Woodend/Hesket v Sunbury Kangaroos
Last week
Woodend/Hesket - It was a horror day for the Hawks against the Bombers last Saturday. They fielded arguably their most inexperienced line-up in recent memory and the 145 point loss reflected that result. They blooded Braydn Beattie, Sam Reidy and Jeremy Pennefather into the team for their senior debuts and showed promising signs. The Hawks trailed by 26 points at quarter time and could only double their score for the remaining three quarters as Riddell kicked 10 last quarter goals. Geordie Taylor and Ethan Gove were clear stand-outs while Justin Rodda played well in his 100th game for the club in the ruck. Chris Forde had the job ahead of him with the caliber of Jarrod Silvester and Brian Ruffell to contend with, however he more than held his own at times.
Sunbury Kangaroos - The Roos honoured the spirit of the Anzacs in style with a big 53 point win over Rockbank at home on Thursday. A big crowd witnessed Ryan Pretty emerge as the next big star in the competition with nine goals in a best on ground display while he had plenty of support from Dan Gregory in the backline and Adam Walsh on the wing and half forward. The Roos inaccuracy could have cost them dearly against one of the top four teams but their overall dominance of the game reflected their ability to apply great scoreboard pressure.
THE GAME
This is a massive challenge for the Hawks. They will celebrate their heritage day and pay tribute to their 1983 senior premiership team and their 2003 Under 18 premiership team with specially designed jumpers to mark the occasion. Lets hope for the home side that there is more to celebrate with a competitive performance on the park. The young stars in Macklin, Taylor and Gove have stepped up in the opening month but its time for the experience of Donovan, Martin and Sheppard to start dominating their opponents and make their mark. The Sunbury Kangaroos have plenty of weaponary up their sleeve to amass a big score. Expect the likes or Mitch Streiff and Ti Cuffe to rejoin the team after their trip overseas. Both are big name players and enjoyed exceptional performances last year. The Hawks will work hard to honour their past premiership heroes while the Sunbury Kangaroos will work hard to honour last year's premiership heroes with another dominating display in order to set up their season to finish as back-to-back premiers. The Roos will have too much height and speed and expect Darragh McGovern to be the stand-out in the middle in a big effort.
Diggers Rest v Rockbank
Last week
Diggers Rest - The Burra's really had the challenge set before them against the mighty Broadford line-up at the Harley Hammond Reserve. They took a very strong team and were challenged by the Barry Hall led Roos. Mitch Freeth was quick off the mark and through the middle while Brad Sluggett performed strongly around the ground. Brent Tuckey was able to find the goals five times and missed several kickable chances that could have put the margin beyond doubt a lot sooner. They prevailed by seven points but given that their opposition were down to 18 players in hot conditions, the result could have been a little different.
Rockbank - The Rams were spirited on Anzac Day in their clash with the Sunbury Kangaroos. They were up against a more physically commanding team but they managed to stay within seven to eight goals for much of the game and prevent a total blow-out. They worked hard and found it hard to stop Ryan Pretty who was in mean form and enjoyed a day out in front of a big crowd. The Rams are winless from three rounds but have been competitive in all their matches.
THE GAME
The Burra's will look to register their third win on the board for the season. They played at home two weeks ago against the rampaging Sunbury Kangaroos and won a thriller by two points. They are fit, firing and determined to showcase their quick pace and great goal sense. Its exciting to see that Picollo and McCabe have found the goals in recent weeks and when they find their feet, both are capable of kicking big scores. Trent Corbett was a stand out for Rockbank last week. Stratton has some of the safest hands in the team and his a noted goal kicker. Expect him to step up on the big stage. The home team will simply have too many answers for the visitors who will battle hard and show great spirit. This will either be a big win for the Burra's or a close, hard fought victory.
Kilmore v Lancefield
Last week
Kilmore - The Blues battled hard in one of the more intriguing contests of the year. Their 37 point loss to the Centrals at MacPherson Park wasn't the most attractive game of football for the year. The loss won't hurt the Blues as they can take many positives for restricting the flow of the Melton Centrals midfielders and limiting the space of their forwards. Coach Chris Nolan can take plenty of those positives away from the game, now he just needs to find someone capable of kicking a big bag of goals. Nic Sheldon has been on the mark with a bag of five this year while Scott Heather kicked three from four goals last week.
Lancefield - The Tigers let the game slip at home against Rupertswood on the back if a disappointing first term. The visitors registered 10 scoring shots to nil on their way to a 52 point win. Jay Shewan and Phil Shaw were big stand-outs in the loss with Shaw registering two goals. John Baker found the big sticks twice to send his total to eight from three games. Luke Malone showed a lot of run and dash and he will be expected to step up again today.
THE GAME
This shapes up as being one of the most interesting matches of the round. They have registered just one win between them from six games but have shown some promise against strong opposition. The Blues will favour themselves at home with their run going down hill and fitness going up the hill. The JJ Clancy Reserve is one of the most challenging grounds in the competition to play on and it could suit them well. Saying that, the Tigers do possess a very quick midfield with the likes of Shewan, Tim and Chris Collins and Chris Burkett. They probably lack just that little bit of experience against some of the stronger sides in the competition but they should have the edge on their opponents today and with a good forward line, should do enough to kick a winning score. If Heather, Peckham and Sheldon can shine up forward, Kilmore could kick at least 10 goals that would be needed to win this match, otherwise, it could be another tough day at the office for the home team.
