Tyntynder will be hoping to continue on their form from last Saturday’s win over Lake Boga when they host arch rivals Swan Hill in tomorrow’s stand-alone Queen’s Birthday weekend clash.
The Bulldogs’ return to form has rejuvenated their push for a finals berth, despite their current injury crisis – and a win tomorrow will see them move back into the top five at the halfway point of the home-and-away season.
It will be no easy task, however, with the Swans not only fresh off the bye last weekend, but having also returned to form following strong wins over Tooleybuc-Manangatang and Koondrook-Barham.
Swan Hill will also be bolstered by the returns of Tyler Makepeace, Tom Pontell and Xavier Mertz. Mertz’s inclusion could well be a timely one, as his size and athleticism could well see him as a decent match-up for Tyntynder’s spearhead, Jason Eagle.
The Dogs will also have a few welcome inclusions, with Brodie Bennett and Isaiah Bull expected to return from injury to strengthen their midfield – but will be missing Harry Simpson after breaking his collarbone at the weekend.
The key for the home side will be to bring the same level of hunger and intensity that saw them get over the line last weekend. Elia Ware was sensational in the ruck in the absence of Cam Cook and will likely line up there again tomorrow. The big question is whether Swan Hill continue to play the athletic Buol Majur in the middle – or whether they return Toby Thoolen to play out of the centre square against Ware.
If Thoolen does move back to his natural role in the ruck, then it will take away some of the Swans’ scoring power, which has been their Achilles heel at times this season. Kal Heslop provides a solid target and combined with Thoolen, are a strong one-two combination – especially in the absence of Mitch Makepeace.
If Swan Hill are to win, they will need to hit the scoreboard, as at their best, the Dogs are very capable of splitting the sticks.
As is often the case though, the game will be won and lost in the midfield. Tyntynder’s will be hoping Marcus Wattie, Tom Sala and Bull will be able to run and create quality forward entries for them – while also negating the influence of Swan Hill’s main ball winners Matt Wade, Xavier Moloney and Makepeace.
In what should be another classic encounter between these two cross-town rivals, one can expect the Bulldogs to get the job done at home. Tip – Tyntynder to win by 12 points.
