LAKE BOGA v MALLEE EAGLES
BOTH Lake Boga and the Mallee Eagles will both be hoping to return to the winners’ list on Saturday afternoon, after losses last weekend.
While the Eagles were underdogs against Kerang, the Magpies’ performance against NNW United would have given the faithful cause for concern with just five games remaining before finals.
Lake Boga were outplayed in almost every facet of the game will need to make some immediate adjustments to replicate their fifth-place finish from last year.
While they are favourites against the Eagles, it is danger game, with the men from Lalbert showing significant signs of improvement in recent weeks, with close to their best 22 on the park.
Both Joe Halloran (hamstring) and Brent Sheahan (thumb) are a chance to return and add even further depth, while Matthew Despott will miss the rest of the season after re-injuring his Achilles.
The midfield battle promises to be where this game will be decided, with Jake Warren, Tyle Williams and Nathaniel Holmes-Brown set to go up against Harry Allen, Beau Bennett, Shaun Harrison and Darcy McGregor.
While Lake Boga took home a 32-point win over the Eagles in round 1, it could well be a tighter affair this time around.
Tip – Lake Boga by seven points.
KOONDROOK-BARHAM v NNW UNITED
NYAH-Nyah West United will be out to keep their finals hopes alive when they clash with Koondrook-Barham.
The Demons could not have been more impressive in dismantling Lake Boga last Saturday.
How they both moved the football and pressured their opposition was the perfect insight into a potential finals campaign.
The challenge now id getting there, still sitting a game outside the top five and effectively needing to win every match – including on Saturday.
On paper, that shouldn’t pose too many challenges, especially against a Koondrook-Barham outfit yet to taste success this year.
The Raiders have had their own challenges of late, with a growing injury list making their ability to remain competitive against the best sides difficult.
Jack Thrum, Harley Burmeister-Lyons and Dom Cirillo should all return to face the Demons, while young midfielder Eli Boyd will need to pass a fitness test after injuring his knee during last Saturday’s 100-point loss to the Kangas.
NNW United will also have at least one forced change, after Nick O’Neill was forced into concussion protocols following his heavy hit in the first quarter of his sides win over the Magpies.
While the Raiders are a much better side at home, the Demons should have far too much class – and speed – to be troubled.
Tip – NNW United to win by 47 points.
BALRANALD v TYNTYNDER
BALRANALD are warm favourites at home against Tyntynder, as they look to claim a sixth-straight win.
Not only with Balranald be playing on their favoured Greenham Park turf, but they are also expected to regain the services of both Matthew Neagle and Nathan Ablett for Saturday’s match.
Coach Jydon Neagle is also expected to take his place in the team, with last Saturday’s bye helping him recover from the injury sustained during the Roos’ 43-point win over Cohuna a fortnight ago.
On the other hand, Tyntynder’s revolving door is set to continue, with the Bulldogs likely to have up to six forced changes to the side was competitive, but ultimately unsuccessful last Saturday against Woorinen.
Roy George (hamstring), Liam Whelan (concussion), Jason Eagle, Tyrone Bean, Matt Corney and Hugh Broad will all miss Saturday’s match, leaving the Bulldogs severely depleted in both the key forward and ruck stakes.
Eagle’s absence will leave Justin Ellis to play almost a lone hand as the Bulldogs marking target up forward, while the loss of Broad will force Elia Ware to ruck alone for most of the match.
While Tyntynder still have plenty of class players at their disposal, most notably Matthew Gillbee, Patrick Blake and the in-form Elliott Broad, Balranald should have more than enough depth to handle them – and help set up a mouth-watering contest against Woorinen next Saturday.
Tip – Balranald to win by 37 points.
KERANG v TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG
AS if the task facing Tooleybuc-Manangatang wasn’t already great enough, the Saints will take on unbeaten Kerang with a severely depleted line-up.
Josh Williams (concussion), Jaicob Kenny (hamstring), Jack Mazzarella (knee), John Wardle and Richard Wardle are all expected to miss, joining Mitch Grant, Mitch Ferrie, Rory Alexander and Tom Spicer on the sidelines.
With so many out, the Saints just need to focus on remaining competitive against a Kerang outfit that will smell blood.
The Blues have their own injury concerns, with Jack Daglish set to miss after injuring his hamstring in the 49-point win over the Eagles last Saturday.
Michael Dalrymple, Ryan Gillingham, Marty Kelly and Lachlan Ross will also miss another week, although Troy Davis is expected to return to partner Nick Lang in a major boost to the Blues ruck department.
Lang was particularly dominant in round 1 against the Saints and, although Tim Auckland will provide much stiffer competition this time around in the middle, the home side should have no issues in claiming their 12th-straight win.
Tip – Kerang to win by 66 points.
