LANCASTER v NAGAMBIE
Six weeks ago when Lancaster brushed aside arch rival Merrigum, many pundits were predicting a grand final match between these teams.
Some injuries and three straight losses opened the door for other contenders to make a charge up the ladder.
The Wombats have regained Steve Thomson and Chris Varsamakis from injury while they have added some new faces in the form of Justin Murphy and Nathan Bovalino.
Nagambie coach Linc Sullivan was quick to pour cold water on any thoughts that his team had the flag in the bag.
He was respectful of the situation and how things can change.
But what he does have in his favour is the ability to manage his playing list in the run towards the September action, with a two game buffer on its nearest rival.
The reigning premier is going to be well and truly match hardened heading into the finals with games against all the teams around them in the run home.
STANHOPE v AVENEL
Stanhope has been one of the most frustrating teams to get an accurate read on this season.
Its good is as good as any of the contenders, but its poor performances have raised questions about its ability on the big stage.
Alex O'Reilly, Klint Wagstaff, Jack Young, Seamus Herrick, Luke Trevena and Jason Leocata were the shining lights in the key win against Violet Town, while Thomas Hepburn and Matt Forys were pivotal in the win with four goals each.
Andrew Green, Donald Stirling, Paul Arandt, Timothy Dundon, Ryan Lambert and Scott Tyers were the key contributors in the win against Undera, while Cael McCarthy was able to kick multiple goals in a low scoring affair.
MERRIGUM v MURCHISON
Merrigum did what they had to do to consolidate second place on the ladder.
Christian Barnett knows his chargers will face a much more difficult proposition this afternoon.
Leaders like Joshua Pell, Linc Wellington, Tom Durward and Ramadan Yze will be important through the midfield while key forwards Chris Kilmartin and Bryce Wellington will provide a challenge for the Murchison defensive unit.
The battle in the ruck between Josh Stammers and Timothy Ewart will be worth watching, while, Hayden Ewart, the returning Nicholas Airs, Stephen Devlin, Ethan Homewood and Shane Kay gave the Grasshoppers a lift after a struggle early against Lancaster.
The Chapman brothers – Brent with four goals and Luke with two were behind the Grasshoppers getting some reward in the second half.
OTHER
In the remaining three matches, Undera needs to turn its competitive efforts into wins on the board. The Lions have a very favourable draw and David Gillespie will be chasing a big win against Longwood to help boost the percentage.
Ardmona will see this game as one of at least two games it could win to end the season on a high. Rushworth will be aiming for its second victory of the season and at the same time turn the tables on the Cats after a first round thrashing.
In the final match of the round, Tallygaroopna will be out to continue its improvement when it travels to take on Girgarre.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
1. Tallygaroopna will be aiming for a third straight win.
2. The battle to win the league goal-kicking award is wide open, with Heath Barnett, Pat Rattray, Matt Forys and Brent Chapman all laying claims to the title.
3. Violet Town has the bye and a chance to re-group ahead of trying to secure a spot in the finals.
4. The outside the locker room program is proving a big hit with the clubs involved in the program.
5. Lancaster’s second and third eighteen teams remain unbeaten just like Nagambie’s first eighteen.
My tips: Nagambie, Stanhope, Merrigum, Rushworth, Tallygaroopna and Undera.
Last Modified on 13/07/2015 10:01