by batmanbegins » Fri Jul 31, 2015 5:40 pm
Onkas v Echunga- The Dees had a cracking come from behind last weekend against the Dorf to almost cement their top 3 spot, the doggies on the other hand were defeated by Uraidla quite comfortably. The old boys of Onkas were very good last week as Klun, Tanner, mcgahey and a returning Massie were there better players as is usually the case against Uris as the younger boys can struggle with their physicality. Lindsay and Jennings (again) dominated last week for echunga but young Miller also stepped up and played well. One big issue for Onkas will be how they do stop Cranna and to put it bluntly they can't with their lack of a ruckman. The pace of echunga will worry Onkas also but if the weather forecast is correct and it rains the Dogs are a sneaky chance as there big body midfielders may be able to get on top. Carey's out which hurts plus Aish is a bit down on form but I expect he will respond this week. I'm going to tip an upset in the wet with Onkas winning by a goal.
Blackwood v Hahndorf- This game is huge as both teams are vying for that 5th spot, the Dorf are slipping with 4 losses on the trot (they do have an easier last 3 weeks however) that they won't want to make 5 in a row. The woods have also lost 2 in a row to Echunga and TV and didn't appear to look like winning either after poor starts. Once again for the Woodies Thompson dominated down back last week and if he gets Hourigan this week it should be a cracking match up as Hourigan appeared to be the magpies only avenue to goal last week kicking 3 of their 4 goals. In the wet this will be a hard match to call as both teams have solidly built midfielders that can thrive in the mud of Blackwood oval. Paul, tripodi and Male against Edwards, Ridley and the ever improving Catford will be a decisive point in this game as whichever midfield gets on top will win the game for their team. The Roberts boys will wear down Herbert in the ruck also which could advantage the Dorf. I think the slight midfield edge goes to hahndorf which will give them the win as both defences are very even. Hahndorf by 2 goals.
Lofty v uraidla- lofty were flogged by barker last week in a disappointing performance, whilst Uris did what they do and win again. This is going to be played in the mud pit of lofty oval which suits the big men of Uraidla and I can't see lofty getting to close in this one but I said that last time they played and lofty almost won. Uris are getting back to full strength also with Delvins returning and kluvanek having returned the last month from sturt. Burch and Stevens will be important this week for lofty as their big bodies in the middle will be needed against Delvins and the McLean boys. I think lofty with Oheril may be able to contain down plus the wet may nullify him a bit. Nielsen will need a big day if he's up forward for lofty otherwise they may struggle to score, although Hammond was in good form last week and Clements can kick a bag. Problem is Uris are so good defensively so I think they will keep lofty to 3 goals or less and win by 5 goals.
TV v lobethal- I saw lobe last week and they started of brilliantly but then almost blew it against the thunderers which sums up their inconsistent season, at least this time they held on though. TV had another win and just keep ticking along, they would be hoping to lock up top place in the final month. For lobe last week their key players dominated particularly early, Baust and Wills were the best two players on the ground comfortably but had help from the jenkin boys and bampton. Those 5 lads may need a bit more help though this week against a formidable TV outfit led O'Sullivan. Giadresco is dominating for TV and lobe must watch him closely, boras and Ellis kicked 2 between them last week which is a rarity and wouldn't expect that to be the case tomorrow. The wet will suit TV as they are well adapt to wet weather footy where as lobe appear to struggle with it and I think it will show tomorrow with TV winning easy by 7 goals unfortunately.
Ironbank v Barker- Barker are on a roll with 4 on the trot after dismantling lofty last week, ironbank were much better last week and if they kicked straighter may have snatched a win but just fell short. Hughes and block are dominating for barker at the minute and the Bankers must control them to be a chance, obushak also returned which is a handy inclusion as shown last week. Hitchcock was exceptional last week and was a big reason the bankers got close, Bakers tackling pressure was enormous and you would expect him to get Hughes or Block. With no Motlop it was nice to see young Watton stand up in the forward line and look dangerous, plus Tags almost won the game off his own boot in the last quarter with a couple of scintillating goals. With the form Barker are in at the moment and their young players really stepping up and supporting the older guys it's hard to see the Bankers getting up. The wet will make this a close affair and maybe suit the smaller forward line of ironbank but barker have a bit to much class in the middle. Barker by 2 goals.