Round 17 Preview
Winter is nearly done – Spring is in the air and just two rounds of the SS&A OMFNL remain ahead of a blockbuster finals series in both netball and football.
One exciting aspect of both competitions is the fact that as it stands nine out of the ten competing clubs will play finals in either football or netball.
Despite having not won a game since July 15 Yarrawonga are still almost certain to take out the netball minor premiership with its final two games against the bottom two teams.
Yarrawonga after having the bye last week will be back at home for its clash with traditional rivals Wangaratta Rovers who after last week’s loss are now destined for an elimination final.
The Pigeons are far from full strength with Mark Whiley, Harry Wheeler and Bailey Fraunfelder not named, although the latter is named an emergency.
The Rovers will be missing Dylan Stone, Dylan Wilson and Will Christie. The Hawks will be all about preparing for week one of finals and will get a good guide to its credentials against Yarrawonga.
Albury Tigers take on traditional rivals Wodonga at the Albury Sportsground and welcome back co-coach Anthony Miles and co-captain Jim Grills.
The Tigers will start the round trailing Yarrawonga by almost 7% and will start the process of chipping away at that margin – first up they must win and that won’t be easy.
The Dog’s massive achievement to make finals for the first time in 13 years will be a massive boost to its confidence and they will take the game on without a doubt.
They do have injury concerns with Tom Johnston and coach Jordan Taylor in doubt for the remainder of the season. Hunger for finals appearances is the big lure for many in the playing group.
Possibly the closest game for the round could come at Birallee Park where the Raiders will take on a very inexperienced and small Lavington Panthers.
Incredibly just two players from the Lavington 2019 premiership side are playing Tom Hargreave and Tim Hanna as the Panthers introduce several young guns from their thirds.
Several players have dropped back to seconds to stay qualified for the Panthers seconds finals series, while Adam Butler and Jono Spina are both out injured.
Raiders will again be without Cam Ellis-Yolmen but should give a good account of themselves and feel confident that a victory is not beyond them.
Myrtleford after just falling short at home to North Albury last week make the trip to Wangaratta to take on last year’s grand final winners.
It looks a big task for the Saints who will be looking ahead to their final home game in round eighteen for a win – a good performance against the Pies will set them up nicely.
Wangaratta has brought back some big guns after an impressive win at Lavington last week with an undermanned side that was highlighted by a Cal Moore ten-goal masterclass.
Ben Reid, Matt Grossman, Tyler Norton, Murray Waite and Cam Barrett all return for the Saints clash, which will be the Pies’ last game before the qualifying final in two weeks.
Two massive games in netball will go a long way to sorting out the finishing order of teams between 2nd and 5th with Lavington’s win over Wangaratta last week putting the top three into a spin.
Wangaratta with the last round and no points on offer must beat Myrtleford to ensure they retain the double chance – a loss will leave them with a nervous last-round watch.
If Myrtleford were to beat the Magpies and then defeat Raiders in the last round they would most likely go ahead of Wangaratta.
Then if Lavington were to win its last two games against Raiders and Albury the Panthers and Myrtleford would finish in the top three and leave Wangaratta and Raiders in an elimination final.
It still could all come down to percentage with Wangaratta leading the Saints by just 0.01 %. For Pies fans, a win against Myrtleford will put all at ease.
The remaining two games should see Raiders with too much at stake should defeat Albury at home, while Yarrawonga will be in a ruthless mood when they host bottom-placed Rovers.
