In what promises to be an enthralling match Essendon host the Rohan Welsh coached Casey Scorpions on Saturday at Windy Hill. Welsh, who had an outstanding career as a TAC Cup and Vic Metro Academy coach has the Scorpions firing on all cylinders, winning their opening two matches.
Essendon is coming off a loss to Box Hill after an opening round demolition of the Bendigo Gold.
A 30 minute lapse against the Hawks cost the Bombers dearly. After establishing early dominance the Bombers were unable to quell a seven-goal blitz in the third term from the Hawks. The Hawks eventual winners by 11 points.
Casey was in a similar situation with a blistering first half as they held a 40 point lead over North Ballarat. They had to withstand a second half come back from the Roosters. When the final siren sounded the Scorpions held on to a nine-point victory.
At the selection table, Essendon has had Tayte Pears and Jason Winderlich elevated to the AFL side and have lost Jason Ashby and Marty Gleeson to injury. Travis Colyer and Elliott Kavanagh come back from the AFL side. After kicking two goals for Greenvale, Trent Shinners has been recalled, the regular backman has been named at centre half forward, however he might be the man most likely to tackle Casey’s teenage sensation Jesse Hogan.
Casey welcomes back a number of highly credentialed players, Tom Couch, David Rodan, Jack Fitzpatrick, Jake Spencer and Jordie McKenzie. These players strengthen the Scorpions already well credentialed line up.
Missing for the Scorpions will be giant Max Gawn, after two outstanding games he has been promoted to the Melbourne side. Youngsters Dom Barry and Thomas Corry have been left out of the side this week.
Anthony Tipungwuti will be the Bombers 23rd man and Ben Kearns who kicked 4 goals for Gippsland Power last week will be 23rd man for the Scorpions, returning after five goals in the opening round in the VFL.
In a very difficult match to predict the outcome Essendon will rely on pace generated from Lachlan Dalgleish, Leroy Jetta, Travis Colyer and the impressive Will Hams. Casey with will have the harder bodies like James Magner, McKenzie and Couch and the Tynan brothers, Luke and Josh and the ruck tandem of Spencer and Fitzpatrick.
VERDICT: I think the more experienced Scorpions may have the man power to come out victors by 20 points – Steve O’Brien
Last Modified on 19/04/2013 21:46