2 August 2018
Two weeks prior to finals and the top billers tuning up for their tilt at 2018 glory. No bigger story than the Hawks almighty 233 point smack of the undermaned ‘dogs at the ‘boo! Not even one eyed Hercules Hawk would have tipped that margin, records in all different directions for both the Hawks and Dogs, wanted and unwanted! Elliston also convincing in their disposal of Wudinna United, breezy conditions, but some concern with soft tissue injuries which will keep the medical department busy. Wirrulla formally booking their place in 2018 finals after yet another close fought encounter with the hapless Districts. Nine points in the end, the biggest margin of the day at Wirrulla. Oh what may have been at Tigerland? The Bombers look forward with confidence, key troops returning and prospects looking up.
Western Districts v Wudinna United at Poochera
The 2018 season is starting to fade for two clubs both out of finals contention, but pride yet to be salvaged. Last match up was Wudinna United100, the Magpies lifted to a stirring win for the occasion, so one win each on the season. Districts for their part have matched all teams for long periods all year and would be a worthy opponent to all finals sides.
Poochera is a big ground, the home side generally plays well here. The Tigers look great when the faster play on style is employed, but are subject to lapses back to the slow chip around style and then fall prey to opposition zones once the ball turns over. There is no doubting their ability to win the ball all over the ground though, some of the Leagues best ball winners reside at the Lair. Kade Gill is high in the best week in and week out, either key positions back and forward or on the ball, Damon King-OLoughlin in maybe career best form, particularly contested marking making him so hard to hold. Kingsley Ware spending more time up the ground, 26 goals for the year, mostly in the 1st half of the season, he is strong bodied and has footy smarts. Charlie Williams and Joe Williams back to the fray last week and very welcome returns, Bradyn Hedley-King speed and skillset second to none, he is so valuable to this side. Lorenzo Coaby shows dash with clever disposal, he will continue to improve as he settles into the Tigers style. Zane Montgomerie, Josh Horgan and Steve Brands enjoying big seasons. The best Tigers side looks so good!
The Maggies tried their hearts out last week against the Roosters, winning the footy and pressuring when they didn’t have it, would love a few deeper forward movements though. Remi North and Neil Seaman providing wonderful leadership in a team developing. Matt Greatbatch a solid four quarter performer, brave and tough, Izaac Boylan another great game last week, but probably not available this week. Mark North still winning the footy, great mark but also on the ground, ever reliable Dallas Waters, regularly taking taller opposition and rarely beaten ever. Big improvements every week with youngsters Adam Jericho and Tom Dupree, both have had big seasons, Jeff Hutt is a welcome link player, experienced and calm under pressure. Derek Williams is strong and rugged, a wonderful competitor, just hasn’t played many games on the year. Grand old Ryan Du Bois needs more minutes on the ground, even quietly in the forward pocket could well pay a huge dividend
Could be closer than first look, but no shoot out expected, both of these sides are defensive minded first. The Tigers look to have more scoring options and will have a mind to avenge last rounds loss at Wudinna
Tigers 30 - 40
Last Modified on 02/08/2018 09:33