WALPEUP UNDERBOOL V JEPARIT RAINBOW
With little to play for, the pressure is off for these two underperforming clubs that have underperformed on the field in 2011. Even if they win and other matches go their way, the Roos have left their run for the finals a little too late.
Last year Jeparit Rainbow made the preliminary final so this has to be a disappointing year for the Lakers. Nevertheless, they will have a presence in the finals as their reserves and U16s are both in the four.
In an effort to cover injuries and to give reserves players the chance at senior football, the Lakers have had well over 30 players play seniors this year. Coach Luke Werner has been willing to try as many players as possible, this includes U16s players Nathan Cocks and Tom Clugston who will benefit from playing senior football this year.
Last week was one of Jeparit Rainbow’s better games for the year in going down to Beulah, but putting on a brave show. However, it will be difficult for them to win at Underbool as their record is not good at that ground.
Heath and Ashley Clugston and Ben Marra were good around the ground against the Blues and kicked seven goals between them. Corey Waldron should return to further strengthen the Jeparit Rainbow midfield. The Roos will need to designate taggers for the Clugstons as they can do a lot of damage.
Another positive over the last few weeks has been the form and promise of Daniel Greig in the ruck. He marks well around the ground and enables Justin Chilver to spend more time up forward giving the side better balance.
Sam McDonald and Ross Stone should return for Walpeup Underbool this week and even Jeremy Rowe is a slim chance to play.
The young Laker defence has struggled to hold the big name opposition forwards all year, and they face another big job trying to contain the inform Kane Munro who scored eight last week. Perhaps Simon Clugston will get the unenviable job.
Coach Kane Munro will be looking for the same effort the team showed in the second half against Hopetoun, right from the start this week. At home and buoyed by that great come-from-behind win, the Roos should be too talented for the Lakers at Underbool.
HOPETOUN V WOOMELANG LASCELLES
Having been winless in the past two seasons, it will be something to celebrate if the Cats make the finals by defeating the Devils on Saturday. That scenario also relies on the Tigers going down to the Demons.
With so much to play for, and with good recent form, Woomelang Lascelles could very well upset Hopetoun who gave up a good lead against the Roos to go down by the narrowest of margins.
In another good sign for the Cats, there will be no changes at this stage to the side that defeated Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers on Saturday.
For Woomelang Lascelles to win, they will need their big names to fire. Players such as Jackson Quirk, Jayden Lonergan in the forward line and Joel Donnan down back. Jason Kreuger has been a consistent goal scorer for the Cats and Ben Reid is likely to line up on him to limit his influence.
If they lose, Hopetoun could not possibly drop out of the four as they have a healthy percentage break over the other finals aspirants. However, they really must win to gather some momentum for their finals campaign.
Kain Robins is in sensational form and will take some stopping. They also have Bryce Wellington up forward, and Clinton Castleman has being scoring goals.
Simon Cook has been great for the Devils in the ruck and if he gets on top, it will give the Hopetoun onballers the edge and with the class of Chris Heath and Luke Milroy ready to perform after a quiet couple of weeks, this is where the game could be won for the Devils.
Woomelang Lascelles has beaten Hopetoun this season and another win will top off their season nicely whether or not they make the final four. They could win, but it will be a close game and the match of the round.
SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS V OUYEN UNITED
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers take on a rampant Ouyen United at home this week. The Tigers will be keeping tabs on the Hopetoun and Woomelang Lascelles game at the same time that they are trying to contain the Demons, as a Cat win and a Tiger loss will see them tumble out of the finals race. It will hurt deeply if their close rivals get up against the Devils as it will be minor miracle if the Tigers can defeat the Demons.
Even with so much to play for, Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers could not hope to get close to a United side that has towelled them up even when they have been playing good football. Unfortunately for the Tigers, a place in Ouyen United firsts is so competitive, that all players will be out to put on a good show whilst having a look over their shoulders as there are a lot of places on the team up for grabs.
John Guthrie has been one Tiger in very good form in the backline. He is going to have to pick up one of United’s key forwards, not an enviable task with Sonny Lindsey lining up for his ton this week, Dom Leach regularly getting two or three goals and Bradley Vallance due for a big game after overcoming a shoulder injury.
Josh Longeri and Mark Duscher have been doing well for Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers in the forward line and if they can kick multiple goals this week they will really have earned their spot on the team as this Demon defence gives very little away even with Jarrod Munro in trouble with and ankle injury.
The Demons have talent to burn. It starts on the ball where Glenn Joyce is in scintillating form and Marc Hahnel, Peter Caldow and Damon Healy are relishing the ruckwork of Craig Deckert.
Ouyen United to win this one in a canter. For Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers, they are going to have to hope Hopetoun do the right thing and take care of the Cats.
Last Modified on 17/08/2011 19:26