Nar Nar Goon playing coach Clint Williams is aiming to motivate his troops to another win this Saturday. 80341. Picture: DONNA OATES
By KEN MOORE
Ellinbank and District preview – round 10
AS ODD as it may seem for the EDFL ladder leaders Warragul Industrials, its season truly starts on Saturday when they host Garfield. After nine rounds, the Dusties are undefeated but close scrutiny of its draw reveals aside from a victory over Bunyip in round two, when the Bulldogs were down on key personnel, all its other wins were against teams outside of the top six. Mind you, the Dusties have crushed all comers, but until they beat the sides near the top rungs of the table the jury is still out.
Both teams play positive football and given good weather during the week and a fine day, this promises to be a ripping game. Garfield have a big injury concern after key forward Daniel Fry left the field in the third quarter last week with a knee injury, but the Industrials are not without their own troubles because its crafty forward Mick Santo was knocked out after landing on his head on Saturday in marking contest and ruck rover Dom Larosa left the field due to an ankle injury. The Dusties also missed Rhett O’Hara, Stephen Pitt, Nathan Brewster and David-Scott Smith and will likely need this quartet if it is to beat the Stars. Garfield appears to be nearing its best and in what will most likely be the closest game of the round I’ll tip it to ruin the Dusties unblemished record.
BUNYIP v CATANI
The Blues face an acid test when it travels to the Bulldogs kennel. Without any doubt, Catani is a far better side this season but apart from a victory over Neerim Neerim South, it needs another big scalp to reinforce its improvement. After a slow start to the season, the Bulldogs are picking up and this was emphasised last week when it held off a fast finishing Nar Nar Goon. The Blues have an injury concern with its captain and plucky defender Luke McFarlane who left the field last week with what appeared to be a shoulder injury and this will be a big blow if he does not come up. Catani has a number of quality midfielders to mix it with Bunyip, but on exposed form the superior Bulldogs defence will stop the visitors from kicking a winning score.
KOOWEERUP v NAR NAR GOON
The Goon will enter firm favourites as the Demons haven’t measured up well against the top sides. Kooweerup suffered injuries to Jack Carson, Ben Miller and Kane Wedlock last week, and will need this trio to be available if it is to be competitive. While the Nar Nar Goon didn’t enjoy the heavy going last week, its opponents were even less impressive in the cut up ground and with the likelihood the inclement weather and heavy grounds will continue to be a factor, it is hard to make a case to support the home side, rain or dry.
LANG LANG v NEERIM NEERIM SOUTH
If the Tigers are a genuine top-six candidate, it must beat the Cats. Lang Lang is not in tip top shape, but neither is Neerim. The Cats seem bereft of confidence it showed last season and away from home may be vulnerable, however after Lang Lang succumbed far too easily against Garfield it is hard to make a case to support the Tigers. With its seasons finals hopes on the line, Lang Lang should have a real crack, but the superior class of the Cats will come to the fore when it counts.
NYORA v BULN BULN
The Saints will pucker up against the Lyrebirds and should win. Aside from a victory over Poowong early in the season, Buln Buln has struggled. Nyora still has a top-six spot in its sight, and at home is a five goal better side. The Lyrebirds have shown little this season to suggest it can produce an upset.
NILMA DARNUM v CORA LYNN
Despite home ground advantage, the Bombers should hold few terrors for the Cobras. Little was expected from Nilma this season, but it has been as honest as the day is long. Harley Lacunes, Heath Black and Josh O’Brien have proved to be a handful for many sides, but like many of the middle and bottom-of-the-table sides, it lacks depth at the bottom end of its list. This season, Cora Lynn has not been prone to the concentration lapses that saw it struggle against the lower teams and should win comfortably.
POOWONG v ELLINBANK
The season has brought little reward for both the Magpies and the Eagles. This is a toss of the coin job. After a series of early season injuries, Poowong’s hard at it, captain-coach Matt Grant returned to the side last week but his presence is unlikely to nullify the presence of Banker star Tommy Johnson and new recruit Daniel Pratt, son of coach Andrew, who made a big impression last round. Ellinbank should win but a Poowong win would not be a great surprise.
Round 10 – Saturday 16 June
Tips
BUNYIP v Catani
Kooweerup v NAR NAR GOON
Lang Lang v NEERIM NEERIM SOUTH
Nilma Darnum v CORA LYNN
NYORA v Buln Buln
Poowong v ELLINBANK
Warragul Industrials v GARFIELD
