LEITCHVILLE/GUNBOWER coach, Matt Hawken could make at as many as six changes to the side that produced a 124-point win against Mount Pleasant last weekend.
The Bombers face Elmore tomorrow at Leitchville, with Mitch Bruns, Daniel Coates, Blake Dye, Tim Lincoln, Steve Pretty and Ayden Walton all fighting to be fit following the win at Toolleen six days ago.
Despite the potential changes, the undefeated hosts go into the game against the Bloods as strong favourites thanks to an eight-match winning streak that stretches back to the 2013 season.
Elmore currently sit fifth on the ladder, and will remain there if results go as expected.
The Bombers will move to second on the ladder with a win, with competition leaders, North Bendigo and White Hills, to meet in the match of the round.
The key to this match will be how the Bloods can stop Matt Perri from dominating in front of Leitchville/Gunbower’s goal.
The Bombers forward has kicked 15 goals in his opening two games of the season, with Elmore coach, Danny Brewster to give Nick Page the role of stopping the playmaker.
Hawken will rely on Daniel Couwenberg and Matt Ladson to control proceedings in the middle of the ground, with Casey Demons-listed player, Dylan Gordon a potential key out for the visitors with his commitments to the VFL side.
If Gordon is relieved of his duties for the Demons and makes his way to Leitchville, his presence will give the Bloods a chance of causing an upset. If he is selected for the Melbourne-aligned side, the Bombers’ favouritism will grow.
Meanwhile, Ryan Prendergast or Hoby Bussey will be given the role of stopping Brewster in front of goal for the visitors.
The Bombers won by 100 points when the teams met in round nine last year, with the two-time grand finalists producing a 164-point win when the teams last met in round 18, 2016.
PREDICTION: Leitchville/Gunbower will win by 60 points.
