MALLEE EAGLES v NNW UNITED
After resurrecting their season last Saturday against Tooleybuc-Manangatang, Nyah-Nyah West United will be aiming to break into the top five for the first time this season with a win over the Mallee Eagles.
The Demons finally broke through for their second win of the season against the Saints in a hard-fought contest that they had to win in order to keep their finals hopes alive.
They will face the same prospect tomorrow against the Eagles, who despite breaking through for their first win of 2023 a fortnight ago, aren’t expected to feature in the race for the top five.
Jarrod Stokes will be a player of interest tomorrow, with the NNW United playmaker likely to hold the key to the Demons prospects of victory.
Stokes adds a touch of class to the Demons forward half and combined with Charlie Boulton and Alex Erlandson, will give the visitors an extra avenue to goals.
The real challenge for NNW United will be in giving their forward line enough opportunities to hit the scoreboard against an Eagles midfield that can be at times underrated, with Harry Allen, Darcy McGregor and Shaun Harrison, if fit, all capable of winning a game off their own boot.
One area where the Eagles may be able to stretch the Demons is up forward, with NNW United’s inexperienced back six seen as a work in progress.
Josh Williams was able to get a hold of them last week and kicked six goals despite the Demons still taking the points – and while they may be vulnerable once again in that area of the ground, the Eagles don’t have the dominant key forward at their disposal to take advantage of it. Tip – NNW United to win by 12 points.
TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG v COHUNA KANGAS
Just what is going on with the Kangas at the moment?
From grand finalist to battlers in just five games, and with a not-too-dissimilar side, there needs to be questions asked.
Whether we get any true answers tomorrow remains to be seen, but if they lose to last year’s wooden spooners tomorrow, then I think it’s safe to say their hopes of that ever-elusive premiership will be well and truly dashed.
The Saints have shown themselves to be competitive this season too, so it will be far from a walk in the park, especially if Cohuna turn up with the same level of intensity and effort that they showed last Saturday against Swan Hill.
Making the Kangas’ task harder will be the omissions of Jarrod Findlay (ankle), Riley Hird (hamstring) and Toby Duncan (hamstring), with the trio all suffering injuries in the loss to the Swans.
The good news is Rhys Free, Tom Metherell and Cooper McLoughlin are all considered a chance to return, providing the trio all passed fitness tests at training last night.
The Kangas won’t be alone in having selection headaches however, with Tooleybuc-Manangatang coach Dean Helmers also faced with some tough decisions.
While Jack Mazzarella is an almost certain starter, two players who won’t be out there are Brayden Pitcher and Luke Walsh.
While the Saints on their home deck are always a tough opponent, I’m willing to give the Kangas one last chance – but only one. Tip – Cohuna Kangas to win by 13 points.
