A KEY three weeks of matches for two-time Heathcote District Football Netball League grand finalists, Leitchville/Gunbower begins tomorrow at Huntly.
The round 15 clash against the Hawks is one of the matches of the round, with competitions leaders, North Bendigo and third-placed Colbinabbin also battling each other tomorrow.
The Bombers have all but secured a qualifying final spot on August 20, but can show the competition it is one of the teams to challenge for the premiership with a win at Strauch Reserve.
Matt Hawken’s team have been in dominant form during the past three weeks, amassing more than 200 points in wins against Mount Pleasant, Elmore and Heathcote.
The Hawks will be a tougher challenge than the Bombers’ past three opponents, with the side falling five points short of defeating the Grasshoppers last weekend.
Steve Kairn will have the toughest job of the day trying to stop the league’s leading forward, Matt Perri from dominating.
Perri has kicked 29 in his past three matches – including 13 in last weekend’s 175-point win against the Saints – and having already surpassed his personal best season total, will look to gain closer to 100 goals this year.
If Kairn shuts Perri down, Ayden Walton and Jack Dye’s roles in the forward 50 will be critical, meaning Tim Davison and Ewen Pickles will need to be on their game for the hosts.
The midfield battle involving Hawks co-coach, Ryan Semmel and Matthew Pollock will be a highlight, whilst Michael Pilcher’s return last week will give the Bombers the edge over Rhett Sutton.
Chris Gleeson and Harry Whittle will be the hosts’ key goalkicking options, but face tough competition from Ryan Prendergast and Steve Pretty.
Leitchville/Gunbower won by 93 points when the teams last met in round six, but the Hawks are a much improved line-up since the previous meeting.
PREDICTION: Leitchville/Gunbower will win by 40 points.
