8 May 2019
Early season bolters West Coast Hawks have clear air at the top of the table, with Central Eyre firming a high ladder place. All other sides sit on one win and two losses, wins now go a long way to setting up finals campaigns. Injuries hampering some clubs, tractors on the move as the winter crops go in, so club training numbers stressed for now.
Happy Mothers Days to all the Mums for Sunday
Wirrulla v Central Eyre at Wirrulla
Two clubs that have a high farming contingent amongst players so maybe weary legs late in this match. Both sides coming of convincing wins and looking to consolidate in the top four. First game at Bomberland for the year, they will be pleased not to be travelling the big miles again.
Interesting match up here, despite the quality throughout the Central Eyre list over the years, they often find Wirrulla a hard nut to crack.
Bombers look to big names to lead the way, Ryan Watson, Mitchell Gum and Simon Webb are all class, Simon with eight goals last week, likely to have very stern opposition this week with the legendary Kane Sampson likely to undertake the task. Lachy Ross is in sterling form, tackles that cant be broken, Ryleigh Myles turned heads last week and will be a great pick up for the Bombers, similarly with Matt Kelsh, hard running big man with a great mark. Willy Mayhew should be available this week and Ollie Mc Callum loves the rough and tumble of the better opponents.
Centrals tuned up last week, run and carry of their best years clearly evident, big names in good form. Brandon and Corey Waters great additions for their first matches last week and both performed well, Ty Mc Kenna first hand in the ruck, with a highly proficient and dominant midfield Jake Sampson, Jesse Stringer, Jared Sampson. Up forward reliable Tasman Fitzgerald and Clint Winter regulars on the scoreboard, Max Bower and Hayden Heath solid defenders with ability to transition forward.
The dog’s ran themselves into form last weekend at Kyancutta, similarly to the Bombers at Elliston. Both teams wasteful in front of goals (44 behinds between them) and would not want a repeat of missed opportunities this week. Still early in the season, clubs settling new players and trialling positional changes. Really like the ability of the Dogs to share the workload, providing opportunities to team mates and celebrating successes mid game. Wirrulla at home are not without a good chance here, particularly if they can draw on the play on style that has served them well last year. Tractor legs might make the high energy game plan harder to sustain, Centrals boys will start favourites
Centrals 20 – 30
Western Districts v Elliston at Poochera
Both teams looking to rebound after losses last week, the Roosters at home and the Tigers against the surging Hawks.
Western Districts at home should look at this one as a must win, so a bit of pressure here. The Roosters have started the season bravely, but they have lost numbers from last year, big names and this being a significant traveller, may arrive at less than full strength. The Roosters over the years have caused a fair amount of distress to the Districts boys, beating them in most of the big games, even when the Tigers have started favourites!
New recruits Broadie Chandler, Bredon Smart and Michael Dunbar have settled into the Tiger camp well, and will get better as they become more accustomed to the team style. Callum Cook missing the past two and looking forward to having him back on deck, he is one tough hombre! Charlie Williams has been burning the grass and must be leading the best and fairest at Tigerland! Zane Montgomerie remains in great touch, a big tank so gets to many contests and wins most of them. Josh Horgan continuing his rise , Kade Gill important last week and to his club’s fortunes. Joe Williams always a tower in defence, and dangerous when up the ground. Andrew Miller and Damon King O’Loughlin will be looked to for big returns at the goal front.
Elliston have a fantastic core of the side, Matt Williams, Ross Bascomb, Andrew Mc Leod, Steve Paul and Brody Kenny big performers each week. Gorn Tree is a star rising, quick thinker under pressure. Game time into youngsters bodes well for the future. Harvey Fleming off to a flyer with his career, Jordan Little pacy and skilful. Oska Richards and Rory Kelsh emerging young players. Sam Cassanova and Kye Higgins high is the best last week and big games again sought. Glen Tonkin a big marking forward.
This will be no shoot out, Districts don’t play that way anyway and Elliston have struggled to get the ball forward quickly enough. Big oval at Poochera, space everywhere for the speedsters. Forecast rainfall prior to the match may make conditions a bit heavier for players, but no one would complain! The Tigers must win this one at home, their season relies on it! Likley to be tight early with the Districts boys pulling away, Charlie Williams and Damon King with five goals each!
Tigers 30 – 40
Wudinna United v West Coast Hawks at Wudinna
Here are two clubs at the ends of the scale in terms of luck for season 2019. The Magpies decimated with early injury, and the Hawks just flying, their unavailables have been more in line with work commitments or party commitments! Big oval suits the Hawks running game also.
The Hawks have stamped authority on every match they have played this year, coach Jason Mc Evoy should consider that most things are working pretty darn well for now! Mid field in fantastic touch, Dillon Montgomerie is form of old, new boys Jess Kenny, Jack Burton instant fits to the Hawk mould, Dylan Kelsh dominant, Jake Mc Evoy and Joe Mc Innis in everything. Mark Dolling a general around the ground, and Cam Montgomerie prowling the forward line, leading the league with 16 goals, veteran Braden Holmes also enjoying regular supply forward, finding goals easily himself. Older stagers such as Tyson and Kirk Montgomerie, Aiden Whitford must feel the strong vibe of a side yearning for success.
Wudinna United have promised to be a big mover this year, but need a run of medical luck. Better players last week mainly back half. Adam Jericho is becoming an accomplished defender, leading the Maggies best last week, Izaac Boylan a big unit and highly skilled, but understood to be an unlikely starter. Tyson Jackson never fails to win the tough footy and ask questions of any opposition, Matt Greatbatch a tough unit and hard contested ball winner. Jack Lange high possession winner every game. Wondering if grand old soldier Henry Zwar may get a move back to the midfeld this week? Tommy Dupree gives his all every match.
Magpies at home, but this is a tough assignment. Less than at full strength is not a good position to be in fronting the Hawks anytime. Enough talent at the Magpies to win the footy, but will they be able to score sufficiently enough to bother the West Coasters?
The Hawks 60 – 70
Last Modified on 09/05/2019 18:48