club, but at League and all levels upward. Welcome return of Clint Winter last start, he speed and skill is crucial. Forward line of Tyler Chapman and Jared Sampson (when not in the midfield) looks dangerous. Harry Haebig was great last week at half back, plenty to do this week, along with Kane Sampson as key defenders. Youngsters Brodi Grocke, Joe O Brien, Brandon/ Corey Waters, Jayden Fridd and Mac Heath are fast developing as keys to ongoing Centrals success, Joe and Macca back at college this week! Evergreen captain Jake Sampson will have plenty of work again this week.
The Hawks on the rebound, quite a proposition! Cody Colbung with seven goals last week a standout, who takes him this week? They continue to look such a well balanced side, with height, run, youth and experience all in the mix. Like to development of Harmyn Baldock, Jonti Brice, Callum Saunders, Zak Lovegrove, the latter two likely back at college this week. Jake Mc Evoy and Joe Mc Innis are enjoying brilliant seasons, both match winners in their own right, classy in the midfield with Cam Montgomerie, Braden Holmes. Dillon Cabot cant be far off a return. Mean and tough defence, fast rebound, and forward targets including the real emergence of Ryan Hicks and ever reliable Aiden Whitford. Traditional key defenders Tyson Montgomerie and Derick Freeman spending some time forward these days as authorised forwards, with Kirk Montgomerie sneaking ahead of centre for a few crucial goals for himself, probably less officially than his backline counterparts, popular nonetheless!
The depth at the Hawks is the real key here, a few missing from the best side for both teams. The ‘dogs will need to kerb to huge scoring potential that the Hawks possess, while generating forward momentum without Stringer this week. Home match for the ‘dogs a bonus, so don’t discount an upset.
Hawks 20 - 30
Last Modified on 26/07/2018 17:33