RDFL Thread 2010 (Part 3)

[know_a_thing_or_2]

Last nights Bowen Medal Results

http://www.rdfl.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=492&Itemid=85

 

[know_a_thing_or_2]

Something from the Melton Leader that may be of interest:

RDFL receptive to league-swap idea
THE Riddell District Football League says it is open to the idea of Melton South rejoining its ranks next season. RDFL general manager John Batty said he was approached by South earlier this month, but would not be putting the idea to the league’s members until the club made a formal application.

The Ballarat Football League club’s members will vote on September 9 whether South will stay in the league or move to the RDFL.

The decision to consider a switch was made at the club’s extraordinary general meeting earlier this month.

Melton South was previously part of the RDFL until 1998 when it departed for the BFL. ‘‘What I can tell you is that we will be speaking with ( South’s) committee,’’ Batty said.

‘‘They want to ask us some questions about how the RDFL operates and they’ll just report back to their members.’’
It was early days, he added, but said the league would consider an application from the club.

‘‘ Melton South Junior Football Club is part of our league and the club’s seniors and juniors appear to be forming a strong allegiance (so) I think Melton South can see the advantage of having both clubs in the one league,’’ he said.

‘‘But until they make a formal approach to me I can’t put it to the members of our league.’’

BFL chief executive Rod Ward, who was present at the extraordinary general meeting, said he was confident Melton South would stay put.

‘‘We think we present a pretty convincing case and based on the mood at the meeting, which was overwhelmingly supportive of the league, we think we can present reasonably confident.’’

 

[Itsmyshow]

Is anyone able to post team of the year and maybe top 3 vote getters from each club?

Team of the year

B Grant Wearne (BF) Leigh Irwin (LF) Matt Welsh (SK)
HB Michael Kennedy (RB) Brett Caton (LF) Darren Goodwin (Mac)
C James Wright (Mac) Shane Jacobs (Wal) Darragh McGovern (SK)
HF Gary Moorcroft (Rom) Matt Knox (WH) Cam Dawson (Rom)
F Michael Allen (Rid) Aaron James (Kil) Gerard Liddell (Rid)
R Tom Waters (LF) Matt Robertson (Kil) Dean Smith-Whiting (Rom)
I Ash Fleming (Mac) Shaun Sims (DR) Jae Wilton (Mac) Haydn Ross (Rid)

 

[TP86]

Riddell lands first blow:

http://www.macedonrangestelegraph.c...as-riddell-bombers-pass-the-test/1927363.aspx

Kangaroos knock out Romsey:

http://www.macedonrangestelegraph.c...dfl-injury-crushes-romseys-hopes/1927360.aspx

Lancefield's Tom Waters wins Bowen medal:

http://www.macedonrangestelegraph.c...waters-wins-the-rdfl-bowen-medal/1927361.aspx

Riddell's Christine Harris wins Ryan medal:

http://www.macedonrangestelegraph.c...-wins-the-rdnl-janine-ryan-medal/1928236.aspx

 

[Sprechen]

Something from the Melton Leader that may be of interest:

RDFL receptive to league-swap idea
THE Riddell District Football League says it is open to the idea of Melton South rejoining its ranks next season. RDFL general manager John Batty said he was approached by South earlier this month, but would not be putting the idea to the league’s members until the club made a formal application.

The Ballarat Football League club’s members will vote on September 9 whether South will stay in the league or move to the RDFL.

The decision to consider a switch was made at the club’s extraordinary general meeting earlier this month.

Melton South was previously part of the RDFL until 1998 when it departed for the BFL. ‘‘What I can tell you is that we will be speaking with ( South’s) committee,’’ Batty said.

‘‘They want to ask us some questions about how the RDFL operates and they’ll just report back to their members.’’
It was early days, he added, but said the league would consider an application from the club.

‘‘ Melton South Junior Football Club is part of our league and the club’s seniors and juniors appear to be forming a strong allegiance (so) I think Melton South can see the advantage of having both clubs in the one league,’’ he said.

‘‘But until they make a formal approach to me I can’t put it to the members of our league.’’

BFL chief executive Rod Ward, who was present at the extraordinary general meeting, said he was confident Melton South would stay put.

‘‘We think we present a pretty convincing case and based on the mood at the meeting, which was overwhelmingly supportive of the league, we think we can present reasonably confident.’’

