By Ken Moore
CORA Lynn went a long way towards convincing punters that it was the real thing when it defeated Bunyip by 20 points last week. This week the Cobras will face an even bigger test when they host Nyora. Cora Lynn cannot be dismissed entirely as it has good pace and grunt through the midfield and a number of talented forward options. Ruckman Ty Esler returned last week and will be better for the run and Ben Airdrie, who was unavailable last week, will also bolster the Cobras’ lineup.
The undefeated Saints have left no room for criticism and gone about everything with a good deal of professionalism. With only a month of football to go before the finals they are unlikely to lower their colours to the Cobras. Given good weather, big scores are not beyond both teams and the game should be an entertaining affair. Nyora should win by 25 points.
There will plenty of interest in Longwarry’s home clash with Ellinbank. The Bankers have given themselves a lifeline with successive victories and have emerged as a viable finals contender. The Eagles have a good blend of experience and youth and, with the potent forwards Jason Harwood, Bill Harvey, Jason Hill and Adam Weeding, cannot be ruled out. Longwarry has persevered in recent weeks with Dean Dallinger up forward to support Glenn Browney, which tends to suggest that it is still searching for a more productive forward line. Ellinbank will be in this game for a long time but Longwarry shows few signs that it is likely to be upset and should prevail by three to four goals.
After two straight losses Catani can breathe a sigh of relief when it meets NilmaDarnum. Despite the Blues’ loss last week to Nyora, there was plenty to like about their determination, especially in the first half. They are likely to show the Bombers no mercy and should register a 100point victory.
Kooweerup faces a danger game when it is visited by Lang Lang. The Demons have been far from convincing in recent times and Lang Lang would delight in knocking over its swampland neighbours. The Demons are likely to be bolstered by the inclusions of key forward Dan Crowley and key defenders and Luke Hamilton and Josh Evans and with their presence and the motivation to hold its sixth spot on the ladder it should just scrape across the line. Lang Lang has an injury concern over its captaincoach Troy Datsun, who sustained a back injury last week and, when he left the field at quartertime, the Tigers appeared to badly miss his onfield leadership. The Demons should win by 12 points.
Buln Buln has its sights on the top six and on its home ground it should have too much talent and desire for NeerimNeerim South. The Cats’ defence has been to loose this season and, with Matthew Gooden in front of the big sticks, the Lyrebirds have partially resolved the scoring problems that plagued them last year.
Nar Nar Goon will host a firedup Bunyip, no doubt riled by last week’s loss to Cora Lynn. The Bulldogs have multiple forward options and their physical strength will overwhelm the youthful but underdeveloped Goon. Bunyip should win by 50 points.
Poowong will welcome Warragul Industrials. The Magpies managed to get their threepronged attack of Matt Joseph, Rohan Best and Luke James all on the field last week and, with a game under his belt, Best should be better for the hitout, which spells trouble for the Dusties. With the incentive that it still a mathematical chance to play in the finals the Magpies should win handsomely.
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