LEITCHVILLE/GUNBOWER will need to be cautious of a Heathcote side that has lost its past five games if it is to all but secure a Heathcote District Football Netball League qualifying final spot.
The second-placed Bombers hold a two-win advantage over third-placed Colbinabbin, and with the Grasshoppers taking on fourth-placed Huntly tomorrow, the two-time grand finalists could have a top-three finish secured.
This match will also be the Bombers’ second last game of the season against a bottom-four side, with a big three weeks of matches to come against the fourth-placed Hawks, two-time defending premiers, North Bendigo and fifth-placed White Hills.
A 13-goal final term helped the Bombers record a 170-point win against Elmore last weekend, whilst the Saints lost to Colbinabbin by 47 points.
Tomorrow’s visitors have not won since round seven, and have not defeated the Bombers since 2013.
The Bombers won by 69 points when the teams last met in round five, with Ayden Walton, Matt Perri and Jackson McEwen leading the way.
These three players could be just as pivotal tomorrow, especially Perri – who was restricted to four goals in last weekend’s win against the Bloods.
Dillon Hardy or Thomas Burke will go to Perri, with Jordan Cavallaro and his fellow Saints forwards to struggle to get the ball against Ryan Prendergast and Hoby Bussey.
Dylan McCutcheon will be the Saints’ leader in the midfield, but is set to be dominated by the likes of Matt Ladson and McEwen, whilst Lee Pollock will give the hosts first use of the ball in his ruck battle with Carl Obst.
PREDICTION: Leitchville/Gunbower will win by 80 points.
OTHER HDFNL MATCHES: Colbinabbin v Huntly; Lockington Bamawm United v North Bendigo; Mount Pleasant v Elmore. Bye – White Hills.
