DEFENDING Heathcote District Football Netball League premiers, Leitchville/Gunbower could be sitting on top of the ladder tomorrow thanks to a home win against Heathcote.
With current competition leaders, Colbinabbin having the bye this weekend and fellow undefeated side, Huntly to play North Bendigo, the Bombers face the ideal scenario of being 3-0 going into April 28’s showdown against the Grasshoppers.
Michael Pilcher’s side were clinical in the second half of last weekend’s 110-point win against Elmore, booting 11 goals after half time whilst keeping the Bloods goalless.
A similar effort could occur again tomorrow at Leitchville, with the Saints going into the match on the back a 73-point loss to Colbinabbin six days ago.
Heathcote defender, Reece Carmichael faces a second successive challenge against one of the competition’s top goalkickers.
Carmichael did his best to restrict Grasshoppers forward, Elliot Bowen to five goals last weekend, but will need to be at his best to stop Matt Perri from dominating for the hosts.
Russell De Groot – who played in the reserves last weekend – could be in line for his senior debut for the reigning premiers, linking up with Pilcher in the ruck against Carl Obst.
This dominance will enable the likes of Daniel Couwenberg, Matt Ladson and Matt Pollock to control proceedings in the middle of the ground.
However, the biggest concern for the visitors will be where it will get its goals from, with Sean Hay and Ryan Prendergast to be too strong for the likes of Damien King and Tom Pain.
Leitchville/Gunbower has not lost to Heathcote since 2013, with the last meeting between both sides producing a 185-point victory to the competition’s northernmost side.
PREDICTION: Leitchville/Gunbower will win by at least 70 points.
