CAN THE DEMONS DELIVER?
By Louie Bulzomi
Nangiloc are the only winless side in season 2012, but having played eight competitive quarters of footy out of twelve so far, four points aren’t far away. So they’ll be more than keen to string four quarters together when they take to the tarmac to contend with Euston.
The Bombers hit back last week in more ways than one. They defeated reigning premiers Bambill after being slaughtered by reigning runners-up Werrimull. Ian Mennie made up for a goalless Round 2 by kicking seven. The Denaro cousins – Joseph and Bryce – were continuously involved. And Daniel Rogers was superb in the dying moments when the game was still in the balance.
All of the above (and more) will keep their Demon counterparts very busy, but Nangiloc will be up for the challenge. Although Sam Lee’s finger injury is a cruel blow, Adam Milne and Tristan Stephens have shown they can figure prominently in front of goal. Cameron Peters continues to play well, and Brad Johnson has held his own down back.
The Bombers are rightfully favourites with the home ground advantage, but they shouldn’t expect an easy win.
After two consecutive away matches, Bambill return to Mildura Senior College to host Cardross in an early battle for fourth place on the ladder.
One win from three starts doesn’t look flattering for the 2011 champs, but given the fact that they are still far from their best 22, it’s somewhat understandable. Try telling that to coach Robert Morgan and his charges, though.
Luke Stanbrook and Michael Hickey have been excellent in combining for 26 goals to date, while Jarrett Farley, Jason Hahnel and Justin Merrett have flown the flag in the face of interrupted starts to Luke Hubble, Jason Hunt, Steve Sellens and Ben Casey’s seasons.
As for Cardross, Jake Zoch has gone from strength to strength to rapidly become the dominant ruckman of the competition. Shaun Cummins, Andrew Ferguson, Jason Cox and Tom Wallace continue to work hard, while Darren McCarthy has averaged four goals a game.
It will be a matter of who can keep their composure the most and maintain focus on the footy to deciding who will prevail. The Lions will be ferocious and more than capable of winning, but don’t dare to write the Saints off yet.
Lake Cullulleraine will be the setting for first versus second, as Werrimull do battle with Gol Gol.
The Magpies are flying, and showing an extreme evenness of consistency all over the ground. Ash Bates, Mark Duscher and Courtney Moore in attack, Brad Duscher, Paul Jenkins and Graham Mentiplay in the middle, and Michael Harradine, Dan Smith and Ryan Tierney in and around the backline, have all been sublime. They have every right to be flag favourites at this stage.
The Hawks have gone about things nicely in an ‘under the radar’ fashion since their Round 1 loss to Euston. Sonny Lindsay (the exception to such a description) is the premier forward of the league with 23 goals, Shaun McInerney has been terrific in showing his leadership both on and off the field, and the investments in David Gray, Tim Murphy, Tony Albert, Nick Rodi and Clint Burdett have delivered solid returns.
This game should be a great exhibition of Millewa footy for any neutral spectator keen to have a look, with both sides encompassing exquisite speed and skill. It’s too close to call, but the Magpies look slightly more gelled at this stage of the season.
Last Modified on 04/05/2012 17:42