Geelong Advertiser | BANNOCKBURN coach Craig McGough is keeping his side’s flying start in perspective, admitting the Tigers are reaping the benefits of a favourable draw.
After winning an arm-wrestle against Geelong West in Round 1, the Tigers have since pumped rebuilding sides Anakie and Winchelsea to surge to second on the GDFL ladder.
They face Thomson this weekend before their first genuine test arrives in Round 5 with a clash against last year’s runner-up North Geelong.
“I think the draw’s been really good and really favourable for us,” McGough said.
The Tigers are tipped to be one of the big improvers this season, having added class and experience through a number of key signings, including Martin Curtis, Nick Peters and key forward Jordyn Burke.
“We’ve got quite a few new guys and a few younger guys coming through and it gives us an opportunity to play together and a chance to see how they fit into the structure,” McGough said.
“It’s been a really positive start from that perspective — it’s probably been the best possible draw to help us develop the side.
WERRIBEE CENTRALS v ANAKIE
Galvin Park, Werribee, 2.10pm
IN A NUTSHELL: A crucial game for two sides searching for their second win. The Roos will believe they can topple Centrals, who are ravaged with injury. The question is can the Centurions boot enough goals without spearheads Jason Butty and Ty Montebruno?
ONE TO WATCH: Centurion Phil Jones kicked two goals and was one of his side’s best in the last clash against the Roos.
LAST TIME: Round 13, 2014: Anakie 7.14 (56) def by Werribee Centrals 10.19 (79)
ADDY SAYS: Werribee Centrals by four points.
BELMONT LIONS v GEELONG WEST
Jetts Oval, Belmont, 2.10pm
IN A NUTSHELL: The Cheetahs will enter the clash with confidence, having surged home to down Werribee Centrals last week. Belmont thrashed lowly Corio and faces a stiff test against West. The Lions are likely to make just one change, with the suspended Devon Winsall to be replaced by Ridley Livesey, who missed last week’s clash against Inverleigh with soreness.
ONE TO WATCH: Lion Ben Grinter was best afield against Corio last week.
LAST TIME: Round 13, 2014: Geelong West 8.9 (57) def by Belmont Lions 14.7 (91).
ADDY SAYS: Belmont Lions by 65 points.
NORTH GEELONG v WINCHELSEA
Keith Barclay Oval, 2.10pm
IN A NUTSHELL: They were thrashed by a resurgent Bannockburn last round but the task will only be greater tomorrow afternoon. Winchelsea, who has conceded 385 points in just three rounds this season, face a rampant North Geelong that is searching for its fourth-straight win.
ONE TO WATCH: The ever reliable Derek Fitzsimmons dominated the Blues last time they met.
LAST TIME: Round 13, 2014: Winchelsea 11.9 75 def by North Geelong 20.20 (140).
ADDY SAYS: North Geelong by 96 points.
BELL POST HILL v CORIO
Myers Reserve, 2.10pm
IN A NUTSHELL: Bell Post Hill will be bolstered by the return of Attila Sulics and Rhys Burke for the clash against the Devils. Sulics (shoulder) and Burke (concussion) were among a host of outs as the Panthers went down to Inverleigh last round. Corio battled against Belmont Lions and now face arguably the toughest task in football.
ONE TO WATCH: Big man Justin Tarr bagged four majors against the Devils last time.
LAST TIME: Round 13, 2014: Bell Post Hill 24.23 (167) def Corio 4.7 (31).
ADDY SAYS:Bell Post Hill by 98 points.
EAST GEELONG v INVERLEIGH
Richmond Cres, 2.10pm
IN A NUTSHELL: The scars of last year’s semi-final loss will run deep for East Geelong. The Eagles were cruising towards a preliminary final before being overrun by the Hawks. East will seek redemption, but after a winless start to the season, it is difficult to see Ricky O’Toole’s men troubling the undefeated Inverleigh.
ONE TO WATCH: Blake Hutchinson booted three goals and led the Hawks’ revival in a stunning finals win.
LAST TIME: Semi-final, 2014: Inverleigh (16.8 104) def East Geelong 12.15 (87)
ADDY SAYS: Inverleigh by 47 points.
BANNOCKBURN v THOMSON
Victoria Park, Bannockburn, 2.10pm
IN A NUTSHELL: Can Thomson stop Bannockburn’s powerful key pillars of Tom Mullane-Grant and Jordyn Burke? The Tigers are in irresistible form, coming off two thumping wins, but Thomson’s confidence will be high after a gutsy breakthrough win over East Geelong last week.
ONE TO WATCH: Thomson’s Sam Jacka was dominant in a losing side at Victoria Park last season.
LAST TIME: Round 13, 2014: Bannockburn 9.19 (73) def Thomson 4.8 (32).
ADDY SAYS: Bannockburn by 41 points.
