By RUSSELL BENNETT
ELLINBANK AND DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
PREVIEW – ROUND 6 WEST DIVISION
KOOWEERUP v GARFIELD
The first of two huge clashes this weekend involving each of last year’s grand finalists will pit the Stars against the Demons at Denhams Road.
Garfield’s resilience and fighting spirit will be put under the microscope on Saturday with Kooweerup fresh off back-to-back wins and steadily rising towards the league’s top tier.
The Stars, on the other hand, were comprehensively beaten by the Cobras and will look to put on a far more competitive showing than they did for the final three quarters of their Round 5 game.
This week’s match-up could be won or lost in the midfield early. If the likes of Nick Battle, Ben Marsh and the Collis boys can take the fight up to Luke Walker and Matt Grant early there is more than enough young talent in that Stars list to push the Demons all the way. But if the Kooweerup engine room gains the ascendency and starts pinpointing Shorey and Gramc on a lead, it could consecutive long days at the office for Hendy’s men. The Demons have hit their straps and should win by four or five goals.
BUNYIP v NAR NAR GOON
Equally as intriguing will be Bunyip’s battle with the Goon. Both proud sides are coming off 40-plus point defeats and have struggled to find a consistent avenue to goal on Saturday.
The Goon has been riddled with injury at its top end, but was taught a lesson by Matt Shorey’s men at home. The side will need to lift the intensity that seems to have quickly become a trademark of the 2014 side if it’s to return to the winners’ circle this week, with the Dogs long having prided themselves on their own tenacity and ferocity at the contest.
There will be a fair few sore and sorry boys this Sunday morning after this one. We’re sticking with the Goon to bounce back.
CORA LYNN v CATANI
This one could get ugly – there’s no two ways about it. The Cobras stormed past the Stars after quarter time on Saturday and it was their run through the midfield and ability to finish up forward that shone brightest. Ryan Gillis and Anthony Giuliano combined for nine goals but Cora Lynn had seven other contributors to hit the scoreboard as well. It’s just hard to see Catani figuring out a way of stopping the flow of goals when it inevitably starts.
But if this league has taught us one thing so far, it’s that there’s no room for complacency. While the Blues are yet to register their first win of the season, Saturday could be the day if the Cobras take them for granted.
ROUND 6 TIPS
KOOWEERUP v Garfield
Bunyip v NAR NAR GOON
CORA LYNN v Catani
Lang Lang – bye
