NNW UNITED v SWAN HILL
AT first glance, Saturday’s match between ladder leaders Nyah-Nyah West United and ninth-placed Swan Hill should be a walk in the park for the finals-bound Demons.
But if their previous encounter and Swan Hill’s good recent form is anything to go by, it could prove anything but.
NNW United were lucky to escape with a 13-point win in round 5, when Swan Hill led for much of the day before being overrun in the final quarter.
The Swans were impressive last Saturday against the in-form Woorinen and will only improve with Jose Miliado and Sonny Beasy both expected to return.
The Demons will also be strengthened with the return of Lucas Iudica from injury as they slowly start to get their best team back on the park in the run up to finals.
If the Swans are to cause an upset, they will have to match it with the home side out of the middle and try to curb the Demons’ outside runners Jordan Iudica, Dom Gallo, and Brayden Bigham, who was influential on his return from suspension last Saturday against the Raiders.
While getting first hands on the ball will help, the other big concern is who gets the job on Brandyn Grenfell, with Swan Hill’s lack of key defenders sure to be stretched by the Central Murray’s leading goalkicker.
Tip – NNW United to win by 24 points.
TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG v KERANG
AFTER being kept goalless for the entire game last Saturday against the Mallee Eagles, Tooleybuc-Manangatang will arguably face an even greater test when they host reigning premiers Kerang.
It has been a tough past fortnight for the Saints, who have struggled without key players Connor McDonald, Harrison Maher and Kai Kearns – each missing again.
In what will be a significant relief for Tooleybuc-Manangatang, Kerang will also be far from full strength, with Josh Nitschke, Jesse Clark and Jarryd Pertzel also expected to miss.
Their absence will be offset by the return of Brett Kennedy and Jordan McNeil, the pair expected to bolster the Blues’ forward line and scoring potential.
With McDonald out of the side, expect Nick Lang to have a day out in the ruck, with the Blues ruckman set to give his onballers an armchair ride around the stoppages.
If the Saints are to cause an upset, they will need a big game from Josh Williams, who will most likely have Josh Hunter for company.
Tip – Kerang to win by 50 points.
LAKE BOGA v WOORINEN
WOORINEN will be aiming to continue their charge up the ladder with their third straight win when they travel to Lake Boga and face the Magpies.
Brock McLean will miss for the Tigers after injuring his hamstring in their 31-point win over Swan Hill, with key defender Doug Beames a chance to replace the former Melbourne and Carlton onballer provided Beames passed an overnight fitness test.
The Magpies will be forced to continue blooding youngsters over the final weeks of their campaign, with key midfielder Brodie Tonkin’s season coming to a premature end after injuring his shoulder and Will Doquile also unavailable.
Their absences will put pressure on the Magpies midfield, who will already have to contend with the likes of Jye Barry, Henry Thompson and Lachlan Warburton.
While the young Magpies have taken big strides forward this season, Saturday’s match looks to be a challenge too great on paper.
Tip – Woorinen to win by 44 points.
BALRANALD v KOONDROOK-BARHAM
AFTER defeating Koondrook-Barham by just three points in round 5, Balranald won’t be taking any chances when they host the Raiders at Greenham Park.
The Roos were lucky to get over the line that afternoon in what was the first sign of a chink in their armour, and they’ve struggled to regain their best form since that fateful afternoon.
That said, the Raiders have hardly set the world on fire since either, going winless throughout the season so far and last Saturday suffering a disappointing 81-point loss to NNW United.
Jydon and Matthew Neagle will remain on the sidelines for another week and will be joined by Glen Gillbee who is on representative football duties, which will further test Balranald’s depth.
While the Neagle brothers will be a big loss, Balranald should still have more than enough class with Drew and Kobe Lloyd, Jaxon Neagle, Harrison Soraggi and Colin Andrews to handle the Raiders.
Tip – Balranald to win by 36 points.