Thank god for that. Plus a bye would be annoying.

 

[Western Star33]

Don't quite agree with the team of the year but theres always gonna be complaints only 2 Kangas players thats bull. Where is Fishenden and Hatty.Who was Coach of the year?? I think hatty and big leigh had better years than matty welsh who has finally put together a full year don't think his year was that dominant though.But a fairly good team great forward line but only 2 kanga boys thats stiff

 

[The Real MO FO]

Don't quite agree with the team of the year but theres always gonna be complaints only 2 Kangas players thats bull. Where is Fishenden and Hatty.Who was Coach of the year?? I think hatty and big leigh had better years than matty welsh who has finally put together a full year don't think his year was that dominant though.But a fairly good team great forward line but only 2 kanga boys thats stiff

Word around the campfire is that they got confused with Adam Walsh. Could be wrong. But your right, two kangas is not good. J Ploog also had a very big claim.

 

[blues12]

Your right boys i thought there could be more than 2, don't forget there is 11 other teams and 2 of them finished higher than the roos.
Just one question, this year did the coaches meet to discuss the team or were they asked to give a list and the league did the filtering?

Riddell - 3
Lancefield - 3
Sunbury- 2
Diggers - 1
Macedon - 4
Romsey - 3
Kilmore - 2
Wallan - 1
Woodend - 1
Centrals - 0
Rockbank - 1
Broadford - 1

Coach of the year - Premiership coach????? (should be)

 

[Sunqvist]

Anyone have an idea where i could get a list of votegetters the other night from seniors, reserves and u18's? dosent seem to be on the website

 

[Itsmyshow]

Anyone have an idea where i could get a list of votegetters the other night from seniors, reserves and u18's? dosent seem to be on the website

Trying to get hold of it to post....

 

[Itsmyshow]

RDFL 2010 Season - Under 18 Semi Finals

With one week down in the Under 18 competition, all 4 remaining sides proved that they are going to be contenders for the flag..

1st Semi Final
Macedon Vs Riddell
Saturday 4th September - Lancefield Park
(Last time Rd 15 - Riddell 6.7.43 d Macedon 5.7.37)
The Grand Final qualifier between two sides that are perennial Under 18 finallists. The Cats and the Bombers head into this weeks game, both full of confidence after strong victories against their rivals last week. The Cats were able to hold off a fast finishing Kilmore to qualify for this game with a couple of the Cats youngest players in Kindred and Plowman starring. The Cats have been the premier side all season, led ably by Interleague CHF Mark Strickland, but they will face a challenge every week from here on in, finals are a different ball game and they will need to go up another level when faced with the Bombers. Matt Vandenberg dominated last weeks game and will need to be restricted in today's clash, whatever the result, both of these sides will be even more desperate to qualify here as a match up in a preliminary final against either of Kilmore or Woodend/Hesket would surely not be the most alluring of thoughts. The Bombers were flat early last week against the Redbacks, while the Cats ran out of legs late against the Blues. If they can get a jump on the Bombers this week they will have to hold on as the Bombers come storming home.

Key Players: Matt Vandenberg (Riddell), Mark Strickland (Macedon)
One to watch: James Nolan (Riddell), Lachlan Plowman (Macedon)

Riddell by 8 points.


2nd Semi Final
Kilmore Vs Woodend/Hesket
Sunday 5th September - Ian Cowie Reserve - Rockbank
(Last time Rd 18 - Kilmore 6.18.54 d Woodend/Hesket 6.9.45)
The Blues face a tough task after dropping last week's game against the Cats. A full strength Hawks side that is coming off a demolition of Diggers Rest. With the return of Daniel Toman, Ben Owen, Matthew Sawyer, Brendan Backhouse and Harrison Huntley to the side, the Hawks are up and about, between them, these five kicked 16 of the Hawks goals last week and were solid contributors to the senior squad for most of the year. The Blues no doubt have their work cut out for them coming up against this group of young men, but if they manage to match it with the Hawks, it could well and truly set them on a collision course with a Grand Final berth, the winner of this game is sure to be a massive danger to whoever drops the other semi. The Blues will rely heavily on Thomas Snaith and Spencer Timmins along with Codey Phillips, who, if he plays, can be the difference maker for the Blues.
This is a massive game, in my view, the winner of this will be the other side that qualifies for the Grand Final, so the interest will well and truly surround this contest.

