AVENEL v TALLYGAROOPNA
This is the match of the round between two of the league’s in-form teams.
Avenel has been outstanding under first year coach Donald Stirling.
Stirling has relished the role and is leading by example while the returning Kasey Duncan would be leading the club’s best and fairest award to date.
Duncan was once again brilliant in the Swans’ big win last weekend while Micheal McKenzie, Scott Tyers, Niall Collins and Michael Berry were other players to shine in the success.
Tallygaroopna has well and truly cemented its spot in the top six and it has produced two character building wins in the past fortnight.
The Redlegs’ of the past would have probably dropped at least one of their last two matches, but with the likes of Timothy Belford, Douglas Wren, Kane Handley, Jayden Goodwin, Zachary Brett and Timothy Karolidis all firing they are well on to the way to the finals.
Another positive from the win against Rushworth was the fact that Brett Arho only kicked one goal and they still won while the defensive effort should not go unnoticed.
Regardless of today’s outcome, the Redlegs’ have improved and they will not fear the challenge of taking on the Swans.
Tip: Avenel.
MERRIGUM v NAGMABIE
Merrigum scored one of its best wins of the season last weekend when they overcame the improving Girgarre.
This was a 50-50 game and for the Bulldogs to win it, it will no doubt give them confidence to attack the remainder of the season with plenty of optimism.
The premiership heroes of 1986-87 will be on hand to watch some of the club’s modern day premiership players as the gather to reminisce the glory days.
Today’s opponent will no doubt test the reigning premier as Nagambie is one of at least 3-4 teams looking to take the mantle away from the Bulldogs.
Anthony Haysom, Kyle Winter-Irving, Michael Shiels, Tyrone Muir and Jayden Gleeson were all outstanding in the win last week, while Martin Shadbolt has been one of the recruits of the year.
He has been absolute rock in defence for the Lakers and he often sets-up plenty of attacking moves off half back.
Merrigum coach Christian Barnett has been leading from the front while newcomers Jason Turnbull and Charlie Lowe have fitted in well.
The returning Daniel Clarke was brilliant for the Bulldogs as was Robert Knowles and Jake Ross.
Tip: Nagambie.
LONGWOOD v GIRGARRE
Longwood scored its first win of the season when it accounted for Ardmona.
Nick Brown also scored his debut win as a senior coach.
He will be buoyed by the style of football that led them to the win.
Adam Molisak and Braydon Kearns had a ball in the wet conditions while the experienced quartet of Daniel Freeman, Matthew Hodgetts, Dayne Webber and Balraj Singh proved invaluable, especially in the last quarter where the Redlegs kicked eight goals.
Longwood will no doubt fancy its chances of victory against an improving Girgarre.
The Roos have been really good this year, but they have suffered back-to-back losses, meaning this becomes a must win for them if they harbour aspirations of playing finals.
Ryan Jones, Ashley Kirchhofer, Paul Parsons, Michael Walsh, Nathan Marsh and Zac Mullso will be important cogs for the visitors.
Tip: Girgarre.
RUSHWORTH v MURCHISON
This is a massive danger game for Murchison.
The Grasshoppers have now lost four of their past five matches and their spot in the top six will come under scrutiny if they slip to another defeat.
The Tigers have played some really good football this year and they will be keen to avoid a second straight defeat.
The likes of Nathan Gage, Brett Anderson, Adam Vick, Dillan Vanderdonk, Jason Snelling, Steele Lloyd and Todd Clarke will be the key players for the Tigers while David Murray, Ethan Homewood, Tom Kerrins, Brayden Cecchin, Clinton Lambert and Jacob Ewart will need to continue their good form for the Grasshoppers to claim the four points and keep the chasing pack at bay.
Tip: Murchison
In the remaining two matches, Stanhope will look to get its season back on track after a loss before the bye.
The Lions are home against Undera and Lancaster will be out to keep its winning form going when it takes on Ardmona.
Tips: Stanhope and Lancaster.
Last Modified on 06/06/2016 10:18