James Coburn’s Garfield has a huge task against ladder leader Maffra on Saturday. 31574 By Ken Moore
AT HOME this Saturday, Garfield will shape up to ladder leaders Maffra.
While at the start of the season many punters expected Garfield to get pummelled by about 20 goals each week, the Stars have been far more competitive than most people thought and have kept their average losing margin down to a tad under seven goals and picked up a victory over Sale along the way.
This week the Stars face another stern test. Maffra has catapulted into top position and with only the one loss.
The break last week would have been a godsend for Garfield because its round seven clash against Drouin was a taxing, physical affair. The arrival of Ben Jostlear from Warragul, the form of ruckman Brett Reid, the improvement of newcomer Sam Withers and the consistency of defender Jim Bow to support Brent Eastwell and Ben Marsh are some of the heartening signs for supporters of the green and gold.
Maffra reinforced its position as top dogs with a crushing win over Leongatha last round and new coach Graham Robbins has his charges motoring along nicely.
Adrian Burgiel scored six goals against the MPNFL last week to show he has recovered from injury and he and Gary Jones and Ben Batalha were by far the best players for the WGLFL in a disappointing effort and look in good nick.
The Eagles are starting to look well balanced and should win with plenty in reserve.
Sale v Warragul
SALE will suit up against Warragul hoping to open its winning account at home for 2009. What is certain is that the Magpies, the reigning premiers, will not defend their title barring a miracle. After many senior departures they have been hit hard by injuries, the most recent veteran Kane Fraser, rover Rodney Love and improving defender Jamie Sweeney, who broke his collarbone. As a result Sale has won only one game.
After victories over Traralgon and Moe, Warragul appears to be finding its groove and should chalk up its fifth win.
Leongatha v Traralgon
LEONGATHA tees off at home against Traralgon. The Maroons got their season back on track last round with a fighting five-point victory over Morwell while after a promising opening month, the Parrots have gone off the boil with two big losses to Drouin and Maffra.
With Northern Territory ruckman Courtney Foulds, defenders Hayden Brown and Chris Rump, forward Rhett McLennan and classy smalls Roy Mullins and Ricky Delphine all sidelined, their fortunes appear to be going down a similar path to that of 2008, when they could not overcome many injuries.
Expect the Maroons to prevail by about 25 points.
Morwell v Moe
ON SUNDAY Morwell will face old sparring partner Moe. Little separates both teams and a five-minute lapse by either is likely to prove to be the difference. The Tigers were left to curse a five-point loss to Traralgon last round, which put it a game behind the top four spots. Morwell has missed key defender Michael. J.Duncan since his ankle injury in round four and it has weakened the Tigers’ defence.
Moe looks to have the numbers around the ball to overshadow the Morwell runners, suggesting the Lions should win but the result is sure to go down to the wire.
DROUIN will have the bye this weekend.
