NNW UNITED v BALRANALD
WITH the finals race heating up, Nyah-Nyah West United will be hoping to claim a big-name scalp and stay in the hunt for the top five hosting Balranald.
A game outside the five, although with a healthy percentage, the Demons are still very much in the frame for September.
But with Woorinen their next opponent, they would want to cause an upset somewhere over the next fortnight – and Balranald at home appears their best chance.
NNW United will have to get it done without key midfielder Kayne Davidson, but they will regain the services of the creative Jarrod Stokes.
The class of Stokes adds an extra layer to an already quick onball division.
Both teams’ strengths are in their outside run and quick ball movement, with Ethan Gant, Kobe Lloyd and Jydon Neagle all capable of tearing a game open for the Roos.
While Hassan Ahmat-Watkins has form, kicking nine goals against Tyntynder last Saturday, the biggest challenge for the Demons will be picking their way through the strong and well-organised Balranald defence and giving their forward line, including Charlie Boulton, enough looks.
If they can find a way through, then an upset could be on cards, but it will be a lot easier said than done.
Tip – Balranald to win by 15 points.
TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG v KOONDROOK-BARHAM
KOONDROOK-Barham are still searching for their first four points and they may not get a better opportunity than Tooleybuc-Manangatang tomorrow.
The Raiders had their chances to break their drought last Saturday against Swan Hill, but just lacked that polish needed at crucial times, especially when going inside their forward half, which was not helped by their lack of a marking target.
There were still plenty of positive signs and if they can bring that same level of effort and pressure, they should be in the game right up to their eyeballs.
The Raiders will unfortunately have a vastly different side travel to Manangatang, with skipper Patrick Goble and veteran Matthew Dean both expected to miss, along with Danny Main, Craig Loomes and Nathaniel Leonard with injury.
Goble will be a massive loss, with his ability to win the contested ball, and win it often, a big factor in the performance against the Swans.
The Saints will relish returning to Manangatang, a ground they traditionally play well, and will be hoping a return to the Mallee provides a change of fortunes.
Josh Williams will hold the key for their chances, and although Scott Wood has been in good form in recent weeks for the Raiders, he’s likely to have his hands full against the competition’s leading goalkicker.
Tip – Tooleybuc-Manangatang to win by 12 points.
COHUNA KANGAS v TYNTYNDER
AT first glance, hosting Tyntynder should be a comfortable win for Cohuna.
Any thoughts of an easy victory have been dispelled however, with Dylan Johnstone and Jarrod Findlay expected to miss through injury, quickly turning it into a danger game for the Kangas.
The home side can ill-afford to lose either, sitting just a game clear inside the top five and with a percentage that hardly guarantees a finals berth.
Tyntynder have their own injury issues, with coach Josh Stone expected to miss with a shoulder injury.
The equation for the Bulldogs is pretty simple: get their hands on the ball out of the middle and use it more effectively than they have been in previous weeks.
Tyntynder have a forward structure that could stretch the Kangas, even with Tom Metherell and Brenton Conforti in the back half, but the challenge will be putting the ball to the advantage of Jason Eagle, Liam Whelan and Patrick Blake.
Until the Bulldogs show signs their ball use is on the improve, it’s nearly impossible to tip them – even more so with Joel Helman getting back to his best game-breaking form in recent weeks as well.
Tip – Cohuna Kangas to win by 19 points.
MALLEE EAGLES v WOORINEN
WOORINEN will be out to secure their third consecutive victory when they travel to Lalbert to play the Mallee Eagles.
The Tigers are entrenched in the top three, with a healthy percentage that’s as valuable as an extra win, but also know they must continue to string wins together to maintain their valuable hold on a finals spot.
The Eagles find themselves at the other end of the table, but were starting to put together some encouraging performances prior to last Saturday’s 62-point loss to Balranald.
If Brent Sheahan’s men can be competitive against the well-structured Woorinen outfit, that will be seen as a sign they are heading in the right direction, especially with several younger players getting significant game time and exposure.
While the Eagles will be without Ayden Tessari for the remainder of the season, they are expected to regain the services of Joe Halloran, Brandon Gardiner and Matthew Despott.
Woorinen’s Taylor Cameron should return after missing the past fortnight.
Tip – Woorinen to win by 25 points.
