Lancefield v Sunbury Kangaroos
at Lancefield Park
Last round
Lancefield - The Tigers gave Riddell a really good push in their last hit-out at Riddells Creek Reserve. They played two great quarters of football, in the first and last where they kicked seven of their eight goals. The Bombers were able to kick away in the middle terms without the Tigers putting on any serious scoreboard pressure. This has been a weakness for them this year where the opposition have been able to get a run on, especially against Broadford and Melton Centrals. The Bombers were able to win by 59 points.
Sunbury Kangaroos - The Roos were pushed all the way against the strong Melton Centrals outfit. They were able to sneak over the line to win by 18 points and held the Centrals goalless in the final term. It was a gutsy team performance from the Roos. They welcomed back Phil Kaufman into the team and he stepped up with four goals while skipper Jake Powell was at his brilliant best.
THIS WEEK
There is no underestimating how much the Tigers have improved this year. They built a great level of improvement last year and the Roos hit them like a hurricane to send them crashing to the wooden spoon position and en route to the premiership. Lancefield need John Baker to play in front and they need to man up inside the forward line and hopefully drag any loose men in the backline, further up the ground. They have a good midfield that will compete with the Sunbury Kangaroos, but it won't be good enough to take the four points. The reigning premiers have too many strengths and several of them are in red hot form after a successful interleague campaign. The visitors should win this one.
Rockbank v Broadford
at Ian Cowie Reserve
Last round
Rockbank - The Rams came so close to knocking off Wallan and registering their first win of the season. They ran hard, backed themselves and applied great defensive pressure. They welcomed former Essendon Rookie Anthony Long into the team and while he carried an ankle injury, he was able to help out the midfield in winning centre clearances and keeping the forwards active. Armistead and Stevens were vital up forward as they held a slender three quarter time lead but they couldn't go on with the job. Jamie Zerafa was a welcome influence on the game.
Broadford - The Roos, with Barry Hall in the team, were blown off the park by Rupertswood in the most impressive first quarter of the season. The Roos trailed by more than seven goals at the first change and could not recover. Barry Hall kicked eight of the best while Walls and Fletcher were solid contributors.
THIS WEEK
The Rams are in for a serious chance to win their first game of the season. They will head into this game as favourites despite not winning a game all season. With the experience of Zerafa and Long in the midfield, Stevens and Niki consistently kicking goals up forward, there is just a little bit of extra spark about Rockbank this season. Broadford will be hoping to do all that they can to get some quality cattle on the park and take away the victory. The test is up to them after having their sights set on having a big year at the start of the season. Rockbank will have too much strength in this clash.
Diggers Rest v Melton Centrals
at Diggers Rest Reserve
Last round
Diggers Rest - The Burras were ruthless in the opening term of their eight goal win over Macedon. They kicked seven goals to nil and controlled the tempo of the game brilliantly. Their level of fitness and ability to push players back in defense and run hard through the middle is a treat to watch. Craig Harvey was a clear stand-out with his run along the wing and at half forward. Jeff Heritage was a busy worker and set up lots of the play. Brent Tuckey kicked five of the best and looked in fine touch.
Melton Centrals - It is now time for the Centrals to step up and deliver. They pushed the reigning premiers all the way in their last match and will hope to do the same against the Burras. They pushed hard for 2.5 quarters against the Roos, leading for a big portion of the game before falling away at the crucial stages. Fenton stepped up with three goals, Josh Armstrong and Jared Scott teamed up with two goals each and John Tobin was solid down back.
THIS WEEK
With the red-hot Nathan Richardson in top form for the RDFNL in the Interleague clash with Kyabram, a strong forward line and a competitive backline, this is a very winnable game for the Centrals. Brian Wheelahan and the other 22 stars need to have great belief that they can win games like this. Diggers Rest are a class of their own and run the ball beautifully. Expect plenty of sore bodies in this clash as both teams possess such skilled and hard hitting players. Diggers Rest should do enough to get over the line but don't be surprised if the Centrals sneak over the line.
