WOORINEN will go into Sunday’s Central Murray Football Netball League first semi-final with a strong chance of knocking out local rivals, Nyah-Nyah West United in straight sets.
The Tigers progressed to the second week of the finals thanks to a 65-point win against Tooleybuc/Manangatang last Sunday, whilst the Demons’ 32-point qualifying final loss to Koondrook/Barham was the club’s fourth defeat in its past seven matches.
Woorinen has won six games and ecorded draws against the Saints and Kerang, since round 11, and have good form at Riverside Park, thanks to a win at the venue in 2014 and a draw two weeks ago.
It is a different story for the Demons, with three of its past four losses coming against sides still in the hunt for the premiership – including the Tigers.
Woorinen lost to Nyah-Nyah West United by 22 points when the teams met in round three, but won by 23 points in a low-scoring affair in round 14.
It is no coincidence that the Demons’ form slump coincided with the loss of Adam Sambono, who had kicked 43 goals in his nine appearances for the club.
Sambono’s absence means extra pressure is being placed on the likes of Matthew Campbell, Alex Erlandson and Darryl White to get the ball and kick goals.
This will be difficult against a back line featuring Joel Donnan and Kyle Steicke, who can add pressure when needed.
If the match becomes a shootout similar to last Sunday’s elimination final, the Tigers’ forward line will be too strong, thanks to the various options the club boasts.
Doug Beams, Jason Iannucci and Doug Palmer have all stood up in front of goal at different times this season, meaning Bradley Stokes and Calen Dobbin will need to lead the way in defence.
The ruck duel between the Demons’ Ross Rohde and Woorinen’s Arnold Kirby will be a key match-up, with the midfield battle between Tigers utility, Aaron Cadd and Nyah-Nyah West United’s Corey Daniel just as pivotal.
PREDICTION: Woorinen will progress to the preliminary final with a 30-point win.
