Round 12 Preview
A massive round of football awaits in the SS&A OMFNL with the league and clubs set to stage its second Indigenous Round this weekend after the inaugural round in 2022.
The round was launched on Tuesday in Albury at the Noreuil Park foreshore where clubs came together for a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by local elder Darren Wighton.
Clubs across the Ovens and Murray will again recognise the rich history and culture of the Indigenous community with specially designed playing strips.
The action on the ovals and the courts will be full on with a replay of last year’s grand finals in both codes between Wangaratta and Yarrawonga the headline acts.
After losing its first three matches Wangaratta has won seven in a row to become a genuine threat to repeat last year’s grand final victory.
A win over top-of-the-table Yarrawonga at home would further enhance its credentials. A win would also see the Pies jump ahead of the Pigeons on percentage.
When they met earlier in the year Yarrawonga prevailed by 31 points despite only winning one of the quarters – an 8-5 to nothing second term paved the way for the win.
A huge game for Lavington when they welcome Wangaratta Rovers to the Lavington Sportsground for a potentially season-defining contest.
The Panthers can keep the pressure on both Rovers in 4th place and Wodonga in 5th place by winning – a loss will most likely see them fall two games behind Wodonga and three from Rovers.
A loss for Rovers would leave them vulnerable to play finals, however, a win will see them still keep alive a chance for the top three.
Weather forecasts point toward a wet and cold day – scoring will be low and efficiency in front of goal could decide this one.
Albury will host North Albury with a big chance co-coach Anthony Miles could make a return to the playing field for the first time since round 17 2022 when he broke a leg at Yarrawonga.
The Tigers currently trail Yarrawonga by 4.5 % for the top spot, while North Albury is one game and over 37% behind 5th-placed Wodonga.
The Hoppers have been the big improvers of the season having made remarkable progress with its creditable at Yarrawonga with an undermanned side last week proof of this.
North Albury suffered a huge blow with star midfielder Julian Hayes tearing a tendon off the bone of his left little finger at training before the Yarrawonga game.
In better news for the Hoppers inspirational coach Tim Broomhead will return from suspension along with Jackson Weideman from VFL.
Wodonga has named coach Jordan Taylor for its clash against cross-town rivals Wodonga Raiders, his first game back from a shoulder injury.
The Raiders team looks stronger with the Bracher boys, Cam Ellis-Yolmen the keys to an upset result, that would be a huge blow to Wodonga.
The Bulldogs showed plenty last week against Wangaratta and will be fully aware of the consequence come finals if they let this one slip.
The netball action will be firmly focussed on the clash between unbeaten Yarrawonga and second-placed Wangaratta – a replay of last year’s grand final at Lavington.
The Magpies have yet to have its best available side on the court at the same time, a similar situation with the Pigeons – home court advantage may see an upset.
North Albury after an improved showing at Yarrawonga last week will be confident of beating the Tigers at the Sportsground.
If Albury were to lose, they could just about say goodbye to its finals hopes with Lavington expected to be too strong for Wang Rovers.
A Lavington win would see the gap between fifth and sixth stretched to two games and a big percentage. The Panthers will still fancy their chances of a top-three finish.
The final game will see Raiders consolidate its third place with a win over Wodonga who have had just one win so far.
