By RUSSELL BENNETT
ELLINBANK AND DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
PREVIEW – ROUND 14 WEST DIVISION
BUNYIP v GARFIELD
AS STRANGE as it sounds, in some ways it’s easy to forget that these two sides have had such a storied grand final rivalry over recent seasons.
Both lists are vastly different, and younger, now yet this Saturday’s grand final replay at Bunyip is vitally important for both the Dogs and the Stars.
After their heavy loss to the Demons on Saturday, the Stars are now a game adrift of the Goon for third spot on the ladder.
Not only that, they’re tied on points with the Dogs in fourth and fifth respectively.
The higher-scoring Stars have a vastly superior percentage but Bunyip loves nothing more than a scrap and if this Saturday’s clash is kept as a tight inside midfield tussle, it will suit the Bulldogs perfectly.
That said, Garfield will be smarting from Saturday’s result.
The Stars just didn’t shine early and were wiped off the park by half-time.
There’s too much firepower and too much sheer will in the side to let that happen again.
The likes of Will Collis are in strong form, as is one of the competition’s best young finds in Nick Battle, and they should pose too many questions for the undermanned Dogs to answer.
Garfield by 30 points.
KOOWEERUP v CATANI
THIS is arguably the most intriguing matchup of the round.
Catani outworked the Demons back in Round 7, recording a famous win.
But the tide has turned somewhat since, with Kooweerup – outside of Cora Lynn – the form side of the competition.
Shorey’s men will be hell-bent on keeping their winning momentum going because they know just how crucial percentage will be by the end of the home-and-away season.
It’s a particularly harsh two rounds of the fixture for the Blues – facing up against the Cobras one week and the Demons the next – and we can’t help but think they’re in for another tough result on Saturday.
If the Demons are serious about contending this season, they should be looking to make a statement.
Kooweerup by 50.
LANG LANG v NAR NAR GOON
AFTER their Round 13 bye, the Tigers are set to welcome back a number of key players over the next couple of weeks – starting with their home game this Saturday against the Goon.
Lang Lang has been cruelled by injury all season to date but that’s finally starting to turn – just in time for a crucial stretch of the fixture for McIndoe’s men.
They need to start winning, and start now, if they’re to find a way into the finals.
As things stand they’re a game and percentage behind the Stars and Dogs in fifth and sixth and can’t afford to keep giving up ground.
But the Goon isn’t the sort of side to take an opponent lightly.
They’ll be fully aware that the Tigers will want to come out snarling from the outset and we’re tipping they’ll have enough answers.
Nar Nar Goon by 25.
ROUND 14 TIPS
Bunyip v GARFIELD
KOOWEERUP v Catani
Lang Lang v NAR NAR GOON
Cora Lynn – bye
