ELLINBANK v CATANI
After some mixed performances between round eight and 13 the Eagles appear to have regained some of their best form over the last fortnight. To overpower Buln Buln by 72 points last week was mighty impressive. The Blues have struggled to kick big scores this year. In fact, it has only scored more than 10 goals against a top five side once – and that was against Ellinbank in round seven and yet it still lost the game - all be it by only five points. Tall utility Tom Keily who steered through four goals last week looms as a key forward to take the over reliance away from Owen Fitzpatrick. Paul Pattison continues to dazzle but it has badly missed the run and silky skills of Antonio Benvenuto who has not played since the fifth round. For tipsters both teams don’t exactly fill you with confidence. Go with the home side but with little confidence.
BULN BULN v LONGWARRY
Buln Buln uncharacteristically surrendered after half time last week with out a squeak. Now its finals prospects look forlorn. This week it has a massive test against the Crows and a team that will be driven to bounce back after a very disappointing loss at Nyora. One thinks that for a young side the strain of hanging around all season trying to keep in touch with the top five has now taken its toll and it could be spent. After eight wins in a row and by an average of 52 points Longwarry were brought back down to earth last Saturday. To sum up it was undone by a dominant Nyora midfield. Veteran Ken Towt did his best but just couldn’t repel the wave after wave of attacks after half time. Longwarry are too good a side to lose two in a row and should win by over 30 points.
NEERIM SOUTH v POOWONG
Neerim South has shown plenty of upward scope but without selling it short it is considerably short of the talent and experience of Poowong. Really have to admire the improvement this season at the Bill Cumming Oval from not only many youngsters but also the likes of Toby Bayne, Tim Beaurain and Steven Ladds who have all stepped up from fringe to bona-fide senior players.
Poowong will be on the outlook for a big win. It needs a boost in percentage to displace Ellinbank in the top five as only 0.1% separate the two. The Maggies must love Jack Hazendonk. He bagged six goals last week and is real goer. As usual the home side will have its moments but in the end the visitors to win comfortably.
NILMA DARNUM v NYORA
The Bombers look to be in for another tough afternoon. There are no longer any question marks over Nyora – it is the team to beat. The Saints have been the league front runners all season and this was reinforced after it convincingly beat Longwarry last Saturday. Barring a total form loss in the last three rounds it will be minor premiers. Its last two wins have been its most polished performances. On the downside prize recruit Ben Schultz (48 goals) sustained a compound fracture of his thumb only 10 minutes into last weeks match and it is almost certain his season is now finished. Hard to understand how Nilma have only won three games. Mitchell Dance (31 goals) and Brent Simons have proved to be among half a dozen good recruits, the likes of Jeremy Jarred has turned into genuine senior player and the trio of Campbell brothers led by Ben always make their presence felt.
LANG LANG v WARRAGUL INDUSTRIALS
The Tigers face another exacting task when it meets the Dusties. Credit to Lang Lang that they continue to grind away despite having few players to put any fear into opposition teams. Young ruck Joe Dalgleish continues to show enough to suggest he will be a player we hear a lot more about in upcoming years while Troy McPherson, Will McGindle and Sam Kendall seldom play a bad game.
The class and experience of the Warragul midfield will wear down the Tigers on ball brigade and most punters will expect the visitors to extend their lead at each change.
SELECTIONS
ELLINBANK v Catani
Buln Buln v LONGWARRY
Neerim South v POOWONG
Nilma Darnum v NYORA
Lang Lang v WARRAGUL INDUSTRIALS
Last Modified on 01/08/2018 15:03
