MORE THAN JUST FOUR POINTS
By Louie Bulzomi
Two sides that have been a tad underwhelming this season, Euston and Cardross, will collide at Bomberland in what could be the match that decides fourth place, even with six rounds still to go.
The Bombers were premiership contenders back in Round 4 when they sat second on 3-1. Since then they’ve nosedived; losing four in a row, scraping in against Nangiloc, and losing Josh Healy through suspension for one week. But there’s good news – they’ve finally snapped their travel hoodoo; players like Daniel Curran, Tom Healy, Peter Marciano and Chris Moore have embraced greater responsibility; and a win today gives them a two-game break in fourth.
The Lions showed good signs against Bambill but went down in similar fashion to their Round 4 encounter. Losses like these may prove costly come seasons’ end, so they can’t afford to let this slip. They will be buoyed by the recent form shown by Eamon Higgins, Mitch Bateman and Evan Pitt, which hopefully will allow consistent performers Andrew Ferguson, Tom Wallace and Jayden Boehm greater freedom.
Cardross did it easily last time they met, but Euston are a vastly different side at home and will take some beating this time.
Another important ladder-shaping contest is the battle for second at Carramar Drive – Gol Gol vs Bambill.
When these two met in Round 5 at the same venue, the Hawks had all the answers and won comfortably to kick-start a four-game winning streak. However, they were found out against Werrimull last week from midway through the second quarter, beaten comprehensively in the ruck duels and clearances. Expect the likes of Darren Brown, Dion Collins, Clint Burdett and Corey Walsh to prevent a repeat of such a disappointing performance.
The Saints currently enjoy a four-game winning streak of their own, which includes the sole loss inflicted on the Magpies. While David Hall, Michael Hickey and Luke Stanbrook only kicked five goals between them last week against Cardross, they still presented well and allowed others like Andrew Gibson and Damon Marr to impact the scoreboard. This adds further fuel to a continuously growing fire that represents their premiership defence chances.
Gol Gol shouldn’t fade away for a second week running, but the Bambill they face this time will be far superior to the Round 5 version.
Once again, Werrimull and Nangiloc find themselves in a first vs last clash – the setting on this occasion, Lake Cullulleraine.
The Magpies emphatically sent a statement to any doubters last week with their near 100-point turnaround in a little over a half against Gol Gol, and as such they rightfully belong in the premiership favourite’s seat. They are extremely difficult to defend against – Mark Duscher and Adam Thomson have been their major goalkickers, but players like Ash Bates, Courtney Moore, Jay Savage and Jamie Keenan have proven that they shouldn’t be forgotten about around goal.
It was so close yet so far for the Demons against Euston, but there were many positives, including David Keens’ continued forward dominance and the performances of Scott Golding and Troy Francis. The successful returns of Sam Lee and Brad Johnson over the past month hopefully will be a sign that the injury crisis that has severely crippled the club is bettering.
It was one-way traffic in Werrimull’s direction last time, and all signs point to a similar result despite Nangiloc’s improved showings in recent weeks.
Last Modified on 29/06/2012 13:56