WOORINEN v TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG
ALTHOUGH Tooleybuc-Manangatang are expected to go in with an unchanged line-up, Woorinen will have two key omissions from their side when the two clubs clash in this weekend’s must-win encounter.
Woorinen will be without Tom Langford and Will Collicoat for Saturday’s all-important match, with small forwards Josh Stone and Clayton McCartney both needing to pass fitness tests to resume after soft-tissue injuries.
With just four points separating the third-placed Tigers and sixth-placed Saints on the ladder, Saturday’s match is vital for both clubs’ finals hopes, with a loss likely to either send Woorinen tumbling back into the chasing pack or completely torpedo Tooleybuc-Manangatang’s finals hopes all together.
One of the key battlegrounds will be between in-form Saints ruckman Connor Mcdonald up against dominant Tigers big man Arnold Kirby in the middle.
Mcdonald has been sensational across the first half of the season and is one of the key factors in Tooleybuc-Manangatang’s climb up the ladder, while Kirby at his best is without question one of the most influential ruckmen in the league.
The other key battle ground will be across half-back, with Harrison Maher and Jack Templeton providing run and drive out of the Saints’ defensive half of the ground and Taylor Cameron and Henry Thompson doing likewise for Woorinen.
If Tooleybuc-Manangatang can get enough supply to Josh Williams, then the Saints could cause an upset, but the Tigers deserve to start as favourites.
Tip – Woorinen to win by 15 points.
LAKE BOGA v COHUNA
BOTH Lake Boga and Cohuna will be chasing their third win of the season when the two clubs meet this Saturday afternoon.
Although several key players returned from injury last weekend for the Kangas, they were unable to turn around the team’s fortunes, with Cohuna going down to arch rivals Kerang by 37 points.
It was a similar story for the Magpies, who fell 34 points short of an upset against ladder leaders NNW United, despite a strong second-half performance that saw the Magpies storm back into the contest.
While both clubs have shown glimpses of their best football throughout the season, neither team have been able to produce it for long enough to see them become a genuine finals threat.
That opportunity has now long passed, with both the Magpies and Kangas playing for pride – and eighth place on the ladder.
Having finished the game on the bench last Saturday, Dylan Johnstone will go into Saturday’s match under an injury cloud in what would be a massive blow for Cohuna’s chances, especially opposed to Lake Boga’s undersized and inexperienced defence.
Although the Kangas possess the more potent top-end talent, such as Joel Helman, Jack Geary and Xavier Mitchell, Lake Boga are more prepared to attack the game and play positive, aggressive football – and it’s that element that could see them get over the line at home.
Tip – Lake Boga to win by seven points.
KOONDROOK-BARHAM v MALLEE EAGLES
THE Mallee Eagles will be hoping to continue their climb up the Central Murray ladder with a fourth consecutive win when they face off against Koondrook-Barham at the home of the Raiders this Saturday afternoon.
With wins over Balranald and Tyntynder and a draw with Kerang in the past month, the Eagles are showing themselves to be genuine premiership contenders with a strong mix of attacking weapons, combined with a adept defensive structure.
The Eagles are only going to get stronger Saturday as well, with Toby Sheahan, Paul Davis, Wes Bennett and Brady Fordham all set to return from injury, while Shaun Harrison will play his first match for the season in the blue-and-gold stripes.
The news isn’t all good for the visitors, with Jordan Robins expected to miss after injuring his hamstring last Saturday, while Matthew Despott will need to pass a fitness test to take his place in the side.
It’s a similar scenario that awaits the Raiders, who also have several players going into Saturday’s match under injury clouds, which is likely to test their depth.
Tip – Mallee Eagles to win by 35 points.
