Round twelve completed and finals are on the near horizon. Clubs starting to tune up.
At Bomber HQ, the two clubs challenging for the double chance settled with the ‘Dogs all but sewing up that coveted position with a 27 point win. Only a two goal margin at half time to Centrals after the early pace set by Wirrulla. Again the third quarter proved the problem for the Bombers, not scoring a goal, Centrals booting away with five, in what amounted to the difference in the game. Jake Bruce appears to have put his injury problems well in the past, outstanding setting up scoring plays all day, Jared Sampson at his classy best which is important given the Centrals upcoming premiership tilt, Jake Sampson also in the middle and Clint Winter, elusive and creative.
Wirrulla well served again by Jarden Stoetzer, great contested ball winner and leader, Adam Braendler with plenty of possession, always takes holding. Hopefully his ankle issues are past him also. Yanni Kozminski in the ruck and marking ability, Evan Whillas and Dean Vickery in the best. Truman Hoffrichter four goals lead the scoring for the day.
The Bombers are on the road next week, visiting the Magpies, They will be looking for a quick return to the winners circle here but often find the Maggies to be very stern opposition. Wudinna United should welcome several players back, Williams brothers, Klante and possibly Waters. Wirrulla now starting to get some consistency with playing personnel on the oval and will start favourites.
The battle of the birds at Wudinna saw plenty of feathers flying, but they were all black and white as the Hawks plucked the Magpies by 106 points. The Hawks have covered missing players particularly well, wonderful depth of players at the club, while the Magpies have found those missing much harder to replace. Speed and skill always the hallmark of the Hawks, and this was on full display. Jake Mc Evoy an excellent day out, Joe Danis in the ruck, Cameron Montgomerie in everything, Dillon Montgomerie a high possession winner and just doesn’t miss targets. Wudinna United best included Brayden Chambers, enjoying a good second half to the year, Remi North around the centre line, Ian Jericho, Sam Buckham and Harry Petty, all part of an improving young brigade at the Magpie nest.
Hawks continue their tour of the Eyre Peninsula next week, visiting the lovely coastal retreat of Elliston. Sadly they are not there to soak up the surf and lifestyle, their minds will be very much on tuning up for finals action. With the Elliston side down several keys players, this may be a hard encounter for them, Rooster coach Chad Fleming will need some creativity to kerb the surging Hawk machine.
The Roosters trip to Minnipa saw a confident but inaccurate Tiger outfit keep their mathematical finals chance alive. Elliston battled on bravely with a young developing side, but Western Districts showed some of the glimpses of ball movement and class that promised so much at season start. Almost two behinds for every goal however, 16.28, quite a spray! Lachlan Mc Innis fantastic after a big week of Under 17 football for Norwood at the State Championships. Four goals, great ball handling and disposal. Charlie Williams, fast and brave, taking several hard knocks but riding them all, Jordan Richards, Angus Gunn, Shannon Horgan and Kade Gill all in the action.
Good players for the Roosters included Matt Bascomb, starting in the backlines but going into the middle winning hard balls and setting up sorties forward, Tom Beaty strong hands and creative, Jay Williams, a hard worker and doesn’t give up. Great skills and used all his guile to set the Roosters away, time after time. Adam Green prolific, mainly across half back and Tyson Tree in the ruck.
Tigers have the tough assignment of Central Eyre at Kyancutta next week. Quite a Bulldog fortress and anything but a win will see the Tigers flickering finals flame completely doused! The Bulldogs are building, players are fitter than this time last year and they need to keep their momentum going. Tigers did win this round three game last season, but that was then, hard to see the ‘Dogs dropping this one given their hopes and expectations of 2015.
Three rounds to go before finals, not long now!
Last Modified on 19/07/2015 22:40