What a round of football it was last week with Eyre United recording their first A Grade win since 2018, much to the delight of the Saints faithful and many others around the Eyre Peninsula.
Lock and Tumby Bay both scored wins without blowing their opposition away, setting up a mouth-watering match-up between the top-two hopefuls this weekend.
Elliston Districts vs Eyre United
Elliston Districts Ins – Matt Williams, Kye Higgins, Tom Gibson, Rhett Schumann Out – Kysen Shepperd, Jordy Little, Lachie Forward, Harvey Fleming
Eyre United
Ins – Nathan Peters, Richard Norris Outs – Max Baldissera, Kye Butler
The Saints will be full of confidence coming into this weekend, fresh off a fantastic last quarter to run over the top of Cougars in Cummins. Momentum is huge in football and many supporters around the league will hope there’s more wins to come in the Saints final year.
The Roosters will be looking to get their first win on the board for season 2023, after suffering a 6-goal defeat to the in-form Tumby Bay side last weekend.
The inclusion of Matt Williams into the Roosters midfield will prove vital in giving their forwards plenty of opportunities from clearances.
Max Baldissera has been in excellent form since returning to his home club and will be missed at Centre Half-Forward this weekend for the Saints.
Both half-back lines provide plenty of drive thanks to Ross Bascomb for Elliston Districts and the Forrest brothers for Eyre United.
Kobe Vlassco and Kody Rosalia have been in fine form for their respective sides and both will look to use their speed and classy ball-skills to finish goals.
If the Saints can start the way they finished last weekend, they’re more than a shot to win this, however, it’s hard to go past the Roosters at home.
PS. It'll be all about the birds next weekend as a Chicken and a Swan make their way down to Rooster Park. Toot Toot!
Tumby Bay vs Lock
Tumby Bay
Ins – Tyson Whitelaw, Reece Gerrie Outs – Jagga Cross, Luke Roach, Swayne Ackland
Lock
Ins – Tyron George, Jed Durdin, Tim Boehm, Kory Beard Outs – Aaron Beard, Justin Beard, Blaze Kay, Dougie Pearce
Tumby Bay continue to impress this season with a solid win against Elliston Districts last weekend. According to coach Craig Curtis, they’re still searching for an even 4 quarter effort but happy with how they’re tracking. Mitch Lawrie and Joe Walker continue to stand up every week for the Blues whilst getting plenty of support from their young stars in Latrelle Sumner and the McDonald twins.
Lock must of walked under a ladder and run over a black cat at the start of the year, combined with their current injuries, the plane carrying three of their players (Aaron Beard, Levi Brown and Luke Durdin) was delayed twice and didn’t rock up to quarter time last weekend!.
This game should be the match of the round with both sides eyeing off a top 2 position early in the season.
The inclusion of one of Locks favourite sons in Jed Durdin back for a game with his brothers will bolster the Roos forward line in the absence of Travis Beard and Ryan Siebert, however the Blues defence has been resolute all year led by Joe Walker and Tom Kelly.
New Blue, Latrelle Sumner has started the season superbly, utilising his leg speed all over the ground and must be watched closely by the Lock defence.
Kory Beard and Tyron George will be welcome additions to the Lock side after missing several weeks with injury.
Cain Reynolds has continued on his excellent form from last year, taking his game to another level this season.
The midfield battle of McLeod, Lawrie and Whitelaw up against Morton, Brown and Reynolds will result in plenty of sore bodies on Saturday night.
With the home ground advantage and the Roos injury list, Tumby will have to go in to this one as favourites.
United Yeelanna vs Cummins Kapinnie
United Yeelanna
Ins – Brodie Cash (debut), Jason Ridley, Alex Glover Outs – Luke Howie, Jack Crettenden, Kade Dufek
Cummins Kapinnie Ins – Still deciding Outs – Daniel Puckridge, Jarrod Howell
Cougars will face a tough task after going down to the Saints last week. Cougars coach Thomas Phelps said they had 6 players who had to play 2 games last weekend and poor skills and attitude caused many turnovers, however they look forward to the challenge of facing the competitions best this weekend and playing tough contested footy.
The Eagles are fresh off a bye and look to have near a full list to pick from. A dangerous sign for any side.
United Yeelanna will go into this game as heavy favourites but look for an improved effort this weekend from the Cougars side who are planning to give it a red-hot crack regardless of the final team put on the park.
The Eagles forward line is led by the Crettenden brothers, with all 3 in the top 6 goal-kickers for the League.
As solid as the Eagles veterans have been all year, their younger brigade in Dane Habner and Beau Sampson have been just as impressive, standing up in the big moments when their side needs a lift.
Expect Cougars to battle hard this weekend, but I’m tipping the Eagles comfortably.
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