Sunbury Kangaroos v Kilmore
at Eric Boardman Reserve
Last week
Sunbury Kangaroos - The Roos fought out an exciting clash against the Bombers on Sunday in front of a bumper crowd at the Eric Boardman Reserve. The Roos led by as much as 21 points in the second term as they dominated Riddell all over the park. The Bombers were able to get a run on in the second half of the quarter to send home 10 goals and take a six goal lead into half time. Jake Powell was amoung some of the stars missing in action that day but Brenton Sutherland and Dan Gregory were turned inside out by James Nolan and Matt Darby up forward to kick a winning score and get Riddell over the line by five goals in an entertaining high scoring contest.
Kilmore - The Blues played one poor quarter against Rockbank in round 11 and that was the difference between them winning and losing. The Rams kicked 11 goals to three in the third term to win by 41 points. Young star Zane Collier stepped up to the mark and firmly placed himself in the forward line for five goals while Alex Desmond was strong all over the ground. There was a lot ot like about the endeavour by the Blues who were in the contest for most of the game against the much improved Rockbank outfit.
THE GAME
The Sunbury Kangaroos will be desperate to atone for a rare loss at home on Sunday when they fell to Riddell. They face a Kilmore line-up that is yet to win a game this year and is fresh off a week's break. Leigh Fishenden was in fine form for the reigning premiers up forward with three goals and had no hesitation in flying for some big grabs. He and Jamie Cuffe will enjoy an intriguing battle against Kilmore's Rob Peckam in the ruck. Kilmore's Alex Desmond could go head-to-head with Anthony Leonard in the midfield in a battle that could represent the future of the competition. If Kilmore can stay in the contest for at least two quarters, they will walk away from the game confident that they've been able to match the reigning premiers. The Roos need to make a statement here with a big win. and percentage will count for a lot at the business end of the year.
Broadford v Woodend/Hesket
at Harley Hammond Reserve
Last week
Broadford - The Roos have made a statement to the rest of the competition over the last two weeks with a gutsy effort in the loss to Romsey and a courageous win over Melton Centrals last week at home, arguably against the odds. Scott Dylan stepped up with seven goals in the big come from behind win where they converted an 18 point three quarter time deficit to an 18 point win. Dylan returned from a stint in the Reserves the previous win to keep their finals hopes alive. They missed the suspended Barry Hall but Dylan more than made up for his absence.
Woodend/Hesket - The Hawks have crashed to earth in the last two weeks after their maiden win over Kilmore. They trailed by 58 points at half time in their match with Rupertswood before finishing well in the second half to stem the bleeding. Guy Donovan was a star in the midfield while Tom Perkins was strong up forward with two goals. They showed some encouraging signs against a team pressing for finals and they will look to try and stop the aggressive Broadford side today.
THE GAME
Broadford need to win this clash to keep up with the teams above them fighting for a spot in the top six. They have the run and aggression to match the Hawks and gain the four points. This is a big chance for the visitors to cause a stir in the battle of the top six. Their record against the Roos has been impressive. Expect a great clash in the ruck with Gillard and Rodda while Broadford's Matt Coomans will look towards having another big game, his fourth since returning from injury. Expect lots of fireworks in this clash as the Hawks attempt to spoil the Roos party towards finals action. The home team will head in to the game as favourites and their form has shown plenty to get excited about since topping fifth placed Melton Centrals last week.
Tune in to 88.1FM at the ground or on 98.3OKR FM from 1.30pm.
Rockbank v Rupertswood
at Ian Cowie Reserve
Last week
Rockbank - The Rams fired up with full guns blazing at home last Saturday against the Cats. the wind was strong but so was Rockbank's determination to sneak over the Cats in the closest clash of round 12. The Cats led by a point at the 14 minute mark of the final term before Rockbank kicked two goals in quick succession deep into time-on to come away with one of their best wins in three years. Jake Armistead was the general at half back while Macedon's Nick Arnold worked hard to contain the impressive Anthony Long at half forward. Long was one of the difference markers on the day with three goals in a best on ground performance.
Rupertswood - The new kids on the block were very impressive in the first half in their win over Woodend/Hesket at home. Brad Slater pushed hard in the ruck and moved well up forward to kick three goals and be a thorn in the side of his opposition. Tom West was one of the more impressive users of the ball and went a long way to ensuring that Rupertswood won the game and moved their way into sixth position on the ladder in a strong nine goal win.
THE GAME
It is the biggest day on the Rockbank Football Netball Club calendar as the club hosts the special NAIDOC Carnival that pays tribute to Indigenous Australians. Expect Rockbank to be filled of confidence on a day where they will take centre stage. Both sides are evenly matched but the form of Rockbank in the last month gives them the upper hand. Anthony Long has been in great form and Leigh Sporle is in fine touch up forward. The ruck contest of Jones from Rockbank and Slater of Rupertswood will go a long way in determining who wins this match. Rupertswood's Mitch Gaunt will have another break through game. Expect both teams to embrace the occasion and celebrate with a great game of football. A win from the home team will have them knocking on the door very loudly of the top six.
