GOLDEN Rivers football hits the halfway point this weekend, all six teams running out with fresh legs following last week’s league-wide bye.
While finals football is still a mathematical possibility for every team, the ladder is currently split into three distinct groups.
Murrabit are one team looking to get their year back on track in the season’s latter half, with a single win to their name.
The Blues have a tough ask ahead of them this weekend as they host second-placed Ultima, but will be bolstered by the return of a number of handy players.
Coach Jack Shannahan will be back, with Ryan Manning, Jordan Lampi, Jacob Wade also back, while Austin Mckerrow, Josh Bray and Toby Gray will all miss the match.
Shannahan said his side were “under no illusions the match will be tough” but that his side were looking to return to their best.
“We are really focusing on these next three games, where we think we should be able to pinch at least two of them,” he said.
“I guess the beauty of the league being the way it is, is that we are still in with a chance of finals.
“In most leagues, if you had one win halfway through, you’d probably be done and dusted.
“We’re just looking to improve this week and bring that level of effort and intensity that we expect.”
Classy Ultima midfielder Tom Bull will miss the clash, with youngster Parker Condely to be introduced to the fray this weekend for his senior debut.
Condely has been rewarded for his strong form in Ultima’s colts side, where he kicked five goals and was named in the best players across the last two matches.
Wandella will be keen to bounce back against Moulamein this weekend, the Bombers hoping to quickly move on from their big away loss to Ultima in round 7.
Coach Justin Robinson will need to wait at least another week before his 200th senior game for the Bombers, as he misses this week with a hamstring injury.
Young gun Nathan Boysen will also be sidelined this round with a hamstring complaint, having been named in the bests five times in seven senior matches.
But co-coach Adam Ward has the ability to contribute to a winning score, and Logan Keighran another who can get the job done if used in an attacking position this weekend.
Robinson said he was hoping his side could cement their spot in the top four before the latter stages of the season.
“We need to be making sure we get every win we should be getting on the board as we get closer to the end of the year,” he said.
“The bye went down well, there were a few sore bodies and we all need a bit of a rest at some point.
“With there only being six teams in the league, we no longer have the chance for a club bye- it’s a long time from the start of the season to mid-season.
“Moulamein have still been giving everything they’ve got each week, it’s not like you can take them lightly. If you have a slow start, they can definitely get the jump on you.”
The Swans will hope ruckman Heath Moloney can be a difference-maker for their side, as Robinson said his side would need to work hard to nullify the tall.
“Heath is the best ruck in our league, and he’s a very hard bloke to play against,” he said.
“It’s really important for us to really compete with him in the body work and winning that ball as soon as it comes to ground.
“We’ve got both Bailey Hamon and Jonty Taylor who will battle hard all day against a guy bigger than them.
“Those two are a bit younger than Heath, so if they can run off him around the ground hopefully that’s where we can beat him.”
Macorna will make the long trip up to Hay this weekend, as they aim to do what no other team has this season and defeat the Lions.
The Lions have made it tough for any side travelling to their home ground, winning their three home games by an average of 50 points.
And the Tigers’ task will be made even tougher with the inclusion of the spearhead of Hay’s attack, Declan Watson, and on-baller Jacob Watson, who both missed last round.
Will Collis also returns, as does Joel Crocker, while Tom Spence, Bentley Murphy and Daniel Zambon are all unavailable for the Lions this weekend.
But the Tigers aren’t without their own big inclusions, with team leaders Lachlan Ritchie and Laing Whinfield both back to take on the reigning premiers.
