COME Sunday, the long wait between finals appearances for both Tyntynder (nine years) and Lake Boga (12 years) will be over in the Central Murray Football Netball League at Nyah Recreation Reserve. But for one, the finals journey will be shortlived, and the season will be over for the loser at the final siren.
Instead of roaring into this year’s post-season, both clubs are limping in, with just one win from their past four matches and both clearly out of form. Tyntynder’s loss to Balranald was undoubtedly a disappointing one – especially their last quarter, when they allowed the Roos to run over the top with an eight-goal final term after leading at three-quarter-time.
Lake Boga had a comfortable 91-point victory over lowly Tooleybuc-Manangatang. While the Magpies will take comfort from a strong performance in what was a must-win game, their form against their other finals opponents doesn’t make for pleasant reading, losing all six matches against the top four clubs by an average margin of almost 10 goals.
The one saving grace for both clubs is that their only meeting this season ended as a five-point thriller – with the Bulldogs getting the points in a game played in extremely windy conditions. Tyntynder outworked Lake Boga that day, beating the Magpies by controlling the contests.
The Bulldogs used their superior leg speed to their advantage, while Lake Boga’s poor execution in the trying conditions meant they constantly turned the ball over at crucial moments. Tyntynder were without a number of key players that day, with Brodie Bennett, Isaiah Bull, Josh Stone and Josh Dwyer all missing in round 9.
Lake Boga were without John Harvey and Jayden Lonergan that day. Both are set to take their place this time for the Magpies. Lonergan will be a massive inclusion up forward alongside Angus Monfries and will provide another focal point deep in attack for the Magpie midfielders.
The key to who wins this game will likely lie in the middle of the ground, particularly with Lake Boga’s ability to get on top in the clearances and win the territory battle against the Doggies. Shawn Filo’s men play a heavily contested game and although they can move the ball with speed when they need to, they tend to play their best football when they are winning it out of the middle. That’s where ruckman Jacob Simpson is so important, with his ability to not only get his hand to the ball and feed his onballers around the stoppages, but also his strength and marking ability around the ground.
Tyntynder look most dangerous when they are able to feed the ball out to their runners on the outside and are allowed to transition quickly into attack – providing their spearhead Jason Eagle the space to work his magic. Marcus Wattie looms as the danger man in this regard and Isaiah Bull is another player who loves to take the game on with his speed.
Otherwise, Tyntynder’s midfield can be a little one-paced – and although Tom Sala, Darcy Bibby and Brodie Bennett can find plenty of the ball, they are also going to have to hit their targets when they get the opportunity going inside their forward 50.
It’s a similar story for Lake Boga’s onballers, with Josh Cruse-Filo, Matthew Filo and Nathaniel Holmes-Brown leading the way out of the middle. The X-factor for the Magpies could well be Tyle Williams, who has on many occasions this season torn a game to pieces with a fifteen-minute burst of dominance.
The same can be said for excitement machine Dustin Burns, whose six goals last Saturday as a small forward broke the hearts of Tooleybuc-Manangatang. Not only can he be damaging deep in attack, but when stationed around the footy he can provide his team with some much-needed speed around the contest.
The match-up that will give the Lake Boga brains trust sleepless nights will be Eagle. Having kicked 68 goals for the season, the Dogs spearhead has shown that he is almost unstoppable when on song. Lincoln Frost will most likely get first crack at Eagle, but he will need constant help from the Taylor Johnstone and Daniel Dzufer to create a two-on-one at every opportunity in an attempt to keep him quiet.
The other danger man that Tyntynder has at their disposal is senior coach Josh Stone, who usually saves his best for big games. Stone has had an injury-interrupted season, but after playing the past three rounds should be almost ready to return to somewhere near his best form.
It’s hard to tip either side with confidence after their past month of football – and with a genuine toss of the coin job to find a winner, I’ve settled on the Bulldogs in a thriller.
Tip – Tyntynder to win by three points.
TYNTYNDER
COACH Josh Stone
KEY PLAYER
Jason Eagle – While it’s expected that the Bulldogs’ talisman will take his place in the side after rolling his ankle during last Saturday’s loss to Balranald, just how fit he is remains to be seen. Doggies supporters will be praying that he is 100 per cent right to go, as he has proven unstoppable deep in attack at times throughout the season.
THE BURNING QUESTION
How do Tyntynder nullify Jacob Simpson?
With a great deal of difficulty. Simpson has undoubtedly been the premier ruckman of the competition since lobbing at Lake Boga this season, and is the man the Doggies will have to stop if they want to extend their season another week. Elia Ware has been a strong performer in the ruck himself and took the points in their only duel this season – but will need to be at his best in order to negate the Magpies’ barometer.
LAKE BOGA
COACHES Shawn Filo and Angus Monfries
KEY PLAYER
Joshua Cruse-Filo – While it could be easily argued that Jacob Simpson or Angus Monfries should probably feature here, it’s been Josh Cruse-Filo who has been critical to the Magpies’ midfield and their ability to get quality delivery into their forward 50 in recent weeks.
THE BURNING QUESTION
Do the Magpies have enough weapons to kick a winning score?
For much of the season, it’s been a case of Monfries or bust for Lake Boga. Monfries’ 39-goal haul easily leads the way for his side, with only four other players having registered double figures – Jarrod Taylor (15), Jayden Lonergan (14), Dustin Burns (13) and Nathaniel Holmes-Brown (12). Taylor has played just one match since round 11 and is no certainty to return. While Boga may have unearthed a star in Burns last weekend (he kicked six goals against the Saints), it’s a big ask to expect so young a player to lead their attack. While they may have the weapons, they all need to fire together.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The teams have met only once this season, with Tyntynder winning a five-point thriller in round 9 at Lake Boga. Eagle kicked four goals to lead his side to victory, with Monfries (three) the only other multiple goal scorer.
KEY MATCH-UP
Angus Monfries v Patrick Crowe
Simply put, Monfries holds the key to Lake Boga kicking a winning score. Without him firing, it’s hard to see the Magpies’ attack challenging the Bulldogs’ defence. Crowe seems to be the most logical fit and has the size to go with the former Essendon and Port Adelaide star. The only question is whether he has the speed and agility as well. Other options could well be Elliott Broad, Tate Hulland or even Isaiah Bull – who has been given some big defensive roles of late.
