SHEPPARTON UNITED Vs TATURA
This will be an interesting game between two teams desperate for a win. They both sit 1-4, with the Demons losing its past four games while the Dogs will be desperate to get back on the winners’ list after two losses.
United gave up an eight-goal first quarter last weekend and coach Duane Hueston will be working on his team having a strong start to the game against the Dogs.
There is no doubt that coach Paul Barnard would have been a little disappointed by the fact his team couldn’t get the chocolates at Rochester last weekend.
He knows it will take some time for his Dogs to gel, and I am going for the Demons to kick a winning score against the Dogs. Tip: Shepparton United.
SEYMOUR Vs SHEPPARTON SWANS
Seymour is flying at 5-0 while the Swans are a work in progress under new coach Jedd Wright. The Swans were able to be much more competitive last weekend in its 20-point defeat to last year’s runner-up Euroa.
The Lions were able to get the job done against last year’s preliminary finalist. 2021 Morrison Medallist, Jack O’Sullivan played his best game of the season.
Diesel Batey, Max Clohesy, Zac Banch, Andrew Riordan and Nathan Hrovat were good for the Swans in their loss to the Magpies. If they can continue that good form, then they will fancy themselves to go the distance with the undefeated Lions. Tip: Seymour.
MANSFIELD Vs SHEPPARTON
Mansfield will be looking to return to the winners’ list when it welcomes Shepparton to the High Country. The Bears are 1-4 but have been building each week. After giving up six goals in the first quarter, the Bears lost the final three quarters six goals to three.
Co-coaches Xavier Stevenson and Ted Lindon will be looking to build on that effort during the final three quarters against the Eagles. For mine, the Eagles will win to improve their season record to 4-2. Tip: Mansfield.
EUROA Vs KYABRAM
This should be a really good contest to show where both these teams are at before the inter-league bye. Kyabram has only lost the one game – v Echuca in round 2, while Euroa to Seymour in round 3.
The Bombers will be eager to turn the tables on the Pies after losing to them in last year’s elimination final. But that said, coach Paul Newman won’t be worrying too much. His focus will be on what they are doing well and how to expose weaknesses in the Pies’ game plan.
Brad Whitford, Will Golds, Rhys Clark, Kaine Herbert, Thomas Holman and Kyle Mueller will be responsible for doing that and turning the tables on the Pies.
Will Hayes, Matthew Ivill and Andrew Bell have been others that have been in strong form for the Pies who are hoping to regain Gus Varley and JD Hayes for this big four-point game. Tip: Euroa.
MOOROOPNA Vs ROCHESTER
Mooroopna has a tricky assignment in trying to avoid a third straight loss when it welcomes Rochester to the Cattery. Coach John Lamont acknowledged his Cats have just done enough to win the three games this season. Against Seymour they gave 11 (9.2.56) scoring shots in the first quarter and against Kyabram 10 (5.5.35) scoring shots. He will be reminding his players to not take Rochester lightly despite their 1-4 record.
Joseph Atley, Reid Gordon (three goals), Mitch Cricelli (two goals), Nicholas O’Connor and Matt Kellett will be important for the visitors. But I think the Cats have too much to play for to let this one slip through their paws. Tip: Mooroopna.
ECHUCA Vs BENALLA
This is a massive challenge for the Saints as they make the long trip across to the Port of the Murray to take on the reigning premier. The Saints are hoping for a better result than the last meeting on the Murray River.
To help them, ruckman Joshua Marchbank, Nicholas Brazil, Jarrad Waite (six goals), James Martiniello and Henry Hill will be important for the visitors.
The Murray Bombers will hopefully regain some of their premiership stars who have missed games in the opening five weeks of the season, including premiership co-coach Andrew Walker.Even if those guys aren’t back, the Murray Bombers will be too strong for the Saints.
Tip: Echuca.
