WITH the Heathcote District Football Netball League top five all but set, tomorrow’s encounter between Leitchville/Gunbower and White Hills will be all about preparing for matches in two weeks’ time.
The Bombers’ 50-point win against North Bendigo last weekend added another twist to the finals battle, with 12.15 per cent separating last season’s grand finalists.
The Bulldogs should account for Mount Pleasant tomorrow, meaning the Bombers need to record wins in the next fortnight with a combined margin of at least 100 more points than the two-time defending premiers to claim the minor premiership.
The Demons go into the round 17 match on the back of four consecutive losses, but will secure fifth spot on the ladder if Colbinabbin defeats Lockington Bamawm United.
If the Demons are to break an eight-match losing streak against the Bombers, Jasper Ibbeson-Coatesworth and Hayden Wright will need to dominate in the midfield against the likes of Matt and Brad Ladson, Matthew Pollock and Tim Lincoln.
Sean Christopher will also need to stand out in the hosts’ forward 50 – a challenge when Ryan Prendergast and Hoby Bussey have the ability to chop off any attacking forays.
Meanwhile, an intriguing element to this match will be whether Matt Perri can kick seven goals to move his season tally to 100 majors.
Anthony Bigham will have the task of stopping the prolific forward, who kicked nine goals when the teams last met in round eight.
Leitchville/Gunbower won by 82 points when the teams met in early June. Another dominant performance is certain tomorrow.
PREDICTION: Leitchville/Gunbower will win by 80 points.
