The match of the round takes place at Numurkah, where the Blues, currently sitting in 6th position, take on the ladder leaders Echuca United. The Rams and Congupna face off in a massive game for both clubs, while Moama have a must win game against Tongala.
Numurkah v Echuca United
Numurkah face a huge challenge when they take on Echuca United. A loss could see the Blues face a real battle to take part in this year’s finals series. They were brave against Finley last week, but couldn’t get over the line. The midfield clash is where the game will be won and the Blues must stop Farran and Rowan Priest if they are to cause an upset. The Eagles will most likely be without Coach Scott Beattie, but Guy Campbell could be a big chance to replace him for the clash. They also have Clayton Zanella, Liam Guinan and Daniel Cavallaro in good form. The Blues will probably apply a couple of tagging roles through Jack Miechel, Beau McKeown, Nick Fothergill and Corey Dunn. Numurkah have some experienced players in Chris Oliver, Mark Brown and Brent Chapman who will cause the Eagles some headaches. But the Eagles defence headed by Ryan Prendergast and Jake Guinan will make scoring difficult for the home side. I expect this to be a close match with so much riding on it, but the Eagles should continue on their winning way.
Deni Rams v Congupna
Deni Rams also face a massive challenge when they host Congupna. The Road are on their last chance for a berth in this year’s finals and must get the 4 points on offer. Both teams will be fresh coming off a bye last round. The Rams will regain Nick Howe for the important clash while Ash Morris, Blair Whelan, Anthony Bull and Ollie Draffin will be key players. With Brayden Hall, Simon Maher, Hayden Barker and Ricky Gittens also in good form the Rams will go in favourites. For Congupna they need big games from Mitch Sidebottom, Paul and Luke Kenelley, Daniel Bowles and Kaine Greening if they are to keep their season alive. The Rams should be able to consolidate their position in the 6 on their home deck and should just get over the line in a close one.
Moama v Tongala
Moama also face a must win game when they clash with Tongala at home. Moama have some dangerous forwards in Tyler Jones, Jake Kilmartin, Taylor Beard and Lachlan Schultz who the Blues must restrict and Daniel Thorp, Josh Maddox and Paul Nevill have been impressive in the midfield. Tongala also have some potent forwards who need to fire in Andrew Reid, Adam Nunn and Luke McGill. While they need big games around the ground from Shannon Tucker, Jordan Souter, James Nanopoulos and Liam Brennan if they are to cause an upset. Moama play their home ground very well and should take the point in another fairly close game.
Cobram v Nathalia
Cobram appear safe in the top 6 but face a confident Nathalia side that has won its last 4 games in a row. The Tigers have had their share of injuries, but John Lucas and Sam Gemmill returned last week in a real boost for the side. With Ben Ryan in form up forward and Nick Tassell, Adam Svarc, Will Patone, Tom Crapp, Tom Thorson and Matt Hyde always dangerous around the ground the Tigers will be a huge challenge for the Purples. Nathalia have steadily improved through the season with some of their younger players Adam Hickey, Rhys Shannon, Mal Barnes and Liam Evans steppng up. With Jason Limbrick, Ben Hitchcock and Matt Davies in form up forward and Troy Snelson, Brodie Ross and Alistair Corry winning their share of the footy, the Purples won’t be a pushover. At home through the Tigers should be too good on the final siren.
Rumbalara v Finley
Rumbalara fresh from the bye will look to cause a huge upset when they take on an injury ravaged Finley. Rumba have Eric Edwards in good touch up forward with 54 goals for the season and Levi Power, Ryan Hudson, Rex Taylor and Justin Terlich working hard around the ground. The Cats should be able to get the job done with Ryan Bongetti and Ollie Ford winning the ball out of the centre and their younger players in Jeremy Congram, Tennyson Vance, Stephen Patten and Allister Clarke stepping up and getting the job done. Rumba should be competitive, but the Cats should take the points at the end of the day.
Mulwala v Barooga
Mulwala will be out to bounce back from their loss to Echuca United last week with a big win against Barooga. The Lions will again look to their dangerous forwards in Chase Strawhorn, Anthony Giuliano and Kyle Archibald to boot them a winning score. While Sean Robinson, Nick O’Bryan and Dean Bigger rack up plenty of possessions. Barooga will want a competitive performance and will look to Ben Robbins, Chase Saunders, Matt Hendry, James Hazelman and Dylan Brooks to lead the way. At home the Lions should have a massive victory
Tocumwal Bye
Selections – Echuca United, Deni Rams, Moama, Cobram, Finley, Mulwala.
