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.
Elliston v Central Eyre at Elliston
Two sides at completely different ends of the form scale last week, on this it could be thought Roosters by how far at home! The lead up is
Round 12 Elliston beat West Coast Hawks by one point, then
Round 13 West Coast Hawks beat Central Eyre by 233 points
Round 14 Elliston v Central Eyre at Elliston
So on this pattern, maybe a Rooster win by 250 points?
But things change quickly, so no certainty here. Home ground to Elliston, in conditions that may be damp and windy. Concern on the injury front last week with several key Roosters limping off the track, and the ‘dogs strengthened by key returns. Beware, a wounded Bulldog on the rebound!
Elliston, the injury concerns include Del Miller (test), Brody Kenny, Matt Bascomb, Jay Williams, Ross Bascomb, Otis Carter. Others are also sore but should come up. Big games last week by Andrew Mc Leod, back on the ball and getting plenty of it. Steve Paul and Ben Hurrell patrolled half back rebounding all day with style, both have the flexibility to move forward if needed. Liam Newton and Joe Burgoyne prolific in the middle, just rack up possessions. Joe could have kicked a bag but misjudged the cross breeze. Tom Rumbelow plays anywhere, he is a star with a knack of doing the unexpected, no one can tackle him! Glen Tonkin a great target, big contested marks and finds himself in all the right places. Adam Hurrell is high class whatever he does, sets up play and works so well for his team Gorn Tree continues to impress, hard tackler and quick thinker in the contest. Possibly the best that Jordan Newton has moved since returning from his knee, quick changes of direction must be heartening for his own confidence, he is a key member of the side of Elliston are to reach high places in 2018.
Hmmm, the Bulldogs? Showed so much promise the week earlier, how much confidence will last week’s debacle sap from the psych? Jesse Stringer back from state duties, a huge in. Jared Sampson, Brandon and Corey Waters also likely so the side looks better already. Kane Sampson enjoys this venue, bigger body to the fore, he is having a great year again, Clint Winter back for his third game, important ball winner and super skilled, Jake Sampson in the middle loves it hard and tough. Tyler Chapman may play higher up the field this week, his goal kicking is highly valued, but also his ability to read and set up play is wonderful, so having him near the footy is a must. Brett Mc Comb in the ruck must get ascendancy for the dogs to win here, Otis Carter unlikely to play, so will match a part time ruckman for the Roosters. Youngsters on the rise are providing drive, Jayden Nottle, Brodi Grocke fast track to key players for the future.
Forget the form line lead in to this match, they both start at zero. Elliston always hard to beat at home but that injury list is a concern, particularly now! There is an air of hope at Waterloo Bay, so the reigning three time Premier’s visitation is not a match to drop! Centrals will be looking for a fast rebound, they have finals to contemplate, and successive losses to the two front runners in 2018 is just not palatable for this proud club. These two have fought out some of most brutal clashes in Mid West history, neither steps back ever, the importance of this match will not be lost on anyone. Roosters must keep their form.
Roosters 30 - 40
Last Modified on 02/08/2018 09:32