LEITCHVILLE/GUNBOWER will look to record a fifth consecutive win of the Heathcote District Football Netball League season tomorrow when the Bombers host Huntly.
Last weekend’s AFL Victoria Community Championship break came at the ideal time for Matt Hawken’s side, with injuries impacting the team during the past month.
Despite the loss of the likes of Mitch Bruns, Daniel Coates and Michael Pilcher in the past few weeks, last season’s grand finalists have recorded convincing wins against teams that may not challenge for a finals spot.
Huntly has faced a different situation, with last season’s preliminary finalists fifth on the ladder after losing to North Bendigo and White Hills in the club’s first two matches of the season.
The Hawks’ six-point win against Colbinabbin 13 days ago showed the competition the side is still a threat, with a number of key match-ups needing to go the visitors’ way tomorrow if a victory is to occur.
The ruck duel between former Koondrook/Barham player, Rhett Sutton and the Bombers’ Lee Pollock will be a highlight, with the match-up between Ryan Semmel and Matt Ladson just as prolific.
If Semmel is shut down, Jayden Cowling will become the Hawks’ key midfield option, with Daniel Couwenberg to have other ideas.
Steve Kairn faces a challenging day trying to stop Matt Perri from dominating for the hosts, whilst Chris Gleeson will be the Hawks’ main goalkicking option.
Although Huntly may have a number of key players, Leitchville/Gunbower’s durability across the ground will be an advantage – especially if the scores are close in the final quarter.
The Bombers have won their past five matches against Huntly, with the last meeting resulting in a 58-point Leitchville/Gunbower second semi-final win in 2016.
PREDICTION: Leitchville/Gunbower will win by 30 points.
