ROUND 10 PREVIEW

Round 10 Fixtures
SENIOR’S
Narooma v Merimbula (Dickinson Oval, Bermagui) 10:20am
Tathra v Pambula (Dickinson Oval, Bermagui) 12:30pm
Bermagui v Eden (Dickinson Oval, Bermagui) 2:40pm

UNDER 16’s
Pambula v Narooma (Dickinson Oval, Bermagui) 9:00am

Round 10 Preview

Round 10 sees the introduction of the Mega Round in to the Sapphire Coast AFL competition for the first time. Bermagui is set to host a triple header plus a make up under 16’s match in what is set to be a massive day of football at Dickinson Oval. The mega round has been in the pipeline for a couple of years now with each club now having the opportunity to watch and scout the way each other plays.

Narooma v Merimbula

Game one of the Mega Round sees the Narooma Lions taking on the Merimbula Diggers in what should be a good start to the day. The Diggers hold on to a slim hope of making the four although will need to claim some wins against the likes of Narooma, Tathra and Pambula if they are to make the finals as Bermagui has the head to head edge. The Lions have been giant predators in 2017 picking off their pray week to week with their only loss a single digit loss to second placed Pambula. Simon Mackie showed last time out that he is able to work through a double team by working his way into the midfield and bringing into the game Narooma’s secondary forwards. The Lions will be heavy favourites in this match although the Diggers will be confident after a good showing against Bermagui in their last fixture with the side running out of time in the fourth quarter in a match that they could have snatched from the jaws of defeat. With some key players back in the fold in the likes of Dylan Jordan and Scott Richmond, the Diggers will be a tougher opponent for the Lions this time out.

Player to Watch: Dylan Jordan, The Merimbula big man has found a spot down back in his past two games before he heads into shoulder surgery and has been effective in those two games. Still has the ability to play forward and may be asked to swing between the two positions this weekend. Prediction: Narooma by 21 Points.

Tathra v Pambula

The second match for the mega round is the match of the round with Tathra to take on Pambula. The last time these two met was a month ago with Pambula claiming the contest that went the full four quarters. This is an important match in the run to the finals with a Pambula win to consolidate second spot on the ladder and see Tathra fall two games behind the Panthers in the chase for a double chance come finals time. Pambula could see the return of favourite son Adam Nelson to the side whilst the Sea Eagles look to have Adam Blacka and Joshua Wilkinson back for the clash although could be without Dean Gartside who has not yet been named to take on the Panther this weekend. A game with big implications on the ladder looks like it could go the full four quarters and has rightly been billed the match of the round.

Player to Watch: Richard Spink, The Tathra big man is a key man for the Sea Eagles. Has the ability to push forward although has been asked to do a bit more in the ruck in 2017 due to player losses. Prediction: Pambula by 13 Points.

Bermagui v Eden

The home club in Bermagui will be looking to consolidate fourth spot on the ladder whilst putting on a show for their home supporters during the mega round this weekend. The Breakers were lucky to escape with the win last time out against the Merimbula Diggers after fading in the fourth quarter. The Breakers looked uninspired last time out and will need to find a solid option up forward for the remainder of the season if they are to challenge others come finals time. With Jack Hannebery absent for the rest of the season the Breakers will be hoping Luke Kingston can stay on the paddock and play some consistent football. The Whalers form has taken a dip in 2017 due to a number of injuries to key players within the squad and the club will be looking to get through the remainder of the season without anymore serious injuries. The Whalers will look to be competitive this weekend although Bermagui may be to strong for the depleted Whalers.

Player to Watch: River Reid, The Bermagui defender has been playing his best football of his career in 2017 with the dash he is providing off half back vital for Bermagui to start its attacks. Prediction: Bermagui by 70 Pts.

Under 16’s

In the under 16’s this weekend the Narooma Lions take on the Pambula Panthers in a catch up game from round 5 which was washed out. Both sides wont be at full strength due to the school holidays although Pambula should still be too strong for Narooma who has struggled with consistency in 2017 due to player availability and commitment. The Panthers are gunning for the premiership after being beaten by Merimbula in 2016 and a win this weekend will see the side have a firm grasp on a top two finish.

Player to Watch: Angus Tarpey, was the player to watch for the under 17’s Stingrays last weekend and stepped up in a big way as one of the best. Prediction: Pambula by 50 Points.