Seven clubs are well and truly in the running to play finals football at the half way mark of the 2019 EDFL Parklea home and away season. Longwarry and Ellinbank have been the pacesetters and both are well placed for a double chance ladder position. Here is short summary of each clubs fortunes to the end of round nine.
LONGWARRY – 1st (8 wins)
Players used 29 – The number of players to play all 9 games – 11
Leading goal kickers = Daniel Fry (25), Tye Holland (24), Jedd Serong & Russell Lehman (both 17).
Unlucky not to win the flag last year and favourites this year. Has the most forward options and balance all over the field. Russell Lehman, Danny Wells and Kane Oldham lead strong midfield depth. There is an old adage that defenders win premierships and the Crows have bolstered their back half over summer with the return of Nick Walsh and the recruitment of former Cora Lynn and Bunyip key defender Justin McCleary.
ELLINBANK – 2nd (8 wins)
Players used 30 – The number of players to play all 9 games – 10
Leading goal kickers – Adam Cook (19), Tim Mashado, Mick Urie & Mitch Cowan (all 19)
It is hard to thumb your nose at the Eagles. With only one loss and a terrific percentage it is well placed for a double chance. Showed plenty of character to finish off well in close games over the last month. Also has multiple forward options led by Adam Cook. Coach Ben Wragg leads by example. Mitch Cowan and Hayden Stagg handy pick-ups. Strong marking forward Tom Johnson is an x-factor if available come finals time. He has only played four games this year and around 10 in five years but still makes a big difference when available from interstate mining job.
POOWONG – 3rd ( 5 wins)
Players used 32 – The number of players to play all 9 games – 10
Leading goal kickers – Jack Hazendonk (24), Trevor Hooker (16), James Doria (15),
The Maggies are a real wildcard. Well off for midfielders and more than handy forward options. Jayden Sullivan has been terrific in defence however there is still a question mark over its class behind centre beyond Sullivan, Tim Hancock and Jameel Kneckt. Probably need assistant coach Chris Doria back and playing at his best as another forward option if it is to trouble the top two sides.
NYORA – 4th ( 4 wins & 1 draw)
Players used 25 – The number of players to play all 9 games – 14
Leading goalkickers – Ben Schultz (27), Iian Osman (21)
The reigning premiers have flirted with its form and are nowhere near last years model. On the plus side it has a misery defence and the midfield experience of Brad Arnold, Ryan Spooner and Cameron Bancroft will hold it in good stead in vital games. Expect the Saints to be peak around finals time. While they don’t look like it – it would be rash to dismiss their back to back premiership chances.
NEERIM SOUTH – 5th ( 5 wins)
Players used 31 – The number of players to play all 9 games – 12
Leading goal kickers – Tyssen Morrow & Matt Laskey (21), Chris Urie (16), Jeremiah Jones (11)
Have mounted a strong recovery this season on the back of Chris Urie, Calum Shiels and Josh Morrison all returning to the club. Officer recruit Matt Laskey has proved a handy addition. Nathan Bayne does well every week and no shortage of youngsters namely Tyler Pratt, Rhys George, Cooper Clancy and Lachlan Guy to have all shown plenty. Offers plenty of nuisance value and intrigue.
BULN BULN - 6th ( 4 wins)
Players used 28 – The number of players to play all 9 games – 9
Leading goalkickers – Hayden Baker (23) Sam Langford (17)
Exceeded the expectations of most and similar to last year honest as the day is long. Veteran ruck Matt Gray continues to play a big role. Midfield Trent Baker has been outstanding, his brother Hayden handy around the goals, Sam Langford a big improver and Luke O’Brien a top recruit. Charlie, Tom and Mitchell Park along with Adam Rakip have made strong contributions at various times in what is often a good team effort. With plenty upward scope due to large number of youngsters all likely to improve by the week a finals berth is well within reach.
CATANI – 7th ( 4 wins)
Players used 29 – The number of players to play all 9 games – 14
Leading goalkickers – Matt Barrand (19), Daniel Barrand (14), Nick Visser (14), Paul Pattison (12)
Still with plenty of experience from its 2017 premiership team it cannot be written off as a genuine top five contender. Paul Pattison runs all day, Nick Visser never plays a bad game and Dylan Williams has read play behind centre superbly. The Barrand brothers Daniel and Matt have been good additions.
YARRAGON – 8th ( 2 wins & 1 draw)
Players used 35 – The number of players to play all 9 games – 6
Leading goalkickers – Mitch Jolly (11).
The league newcomers made a solid start with two victories and a draw against Nyora in the opening five rounds but have struggled over the last month. It has not demonstrated the ability to kick a winning score. Captain Mitch Jolly, Lachlan Shaw, Devin Pollock and Darcy Jones are among the stand outs to the half way stage of the season.
LANG LANG – 9th ( 1 win)
Players used 34 – The number of players to play all 9 games – 10
Leading goalkickers – Josh Collie (13), Travis Kitchen (9)
Under new coach Josh Collie the Tigers are playing with purpose but has lacked skill across the lines. Collie along with Aaron Rose and ruckman Tom Mitchell have proved to be good recruits. Similar to last year Troy McPherson, Will McGindle and Sam Kendall have all performed consistently. Injuries have not helped its cause. If Ben Mitchell, who kicked seven goals in his only appearance and key defender Matt White did not injure themselves in their first match it may have won a few more games. Expect Lang Lang to improve in the second half of season and cause an upset or two.
NILMA DARNUM – 10th ( 1 win)
Players used 34 – The number of players to play all 9 games – 7
Leading goalkickers – Patrick Chin (15), Ben Campbell (12), Mark Engley (11)
The season has brought little reward. Midfield Ben Campbell has been a stand out. Travis Dyke, Chris Larosa, Nathan Campbell and Dylan Cann all earn a pass mark and recruits Casey and Tanner Thomson have made their presence felt on occasions. The Bombers have not kicked more than 10 goals in any one game this season and have had the most points kicked against it.
Last Modified on 20/06/2019 21:53