ROUND 10 PREVIEW – WEEK ONE
By Chris Weaver
Saturday, 13 June
Werribee (2-6) v Collingwood (5-3)
Last Time: Round 17, 2008 at Visy Park – Werribee 12.10 (82) def Collingwood 11.11 (77)
Chirnside Park, 1.10 pm (ABC TV)
There is some good news this week for the Tigers, with Nathan Thompson returning after his stint on the sidelines following corrective heart surgery.
Werribee will still be without versatile defender Teghan Henderson, whose battle with osteitis pubis means that he still looks a while off returning.
Collingwood finished strongly against Port Melbourne last week, the Pies kicking 5.8 in the final term to run over the Borough.
The Pies have the week off in the AFL, which means that they may only feature one or two VFL listed players. This would be a shame for the likes of Kris Pendlebury or Tim Hunt, both of whom have been very steady contributors in recent weeks.
Development is the key though for Collingwood, who can move into the top four with a win away from home.
Tip: Collingwood by 13 points
Northern Bullants (6-2) v Casey Scorpions (4-4)
Last Time: 1st Elimination Final, 2008 at Casey Fields – Casey Scorpions 13.10 (88) def Northern Bullants 12.11 (83)
Visy Park, 2.00 pm (Casey Radio 3SER, 97.7 FM)
It was a return to form last week for David Teague’s Bullants, who accounted for Williamstown in a surprisingly easy fashion.
Cameron Cloke looks to have overcome the ankle injury that has hampered him in recent weeks, kicking five goals against Williamstown.
Aggressive in ruck, Nick Meese has been a solid contributor for the Bullants, who are well structured at the stoppages.
If the Scorpions are to win, they will need to break even at the clearances against the taller, more mature bodied Bullants.
Liam Jurrah and Neville Jetta get another opportunity to display their wares this week for the Scorpions, both kicking four goals against a pedestrian Werribee side.
Yet the Scorpions will have to do without Brad Miller, who has been rested following his three goal effort, a sign that after just one game he could return to AFL level.
Tip: Northern Bullants by 31 points
North Ballarat (7-1) v Frankston (0-8)
Last Time: Round 9, 2008 at Eureka Stadium – North Ballarat 20.9 (129) def Frankston 14.9 (93)
Eastern Oval, 2.00 pm
Yet another four points for the Roosters last week, as they made sure that in defeating the Coburg Tigers, Jade Rawlings’ last game in charge would be a melancholy experience.
The real story though is Frankston, who again imploded during the first half at Geelong, in what from all reports was an ill-disciplined and rudderless performance.
Dean Limbach (with five goals) and Toby Conroy fought hard for the Dolphins, who managed to restrict the scoreboard damage after half-time.
This game could not come at a worse time for Frankston, their lack of confidence set to be further exploited by the well-oiled Roosters.
Some succour for Frankston will come from the possibility that centre-half forward Michael Wundke may play for the Roosters’ AFL affiliate North Melbourne in Adelaide on Sunday.
A consistent performer at VFL level, an AFL appearance is long overdue for the 20 year-old South Australian.
Tip: North Ballarat by 46 points
Last Modified on 12/06/2009 14:54