Key Players: Thomas Snaith (Kilmore), Daniel Toman (Woodend/Hesket)
One to watch: Codey Phillips (Kilmore), Matthew Sawyer (Woodend/Hesket)

Woodend/Hesket by 28 points.

 

[Itsmyshow]

RDFL 2010 Season - Reserves Semi Finals

The first week of Reserves finals saw some great games and highlighted just how much stronger the depth is within the RDFL reserve competition. Expect nothing less as this week the reserves sides give their all in the curtain raisers..

1st Semi Final
Riddell Vs Sunbury Kangaroos
Saturday 4th September - Lancefield Park
(Last time Rd 16 - Riddell 11.4.70 d Sunbury Kangaroos 6.4.40)
These two sides will put on a true curtain raiser to the big game as they strive to qualify for the Grand Final. Past results count for nothing as the two sides I believe to be the best in the Reserves competition go head to head. The Bombers were outstanding last week in picking apart the Cats. The first half controlled up forward by "Bomber" Besanko while the second half show was Mick Gadsden. But it was the Bomber midfield led by "Ants" Power and the Mick Burnett/Scott Tresise ruck tandem who were never troubled by their opponents, they are sure to have it tougher this week up against the Roos trio led by Scarbourough Medallist Steve James, Leigh Sporle and Dwayne Tate. Both of these sides have great midfields, players that are more than capable of playing senior grade football in their own right. Jackson Baddeley and Stuart Davis from the Kangaroos with support from the ever reliable Ewen Hildebrand and the Bombers with Ants Power, Jason Linnell and Adam Sutherland. The contest will be red hot from the first bounce, and one well worth the watch... This clash will certainly warm the crowd up right from the get go and I believe that they will be watching the Grand Final preview.

Key Players: Anthony Power (Riddell), Steve James (Sunbury Kangaroos)
One to watch: Dean Besanko (Riddell), Jackson Baddeley (Sunbury Kangaroos)

Sunbury Kangaroos by 14 points

1st Semi Final
Macedon Vs Kilmore
Sunday 5th September - Ian Cowie Reserve, Rockbank
(Last time Rd 7 - Macedon 9.5.59 d Kilmore 7.14.56)
The Blues go into this game with a strong hard fought one point win over the Burra last week, while the Cats were dismantled by the Bombers. The Cats will need to bounce back, midfielder Scott Knight was a standout for the Cats, along with Clint Burgess and at times Scott Carter across CHB, but outside of that, generally the Cats were disappointing, the positive is that the final margin flattered them, 21 points, didn't tell the tale of the game. The Blues were stuck in an arm wrestle that went right down to the final siren on the day. Dylan Walker and Simon Heather were the difference for the Blues kicking 6 goals between them in what was a low scoring affair, while Marcus Davern was listed as their best. Much of the interest will surround who from the Cats qualifies for the Reserves from the senior side, Al Meldrum for one qualifies, but will he play? Both of these sides will throw everything at each other early, but the Cats will be desperate to avoid the result of 2009. It should be enough motivation to get them over the line, while the Blues can be a little erratic and inconsistent..


Key Players: Scott Knight (Macedon), Simon Heather (Kilmore)
One to watch: Scott Carter (Macedon), Dylan Walker (Kilmore)

Macedon by 18 points.

 

[Itsmyshow]

RDFL 2010 Season - 1st Semi Final

RDFL 1st Semi Final
Saturday 4th September - 2.30PM
Lancefield Park - Lancefield

Riddell FNC Vs Sunbury Kangaroos FNC

Last time they met:
Round 16
Riddell 13.18.96 def Sunbury Kangaroos 4.1.25

These two sides head into this weeks Semi Final coming off wins that made a statement in their own way.