Tune in to 98.3 OKR FM from 1.30pm or 88.1FM at the ground.
Romsey v Melton Centrals
Last week
Romsey - The Redbacks were clinical in their demolition of the Cats at the Tony Clarke Reserve. They missed big star players such as Dave Henderson, Steve Burlak and Blake Henderson, just to name a few and they still prevailed by 10 goals. They unearthed a champion in the form of Dave Broose in the ruck. The young Under 18.5s star was one of the clear stand-outs against a vey tall Macedon ruck line-up but he didn't let that intimidate him. Chris Petroro was a handy addition to the team and used his space to advantage in setting up many goals and kicking a great one of his own. We witnessed a great Romsey team in action who used a good blend of experienced players around the ball combined with developing young and middle aged players. The loss of McNaughton due to a ligament injury will hurt but they have suitable replacements to step up in his absence.
Melton Centrals - They didn't play the most inspiring game of football last week in their win over Kilmore but the fact that they came away with a comfortable six goal win is a big positive in itself. Adam Hunter and Wade Livingstone dominated across half back, the wing and half forward to give their forwards plenty of options. There is a lot to like about this team when they are on song and they definitely showed that in the opening three matches, not so much last week against a determined and improving Kilmore.
THE GAME
On paper, the Centrals should back themselves to win. They are undefeated and full of confidence. They are facing some fired up Redbacks who have played some unbelievable football in the last two weeks. The Centrals have enjoyed mixed fortunes in their last two matches at Romsey Park. They won in the later stages of the home and away season before Romsey's Matt Davidson had a day out in the elimination final with 15 goals to end their finals hopes. This is a big game for both clubs as Romsey celebrates Pink Netball Day. The Redbacks should have enough run and experience to prevail over a determined Melton Centrals side. We know how good the Centrals are and they will throw everything at their opposition to stop their dominance and we could witness a really well-contested game of football.
Tune in to 100.7 Highlands FM and 88.1 FM at the ground from 12pm for the A Grade netball and Senior football clash.
Rupertswood v Wallan
Last week
Rupertswood - The home side celebrated their first ever senior win in the competition in style with a big 52 point victory over Lancefield at Lancefield Park. They should take that level of confidence with them into their second match on home soil on the back of Todd Podolczak with six of the best. Mitch Gaunt was at his usual flashy best, Jason Dunn was effectived and Tim Neely was useful around the ground. The win was set up in the opening term where the defenders held the Tigers scoreless on their way to a triumphant win. This says a lot about their hard character and ability as an emerging football team.
Wallan - The Pies were overrun by a eager Romsey team in round two. They showed some glimpses of brilliance but could not contain the power forwards of the Redbacks. Luke Zeralla and Ben Schraven were two big stand-outs in the 12 goal loss but after a week's break, they will be fresh and ready to tackle the rampaging Rupo.
THE GAME
The home team will be filled with confidence and riding the wave of excitement from their debut win and this is exactly what they need to make their mark in the competition. Winning is a habit and the Pies have had a mixed bag of that in their opening three games with one win and two losses. On the odds, they could take out this game and lose the following week to Diggers Rest. The Pies have quality strength in the midfield and in the forward line with Frost and Barber. However, Rupertswood do have stronger bodies and fast pace around the contests and they should just have too much run. We could see Rupertswood start to make their mark in the competition ahead of the bye next week.
Macedon v Riddell
Last week
Macedon - The Cats were disappointing in their loss to Romsey last week. They showcased great height and speed all across the ground, on paper but they could not show that for lengthy periods in the game. Adam Cusworth, Ash Fleming and Al Meldrum could not have the impacts that they usually have on the game because the trio are more than capable of breaking games wide open as they've done already this year. Tom Hansford showed promise in the ruck while Nick Arnold was strong across half back. Jason Davies was a big stand-out and led by example alongside James Wright and Wayne Sanders. There was too much left to too few on the day.
Riddell - The Bombers were flawless in their big win over the inexperienced Hawks. Silvester and Ruffell slotted home 10 goals between them, Paul Sahlberg was promising in his second game with the club and Ethan Foreman showed his team mates and opposition how to get the job done with a best on ground effort. They celebrated 10 final term goals in their 145 point win.
THE GAME
Which Cats will we see this week? They generally possess such great run, have great marking options and have great run from the backline. When the team gells, they have as much talent on the park to match it with the best in the competition. We didn't get that from them last week and they will be determined to bring that to the table this week. The Bombers were simply awesome last week across all levels. They blooded new players and they took the game on by the scruff of the neck and fulfilled their roles magnificently. If Riddell play to the mark that Romsey played last week against the Cats, the home side will be in for a long day at the office. However, that won't happen and they will turn it around. They match up well against the Bombers yet the task might just be a bit beyond them on the day.
Last Modified on 03/05/2013 13:22