SWAN HILL v COHUNA KANGAS
IF either Swan Hill or Cohuna are to make finals, their first step has to be to win this game.
Both sides are separated only by percentage on 28 points and still have to contend with NNW United for the last spot in the finals.
Cohuna will have gained confidence after taking the fight to undefeated Kerang last week, eventually losing by just nine points.
Swan Hill will be filled with belief, thanks to their 51-point win in the first meeting between the two sides in round 5.
But history often goes out the window at the pointy end of the season and Swan Hill will be hoping they won’t have to rely on their usual suspects to lift the side.
Veteran Swan Matthew Wade has been in fine form, adding three goals to his usual impressive performance against NNW United last week, but impressive games from Wade, Thobias Thoolen and Xavier Moloney wasn’t enough to get their side the win.
The midfield battle between Wade and Cohuna’s Joel Helman will be one to keep an eye on, with both players known for their ability to find the hard footy.
Question marks still remain on the Swans’ scoring ability, with the side unsure if key forward Zach Mihocek will return before the regular season concludes.
With not much to separate the two sides, the opportunity for Swan Hill to be on their home turf may be a key difference-maker.
Tip – Swan Hill by 8 points.
TOOLEYBUC-MANAGATANG v NNW UNITED
NYAH-Nyah West United face Tooleybuc-Manangatang in another must-win game if they want to keep Swan Hill and Cohuna at bay.
The Demons will be hoping they can burn the Saints with their speed, helped by their young, running players providing the side with real drive.
While the Saints found their way late in their game against Mallee Eagles, they can’t afford another slow start this week, as NNW United will be out to make an early statement.
Tooleybuc-Manangatang will also gain confidence from the successful return of Josh Williams, whose inclusion was a standout in their last game.
Williams kicked three goals in his return from a concussion issue, bolstering the forward line and providing an extra attacking threat.
The Saints will be hoping for their players to show a level of defensive effort across the park, to quash the fast transition from NNW United’s half-back line.
Joel Walsh is one of those that Tooleybuc-Manangatang’s forwards will need to keep an eye on, with the defender equally adept at cutting out attacks and sending his side forward on the rebound.
Tip – NNW United by 30 points.
WOORINEN v KOONDROOK-BARHAM
WOORINEN will be hoping to solidify their hold on third spot with a big win over Koondrook-Barham.
The Tigers will be well-rested following their bye, a scary prospect for the bottom-placed River Raiders, who have lost three of their past four games by at least 100 points.
A big win would take some pressure off the Tigers in their final two games, tough matches against Lake Boga and Kerang to finish the year.
But with finals guaranteed, this game could be a chance for coach Marcus Demaria to move the magnets around and experiment with a few players and tactics.
Koondrook-Barham, coming off their biggest loss of the season, by 172 points against Balranald, the aim will be keeping the scoreline respectable.
That may be easier said than done, as Woorinen’s precise ball movement shouldn’t give the River Raiders too much time in possession.
The Tigers will also be buoyed by a raft of re-signings at the club this week, with Daniel Mase committing for the next two years, while Will Collicoat, Austin McKerrow, Jye Barry and Taylor Cameron all signed on until the end of 2024.
Tip – Woorinen by 66 points.
