Warragul youngster John Reid is in scintilating form and was best afield for the Gulls last weekend.By Ken Moore
WARRAGUL will host Garfield this week and life hasn’t been easy for the Stars recently.
After facing Sale on the rebound, this week they meet the Gulls, a team determined to atone for a narrow but unexpected loss to Moe.
Garfield has disappointed this season but will revel in the opportunity to beat Warragul, a team it has built a strong rivalry with and respect for in recent years.
Warragul was going along nicely with what looked to be its strongest team for the season but had a big reality check against Moe last week.
Garfield is itching to beat someone higher on the ladder and will be up for this game.
With ruckman Tom Marsh and midfielders Ben Marsh, Shaun Pickering, Mal McKenna, Ryan Munro and Jake Hower, Moe should be able to compete well against the classy Gulls onball division of Desi Barr, John Reid, Rob Murphy, Ryan Davey and Nick Edney.
Warragul suffered a big blow last week when Matt Gray injured his shoulder and the emerging ruckman must be doubtful.
Underrated Gulls defenders David ScottSmith and Daniel Golding were unavailable last week and their absence appeared to affect the balance of the back line.
Warragul appears a little more versatile and talented and should win narrowly, however an upset is possible.
The sixthplaced Morwell faces a mustwin game in Moe on Sunday and, if the Tigers lose, they can kiss finals hopes goodbye.
Morwell will be bolstered by the return of Kirk Somerville, Don Webb, Luke Franklin and Brett Connelly, who all missed last week with the flu, so it will have no shortage of tall timber.
Morwell gave plenty of cheek against Maffra last week, however Moe was equally impressive against Warragul.
A good sign for the Lions was the performance of Jason Shields, who returned to a semblance of his best form, and this spells danger for Morwell.
Dean Caldow is believed to have recovered from a leg injury and, for a crunch game, he is expected to come into the lineup.
With home advantage and the likely return of Caldow, Moe should consolidate its spot in the five with a victory by a slender margin.
A victory for Traralgon would guarantee a spot in the top five but it faces a tough assignment when ladder leader Sale pays a visit.
The good news for Maroons fans is that the 2005 premiers looked to be working their way back into top form.
Assistant coach Tom McQualter had a run with the reserves last week, his first match in well over two months, and will come under consideration for selection.
Traralgon is gaining in confidence and with solid defence led by Jamie Aitkin, Sam McCulloch and Leigh Cummins and a big improvement in recent weeks from forwards Dane McGennisken, Rowan Hore, Lee Stockdale and Daniel Pahl it is starting to look more menacing.
Champion rover Greg Morley also returned to top form last week and, on their home patch, I’ll tip an upset win for the Maroons over the Magpies.
Maffra will have too much class and experience for Leongatha.
Away from home the Parrots will do well to keep the margin to less than 10 goals.
Interest will centre on the performance of Leongatha youngsters Tom Dowd, Roy Mullins, Marc Truscio and Tim Wightman.
Should these boys put in good showings, the Parrots will have much to look forward to in coming years.
Drouin has the bye.
TRARALGON v Sale
WARRAGUL v Garfield
MAFFRA v Leongatha
MOE v Morwell (Sunday)