Riddell
The Bombers faced a Lancefield side that was desperate to hold onto thier mantle as the premier side in the competition and were pressured and dominated early. The Bombers seemed to struggle with the tempo of the early going and the Tigers looked well and truly on top. It was from quarter time onwards that Riddell showed why they were not only the best side in the game, but the best side of 2010. Within minutes they had wiped the deficit that was in front of them and had turned the entire complextion of the game with some pressure and tempo of their own. From quarter time onwards the Bombers were able to control the game with their midfield of James Climas, Cam Casson, Matt Sammut and Gerard Liddell well on top. Brayden Allen once again stamped himself as one of the premier big men in the league with a dominating performance, especially in the third quarter. While Matt Baird and Mick Allen, who had limited impact, made the most of their opportunities and were well supported by Ben Sonogan, Cam McCabe and in particular Haydn Ross. The Bombers were once again able to play the game on their terms, after quarter time rarely being out of their comfort zone. The switch of Jason Allen back to defense (he started across half forward) was a key to this, although he certainly didn't have the best of games, the Bombers look to have a much more stable structure when he is back there. Nick Ash did the job on Brian Ruffell and will be required to do much the same on Chris Meacham this week, while Grant Puxley put in a near perfect performance floating across the half back line. It is the Bombers next tier that stand up better than any other group when the going gets tough. Rick Elliot, Ross, Sonogan, Xavier Codd and Trevor Towers, these are the names that don't roll automatically off the tongue, yet are right at the fore when it is time to perform a task, it is what makes the Bombers such a powerful force. Once again, Riddell used their ability to use the ball quickly, backing every player in a one on one contest when they have the football in their hands. If the Bombers have a weakness, it showed in the first quarter, when the pressure from the opposition lifts, they find it harder to find that one on one that they love to use. The other thing that stood out in the opening term was what happened to the Bombers when the opposition used the ball quickly to a one on one. While they will back themselves to put the ball to advantage when they have it, the Bombers rely heavily on the fact that opposition sides can be gun shy when it comes to moving the ball in the same fashion. It allows the defenders and midfielders to move across to where the next kick will go, when the Riddell defenders have support and the contest moves to a two on two or three on three, they will back themselves in every time, but if that contest becomes a one on one, the defenders rely too heavily on the support they receive and can look shaky at times.
Strength: Skilful and back each other in every circumstance, it is what fills this side with confidence. If they are allowed space, especially through the midfield and half back, then it could just be good night to their opponents.
Weakness: Dont enjoy it when that freedom of ball movement is put under pressure, the Kangaroos need to be able to start with that pressure from the first bounce, and then maintain it. The Roos will also need to hit up targets in a one on one contest as well as in space, hesitating allows the Bombers to swamp a contest and take the ball away with freedom.

Sunbury Kangaroos
The Roos put in their best performance of the year, and the timing couldn't be better. There are many within the Roos side that rely on confidence in the performance to keep themselves up and going. From the first bounce last weekend, the Roos were ruthless, even though the Redbacks controlled most of the opening term, the signs were there that the Roos were about to take control. Importantly, it was the same group of second tier type players that took the next step on the weekend, simply because they were given the opportunity, the Roos played a Riddell style game, based on backing their skill level and hitting up a leading target up the ground, this made them very dangerous. Matt Leonard and Dan Gregory were in everything across that half forward line, while Ryan Hatty and Darragh McGovern gave mid sized targets to use through the middle of the ground. Brenton Sutherland was superb at CHF, which gives Helmers a dilemma as he has had the better of Matt Baird in their two previous match ups. The Roos have the targets, with Chris Meacham, who is battling injury but still gives a great target up forward, Jamie Cuffe, the man who it seems will never stop and Mitch Streiff who had a massive impact on last weeks game. Most importantly, last week, was the leadership of Leigh McInerney, he not only won the football against a heavy tag from Phil Romeril, but his talk and general direction was outstanding, if the Roos can bottle exactly that for just 3 more weeks, they are a premiership side. The Roos do have some injury concerns though and that raises the question of whether Helmers makes his comeback this week to have an impact in bursts at the stoppages. Keep an eye on that. Overall, the Roos are full of confidence though and if they can somehow take that into this weeks game and get the message through that the "Aura" that the Bombers possess isn't a magic potion of any kind, then they will be right into the game up to their collective necks. As Leigh Matthews would say "If it bleeds, you can kill it".
Strength: Talent, the Roos do have it in spades. Last week they had belief in every single contest, they need to repeat the dose this week, if they can indeed do so, they are a massive chance. The other key is the skipper, if he can lead like last week then the Roos are a different side, he can provide a massive boost in the entire sides output.
Weakness: There is no secret that in recent years the Bombers well and truly have something over the Roos, the Bombers "Aura" is the Roos major weakness going into this week, do they truly believe that they can beat them? The Roos also need to hold strong when it comes to discipline, the players know what they need to do, but it only takes one to stray and it could be the end of their chances.

