Omnia   

malleeflThe final home and away round, of the final season for the Mallee Football League has arrived, and it will be an historical one. For Walpeup Underbool, they will be out to ensure their last match in the league is a win, while all other teams will want to iron out any wrinkles before commencing their finals campaign.


To ensure a second chance in the finals Woomelang Lascelles need to get back on the winners list when they host Ouyen United.

The Cats were winning the battle of a shootout early in the game against the Giants last week, which seems to be the style of game that suits them. When they are allowed time and space they can move the ball from one end of the ground to the other extremely quickly, and score heavily. The Demons will need to make sure they apply plenty of pressure all over the ground, particularly to their efficient, running players like Peirce Liddle, Brodie Adcock and Charles McAdam. If these players get enough of the ball, they will create many scoring opportunities. An advantage for the Cats is that they never rely on one or two main goal kickers, but are able to spread the load.

The Demons will certainly be able to match the Cats in their speed and running capacity. It will be important for them however, to be able to maintain this for the whole match, with few lapses. Their endeavor against the ladder leaders last week was admirable, however their experienced players in Henry Armour, Brad Vallance and Marc Hahnel will need plenty of support.

While the first half of the season was one to forget for Walpeup Underbool, they have been able to take some scalps in the latter part of the season. The Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers are the only team they haven’t been able to beat, but they will take confidence from their last clash when they got within 10 points.

Shane Birss has had a consistent year and leads by example as coach for the Roos. He should be delighted with the development of the younger players throughout the season and will be hoping they can give him one last effort to finish in the Mallee Football League with a win.

While teams have often had good patches, and even quarters of footy against the Tigers, they have the class and experience to be able to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and get themselves back on top when needed.

Luke Martin and Colin Durie head their backline, Jarrod Arentz and Joe Summerhayes run the forwards, and with the likes of Bernard Rigby and Lance Brown running through the midfield, there is no end to the depth of experience for the Tigers.

By Dale Shannon