NEERIM SOUTH – 1st (on ladder)
The Cats have swept all before them. It was up from the get go and has a suite of well performed players led by runners Kody Wilson and Nathan Bayne. Veteran Chris Uris has a terrific forward foil in strong marking Lachie Bambridge and youngsters Isaac Fuller, Nick Caddy, Josh White, Luke Kinder and Lachlan Guy have all stepped up. Recruits Ben Fitzpatrick, Alex Johnson and Matt Edwards have all impressed and added depth to their roster. Flag favourite.
TRAFALGAR – 2nd
The Bloods are set to go deep into the finals. Unlike last year it hasn’t hit the ground running to blow teams away early in matches. Perhaps because it has been depleted with many absentees. Has good depth, plays with system, purpose and has good balance. Ruckman Dylan Farrell, playmakers Klay and Jace Butler and swingman Tyson Leys have all excelled. Matt Van Schajik solid in the last line of defence while Blake Slater, Damian Mann and Matt Swenson provide enough firepower to beat any team on their day. Will accept nothing less than a grand final berth.
BULN BULN – 3rd
The Lyrebirds were heavily spruiked pre-season but is now in a battle to secure a double chance. Its problem lies with its conversion – 134 goals but a whopping 153 behinds – which has proved costly. Matt Gray and Bob McCallum (before he was injured) are clearly the best ruck duo in the competition, midfield recruits Sam Batson and Cam McPhan have offered good support for Captain Trent Baker. Jake Herbel and Jake Pierrehumbert super consistent and their defence the most miserly in the league. Must turn their inside fifties into goals. If so it will add a cutting edge to their game and the flag is well within its grasp.
ELLINBANK – 4th
While unconvincing in many matches the Eagles remain on pace to challenge for a double chance. Forward Adam Cook and Coach Ben Wragg have been outstanding, ex Moe & Newborough trio Liam Carolan, Daniel Risol and Anthony Battista ever reliable and the same for utility Mick Urie. U18 Interleague captain Bryce Joyce shapes as a top prospect. The Bankers have enough experience to threaten all comers and making the grand final is still a strong possibility, more so if it is a wet Winter as they have more than enough physicality to excel around stoppages.
POOWONG – 5th
Somewhat surprise packets. Lost a quite a few quality midfielders over summer but is now hitting their straps with morale boosting wins at Trafalgar and Ellinbank over the last fortnight. Finals beckon. Could be the fly in the ointment for the four sides above it on the ladder. Captain Jaemeel has led a stingy defence bolstered by the presence of veteran recruit Andrew Logan. Jayden Sullivan has shown he can play good footy at both ends and Conor Cunningham has is among the elite talls in the league. Dual league league B&F Jack Hazendonk continues to provide inspiration. The Magpies big problem is no one is tearing the house down kicking goals.
LANG LANG – 6th
One of the harder teams to read. Feel it has not delivered commensurate to its overall talent. Captain Josh Brown never plays a bad game, Sean Dwyer has proved to be a damaging midfielder, Daniel Lewis a weapon up forward and Coach Josh Collie one of the more under rated performers in the competition. Based on the fact it has crumpled against the top sides and has to play the top four sides in the run home it will more likely shape the top five rather than be in it.
LONGWARRY – 7th
The gap between its best and worst is vast. That Russell Lehman will perform is a given. Jedd Serong is a terrific lead up forward and has worked well with Brayden McHugh and Bailey Stephens has added pace around the packs. On the right path having blooded many exciting youngsters namely Cooper Brown, Fintan Fox, Clancy Pope and Lachlan Spinks. Has plummeted from third down to seventh in the last month and on recent form will struggle to get back into the five.
YARRAGON - 8th
After two lean seasons the Panthers are now making inroads. Has shown a good workmanlike ethos. Not to be sold short. Finals still a possibility and could produce a few upsets before the season is out. Across half back Lachlan Shaw has wielded his influence, recruit Damian Allison competitive in the ruck and Tyler Payroli solid in defence and one of half a dozen ex Nar Nar Goon players to make their presence felt.
NYORA – 9th
The season has brought little reward until it upset Longwarry last week. The improvement in agile tall Travis Stewart has been the talk of Saints. Coach Dylan Heylen a real presence while Sam Dixon, Kallon Rigby, Jesse Heylen, Jordan Anderson and Sam Dixon all honest as the day is long. Recruits Adam and Scott Pugh, Jack Rosenow and Max Mattock have had their moments. Still a few quality players away from playing finals and on a charter to rebuild.
CATANI – 10th
Has been backpedalling all season. Tried hard but too little purpose as its solitary win suggests. Love the efforts of Dylan, James and Brett Williams and veteran Tanny Rodda. Tom Keily has filled key roles well all over, Riley McDonald looks a quality defender in the making and youngster Lachlan Free looms as a likely newcomer. Lacking quality forward targets and players to break the lines.
NILMA DARNUM – 11th
The Bombers ladder position and percentage makes grim reading. Ruck Nick Carrigy and midfielder Nathan Campbell have shown persistence in the face of adversity. Korey Carrison, Seb Crowle and Ethan Carlile all 21 years of age or under have not gone unnoticed. Somehow the Darno’s need to make the most of what is certain to be a winless season, keep their morale up and develop a strong sense of togetherness to build on next year.
Last Modified on 30/06/2022 17:31
