TALLYGAROOPNA v LANCASTER
The moment of truth has arrived for Tallygaroopna in what is a dream finale for the battle for the final spot in the top six to qualify for this year’s finals.
It is a huge challenge for the Redlegs’ for a number of reasons and make no mistake the hardened campaigners of Lancaster will not give the home team any favours.
The Redlegs’ will need to put their head over the ball today and crack in or else they will be a spectator come next weekend.
And crack in they must as they are yet to beat a team above them on the ladder, with all their wins coming against teams below them.
Coach Chris Earles will be reminding his players of the importance of starting well to ensure they put the pressure back on Lancaster.
A poor start could prove dire for the Redlegs’, as they have struggled to peg teams back when they fall behind the opposition.
Andrew Pettigrove, Zachary Cerrone, Michael Hill, Jack Donnell, Calum Herrick and Jayden Mitchell were the shining lights in the win while coach, Nick Bertoli continues to lead by example and youngster Colby McDonald is proving a good target up forward for the Wombats.
Tallygaroopna will need no passengers if they are turn the tables on Lancaster, but the likes of Douglas Wren, Austin Tricarico, Kane Handley, Brent Arho, Brodie Jaques and Aaron Wood will need to keep their good form going to set the example for the others.
Another positive for the Redlegs’ is the fact that Arho got his 100th goal last weekend and there will be no pressure on him to get today.
Tip: Lancaster.
AVENEL v NAGAMBIE
Many are saying this is the probable grand final match-up but both coaches will not be getting ahead of themselves.
It will be intriguing to see how the coaches’ play this game, given they will confront one another in the second semi-final in week two of the finals.
There has been some talk around both teams resting some players, with an eye on the future.
One player who is likely to play and make his return to the senior team is Nagambie premiership forward Patty Rattray.
He booted 10 goals in the reserves last week as he continues to get match condition ahead of what looms as taxing finals campaign.
Nagambie has done what many of pundits expected this season while Avenel has emerged as a real contender after the inclusions to their playing list in 2016.
Not much separated these teams in their last meeting and the Swans were able to take the four points despite having fewer scoring shots.
Tip: Avenel.
STANHOPE v GIRGARRE – BROADCAST ON 98.5 FM FROM JUST AFTER MIDDAY
Girgarre will be eager to finish off what has been an improved season on a high and claim a rare win over its neighbouring rival Stanhope.
The Lions have been rocked by some major injuries to key players, with some of them including coach, Brenton Gray unlikely to return again this season.
But what that has done is given some of the club’s youngsters an opportunity to stake their claim for a regular game.
In a positive for the Lions, the return of Matt Forys (last week) and Eric Edwards (a fortnight ago) has been a real boost.
Blake Coyle is likely to come back into the team while Sam Woodward, Dylan Moncur and Thomas Hepburn are working hard to also shake off injuries to play a part in September.
Tip: Stanhope.
MERRIGUM v LONGWOOD
Intrigue will surround where the reigning premier finishes on the ladder after dropping to six on the ladder after losing to Lancaster.
It is simple the Bulldogs will win and move back to fifth if Tallygaroopna wins. If Lancaster wins, then the Bulldogs are going to probably need to win by 300 plus points to reclaim fifth.
But maybe the Bulldogs may prefer a match-up with Stanhope instead of Violet Town given the recent results.
Christian Barnett will be not fussed where the team finishes though as he knows to win you are going to win four finals.
Despite only winning the one game this season, Longwood has definitely improved. First year coach Nick Brown has done an outstanding job in getting a commitment from a large majority of the playing group to remain at the club.
Now his task will be to go out and find another five really good players to ensure the list bats deeper in terms of depth.
Tip: Merrigum.
OTHER
In other matches, Violet Town will rounded out its season by finishing fourth with a win against Ardmona while Murchison will finish what has been a disappointing year with a win against Undera.
Tips: Murchison and Violet Town.
Last Modified on 15/08/2016 09:48