TYNTYNDER v SWAN HILL
IF Swan Hill are to have any chance of playing finals, a win against arch-rival Tyntynder is a must when the two teams meet at the Alan Garden Reserve.
Last Saturday’s 12-point win over the Cohuna Kangas kept the finals door ajar for the Swans, who not many expected to be competing late into the season.
But while Cal Beasy’s men will go into tomorrow’s match favourites, Tyntynder should feel confident of an upset, having pushed top-five sides Lake Boga, Balranald and Woorinen, as well as giving Koondrook-Barham a 102-point hiding, in their past month.
The Bulldogs have been more than competitive since regaining much of their best side, and Justin Ellis, Josh Dwyer, Pat Blake and Josh Stone were all set to return.
Ellis, Dwyer and Blake will give Tyntynder’s forward line a massive boost, which will only get stronger with defender Lachie Joyce set to miss for the Swans.
While the Bulldogs attack has a potent look about it, the big challenge will be getting the ball in there often enough against an in-form Swan Hill engine room that contains Matthew Wade, Jose Miliado and Luke Phelan.
If Isaiah Bull, Ben Hallam and Elia Ware can get their hands on it around the stoppages, an upset could be on the cards, however the Swans have too much at stake to roll over to their crosstown rivals.
Tip – Swan Hill to win by nine points.
