THIS weekend marks the second of three byes for the 2016 Golden Rivers Football League season – one that is already panning out to be one of the closest in the past decade.
Four points separates first and third on the ladder, with three teams equal on wins at the midway point of the season.
Last season’s grand finalists, Quambatook (1-7) can still mathematically make the finals, whilst Moulamein (0-8) will be aiming to break a 28-game losing streak when competition resumes on June 18.
Battle for the top
TWO-TIME reigning GRFL premiers, Ultima (7-1) are in the box seat to claim a third consecutive minor premiership.
The ‘Roos went down to Macorna in round one, but have not dropped a game since then.
Injuries hurt the defending premiers early in the year, with the recent return of Brenton Pay giving the side flexibility across the half-back line.
However, the ‘Roos can be stopped, with fellow top side aspirants, Wandella and Murrabit, as well as Hay and Nullawil, all losing by less than 20 points during the first half of the season.
Ultima is still to play these sides for a second time, and will take on the Blues for a third occasion in 2016 in round 16.
The Bombers (6-2) have the best percentage in the competition, with the recruitment of Paul Graying, Greg Dickson and Justin Wilson putting the side into premiership contention.
Reigning best and fairest, Justin Robinson is on track to return to the field during the second half of the season, giving the Bombers another option both in the back half of the ground and in front of goal.
Wandella’s two losses this year have come against the ‘Roos and Blues, but will finish the year with games against Macorna and Quambatook.
Like the Bombers, Murrabit (6-2) has turned its fortunes around, putting together five consecutive wins following their round three loss to the ‘Roos.
The addition of Bryden and Dylan Morison has added strength to the midfield and back lines, whilst Nathan Henry is playing his best season since 2011.
Ruckman, Andrew Spitty has led the way in the absence of Josh Dwyer, who should return to the side following the July 2 bye after suffering a knee injury.
Tight squeeze
THREE sides are locked on four wins and four losses at the midway point of the season, with the coming two rounds to determine which side will be best placed to claim fourth spot come August 13.
Last season’s preliminary finalists, Hay holds a 18 per cent advantage over 2015 first semi-finalists, Nullawil, with Macorna a further 17 per cent behind in sixth place.
The Lions have continued on their form from last season, with Jackson Ferguson and ruckman, Tim Hanna – who is in line to represent Victoria Country in an under 19s match against the Victorian Amateur Football Association on July 10 – leading the charge.
The inclusion of Taylor Williamson and Ricki Waters in the forward line provides the Lions with extra scoring advantages, which the club will need in its next two matches – Nullawil (away) and Macorna (home) – sides the club will also meet in round 15 and 16.
The Maroons are also in line to keep its finals attendance record going for an eighth consecutive season, but injuries have impacted the club’s hopes.
Nullawil lost Matt Heslop for most of the season following a leg injury in round one, but the return of Andrew Oberdorfer for the past two games will help the side across the half-forward line.
Macorna faces an uphill battle to make the finals, but the return of coach, Wayne Mitrovic will help.
The Tigers were 3-0 before the Tigers utility suffered a hamstring injury, with the club dropping four of its next five games to fall from first to sixth.
Mitrovic’s return will provide extra support for Jacob McIntosh and Sam Nichols, whilst giving Matt and Brad Ladson to patrol the half-back line.
A winning focus
QUAMBATOOK (1-7) and Moulamein (0-8) will spend the next eight rounds aiming not to finish last this year.
Although last season’s grand finalists can still mathematically make the finals if they win their next eight games, a loss on June 18 against Murrabit will end the Saint’s chances of making consecutive finals.
Quambatook has the players that can produce upset results – led by captain, Gregor Knight, Luke Jackson, Dylan Pascoe, James Lloyd and Zavia McPhee – but need extra support if the side is to perform better in the second half of the season.
Moulamein is also looking to produce an upset result, with the side’s second match against the Saints occurring two years since their last victory.
The Swans have missed Brendan Blackmore in the back half of the ground during the past two weeks, but if he, as well as Ben Booth, Xavia Elford and Michael Morson, perform well, anything is possible.
