TYNTYNDER v KERANG
ANOTHER in desperate need of a win, Tyntynder are treading dangerously close to falling out of finals contention after the first month of the season.
As a result, Saturday’s match against the undefeated reigning premiers Kerang is a must-win game.
A significant challenge at the best of times, beating the Blues will have to be done without a number of key Bulldog players, Tyrone Bean, Liam Whelan and Matt Corney all unavailable, and Josh Stone and Brock Storer both missing with injury.
Although it’s expected Jason Eagle will be better for the run, the problem for the Bulldogs will be in providing their key forward with enough supply for him to worry the Kerang defence.
Against the deep midfield that the Blues possess, that’s unlikely to be an issue, although with Michael Dalrymple (suspension) and Nick Lang (knee) out of the team, the door is certainly ajar for the home side to cause an upset.
Also under an injury cloud is Kerang coach Troy Coates, set to play senior game No.200 in the navy blue guernsey, with the milestone man needing to pass a fitness test at training to take his place.
While the loss of Lang and Dalrymple will hurt, their absence is likely to be offset by the return of midfielder-forward Sam Heavyside, who will play his first game of the season in what’s expected to be the Blues’ fifth win of the year.
Tip – Kerang to win by 40 points.
