Essendon and Nth Ballarat clash in this week’s ABC Peter Jackson VFL match of the round at Windy Hill this Saturday. Steve O’Brien previews the match.
Essendon and North Ballarat will both be striving to find their first win of the season after narrow losses in the opening round - Essendon falling short by a goal against Casey in a cliff hanger, and the Roosters went down by 12 points at Victoria Park against Collingwood. These narrow losses will not sit well with coaches Hayden Skipworth at Essendon nor his legendary adversary Gerald FitzGerald at the helm of the Roosters.
A two match losing streak cannot be afforded by either side, as both proud clubs will battle to establish themselves this season. Essendon has stumbled into the finals in previous seasons only to fall during the first week . Nth Ballarat have failed to make the finals since 2011 when eliminated in straight sets after winning three consecutive flags between 2008 and 2010.
At selection, Essendon welcome back Tayte Pears and Lachie Dalgleish, both late withdrawals last week. Trav Colyer, Dylan Van Unen and Leroy Jetta named as emergencies for the AFL side might make the trip west and not play in the VFL. Suspension has forced Cory Dell’Olio out of the side.
Nth Ballarat, despite their opening round loss, appear settled with only one change - Tony Lockyer coming in for Ben Jacobs. James Tsitas, the highly credentialed youngster from the Geelong Falcons, will once again be the Roosters 23rd man, with Aaron Heppell in that role for the Bombers.
The midfield battle looms as the decider in this affair with Essendon boasting Ben Duscher, Josh Mellington, Elliott Kavanagh and Dalgleish, their clash with the Roosters trio of Nick's -Peters, Couch and Rippon - will be worth the price of admission.
In the ruck, Fraser Thurlow comes up against giant American Eric Wallace. Both players lack experience at this level and whoever can give their smaller running players first use will go a long way in deciding a winner. Robin Nahas was the Roosters leading goalkicker with three last week, he will need to be closely guarded by the Bombers if they wish to keep North to a losing score.
VERDICT: I believe if the Dons midfield can get on top and have goalkickers in Zach Merrett, Orazio Fantasia , Duscher and Mellington then they can kick a winning score. For me it’s the Bombers by 14 points.
- CLICK HERE to view the broadcast details, and see ABC TV's match preview
Last Modified on 12/04/2014 08:43