THERE will be more than just the four points on offer tomorrow when Golden Rivers Football League rivals, Wandella and Murrabit meet.
The minor premiership and a second semi-final spot will be on the line for both sides, who face at least one more game against a fellow top four side before the end of the home and away season.
Tomorrow’s hosts will aim to arrest a two-match losing streak that has seen the chances of claiming the minor premiership slip, whilst the Blues hold top spot and can increase its margin if they win and Hay defeats Ultima.
Murrabit has bounced back since its round 10 loss to Ultima, defeating Moulamein by 47 points in round 11, then recording an 11-point win against Macorna last weekend.
The win came without the impact of coach, Nathan Henry, who was held goalless in the low-scoring affair.
It has been a different story for the Bombers, who have lost to Macorna and Hay since the start of the month, with the losing margin being 16 points on both occasions.
The Bombers missed Brodey and Nick Farley, as well as Daniel Baker and Justin Wilson in last weekend’s loss, with the quartet to be available tomorrow.
“Murrabit is the only side we have not beaten so far this season, so we want to go out there tomorrow and make amends,” Wandella coach, Paul Grayling said.
“We were outplayed when we met the Blues back in round six (when the Bombers lost by 48 points), so we will look to take control of the match and play it on our terms.”
The return of Baker and Wilson will boost the Bombers’ midfield, who will battle with Bryden Morison and Simon Morton for the ball.
Brodey and Nick Farley will link up in the back third of the ground with Ryan Lancaster and Tim Robinson to shut down Brett McCombe and Henry.
It will be a similar story in the Bombers’ forward 50, with Dylan Morison and Simon Ettershank needing to stop Blake Anderson and Grayling from dominating.
If the pair can kick multiple goals, the Bombers will be level with the Blues going into the final three weeks of the season.
“We will need to stop Wandella’s firepower up forward and through the midfield to win,” Henry said.
“Grayling may match up on Dylan Morison, who both played at Pyramid HIll. Greg Dickson may find Adam Bujdoso running alongside him, whilst Wilson will need attention at stoppages also.”
However, this match will be won in the ruck, with Ricky Cathie, Brodey Farley and Dylan McGrath having to contend with Andrew Spitty and potentially Josh Dwyer, who has played in the Blues’ past two reserves games after returning from a knee injury.
PREDICTION: Wandella’s midfield depth will help the side record a 12-point win.
Lions, Roos in key clash
ULTIMA’S trip to Hay tomorrow will have serious ramifications on the top five with three rounds of the season remaining.
Sitting second on the ladder with nine wins, the ‘Roos can move one victory clear on top of the ladder tomorrow with a win on the road and if Murrabit loses to Wandella.
This scenario would also impact Hay’s finals hopes, especially if Nullawil defeats Macorna, which would leave the Lions two wins outside the top four.
However, if the Lions win and the Maroons lose, last season’s semi-finalists will be equal on 32 points, with the ‘Roos one win off top spot on the ladder if the Blues defeat the Bombers.
Hay will go into the match with confidence, despite going down to Ultima by 12 points back in round six.
Lions coach, Simon Bunyan did not play back when the sides met in May, and his side has won every match since his return.
The defender, who can play in the middle of the ground, will go to Ryan Devereux, whilst Jackson Ferguson will patrol the half-back line for the hosts.
The battle between Michael Dedini (Hay) and Jacob Schaper (Ultima) will be a highlight, whilst Luke Kelson will need to stop Taylor Williamson from dominating in the home team’s forward line.
Travel will be a key factor to this match, with the Lions holding a 5-1 record at home this season.
PREDICTION: Hay will keep in touch with the top four thanks to a 12-point win.
Crunch time for Tigers
FINALS time has come for Macorna three weeks earlier than planned.
The former competition leaders, who are two wins outside the top four, must defeat Nullawil tomorrow to keep its slim finals hopes alive.
Last weekend’s 11-point loss to Murrabit, as well as the Maroons’ 155-point win against Moulamein, means that results must fall Macorna’s way if the side is to make the finals for the first time since 2012.
Boosted by the recent return of coach, Wayne Mitrovic, Macorna will be a chance at home to inflict a fifth loss on the Maroons, who should get full forward, Kal Heslop back for tomorrow’s match.
Mitrovic will try to shut down Nullawil centre half-forward, Andrew Oberdorfer, with Sam Nichols to go to Heslop.
The midfield battle between the home side’s Matt and Brad Ladson and Nullawil’s duo of Daniel Watts and Scott Mathiske will be critical to the result, whilst Jarrod Kemp’s return will help the visitors try to stop Brett Collins in front of goal.
Nullawil won by 25 points when these sides met in round six. A closer result will occur tomorrow.
PREDICTION: Nullawil will end Macorna’s finals hopes with a six-point win.
Swans’ run to end?
MOULAMEIN’S best chance to snap its 32-game losing streak will be tomorrow against Quambatook.
The Swans have shown signs it can challenge the competition’s top teams, but went backwards last weekend with a 155-point loss to Nullawil.
It has also been a season to forget for the Saints, who have won one match since making last year’s grand final.
Riddled by injuries and player departures, Steve Reeves’ men have shown during the past two weeks they can compete, but will need to do so across four quarters tomorrow.
Both sides boast midfields that can control proceedings when needed. The Swans rely on Xavia Elford and Austin Mertz, whilst captain, Gregor Knight, Luke Jackson and Dylan Pascoe lead the way for Quambatook.
Brendan Blackmore, Ben Booth and Michael Morson are capable of booting multiple goals for tomorrow’s hosts, with Ricky Jochinke and Zavia McPhee stepping up in the absence of James Lloyd.
However, it is the defensive options of both sides that will be the difference in this match.
Ash Davis and Luke Parker will be able to shut down Booth and Patrick Caldwell in the Swans’ forward line, whilst Blackmore may need to go to the back line if Jochinke begins to dominate.
Poor kicking cost Moulamein when these sides met in round six, with Quambatook holding on for a 13-point win. A similar result is on the cards tomorrow.
PREDICTION: Quambatook will hold on for a 12-point win.
