MOOROOPNA V KYABRAM
This should be a fantastic contest that has plenty on the line.
A win for Kyabram and it will virtually sew-up third spot on the ladder, while victory for the Cats keeps their hopes alive of finishing third, which many say is nearly the best spot to finish come September.
The Cats were really good in two of the four quarters against the Lions so coach John Lamont knows the importance of a four-quarter effort against the top six teams.
Unfortunately, the Cats have fallen short in most matches in 2023 versus the top six teams, only defeating Mansfield, so Lamont and his coaching staff will be keen on claiming a scalp ahead of the September finals.
Bryce Rutherford, Matt Deane, Jed Woods, Daniel Johnston and Ethan Hunt will be the Cats trying to lead by example to take it up to the Bombers who got back on the winners’ list last round after losses in round 13 and 14.
Kaine Herbert, Liam Ogden, Jason Morgan, Charlie Barnett and Bradley Mangan were the Bombers that lead the way in what was a solid team effort to get the win over Tatura.
If they can continue that form and others chip in to lend support, then I think it will be Kyabram in front at around 4.30pm. Tip: Kyabram.
SHEPPARTON SWANS V SEYMOUR
The Shepparton Swans will be looking to dish it up to one of the best teams in the competition as they look to try and claim a big scalp before season’s end.
In recent weeks, the young Swans have played with plenty of dare and freedom.
They took up to the reigning premier for 2 ½ quarters and won the second half against Mansfield last round after they were down by nearly 50 points at half-time.
Coach Jedd Wright would be liking what his chargers are doing in the back half of the season despite not getting the wins on the board.
Max Clohesy, Quade Johnstone, James Auld, Steele Simpson and Will Dwyer will be looking to continue their recent good form for the Swans.
Joshua Alford, Jack O’Sullivan, Ricky Schraven, Ben Cooney, Rory Scopel, Nathan Fowler and Michael Hartley will be looking to lead the way for the Lions to ensure they bank the win and take another step towards locking in a top two finish. Tip: Seymour.
TATURA V SHEPPARTON UNITED
This will be an interesting match-up between two teams looking to finish off 2023 in a positive manner.
The Bulldogs were well beaten by Kyabram last round while the Demons gave up a four-goal lead to eventually slump to a 21-point defeat and to the bottom of the ladder.
As a proud club, the Demons will be desperate to climb off the ladder before season’s end.This is one of three opportunities to do that.
Following the match against the Bulldogs, the Demons finish with a home fixture against Benalla and an away match against Rochester to round out their home and away season.
Coach Duane Hueston would have ear-marked this period as an opportunity to get a win or two.
But it won’t be easy, especially if they don’t string together four quarters.
Last round, they only played a half.
But it was a really good half, so he will be looking to replicate that against the Dogs.
To do that the likes of Marcus Wattie, Damien Pigatto, Adam Pigatto, Kyle Clarke, Mitchell Roche and Jayden Magro need to lead the way while the Dogs will look to Comanche Walls, Michael Archer, Brayden Hall, James Bennett, Ryan Young and Ethan Penrith to steer them to their fifth win of 2023.
With the game at Tatura Park, I am leaning towards the home team to get the chocolates. Tip: Tatura.