Game Key
Pressure.. Both of these sides have the blend of experience and youth and it is the individuals that have the choice in the way that this game will run. The Roos proved last week that they were capable of performing when the pressure was on them in a final. Everyone expected the Roos to fold at the hands of the rampaging Redbacks, instead, they put them away, and did so convincingly. The Bombers looked like they were going to wilt early under relentless pressure from the Tigers, but they didn't panic. They got the job done with pure professionalism and a belief that their system and structure would hold them in good stead, you can wager your house on the fact that they will have the belief in all of that for this weeks game, but the question mark lingers over whether the Roos can do the same.

Questions waiting to be answered

• Are the Kangaroos genuine contenders?
• Can the Roos lose this game and bounce back?
• Are there holes in the Riddell armour and how do we find them?
• Will this game indeed be the preview to our RDFL 2010 Grand Final?

Verdict
Cometh the moment, cometh the man. Can the Kangaroos finally put to rest the "Riddell" curse, or will the mighty Bomber machine return to exactly where they believe they should be, firmly entrenched on the main day in the RDFL season. This contest will be red hot in the early stages, who will stand up to the fire and who will wilt. The Bombers have a set structure and game plan, while there were glimpses last week, the Roos still rely heavily on their talent alone to take control of the game. With no set structure to fall back on when the going gets tough, and it will, everything in me wants to see the Roos into a Grand Final, but they may have to wait a week.

Riddell by 21 points

 

[Itsmyshow]

RDFL 2010 Season - 2nd Semi Final

RDFL 2nd Semi Final
Sunday 5th September - 2.30PM
Ian Cowie Reserve - Rockbank

Lancefield FNC Vs Diggers Rest FNC

Last time they met:
Round 18
Lancefield 4.9.33 lost to Diggers Rest 7.6.48

This weeks 2nd Semi Final will show all and sundry whether the Tigers form has been misleading, or whether the last month of football has truly established the Diggers Rest side as a finals force.

Lancefield
The Tigers come into the game off a loss to the Bombers that was courageous, but a courageous loss isn't what the Tigers are looking for at this time of the year. They are indeed the reigning premier so will certainly expect more of themselves heading into such a huge contest against the Burra. The Tigers first quarter last week was exactly what we all expect from a Lancefield side. Tom Waters was getting his hands on the football around the ground and the Tigers midfield were on top, Chris Collins, Ben John and Luke Maunsell in particular looked very good. The forwards were providing excellent targets for the midfield to kick too, Brian Ruffell, John Baker and Nathan Carroll all looked particularly dangerous in the early stages, while young Daniel Rebbechi was excellent on the wing. After quarter time though, the pressure seemed to drop off just enough to allow the Bombers to control the tempo of the game. Once the pressure ramped up on the delivery inside the Bombers forward 50, the Lancefield defense found themselves under pressure. Brett Caton was outstanding on Matt Baird, but Leigh Irwin spent much of the last 3 quarters without much purpose, he found a bit of the ball, but he had much more of an impact when matched up on the Bombers skipper early. The Tigers need to have plenty of run and drive provided by the ball carriers, which means they need space. Much of the Tigers run is generated off the back line when Irwin and Caton can involve themselves in the game. Young running players such as Rebbechi, Dave House, Caleb Plowman and Jay Shewan really need to work hard to find the space, just cruising along wont do them or the side any favours, it actually slows the Tigers down, forcing them to kick to the mainstay's, which means more defensive pressure back on the 3 forwards, the Tigers need to get the ball moving and these players finding space play a very important role in that. Importantly for the Tigers though, we did see glimpses of this sneaking back into their game last week, so look for that to continue this week. Rockbank isn't the biggest ground in the world, but it is wide, that will suit these types of players.
Strength: Disciplined and willing to do the team things for a result, although, cracks have started to appear in recent weeks. The Tigers have a very strong forward line when the midfield has room to use the ball and hit up targets. It is usually when the Tigers smaller brigade are moving and creating space outside of where the ball is that they become very dangerous in this area.
Weakness: The high pressure on the ball style of defensive game that the Tigers have implimented this year can be very taxing on the players. In recent years, the Tigers have been able to have guys fly under the radar, they are the reigning premiers now, so some of these guys have struggled to cope with a little bit of extra attention that a side like Diggers Rest might pay to them.

