FRIDAY NIGHT DELIGHT
By Louie Bulzomi
It’s a rare occasion when Millewa footy is showcased under lights, but on Friday April 27 at 7:00pm that occasion arrives at the forefront with Cardross up against Werrimull at Red Cliffs kicking off Round 3.
The Magpies were nothing short of elite in their 95-point demolition of Euston last week, so the Lions will have their work cut out for them to keep in touch in this one. Jake Zoch has been terrific so far this season, but Aaron Milner is no ruck slouch. Darren McCarthy and Mark East have been right amongst the goals, but so have Heath ‘Ash’ Bates and Adam Thomson. Andrew Ferguson has shown his diversity playing in different positions, but Courtney Moore has done likewise.
So while there are many similarities between the two sides, the key difference appears to be Werrimull’s extra midfield depth and the ability to rotate players through their midfield without any major volatility in performance and effort. And, also, if Michael Harradine and Dan Smith can combine to keep another power forward goalless, the Magpies should have the edge.
Last time Euston and Bambill collided at Bomberland (Round 19, 2011) it was arguably the match of the season, with the Bombers’ resounding 5-point victory spoiling the Saints’ perfection chances. On Saturday they meet at the same venue, hopefully to provide similar entertainment and excitement for the footy faithful.
Ian Mennie is sure to be chomping at the bit to get on the goal sheet after returning a goose egg last week, while Michael Hickey would love to pick up where he left off after a 9-goal performance against Nangiloc. The battle of Phil Connell vs Ryan McClelland is shaping up as one of the most vital contests in determining the end result, as both in top form provide so much drive to the bevy of midfield talent each team has to offer.
The Bombers are a much more formidable opponent at home than away (as shown already in their two matches this season), and with the extra incentive to atone for their dismal effort against Werrimull, coupled with a few of the Saints’ premiership players still on the sidelines, they will be hard to beat this week in a fierce encounter.
Nangiloc have been an example of “close but no cigar” so far in season 2012, after once again having a wide-open door at half time slammed shut due to a third-quarter fadeout. On Saturday they get another crack to overcome this obstacle when they take on Gol Gol at Nangy.
Cameron Peters continues to fly the flag for the Demons, but should he receive plenty of close attention the Demons will need others to stand up and take action – Jared Turvey, Scott Golding and Ben Crosbie appear as the main candidates for such a role. As for the Hawks, they went from just three goalkickers in Round 1 to ten in Round 2, so hats off to the likes of Nick Rodi, Shaun McInerney, Dean McDowall and David Gray, who showed that opposition defences should not commit fully to just Robert Lindsay.
Nangiloc needs to not only improve their third quarter effort, but also stifle Gol Gol’s run and carry via increased intensity and close checking as the game wears on. The Demons are every chance, especially at home, but Gol Gol appear slightly stronger in many of the potential match-ups and should be favourites.
Last Modified on 26/04/2012 18:27