8 August 2018
Round 15 Preview
The minor round ends this weekend and the business end of the season starts. Last week the Hawks and Roosters continued on their winning pathways, both with big margins, and the Tigers hit high gear avenging the previous loss to the Maggies. The final four is shaped already, so a warm up for finals sides and those missing out will want a big finish.
Western Districts v West Coast Hawks at Minnipa
On the season, the Hawks have won twice, Round five – 65 points, and round ten – 8 points. Behind these results, both matches have witnessed tempers fraying, send offs, a report and general questionable behaviour, so this match holds interest for plenty of the wrong reasons. The Hawks have very often found the Districts boys a handful, hard zones and a willingness to work to keep the ball out of the fast running Hawks hands. Coach Mark Dolling back in action and the Hawks find themselves cherry ripe for a genuine tilt at the flag in 2018.
The Hawks had a fright with a narrow loss against the Roosters two weeks ago, but since that time have kicked 61.40 vs 4.6 in the two subsequent matches, both against 2018 finalists, like a Giant awakening after receiving a prod! What a response and the Tigers next in line. Cody Colbung back and eight goals last week showing that he will be a September key!, Joe Mc Innis, Jake Mc Evoy, Cam Montgomerie head an all star midfield, about to be bolstered further by Mark Dolling, all fed by the dominant big man of the League Dylan Kelsh. Dillion Cabot back to his hard running best. Forward targets include Colbung, Whitford, Hicks, can they all be covered? Scott, Kirk, Tyson Montgomerie efficient and relentless in defensive half, Derrick Freeman covering opposition talls. Nick Schumann patrols the packs and is ready to provide advice for opposition when needed! Older heads Braden Holmes and Damien Johnson provide great balance to young champs Harmyn Baldock and Corey Cabot.
No discounting the Districts, they may not be playing finals this year, but that is only because they have lost all their close ones, that is five losses by less than nine points. Not too much needed to change for their finals appearance and they would be very worthy opponents to anyone. No time to lament, a big finish here against the rampaging Hawks can be their Grand Final, and home deck too! Hard to go past the ever reliable form of Kade Gill, no fuss or bother, just big time efficiency for his team, Shannon Horgan leadership missed whilst he was absent, but the club is better when he is front and centre. Big season from Josh Horgan, break out talent with the ability to go further with his footy. Damon King-O Loughlin a tower of strength forward, and getting better feed from the centreline this year. Charlie Williams and Bradyn Hedley King so important with their run and speed, Tobyn Lennell one of the very best all year. Zane Montgomerie around the ground marking strength, with Kirk Hull and Angus Gunn proficient ball winners. Joe Williams in great form and Scotty Feltus just keeps on keeping on.
Those Hawks just have so much firepower, the Tigers will be hard stretched to cover everything, but they are probably better equipped to slow the scoring machinery than other clubs. The trick then is to create enough score against the Hawks on the rebound. Have the Tigers enough options available to do this? While the margin will be less than recent weeks, the confident and near full strength Hawk is quite a hurdle.
Hawks 40 - 50
Last Modified on 10/08/2018 21:56