Millewa Football League Preview Round 11
Results of two games today will be critical in the battle for a place in the finals this season. Fourth place Cardross will play top team Gol Gol, while fifth placed Meringur tackle co-tenants Werrimul who are in third position. In the other game, Euston will host Nangiloc.
After a week’s break, Cardross will be fresh and full of confidence for their clash with Gol Gol. The Lions have hit peak form of late with powerful wins over Euston and Meringur and appear to be near full strength while the Hawks have been hit with a few injuries. The last time these sides met resulted in a comfortable victory for the Hawks, although the Lions won plenty of the ball, could not penetrate the Hawks’ strong defence. The battle in the engine room will be a beauty and whoever gets on top here will give their team a big advantage. Wallace, Rolfe and Ransome have been strong all year for Cardross and will test the Hawks’ McInerney, Pullman and Wilke. If Drewitt can match Robinson in the ruck, this battle could go either way. The Gol Gol defence can provide drive if allowed with Ficcara, Bailey, Collins and Cooke willing to run the ball at all costs so much will rely on the Lions forwards to get on top early. McCarthy, Ferguson, Dallasanta and Berry are all capable on their day and with Keating chipping in with pace, they have been able to kick winning scores. The powerful Gol Gol forward line will require a super effort from their opponents. Sherwell and Vadlja are the key targets, with Penny coming into form at half forward along with the dangerous Watson, the Hawks have many scoring targets. The Lions have a solid defence and give nothing away. Harris, East, Bolitho and Cooper will have key roles closing down the Hawks forwards. This will be a close game and a win to either would not surprise but the Hawks should just edge out the Lions.
It’s more than just pride on the line in the battle of the co-tenants at the lake. Meringur will be desperate for a win to keep their finals chances alive, while Werrimull will be keen to stay in the race for a top two finish. Werrimull look to have the advantage on paper with Paul Jenkins, Tierney, Duscher and Mentiplay all in good form through the middle and they will test Longeri, Webb, Cavallo and Hards who are also playing well for the Roos. Up forward the Pies have many options with Kelly a strong target along with Moodie, Marr and Thompson all capable of high scores. Lando, Smith, Herrick and Walder will work hard in defence for the Roos to contain these players and much will depend on their efforts. The Roos forward line will need to work hard to score where Dan Smith, Watt, Kirby and Fitzgerald will take on the reliable Pies defence led by McGregor, Loxton, Roberts and Matt Kelly. The Pies look to have a more even line up and the capability to kick more goals and should have a comfortable win.
The battle of the bottom two sides should see an even tussle and the ball moving at pace all over the ground. Both teams like to play a very attacking brand of footy and both are capable of quick scores although consistency during the game has been their problem with both sides usually having a quiet quarter or two during their games. Glare, Mike, Cox and Stone have been good defenders for the Demons and will need to be on their game to restrict the dangerous Bomber forward line where Curran, Brad Kennedy, Paola and Smith are more than capable of big scores. The Demons rely on an even contribution for their scores where Lee, Francis, Shaw and Deale work hard and capitalise on their opportunities. Pettit, Moore, Marciano and Irving are good defenders for the Bombers who have been under pressure all year. Much will depend on the midfield and it would be expected that the Bombers will get first use through Phil Connel in the ruck and Denaro, Rodgers and Bulzomi will make good use of any advantage. Sitters, Scott Shaw and Grayling will work hard for the Demons to nullify any advantage but on their home ground, the Bombers may record their first win this season.
Last Modified on 02/07/2010 14:11