IT is not too often that the match between the eighth and ninth-placed teams in the Golden Rivers Football League would be classified as one of the matches of the round, but there will be plenty on the line when Macorna hosts Wakool tomorrow.
The Tigers have not won a game since late last year, whilst Wakool’s sole victory since returning to the competition came against Macorna back in round three.
Both sides were blown away by their opponents six days ago. Macorna could only manage two goals in a 152-point loss to Ultima, whilst the Hawks managed four goals in a 162-point defeat against Wandella.
The winner of this match will finish the season eighth on the ladder, with both teams facing tough runs home.
The Tigers are better placed to record a win, with the side registering more points for (555 to 369) and less points against (1544 to 1658) than their opponents.
Macorna also boasts a more potent line-up. If Joel Dwyer, Daniel Edwards, Jessi Lampi, Ricki Waters and coach, Michael Rowe all get the ball on numerous occasions in front of their home spectators tomorrow, the league’s current longest losing streak will end.
However, if Tyson Webb and Wakool’s midfielders can get the ball to Luke Kirkland, the Hawks will be a strong chance of repeating their 13-point victory back in round three.
PREDICTION: Macorna will jump to eighth on the ladder with a 10-point win.
Key match for Mallee rivals
Competition leaders, Ultima and finals contenders, Nullawil will clash tomorrow in a key game for the Maroons coming off a round 11 loss to Murrabit.
The defeat to the defending premiers leaves the Maroons fourth on the ladder, with percentage the only thing keeping Grant Ford’s team in the top four.
A loss tomorrow will still leave the Maroons fourth on the ladder – thanks to the Blues having the bye this weekend – but will damage the club’s hopes of potentially finishing in the top two.
As for the ‘Roos, last weekend’s 152-point win against Macorna was just what the club needed seven days after its first loss of the season.
Ryan Devereux and Luke Kelson – who is playing one of the best seasons of his career – dominated last weekend, and the pair will be high on Ford’s list of players the hosts will need to match up.
Jarrod Kemp will be best suited to go to Devereux, meaning the Maroons’ defenders will need to unite to stop Arnold Kirby, Dwayne Hamlyn and Stephen Lyons from moving forward and kicking goals.
Kal Heslop will be the key player Jack O’Rourke’s team will need to stop from scoring, with Jayden Kiel, Brenton Pay or Kelson to be asked to take on this role.
The ‘Roos won by 43 points when the teams last met in round three, with a similar margin to occur tomorrow.
PREDICTION: Ultima will win by 40 points.
Saints aim to end hoodoo
QUAMBATOOK will need to snap a four-year losing streak at Hay if it is to keep its finals hopes on track.
The sixth-placed Saints can move equal with Nullawil and Murrabit with a win tomorrow at Hay – a venue it has not won at since round six, 2013.
Refreshed after last week’s bye, Tim Free’s team go into the match knowing it can push the third-placed Lions, who defeated the Saints by seven points back in round three.
The Lions received a scare last weekend against Moulamein, fighting back to produce a 38-point win – a game which saw the league’s northernmost side win, despite key forward, Jackson Ferguson not kicking any goals.
The result of this match will be just as critical for the Lions. A win, as well as an Ultima victory at Nullawil, will open a two-win gap between third and fourth on the ladder, but Hay could drop to fourth if it loses and the Maroons defeat the ‘Roos.
Ferguson will be the player Free’s defenders – led by Luke Parker and Ash Davis – will focus on, but Simon Bunyan and Lions coach, Taylor Williamson showed last weekend they can be just as dangerous.
As for the Saints, the potential loss of William Barden – who has been cleared to play with Northern Football League side, Lower Plenty – will leave a gap in the visitors’ forward line.
It will be up to Andrew Hughes and Ethan Tibbles to fill the gap, with Jack Baker and Gregor Knight to provide valuable support in the middle of the ground.
Bombers’ advantage
A DECADE-LONG winning advantage against Moulamein, plus a strong home record against the Swans, will help Wandella stay in the top two tomorrow.
Paul Grayling’s side were too strong for Wakool last weekend, and although Moulamein will provide a tougher challenge, the Bombers are favourites to be 9-2 come 5pm tomorrow.
The Swans have not defeated Wandella since the 2008 second semi-final and have not won at the Wandella Recreation Reserve in more than 10 years – factors that will help the hosts.
Jaden McGrath played his best match since signing on for Wandella last weekend, and his presence will be something Moulamein coach, Tony Mudge will need to consider.
Tom Isma or Xavia Elford may tag the former Brisbane player, but this will free up the likes of Isaac Hogan and Dillan Treacy in the midfield for the hosts.
However, the Bombers boast too many scoring options for the visitors to contain. Grayling – who kicked seven goals last weekend – and Sam Sperling will look to build on Wandella’s 51-point win when the sides last met in round three, with Ben Booth a potential match-up for Sperling.
PREDICTION: Wandella will win by 60 points.
