DEFENDING Golden Rivers Football Netball League premiers, Wandella faces its first challenge of the season tomorrow when the side host last season’s grand finalists, Ultima.
In a match that Bombers coach, Paul Grayling described as a “big test” for the club, the undefeated hosts take on a ‘Roos outfit that is yet to drop a game this season.
Jack O’Rourke’s men were too strong for Nullawil on Sunday, whilst the Bombers had the weekend off thanks to the bye.
“The bye came not at a good time for us, as you want a bit of continuity early in the year,” Grayling said.
Prior to last weekend, the Bombers had accounted for Moulamein and Wakool, conceding six goals whilst scoring 59 majors across the two games.
The pattern adds on from last season’s finish, with the premiers booting a combined total of 27 majors in its two finals against the ‘Roos in late August and early September, whilst conceding 10 goals – including two in the grand final.
Despite this, the Mallee-based side has recruited well in the pre-season, with Josh Dwyer’s height, Adrian Knee’s experience and William Watson’s pace in the midfield strengthening the side.
Dwyer will relish another battle against the Bombers following his move from Murrabit, with a duel against either Tim Robinson or Brodey Farley likely.
Knee will head to defence to help Jayden Kiel and Lachlan Paull stop Jay McDonald and Cody Schepers, whilst Watson will battle with former Woorinen teammate, Jason Iannucci.
“Jason will play his third game for us this weekend, and he continues to be a quality player for the club,” Grayling said.
However, the key players for both sides this weekend have claimed E.G. Hunt Medals in the past.
Luke O’Toole is producing one of his best seasons for the ‘Roos, whilst 2017 winner, Justin Robinson is continuing his role as an attacking midfielder for tomorrow’s hosts.
“Justin is in the prime of his career, and he continues to do what he does what he is asked to do every week,” Grayling said.
Although the ‘Roos won the first match between both sides last years, the Bombers have won their past three encounters – including both times the teams met in last season’s finals.
PREDICTION: Wandella will win by 10 points.
Second hoodoo too much
ONE week after breaking one of its hoodoos, Moulamein faces one of its toughest challenges – defeating a Nullawil side coming off a loss.
The Swans showed its finals credential last weekend in the club’s 33-point win against Murrabit, with Josh Gadsden and Tom Isma leading the way.
However, the challenge of defeating a side that holds a 10-year dominance against the New South Wales-based club will be one Tony Mudge and the Swans may find too difficult to handle.
The Maroons lost to Ultima by eight points last weekend, with the club’s three leading goalkickers – Kal Heslop, Andrew Oberdorfer and Phillip Lobb – restricted to six goals between them.
This trio will have a greater influence in tomorrow’s match, with Matthew Battenally, Jason Manning and Ben Booth – who may move to defence – to be no match for the playmakers.
The midfield battle between Isma and Daniel Watts will be a highlight, whilst the Maroons’ defence will be too strong for their opponents.
Nullawil won by more than 100 points during the two occasions these teams met last year, with the margin to be closer tomorrow.
PREDICTION: Nullawil will win by 60 points.
Lions’ first test
HAY will look to remain undefeated following the opening month of the season, with the side favourites to defeat Quambatook at home.
Daniel Gash’s side has only conceded four goals so far this season, but will face a test against the Saints, who recorded their first win of 2018 last weekend against Macorna.
It has been more than two years since the Mallee-based side has defeated the competition’s northernmost club in the 2015 preliminary final, and this run is set to continue with the Lions being stronger across all parts of the ground.
Jackson Ferguson is enjoying not being the focal point in the Lions’ forward line – a role Simon Bunyan is relishing – but he faces a duel tomorrow against key Saints defender, Ash Davis.
The midfield duel between Saints stalwart, Gregor Knight and Hayden Polglase will be a highlight, but Hay’s backline will be too strong for the likes of Christopher Stone and Andrew Spengler.
The Lions won by 44 points when the teams last met in July, with the clubs’ first encounter in 2017 producing a seven-point win Hay’s way just over 12 months ago.
PREDICTION: Hay will win by 40 points.
Hawks’ Blues to continue
MURRABIT is set to bounce back from last weekend’s 33-point loss to Moulamein by recording a strong win against Wakool.
In what is the club’s last match involving sides outside the top four before six consecutive games against the league’s premiership fancies, the Blues can use tomorrow’s home game as a percentage booster before a key period of games from May 5 to June 30.
Last weekend’s 177-point loss to Hay means the Hawks have not won a match for more than 12 months, and face the prospect of a fourth consecutive game where its opponents have the potential to kick more than 30 goals.
Nathan Henry and Justin McConnell – who dominated in the Blues’ round one win against Quambatook – have played further upfield or been well held in the past two weeks, but expect the pair to dictate terms tomorrow.
Craig Loomes and Reagan Hamilton will need to contain the pair to 10 goals between them to remain in the contest, whilst Josh Flight’s battle in the midfield with Murrabit coach, Bryden Morison will be just as critical as to what the final margin will be.
As for the Hawks’ attacking options, the likes of Dylan Morison and Nick Hein will be too strong for the visitors’ forwards.
Wakool last defeated Murrabit in the final meeting between the sides before the side’s recess in 2016, with the average winning margin in last year’s encounters being 111 points.
PREDICTION: Murrabit will win by at least 80 points.
* MACORNA has the bye this weekend before travelling to Moulamein on May 5.
