Harry's Happenings
Well it's that time of the week when everyone starts firing up about what's going to happen over this weeks round of footy. Either that or playing guessing games about who's going where or taking pot shots about who's a good leader or who has or hasn't got class etc... I love it. Great Stuff. Now, down to business.
Diggers Rest v Woodend Hesket
Are Woodend the real deal? Have Diggers got what it takes to make the finals? Two big questions.
1 - Woodend seem to have just slightly moved to the side of the radar, not off it, just to the side. This team is very well coached and with the cattle on the park can dismantle any side on their day. Their onballers and brigade of young stars continue to get the job done. Then they have the experience of Ninga, Sipthorpe and Barker. These guys may just be "The Real Deal".
2 - Diggers on the other hand have got what it takes to make the finals, and not only make it, but give a bloody good shake while they're there. Their onballers are among the best in the league and when on song, very difficult to hold. When the ball gets thrown up on Saturday, Jose should dominate the ruck, meaning Sims and Ruane or Heritage will get the first hands on it. Woodend's back line however is superb to say the least which is a stark contrast to Digger's forward line. This, for mine, is where the game will be won.
Woodend, 16 points.
Sunbury v Kilmore
This is going to be the second
"Do or Die" match in a row for Kilmore, with the possiblity of another two straight after this one. A loss last week means the door is well and truly ajar for the Burra. Kilmore will be bitter about their chances going begging over the last few weeks and will be out to seek some revenge. Although with an injury to Goudge, it would seem all of the hard work will be up to Pickle's man; Robbo. No doubting the bloke is a gun, but remember, he's young, he's holding his side on his shoulders and according to "Bulldogz_Rok" a couple of days ago, he's not a leader. In my opinion he is. Robbo will come up against Helmers, McInerny x 2 and Bonicci this week. A daunting task. With Minskin back into the side also the Roos look too strong all around the ground. The Roos also have a fair bit to prove after, what some have said, they have dropped off. Not as far as I can tell. I'd really like to see an upset here with Kilmore getiing over the Roos, but I'm a realist.
Roos by 6 goals.
Rockbank v Romsey
Romsey have just started to put everything together over the last couple of weeks. One shining light and perhaps making all of the difference, Steve Burlak. That bloke is a gun in his own right. Dum Dum came out the other week yelling that he was coming for Burlak. Burlak replied with 6 straight for the day. Not bad someone who used to be rather easily intimidated. I would be too if Dum Dum told me he was coming for me

Last week he kicked another 6 straight. Morgan was good along with BJ Nettlebeck. I haven't seen much of Rockbank, but from what I'm told they will not lay down easily. This is a side that has pride and is building for the future. Hopefully some of the experienced guys stick around with the young blokes like Krul and form a solid foundation for the years ahead. I recall a few years back when Romsey were well and truly up and about and we went over to Rockbank expecting a 20 goal win. The Rams won by 19 points. Romsey better get their heads straight again this week and make sure the game is put away nice and early.
Romsey 10 goals.
Lancefield v Macedon
Macedon have got some work to do this week against the Tigers. From what I saw last week, the Cats have some good young blokes running around and some really smart Cats as well. It goes without saying that Christiansen is their man. He got a bucket load of possies last weekend against the Redbacks but didn't have much help up forward. A young bloke by the Nickname "Nicko" (no. 22) was a bit of a livewire also, he had I think 3 shots on goal in the first 5 mins but didn't convert any. He also had plenty of the ball around the ground. That said, the pure class of Collins and Choate will see the Tigers clear by a fair margin. Conway will have his work cut out this week against the big red headed fella (don't know his name). He was very good last week, albeit Connellan didn't play, he still had to beat his opponent, and did very well. The finishing by the Tigers up forward will prove the real difference this week.
Lancefield by 8 goals.
Melton Centrals v Riddell
Riddell will be too classy for Melton this week. Whether they play at Macpherson Park or in Riddell or the MCG or even the local play ground, the Bombers are too good. Centrals will take it up to Riddell for the first half and if they have their serious boots on, possibily up to 3/4 time. We all know how well Centrals play their own ground and Riddell will need to get the score on the board early to ensure a comfortable ride home.
Wheelahan (I wanted to ensure I spelled his name correctly!!) will be effective around the stoppages as long as the two B's (Belville and Blade) don't get it first. IMO Belville for the Bowen

The bigger bodies of the Centrals boys will make sure this is a physical clash, but as stated at the top, Riddell's class will be the difference.
Riddell by 9 goals.
Well, that about wraps up Harry's Happenings. I took a little longer than anticipated, as I wanted to be as concise as possible. Hope it all makes sense, it did to me when I wrote it.
Good luck to those pulling them on this weekend.
Harry.


