In a round where the top three played the bottom three, no surprise winners, but the ‘Districts boys certainly came to play against the favoured Bulldogs, in the game to the very end,
Kyancutta hosted the match of the round, with the ‘Dogs carving out a 16 point win, well earned as they were pushed all day by a determined Tigers outfit. Western Districts led by 10 points at the half, but were not able to hold back the fast finishing Centrals. The match was excellent standard, particularly given the wind and occasional showers made conditions tough. “The ball moved quickly from end to end as both sides counter attacked. Good players easy to find for both sides, no passengers which is a good sign as the season heads to finals. Central well served by Jake Sampson, on the ball and hard running. Sets up from the centre contests and works even harder when the opposition has the ball. Kane Sampson dominant at full back initially, then a move forward just like the old days, very influential, particularly when the match was in the balance. Jake Bruce another classy performance, mainly on the wing, Martin Grocke, even a goal this week when forward, but his work around contests was great. Wade O Brien played back and pull down some great marks, marshalling the troops from the position (half back) that made him famous. Clint Winter, Keenan Bury and Tyler Chapman all had good matches.
The Tigers will be pleased with their performance against good opposition, once again just falling short. None better than Scotty Feltus in the middle, his work rate and hard ball winning ability is inspirational, Brodie Falciani, five goals is a big return, but equally as good was his around the ground work, strong and determined with great hands and wonderful kicking skills. Lachie Mc Innis won plenty of the ball and covered many kilometres, Kade Gill was great in the ruck all day, Joseph Williams across half back turned back many “ Dogs attacks, Charlie Williams ran hard and long, his leg speed is something to watch.
Centrals head to StreakyBay next week, a match up with the undefeated Hawks at the ‘Bay, venue of the 2015 Grand Final. In terms of ladder position, not much will change on the result, these two will play in the second semi final, but the psychological advantage that can be gained here is huge. Centrals nearly won this encounter in round one, but unravelled in round two. The ‘Dogs like this ground, they can use their big marking men to best advantage, but must quell that awesome Hawk run and carry. Hawks will look to regain Dylan Kelsh but wont have Aiden Whitford this time around. Centrals will regain Ty Mc Kenna. Always the measure to come up against the Hawks, and they will start favourites, but it has been a long time since Centrals haven’t beaten the Hawks in the minor round, so they will be quietly confident!.
On the Hawks, they cruised to an expected win against the Roosters at Elliston, windy type day, but getting the job done. Elliston with the Hawks at quarter time but from then on the West Coast lads eased away, just too many guns! Leading the way was Nick Schumann, spending time forward and kicking six goals, Nick has had a productive year and is another who accrues big possessions over the day. Jake Mc Evoy continues his great form, either as a runner, but also as a key Centre Half Forward, a great target. Toby Hollitt back in the line up, quick by hand and foot, Corey Cabot, dangerous up forward and booting six. Aiden Whitford a handy bag of five. Elliston played on bravely against the ladder leaders, Jack Carter reads the play well and leads the backline, many years of good football and still playing well when available, Matt Bascomb, having a good year and enjoying the freedom of runs on the ball, Adam Green across half back or on the ball, classy, Tyson Tree in the ruck, and Jay Williams in the action again.
Elliston host Wudinna United next week. Two sides that have struggled over the past few weeks but will provide an entertaining encounter. The Maggies are a young side building and have dealt with significant injuries and illness recently. Elliston are down on a few numbers since 30 June but love the home deck and it is never easy to visit here. The Maggies have a finals berth sewn up, so must look to gather momentum now if they are to challenge past week one. For that reason they will start favourites here, Elliston wont make anything easy though!
The Bombers flew home from Wudinna with the premiership points, but more importantly a polished performance given there finals aspirations in the weeks to come. Hundred point win, but probably more significant is that it was a four quarter effort, something that coach Kessell will have been calling for. Good players abounded for the Bombers, Jarden Stoetzer, either at centre half forward or on the ball, his strength and football sense is outstanding, Adam Braendler hard run, maybe still troubled by an ankle but doesn’t show it much, elusive and damaging all day, Yanni Kozminski, rucking or key position player, having a big year and will be called upon in the finals to lead the way. Jason Henderson, wither in the centre or across half back, wins hard balls and always valuable, Simon Webb, ever reliable and team leader, Robbie Marshall with six goals, quite a bag and he is making a habit of it, speaking of goal habits, Shannon Haynes chipped in with five and taking himself back to the top of the League leading goal kicker list. Good effort particularly that he also spends time down the ground.
The Magpies well served by Matt Greatbatch, against his old side and not the first time he has lifted himself to best player against them, He just loves the tough hard ball and take many knocks along the way without complaint. Scott Williams blistering leg speed and penetrating left foot, Stefan Wilkins won plenty of the ball and work hard, Brayden Chambers hard run, Sam Buckham, Harry Petty and Neil Seaman all working hard. Darryl Marshall another good game and plenty of opportunities for him playing at full back.
Bombers cruise back to Poochera next week, having a date with the Tigers. When these two meet, just throw the form book out of the window, as they just match up well against each other, close matches are very much the norm! Tigers playing for pride, Bombers playing to tune up for a finals tilt and need to play well here and now, exactly like this week. Big spaces at Poochera, plenty of room for the runners, and Western Districts will know that the running game has found the Bombers wanting a few time this year. This time around however there is just too much at stake for Wirrulla, they must win and win well to build confidence for hard matches to come. Beware the Tigers, very good this week and they will give themselves every chance on their home deck
Round results are here in summary or check out the fixture/ results section above
Last Modified on 26/07/2015 23:35