Diggers Rest
The Burra have been flying, going back to the game they dropped surprisingly against the Hawks, the Burra have done nothing wrong since. They pushed the Roos right to the line the week after and then have been undefeated since Round 14, including wins against Kilmore and Lancefield to qualify for the finals, they then took the chance to inflict pain on a poor unsuspecting Macedon for the third year running in the first week of the finals. A key last week was obviously Shane Marchewka, the much maligned Burra ruckman has his biggest task this week as he fronts up against Tom Waters fresh from his Bowen Medal win. Marchewka himself is coming off a BOG performance where he booted 5 goals last week, often inconsistent, Marchewka now has the opportunity, with the sides remaining in the finals race, to make a mark of his own for the Burra. Being a smaller ground, but with depth out wide, the Burra will be looking to suck the two Lancefield defenders out onto the wings, to create space behind them for Dan McCabe and Steve Ruane to work in. McCabe in particular was the difference between these two sides last time they met, the Tigers couldn't find a match up for him and he booted 4 in a low scoring affair. Captain Shaun Sims will also be a concern for the Tigers. He was relatively quiet early a couple of weeks ago when matched with Dale Joesph, but after quarter time Sims showed why he is such a highly respected player with his leadership and ability to find the ball at crucial moments. The Burra have a very talented group that have stepped up another level in the last month, something that the Burra have made a name for themselves doing over the past 6 years. Dylan Kite, Jason Davies, Daniel Poynton and Lindsay Black have followed the lead of players the ilk of Stuart Clarke who won the Burra's best and fairest in 2010 and Jeff Heritage who has turned back the clock and is in vintage form the past month. For anyone who looks at this Burra's list and sees the regular season side in comparison with the finals side, you will be in for a rude shock.
Strength: Finals performance. If any side in the competition wants to see how to lift in intensity from regular season to finals then it is the Burra you should be watching. They are certainly a different side come finals time and 2010 has kicked off no different. The Burra know their strengths and play to them perfectly, they are also very well coached by arguably the best coach in the competition.
Weakness: While they are talented and their work rate is supreme, the Burra simply don't have the overall talent across the board, what they do do well is work to their strengths though and as a team to overcome this, to get on top of them, sides need to make sure that the support network around each of the Burra key's is cut off so they need to go at it alone..

Game Key
Intensity. The Burra have it in spades, the Tigers did too early, but they dropped away. Diggers seem to know just how to build over the course of a finals game to make sure they are in front at the right time. The Tigers will throw everything at them early, can they get far enough in front?

Questions waiting to be answered

• Do the Burra have enough of a talent spread to match the Tigers?
• Are the Tigers going to head out in straight sets?
• Chris Collins/Shaun Sims, both excellent leaders, who is going to be the difference maker?

Verdict
Two sides with the remainder of the season on the line, possibly the chance at Grand Final glory, and everything could hinge on one moment, as we saw last year, the game came down to less than one kick and there is a very real possibility that it could happen again. A real classic match up, anything could happen.... Good luck to both sides.

Diggers Rest by 4 points.

 

[rdflfootyman17]

Re: RDFL 2010 Season - Under 18 Semi Finals

just to let you know there is no Joel Plowman playing for the macedon under 18's side his name would be Lachie, Joel is his older brother and there's a couple of in's for macedon and they will have way to much pace and for any side in the comp especially riddell who are slow and rely on 3-4 players macedon will come out on top and i wouldnt be suprised if the margin blows out to 5-7 goals

 

[rdflfootyman17]

Re: RDFL 2010 Season - 2nd Semi Final

RDFL 2nd Semi Final
Sunday 5th September - 2.30PM
Ian Cowie Reserve - Rockbank

Lancefield FNC Vs Diggers Rest FNC

Last time they met:
Round 18
Lancefield 4.9.33 lost to Diggers Rest 7.6.48

This weeks 2nd Semi Final will show all and sundry whether the Tigers form has been misleading, or whether the last month of football has truly established the Diggers Rest side as a finals force.