Lancefield v Diggers Rest
at Lancefield Reserve
Last week
Lancefield - The Tigers are roaring louder than ever after defeating Wallan by eight goals last week. Baker was the big difference with eight goals while Alex Laidlaw finished with three as the two leading forwards kicked 11 of 16 goals. It has been a big turn around in recent weeks for Lancefield who surpassed their season's winning total of three wins from last year with their recent win over Woodend/Hesket. Matt Bowden and Matt Burkett were instrumental in the win over Wallan and will look to continue that form in the clash against the Burras.
Diggers Rest - It may not have been one of the best wins for the Burras this year but their win over Romsey was enough to secure second spot on the ladder. The injury savaged Redbacks clawed their way to a one point lead in the final term before the fitness and strength of Diggers Rest got them over the line to win by 20 points. Col Laurie was at his usual and typical best while Tom Gleeson and RDFNL Senior Interleague captain John Ryan made their strong mark on the game. Brent Tuckey finished with six goals.
THE GAME
The Burras must win this game on the road to Lancefield. They have been one of the in-form sides of the competition with arguably the most forward in the competition, Brent Tuckey. The Burras contain great depth with their Reserves sitting in second position and putting pressure on the Senior players to retain their spots. Diggers Rest has great strength and run all over the field, have a 10 game winning streak and the best attack in the competition. For the Tigers to win, Baker and Laidlaw must combine for a dozen goals and restrict Diggers Rest to less than 100 points. It will be a big effort for the yellow and black to win. If they can remain close for most of the game, that will give them confidence to beat Broadford the following week.
Riddell v Romsey
at Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve
Last week
Riddell - The Bombers were simply sensational in the second term last week at the Eric Boardman Reserve. The Roos suffered from a Bomber Blitz as Riddell overcame a 21 point deficit early in the second term to trail by 34 points at half time. Ethan Foreman and Paul Sahlberg were influential through the corridor while the twin towers of Matt Darby and James Nolan had a day out, sharing 12 goals in the 29 point victory. Darby and Nolan beat some of the finest backmen in the competition and they'll only be better footballers for their efforts on the day. Rory Henry added some spark in the midfield and won plenty of the ball on the day.
Romsey - The Redbacks silenced the Diggers Rest home crowd when they hit the front in the final term in the big clash against the Burras. Matt Davidson was on song with four goals while Anthony Trigg played his best game for the club since crossing from Melbourne in recent weeks. The Northern Bullants tall played well all over the ground and gave his team a chance to win more of the ball with several well contested marks.
THE GAME
The Bombers are the team to beat in season 2013. Their big win over the Sunbury Kangaroos on Sunday showed that when the pressure was on, they welcomed it and delivered it back with great venom. Their midfield rotations worked really well and their backline firmed strong against some of the strong Sunbury Kangaroos tall timber. They had seven players share 19 goals in their win. Nolan and Darby must be stopped. Both players are in career best form and are still new to Senior football after playing through the junior competition. Romsey need to be at their best form to topple the invincible Bombers on their home turf. They need to supply lots of run from the midfield and need their forwards to kick accurately at every chance. If Riddell win, they would have beaten every team this year and will be ready to take on Diggers Rest next week in an absolute blockbuster.
Tune in to 88.1 FM at the ground or 100.7 Highlands FM from 1.30pm for the live call of the game.
Macedon v Wallan
at Tony Clarke Reserve
Last week
Macedon - The Cats have been left to ponder about the win that got away when they fell to Rockbank by 11 points. The Rams trailed all day against the Cats and kicked the final two goals in the last remaining minutes to pinch the win. Matt Goodwin was at his brilliant best while Adam Cusworth worked hard with great mobility around the ground as a versatile tall. Jack Kernan worked hard across the back line in a game that wasn't encouraging for tall players. It was physical and intense and featured a trademark James Wright goal on the run. It was a disappointing finish for the Cats who have lost the last two matches and arguably have the best draw heading towards the finals.
Wallan - The Pies performed well in the first half against the Tigers last week. They fell away in the second half as Lancefield kicked nine goals to two in a 42 point victory. Standley and Goodwin performed well for the Pies as they had nine individual goal scorers and spread the work around magnificently. Unfortunately no forwards could take the game on as opposed to Baker and Laidlaw up the other end.
THE GAME
This is a must win game for both sides. The Pies have a slim chance of making the finals and have fallen two games behind the sixth placed Rupertswood. Macedon need to win to give themselves the confidence to rebuild their season and push towards becoming a major finals contender. They have the cattle on the park to play some sparkling and impressive football but they just can't make the most of their talent. Matt Johnstone was the smallest player on the ground last week for Macedon and was a clear stand-out. He needs the others to rise to that level. Wallan has a chance to pinch a win and make their climb back up the ladder. If they win, the Cats will have a long way back to reaffirming themselves as a finals contender in season 2013.
Last Modified on 12/07/2013 17:01