WGLFL round 2 preview

By Ken Moore
YOU cannot take anything for granted.
That is the clear message to emerge from round one, in which all four favourites were rolled, whetting the appetite for this week’s fixture.
Garfield has the unenviable task of travelling to Maffra, a team on the rebound from last week’s loss to Sale.
Despite conceding a sixgoal lead last week and looking out of their depth early, the Eagles showed plenty of fortitude and, if they had kicked straight in the last quarter when they rattled on 7.6, they could have stolen a victory over Sale.
Without Staley, Henning, Milham, Scicluna and Andrew Gieschen this season, the Eagles will rely heavily on their youngsters Matt Lee, Tom Rawlins, Craig Robbins, Doug Bates and Jesse Oldham to step up to fill the void.
After quartertime in last week’s match, the signs were promising as the youngsters all produced.
Maffra is not to be dismissed as a premiership chance.
Garfield looked to be an injuryhit lineup coming into its opening encounter after having the bye last week.
The Stars’ onball division appears decimated at the moment with Andy Soumilas (leg) and Danny O’Brien (knee) both sidelined and Nick Marsh having left the club to pursue work opportunities in Warrnambool.
Dean McFarlane (broken leg) is unlikely to play this season and in recent weeks Dean O’Brien (hand) and Matt Cunningham (back) sustained injuries.
Last season’s prize ROC recruit Al Stephens, who occupied a key defensive post, has left and the Stars’ efforts to entice back the Allen brothers, Joe and Jack, did not materialise when both opted for Pakenham.
Garfield will be pinning its hopes on its youngsters, who all made huge strides under astute coach Ben Soumilas last year.
Big things are expected from Zeke Hower, Tom Marsh, Jake Hower and the enigmatic Harley Lacunes.
Maffra should register its first victory of the 2006 season.
Drouin travels to face a fired up Morwell after the Tigers suffered an unexpected loss at the hands of Leongatha.
Drouin could not have been any more impressive last week.
Its ability to put pressure on the ball carrier was firstrate and its unheralded forward line led by Marc Olsen, who chimed in with four goals, proved more than a handful.
Captaincoach Danny Murphy and assistant coach and key forward Brent Mounsey should both be better for last week’s game and confidence levels would have risen appreciably.
Having lost Brock Honeysett, Bobby MacCallum will face a big task this week, having to shoulder the brunt of the ruckwork against the tall Webb brothers, and his performance may play a big part in the result.
Both teams struggled to kick goals last season and have a similar look this season so it could be a lowscoring affair.
Morwell is a better team than last week’s effort and on its home patch I’ll tip Jason Sheriff to chalk up his first victory as coach of Morwell.
Buoyed by last week’s stunning victory over the reigning premiers, Warragul will host Leongatha.
There was a lot to like about the Gulls last week.
Warragul will be keeping a close eye on how its gun ruckman and 2005 EDFL best and fairest Matt Gray recovers from an ankle injury.
From all reports he could barely walk last Sunday and if he doesn’t front it will be a big blow for Warragul.
The Gulls struggled to kick goals last season but youngster Kael Bergels filled the breach last week with five majors.
Bergels has an Xfactor, as he is likely to get called up by Gippsland Power.
There were plenty of good reports about the Gulls’ midfield, comprising WAFL recruit Leigh Sheehan, Nick Edney, Ryan Davey and Brad Nott.
This week John Reid, Paul Wallin and Paul McNulty will stake claims for senior selection.
Warragul may lack a focal target up forward but does not lack pace and will trouble all teams in this department.
Leongatha had a few youngsters step up last week, perhaps the most impressive being Aiden Harris, who snared four majors.
The Parrots’ effort to hold off a strong secondhalf challenge from Morwell will give it plenty of selfbelief.
Warragul’s midfield should be able to outpoint Leongatha’s and set the Gulls on the path to their second win of the season.
Moe will welcome Sale.
Moe disappointed last week and in contrast Sale was superimpressive.
After finishing strongly last year, last week was a reality check for Lachlan Sim’s Lions.
Moe has a potent forward line led by Jason Shields, Adam Kennedy, Karl Mutke and Dean Caldow, if he chooses to play forward this week.
If the Lions’ midfield can find more of the ball and use it better than last week they will take the game right up to Sale.
The Magpies played with purpose last week, displayed good pace, have good height and potent talls Nick Fowler and Chris Aurisch, the latter of whom is a star in the making.
Gun onball recruits Jacob Schuback and Chris Laverty will be better for their first game with their new teammates and the Magpies should return home with their second consecutive victory.
MAFFRA v Garfield
Moe v SALE
MORWELL v Drouin
WARRAGUL v Leongatha
Traralgon – Bye