Lancefield
The Tigers come into the game off a loss to the Bombers that was courageous, but a courageous loss isn't what the Tigers are looking for at this time of the year. They are indeed the reigning premier so will certainly expect more of themselves heading into such a huge contest against the Burra. The Tigers first quarter last week was exactly what we all expect from a Lancefield side. Tom Waters was getting his hands on the football around the ground and the Tigers midfield were on top, Chris Collins, Ben John and Luke Maunsell in particular looked very good. The forwards were providing excellent targets for the midfield to kick too, Brian Ruffell, John Baker and Nathan Carroll all looked particularly dangerous in the early stages, while young Daniel Rebbechi was excellent on the wing. After quarter time though, the pressure seemed to drop off just enough to allow the Bombers to control the tempo of the game. Once the pressure ramped up on the delivery inside the Bombers forward 50, the Lancefield defense found themselves under pressure. Brett Caton was outstanding on Matt Baird, but Leigh Irwin spent much of the last 3 quarters without much purpose, he found a bit of the ball, but he had much more of an impact when matched up on the Bombers skipper early. The Tigers need to have plenty of run and drive provided by the ball carriers, which means they need space. Much of the Tigers run is generated off the back line when Irwin and Caton can involve themselves in the game. Young running players such as Rebbechi, Dave House, Caleb Plowman and Jay Shewan really need to work hard to find the space, just cruising along wont do them or the side any favours, it actually slows the Tigers down, forcing them to kick to the mainstay's, which means more defensive pressure back on the 3 forwards, the Tigers need to get the ball moving and these players finding space play a very important role in that. Importantly for the Tigers though, we did see glimpses of this sneaking back into their game last week, so look for that to continue this week. Rockbank isn't the biggest ground in the world, but it is wide, that will suit these types of players.
Strength: Disciplined and willing to do the team things for a result, although, cracks have started to appear in recent weeks. The Tigers have a very strong forward line when the midfield has room to use the ball and hit up targets. It is usually when the Tigers smaller brigade are moving and creating space outside of where the ball is that they become very dangerous in this area.
Weakness: The high pressure on the ball style of defensive game that the Tigers have implimented this year can be very taxing on the players. In recent years, the Tigers have been able to have guys fly under the radar, they are the reigning premiers now, so some of these guys have struggled to cope with a little bit of extra attention that a side like Diggers Rest might pay to them.

Diggers Rest
The Burra have been flying, going back to the game they dropped surprisingly against the Hawks, the Burra have done nothing wrong since. They pushed the Roos right to the line the week after and then have been undefeated since Round 14, including wins against Kilmore and Lancefield to qualify for the finals, they then took the chance to inflict pain on a poor unsuspecting Macedon for the third year running in the first week of the finals. A key last week was obviously Shane Marchewka, the much maligned Burra ruckman has his biggest task this week as he fronts up against Tom Waters fresh from his Bowen Medal win. Marchewka himself is coming off a BOG performance where he booted 5 goals last week, often inconsistent, Marchewka now has the opportunity, with the sides remaining in the finals race, to make a mark of his own for the Burra. Being a smaller ground, but with depth out wide, the Burra will be looking to suck the two Lancefield defenders out onto the wings, to create space behind them for Dan McCabe and Steve Ruane to work in. McCabe in particular was the difference between these two sides last time they met, the Tigers couldn't find a match up for him and he booted 4 in a low scoring affair. Captain Shaun Sims will also be a concern for the Tigers. He was relatively quiet early a couple of weeks ago when matched with Dale Joesph, but after quarter time Sims showed why he is such a highly respected player with his leadership and ability to find the ball at crucial moments. The Burra have a very talented group that have stepped up another level in the last month, something that the Burra have made a name for themselves doing over the past 6 years. Dylan Kite, Jason Davies, Daniel Poynton and Lindsay Black have followed the lead of players the ilk of Stuart Clarke who won the Burra's best and fairest in 2010 and Jeff Heritage who has turned back the clock and is in vintage form the past month. For anyone who looks at this Burra's list and sees the regular season side in comparison with the finals side, you will be in for a rude shock.
Strength: Finals performance. If any side in the competition wants to see how to lift in intensity from regular season to finals then it is the Burra you should be watching. They are certainly a different side come finals time and 2010 has kicked off no different. The Burra know their strengths and play to them perfectly, they are also very well coached by arguably the best coach in the competition.
Weakness: While they are talented and their work rate is supreme, the Burra simply don't have the overall talent across the board, what they do do well is work to their strengths though and as a team to overcome this, to get on top of them, sides need to make sure that the support network around each of the Burra key's is cut off so they need to go at it alone..

