Lions dominate but others not far behindTEAMS in the Groote Eylandt Football League have been playing some close football over the past few weeks, with both skill and fitness improving out of sight as the rounds progress. The Umbakumba Lions, however, continue to exert their dominance over the others, remaining undefeated coming into Round 8 tomorrow.
The league leaders Lions have played a disciplined style of football which, led by coach Basil Mamarika, will need to be taken seriously by whichever team comes up against them in the finals.
Sitting second on the ladder are the Alyangula Swans, which has played well despite the loss of a few players during the season due to work commitments. With the likes of Warren Wellbeloved, Mike Lush, Ben Spaeth, Casey Robins, Rodney Woods, Jarrod Lynch, Dayne Blaxter, John Hanson, Matty O’Hare, Tyron Bellman and John Spencer holding the Swans together, they are playing a strong, hard style of football which shows week-in, week-out they are committed to winning the flag.
As for the two Angurugu sides, the Tigers and Crocs, they can't be written off just yet as they have continued to provide fierce competition during the season.
The reigning pre-season Lightning Cup premiers, Angurugu Tigers, have demonstrated that through quick movement of the football and sharp skills they can win games. Nevill Nunggumajbarr is leading the league goalkicking with 21 majors this season and he will definitely play a huge role in ensuring a finals spot for the Angurugu side.
The Angurugu Crocs hit a slow patch midway through the season, brought on by an absence of players due to ceremony in Numbulwar. Still, they continued to fill a side and have bounced back to full-strength now and are positioned well coming into the finals.
The Crocs managed to recruit key midfield player, Bradshaw Murrungun, who has provided great run through the midfield, moving the ball on quick up forward where Kesley Lalara continues to dob goals from all angles.
The Umbakumba Roos fill a 'best of' veteran side, combined with reserve players from each team who don't make the other teams. Although they don't look like making the finals this year, and have been beaten by some huge margins, the fun that the players get out of running onto the field each week is great to see.
ROBERT CLEMENTS
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (GROOTE EYLANDT)
AFL NORTHERN TERRITORY
AFLNT.com.au
Friday, August 21, 2009
Last Modified on 21/08/2009 23:15