Round 8 Eastern Ranges v North Ballarat Rebels, Saturday May 28th, Box Hill City Oval, 1.00pm
After returning to the winners list two weeks ago when they defeated the Gippsland Power by 50 points, the Eastern Ranges face a stern test this Saturday against the North Ballarat Rebels.
Both sides sit at a win-loss record of 4-3 with only 0.08% separating the fifth placed Rebels and sixth placed Ranges on the ladder. North Ballarat is one of the in-form sides of the competition winning their past four matches, including a win against the Oakleigh Chargers. Eastern has been somewhat inconsistent up until now, winning their first two clashes, but losing three of their past four outings. However, coming off the back of their much needed win in Round 7 last year’s runner-up will have confidence as they take to Box Hill City Oval in what looms as a massive encounter.
Two weeks ago the Ranges did not start that match well, conceding the first four goals of the game. Although they steadied to regain the lead, starting well will be a main focus against an opponent who has won by margins of 60, 39, 70 and 59 in their past four rounds.
When these sides last met in Round 15 last season it was the Rebels winning by a massive 93 points; it is expected that this year’s meeting willing be a much more tightly contested match. Another interesting fact is that of the 35 times these two sides have met Eastern have won 18 of those clashes, with the Rebels winning 17, exemplifying the evenness between the two clubs.
Into this week’s side comes Zachary Elms and Jackson Ross for their first games of the season, Aaron Beddoes and Mitch Prosser have also been included on an extended bench, both with the chance to play for the first time in 2016, Jake Godwin and Bailey Stevens have also been named on the bench. Out of the side go Pat Wallis, Shaun McMillan, Kane Doueal and Jordan Gallucci who has not been named following a best on ground performance in Round 7.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Nelson Lane
The midfielder has been in scintillating form this season featuring in the best four times from his seven matches. Averaging a tick over 21 disposals, Lane has thrived in the absence of players such as Dylan Clarke. He has proved himself to be one of the Ranges dominant midfielders of recent weeks.
Last Modified on 26/05/2016 18:03