LEITCHVILLE/GUNBOWER will look to potentially open a three-win gap between themselves and fellow Heathcote District Football Netball League top-two challenger, Colbinabbin tomorrow.
The Bombers go into the match with a shorter break than usual, thanks to Sunday’s 129-point win against Lockington Bamawm United.
Matt Hawken’s side showed in the opening half at Lockington what can happen to sides that enable the likes of Matt Ladson, Jack Dye and Matt Perri to control proceedings.
This will be something that Grasshoppers coach, Nick Knight will be mindful of – evident by the 48-point win the Bombers chalked up when the teams met at Leitchville back in round one.
The hosts go into the game refreshed after having the bye last weekend, which could give a number of key players an advantage in the final term.
Knight will look to Sam Vale to control play in the middle of the ground, with his battle with either Ladson or Daniel Couwenberg to be a highlight of the match.
Seth Hill looms as the best option to stop Perri, who has kicked 52 goals so far this season, with Pat O’Brien to be a potential match-up for Jack Dye.
Damian Carmody and Knight will lead the Grasshoppers’ hopes in front of goal, with Daniel Meroli and Hoby Bussey – who played a rare role in the forward half of the ground last Sunday – to unite with Ryan Prendergast to prevent the hosts from scoring.
The outcome of this match will be critical to the finals hopes of both sides, especially Colbinabbin, who are locked in a three-way battle with White Hills and Huntly for the double chance.
PREDICTION: Leitchville/Gunbower will win its fifth consecutive match at M.J. Morgan Reserve, thanks to a 30-point victory.