Game Key
Intensity. The Burra have it in spades, the Tigers did too early, but they dropped away. Diggers seem to know just how to build over the course of a finals game to make sure they are in front at the right time. The Tigers will throw everything at them early, can they get far enough in front?

Questions waiting to be answered

• Do the Burra have enough of a talent spread to match the Tigers?
• Are the Tigers going to head out in straight sets?
• Chris Collins/Shaun Sims, both excellent leaders, who is going to be the difference maker?

Verdict
Two sides with the remainder of the season on the line, possibly the chance at Grand Final glory, and everything could hinge on one moment, as we saw last year, the game came down to less than one kick and there is a very real possibility that it could happen again. A real classic match up, anything could happen.... Good luck to both sides.

Diggers Rest by 4 points.

diggers have size there skills are no where near good enough and not much pace apart from there younger players, lancefield have been in bad form of late but they will come back with a big win against diggers and my tip is that they'll go straight through and clam back to back flags

 

[Thomas The Tank]

Some B&F results coming through already

Kilmore
A surprise win to Matt Robertson over Aaron James with Guy Booker coming in third.

Broadford
Grant Wearne picked up his third B&F in four years.. A big congrats to Wearney who has certainly been rewarded for his consistency and loyalty.

Diggers Rest
Young gun Stuart Clarke picked up the B&F with Jeff Heritage a close second and Craig Marshall third.


Any other clubs had their count as yet?

Melton Centrals
Justin Watkins won the B&F after missing out last year by only two votes and he missed 5 games this year. Paul Sproule came 2nd and Josh Bamford came 3rd.

 

[Sprechen]

diggers have size there skills are no where near good enough and not much pace apart from there younger players, lancefield have been in bad form of late but they will come back with a big win against diggers and my tip is that they'll go straight through and clam back to back flags

Good alias, Pickles

 

[matt_nicholls]

Good alias, Pickles

I can give you my word it isn't me. I've got no time these days to be even thinking about bloody footy. Tragic, I know. Until this morning I didn't even know what day Freo were playing on this weekend.

 

[OMNIPOTENT_1]

I can give you my word it isn't me. I've got no time these days to be even thinking about bloody footy. Tragic, I know. Until this morning I didn't even know what day Freo were playing on this weekend.

You gunna be able to get down here pal to see any of the finals series ?
Its been nice & warm & dry down here too.......& only gunna get better over the week-end !!!

 

[matt_nicholls]

You gunna be able to get down here pal to see any of the finals series ?
Its been nice & warm & dry down here too.......& only gunna get better over the week-end !!!

Probably not champ. Working seven days at the moment. Heard the weather has been very kind down there. Surely must remind of what footy was like in your halcyon days?

 

[OMNIPOTENT_1]

Probably not champ. Working seven days at the moment. Heard the weather has been very kind down there. Surely must remind of what footy was like in your halcyon days?

This IS Matt Nicholls now isnt it ???
Pull a sickie champ & come down for the biggie in two weeks ! Should be a ripping contest. This season has been a cracker so far & the Grand Final should be a belter. The comp' is the most even I have seen it & that has ment plenty of upsets through the year. Who would have thought that Kilmore would have dropped out of the Finals in the last round - Unbelievable !

Here's one for you pal - Whats the difference between Kilmore & the Australian Army ?

The Australian Army wouldn't waste 18 rounds !

Anyway mate I'm off to finish building the ARK so I can get to the footy today at Lancefield. Cheers.

 

[The Real MO FO]

This IS Matt Nicholls now isnt it ???
Pull a sickie champ & come down for the biggie in two weeks ! Should be a ripping contest. This season has been a cracker so far & the Grand Final should be a belter. The comp' is the most even I have seen it & that has ment plenty of upsets through the year. Who would have thought that Kilmore would have dropped out of the Finals in the last round - Unbelievable !

Here's one for you pal - Whats the difference between Kilmore & the Australian Army ?

The Australian Army wouldn't waste 18 rounds !

Anyway mate I'm off to finish building the ARK so I can get to the footy today at Lancefield. Cheers.

Harsh omni but gold!

 

[craven_moorehead]

Lancefield out in straight sets
diggers by 21 pts

 

[63dogs]

Lancefield out in straight sets
diggers by 21 pts

sunbury vs diggers should be a great game as sunbury won both games by less than 3 kicks this year