FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT
1. We had our first draw of the competition between Rushworth and Ardmona
2. Girgarre had its first win of the season and in doing so burst the bubble of Murchison
3. Stanhope is on a roll after two wins and then a convincing win over Merrigum
4. Merrigum is likely to miss the finals like its senior footballers
5. Nagambie remains the team to catch after accounting for Tallygaroopna in the grand final replay.
GIRGARRE v RUSHWORTH
This should be a fantastic contest, with both teams bringing in plenty of confidence, especially after Girgarre chalked up its first win of the season in upstaging the previously unbeaten Murchison.
In their opening two matches, Girgarre had been competitive, going down by a narrow margin to Undera and pushing Tallygaroopna in patches.
Rushworth has some good form leading into this match having accounted for Longwood before playing a 34-all draw with Ardmona.
It is evident that both teams may not have the depth of some of the powerhouse teams, but they will give plenty of effort to ensure they make the opposition earn their wins.
The team that can limit turnovers and make the most of their centre passes will most likely claim the four points.
I am leaning towards Girgarre making two wins in a row.
NAGAMBIE v MURCHISON
Murchison coach Phil Bryant would have been extremely impressed with the effort and application of his girls in the opening three weeks.
While the wins have come against teams expected to finish middle of the road it has helped his team build some confidence and early season momentum.
He will be keen to rectify the wrongs of last weekend and ensure his team can give a good account against the reigning premier.
Nagambie won a low-scoring battle with Tallygaroopna and Abby Misti will be thrilled by what her team has dished up in the opening month of the season.
She will be warning her team against complacency because the minute you drop your guard is the minute you get beaten.
Murchison can certainly relate to that after dropping their guard against Girgarre last week.
The goal for the Grasshoppers will be to put in a four quarter shift and ensure they learn some valuable lessons moving forward.
In other matches, Stanhope should make it four wins on the trot on the road to Longwood while Lancaster will be out to back up last week’s gusty win over Violet Town when it travels down the road to Undera.
My tips: Lancaster, Stanhope, Nagambie and Girgarre.
Last Modified on 29/04/2016 13:55