Kilmore v Riddell
at JJ Clancy Reserve
Last round
Kilmore - The Blues found the going tough against Romsey at Romsey Park. They kicked one point after half time as the Redbacks kicked 14.7 (91) in the second half to run out convincing winners. Alex Desmond, Adam Goudge and Tom Snaith showed great signs of promise against a faster opposition. The trio more than held their own. Desmond showed great signs of brilliance at half forward during the Interleague clash and he'll take that in his stride in this big game.
Riddell - The Bombers were forced to work hard in their win over Lancefield. They dominated the middle terms with seven goals to one and that was enough to get them ahead towards a 59 point win. Daniel Sahlberg was a great force across half back, Ethan Foreman gathered some great touches on the wing, Matt Sammut dominated in the midfield and Matt Darby showed great contested marking abilities during the Interleague win over Kyabram. This quartet played well against the Tigers. Silvester also stepped up with six goals.
THIS WEEK
The two have shared a great history in the past in these big games. The scene has changed now unfortunately and the Bombers will look to work hard and get a big win under the belt before taking on Rupertswood next week. Kilmore's experienced players will work hard and the contest between Rob Peckham and Riddell's Jim Nolan will be of great interest. The Bombers have too much skill and ability and should win well. Hopefully the Blues can mount a consistent four quarter challenge.
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Woodend/Hesket v Wallan
at Gilbert Gordon Oval
Last round
Woodend/Hesket - It has been three weeks between matches for the Hawks. They succumbed to the Redbacks at home after suffering a Matt Davidson onslaught. He kicked nine goals in the big win and the Hawks could not stop him. They were only abel to kick one goal in the second half compared to Romsey's 11. Geordie Taylor and Tim Jones were great stand-outs in that clash. Luke Macklin kicked two goals up forward for the young Woodend/Hesket outfit. Alex Shipard was a vital cog in the Interleague win over Kyabram. He played daring football and showcased great run from the backline.
Wallan - The Pies held on to a strong win over Rockbank two weeks ago. They led for most of the first half after the Rams challenged them in a very entertaining contest. They virtually went goal-for-goal. Ben Schraven kicked three goals and Todd Muldoon was a big stand-out. It was a great competitive game, but unfortunately for the Pies, they couldn't get away as easily as they wanted to.
THIS WEEK
This match can go either way. Wallan's form has not been impressive and the Hawks sit in a similar position. While they've yet to win a game this year, Woodend/Hesket may feel confident with younger players showcasing such positive run. Expect Wallan to have that little bit of extra experience to get them over the line. Hawk ruckman Justin Rodda will hope to celebrate his 30th birthday in style with a big performance and prevent the Pies from spoiling the party.
Rupertswood v Romsey
at Rupertswood Oval
Last round
Rupertswood - The new boys on the block celebrated a famous win over Broadford. It was the Brennan and Hall show. Ben Brennan kicked eight goals at one end and Barry Hall did likewise at the other as Ruperswood led by 46 points at quarter time. Many tipped the Roos to get the job done but they didn't try telling the Brennan boys who shared 13 goals and beat Broadford on their own in a big 73 point win. Mitch Gaunt and Todd Podolczak performed well in spurts in the Interleague win.
Romsey - The Redbacks celebrated a big 128 point over Kilmore at home two weeks ago. Grey skies covered the ground but not their spirits as they stormed away with 14 goals to nil in the second half. Matt Davidson kicked six, Cam Streeter was sensational and Under 18.5s captain Ricky Wood was exceptional. Brad Mitchell played well in the midfield and Cam Dawson was a star up forward in the Interleague win.
THIS WEEK
This is the match of the round between two great sides. Rupertswood will be tested against some of the strongest opposition they have faced this year. Expect great goals, great run and great defense from both sides. They are quite evenly matched. Romsey have several more experienced players in the midfield who direct traffic well by hand in the form of Mitchell and Shannon Green. Matt Davidson will need to be stopped at one end while Leigh Brennan is very dangerous at the other end. This shapes as being a great game. Romsey may just get the job done.
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Last Modified on 31/05/2013 15:34