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.
Wirrulla v Western Districts at Wirrulla
The Bombers disposed convincingly of cellar dwelling Magpies last week, and face a tougher assignment here. The Tigers played well in the first half against Central Eyre last week, but structures fell away in the second half, wasting the wind with sideways movement and then never regaining the momentum that saw them as favourites at half time in such an important match.
Over past years, these two seem to forever play close games against each other, this year’s round three Bombers +31, and round eight Tigers +74, one match apiece in unaccustomed large margin matches. Wirrulla at home, but not real advantage, not far for the Tigers to travel! If the maths suggest that the Tigers can still make finals, a Bombers win this week will put that speculation completely to sleep in 2018!
The Bombers have shown that at their best they will mix it with all opposition, but injury and unavailability have hurt mid season. Ryan Watson sorely missed but he cant be far off after collar bone break in round six. Big Mitch Gum and speedster Darryl Dudley are stars, Simon Webb clear leading goal kicker in the League with 44 to round 12, could well have more too but for days when his radar is slightly out. Callan and Sheridan Roe back in the side adding bite and vigour to the contest, Lachy Ross back after time away, Yanni Kozminski and Rowan Chester providing size and strength. Likely to miss young guns Mac Best and Kahil Evans back at college this week, but plenty of run and carry remains. Dion Pittaway pops up regularly, key goals and ability to gather heaps of the footy.
Districts must wonder how their season could be so different but for being on the wrong side of all their close matches. In every game for such long periods, short term lapses see quick goals scored against them. They must fancy this game however, probably their best game of the year in round eight, so can they back up? Likely return of Shannon Horgan, a four star General in the side, Scotty Feltus still winning plenty of it, Kingsley Ware strong and the footy smarts. Damon King O’Loughlin is a beacon forward, strong marking and sets up plays for others when he doesn’t have it himself. Brayden Hedley-King and Charlie Williams speedsters. Zane Montgomerie week in and week out performs at high levels, and Tobyn Lennell always well in the best. Kade Gill must be one of the leaders in best and fairest counts, he lends himself as valuable forward mid or back. Josh Horgan in the midst of break out season, skilled and brave, he has a huge future if he wants it, here and beyond
Teams match up well on each other, the Bombers with an attacking focus and Tigers with more a defensive mindset. Could well go either way.
Bombers 1 -10
Last Modified on 26/07/2018 17:54