The Courier | Gordon's potent attack and Beaufort's tight defence on show in top-end battle.
BEAUFORT v GORDON
Beaufort
Saturday, 2.30pm
LAST TIME: Gordon 16.9 (105) d Beaufort 10.9 (69), round 4, 2014
THE most potent attack taking on the stingiest defence. What a mix Saturday’s showdown between Gordon and Beaufort shapes to be.
Gordon, who has peppered the goals in kicking a whopping 1634 points from nine games this season, comes up against a Beaufort side that has conceded just 312 points in 2015.
The Hyundai Eagles have been beaten just once – by reigning premiers Bungaree in round one – while the Graintech Crows are undefeated with a draw against Waubra the only stumble.
Beaufort coach Dale Power said his team is excited by being part of a Central Highlands Football League match of the round - its first significant test since that tie with the Roos in early May.
WATTS UP?: Hamish Watts has been named to return to Gordon's side for the clash with Beaufort on Saturday. Picture: Adam Trafford.
“It makes for an interesting match-up, doesn’t it?,” Power said, referring to the teams’ differing styles.
“They’ll try and get the game on their terms and we will try and get it on our terms. We will see who comes out on top in that regard, I guess.”
While there’s just one change to Beaufort’s side that beat Dunnstown last weekend – with Branden Sternberg called-up after a good start to the year in the reserves - Gordon will field arguably its most undermanned team of the season.
The Eagles have named four changes to the outfit that beat Daylesford, with winger Harley Hunter (ankle), forward Jason Rae (wrist), defender Sam Turmine (unavailable) and key forward Hamish Watts (groin) those to make way. Angus Watts is the big in and will take a key post down back.
Senior coach Corey Grills, who also remains sidelined with an injury he preferred not to disclose, said he was looking forward to taking on the Crows this weekend.
“This will be a really good challenge to play a top, in-form and emerging side of the competition,” Grills said.
Following Saturday’s clash, the Crows have a big game against Buninyong to plan for, while Gordon takes on rivals Springbank.
PREDICTION: Gordon by 17 points