WHICH BIRD WILL FLY HIGHEST?
By Louie Bulzomi
There’s nothing like a top of the table clash deep into a season, and the upcoming bird battle between the Magpies of Werrimull (first) and the Hawks of Gol Gol (second) at Carramar Drive promises to live up to all expectations of a feather-flying beauty.
There are mouth-watering matchups wherever you look on the field. Sonny Lindsey and Nick Rodi will be occupied by a stern Magpie defence led by Michael Harradine and Dan Smith. John Thompson and Corey Walsh lead the cast of Hawk defenders responsible for limiting the impacts of Mark Duscher and Adam Thomson. Darren Brown, David Gray and Clint Burdett will aim to be more effective with the footy than Brad Duscher, Paul Jenkins and Graeme Mentiplay.
These sides possess the two best attacks in the competition, so whoever gets the better of the clearances and hitouts to advantage should hit the scoreboard prolifically.
Werrimull took the points last time with a handful of key players out and should field a stronger team this time, but Gol Gol has not lost since then and the home ground advantage should tip the scales in their favour (barely).
Reigning premiers Bambill take on Cardross at Mildura Senior College in a battle which effectively is worth eight points given how each side is currently positioned.
The Saints certainly have their mojo back with three wins in a row, but need to keep the ball rolling to remain in the hunt for the double chance. As for the Lions, a loss could very well see them tumble out of the four by round’s end, so they desperately need this big scalp.
The matchup of the day looms to be that of Ryan McClelland versus Jake Zoch in the ruck. Both have been dominating their opposition this season, so it will be interesting to see who can get the upper hand and give their team that vital ‘extra midfielder’ edge. Elsewhere, Cardross’s defence will be severely tested against a Bambill forward line featuring Michael Hickey, Luke Stanbrook and David Hall, so expect to see the likes of Andrew Ferguson and Michael Laird getting back to help out Cameron Berry and co.
The Lions aren’t without a chance, but the Saints are beginning to hit optimum form and should be too strong.
Nangiloc are running out of opportunities to open their account, but their greatest opportunity arrives when they host the out-of-sorts Euston.
The Demons can’t take a trick with injuries and availability of fit players. Last week – again – they ended the game without an interchange bench. This is certainly taking its toll on key players like Cameron Peters, Ben Crosbie, Scott Golding, Cameron Cox and Ben Mansell, who have been sublime all season but have not had the luxury of regular spells like other sides’ stars.
The Bombers are experiencing a season similar to Carlton’s – huge expectations set, a great start, but a terrible past month and a half. Oddly enough, a big win could see them back in fourth spot, so expect plenty of effort. Hopefully Phil Connell and Bryce Denaro can return to the line-up, but should they not take their places, look for Zane Hammet, Cameron Browne, Peter Marciano and Harlan Pettit to assume greater responsibilities. Also, Ian Mennie is overdue for a seven-plus goal game.
It should be an enthralling battle, but the do-or-die scenario should just prove enough incentive for Euston to get over the line.
Last Modified on 23/06/2012 11:00