27 August 2018
A Grade
Elliston vs Wirrulla
The Mid West finals train heads to the coast of Elliston as the final big dance spot is earned. Big opportunity for Elliston at home after leading the Hawks at ¾ time last week, but the Bombers will be a big challenge, players back and mojo returning.
A look at 30 year Mid West history:
Elliston Wirrulla
All finals played 32 29
Finals won 15 12
Preliminary finals played 8 10
Preliminary finals won 5 3
Finals at Elliston – played 5 6
Finals at Elliston – won 4 3
Elliston play their home ground so well, and the 80% win ratio at home is a huge statistic, Wirrulla don’t mind the venue either, but this is a long road trip anytime. Pretty much a business as usual day for the Roosters, all grades playing, with the Bombers two sides in action, the reserves already in the Grand Final. This underlines a wonderful season for both clubs so far, it gets better for only one of them however!
On the season:
Round 5 at Wirrulla Wirrulla – 56 points
Round 10 at Elliston Elliston – 83 points
Round 15 at Wirrulla Elliston – 57 points
The round 15 effort of the Roosters is the big key here, road trips have some time been difficult over the years, but this great win is a real signal of the modern Roosters attitude and attention to the task at hand in 2018. Can the Bombers lift themselves back from this last round? Their 1st Semi ending of Centrals terrific premiership run suggests that they are up for this.
Roosters sluggish start last week, five goals to nil in the first quarter may well have cost them the game, back ahead by three quarter time, their effort left them with little in the tank to keep going to the final siren. That wont happen this week, Elliston are a force at home, they work the conditions well and enjoy a parochial home crowd. Tommy Rumbelow outstanding again last week, plays anywhere. Ben Hurrell loves the increased pressure that finals bring. Classy midfield Liam Newton, Del Miller, Joe Burgoyne, Otis Carter. Sam Mc Connell has added plenty to the team, dangerous near goals and uses the footy well. Up forward Jordan Newton and Glen Tonkin are major targets, Andrew Mc Leod drifting forward also, but he is damaging up the ground also. Jay Williams very welcome back, he will be better for match fitness. Adam Hurrell a prolific ball winner, appreciating the depth of talent at the club this year. Tom O Flaherty and Dylan Williams enjoying great seasons with Steve Paul leading from the front, so strong in the contests and bringing those around him into the game. Brody Kenny another who displays blistering speed and highly skilled.
The Bombers have had an interesting season, at their best they have displayed a highly entertaining attacking brand of football capable of toppling anyone, but injury concerns hit at various times hampering their consistency. All appears to be back on track now, just at the right time. They don’t mind it tough and hard either, no disadvantage on the smaller ground. Leading the way are Mitch Gum and Ryan Watson, stand out players in our competition and so vital in the Bombers. Last start in the 1st semi final saw many putting up their hands to go way deeper in the finals in 2018, Ollie Mc Callum, Taylor Schmucker, Locky Ross, Robbie Marshall all keys in the great win. Simon Webb never lets his side down, either in the air or on the ground he is so durable! Excitement machine Darryl Dudley loves to run and carry, Jake Adamson-Thain has been a revelation in 2018, tough and hard at it. Dion Pittaway’s experience a guile sees him part of many Bomber successful plays. Rob Holmes very welcome back to the fray after injury. The strength of Yanni Kozminski will be pivotal to Bombers success here. Mac Best back from Adelaide, the Roe brothers Sheridan and Callan, and Rowan Chester will see a very, very competitive Bombers.
Weather conditions may play a part, often the wind at the coast sees inland clubs scratching their heads a bit while they work things out, but no time for this in finals! Wirrulla have centenary year celebrations still in place, and a home Grand Final in the offering if they are good enough this day, what an opportunity! Standing in their way is the determined Roosters who know that they are good enough to go all the way in 2018, but need to be there first! This venue has witnessed wonderful finals, full time tie (2004), Grand Final boil over (2007) and more memorable to the locals, a win to then underdog of the preliminary final of 2012, catapulting that Roosters team to premiership success, you guessed it – at Wirrulla vs West Coast Hawks! Is this “déjà vu”? Spooky!
Roosters 20 -30
Last Modified on 28/08/2018 13:28