ROUND 4 PREVIEW
SENIOR’S
Merimbula v Tathra (Berrambool Sports Complex, Merimbula) 2:30pm
Eden v Narooma (Eden Football Ground) 2:30pm
Bermagui v Pambula (Dickinson Oval, Bermagui) 2:30pm
DEVELOPMENT
Narooma v BM Giants (Eden Football Ground) Forfeit
Merimbula v Tathra (Berrambool Sports Complex) 11:50am
WOMEN’S
Bega v Narooma (Roy Howard Field, Bega) 11:50am
Eden v BM Giants (Eden Football Ground) 1:10pm
Bermagui v Pambula (Dickinson Oval, Bermagui) 1:10pm
Merimbula v Tathra (Berrambool Sports Complex, Merimbula) 1:10pm
Round 4 Preview
Eden v Narooma
The Lions had a season defining win last weekend against Tathra as they were able to hold off a Tathra side that they just couldn’t shake for 4 quarters. The Lions will be confident of making it 4 from 4 this weekend against an Eden side who have struggle the past two rounds after a strong round 1 showing. With Liam Wilkinson doubtful for the matchup, the Lions are big favourites to make it 4 from 4.
Player to Watch: Brad Haliman, A great find for the Lions with Haliman landing in Narooma for a change of scenery. Prediction: Narooma by 81 Points.
Bermagui v Pambula
This one will be match of the round with ex Panther Scott Proctor to take on his former side for the first time in 2017. The Panthers were dominant against the Whalers last weekend finding their key forwards in Dylan Cook and Jake Taylor who were able to kick bags. The Breakers started slowly last week against the Diggers and will be hoping for a better start this weekend. Luke Moresi and Chris Hales return for the Breakers and both will be big ins for the club with Moresi to provide drive off half back and Hales to provide support for Marcus Shaw up forward.
Player to Watch: Stephen Butterworth, Named vice captain for the Sapphire rep side next weekend. Prediction: Pambula by 20 Points.
Merimbula v Tathra
The young brigade for the Diggers are getting better each week with Jed Martyn booting 4 last weekend and Lawrence Davis playing well off half forward. Daniel Worden is still the key man for Merimbula and Tathra will go along way to winning this matchup if they are able to keep the Sapphire rep captain quiet. The Sea Eagles saw leading goal kicker Adam Blacka return last weekend and he will be a big addition to the Tathra forward line if the he Dean Gartside and Louis Coulton can mesh although this may take time.
Player to Watch: Dean Gartside, The Sea Eagle has been a welcome addition back to the club playing well up forward leading the goal kicking race. Prediction: Tathra by 15 Points.
Women’s
After a history making draw last weekend against Eden the Panthers showed that they are premiership contenders in 2017. The Panthers take on Bermagui who are coming off their first win against Merimbula in round 3. The Breakers will have gained confidence from the match although the Panthers should be to strong for the Breakers. In Eden, the Whalers take on the Giants whose first hit out in 2017 was a success. Although they didn’t get the 4 points, the Giants were competitive against Narooma and a good hit out prior to this weekends match. The Bombers start to the season has been a tough one going up against premiership contenders Tathra and Pambula. It doesn’t appear to be getting any easier against an undefeated Narooma. Bega have stuck with it and their first goal will be a welcome reward for the club. The final matchup sees Merimbula host the Sea Eagles who were too strong for the Bombers in round 3. The Diggers have improved week on week although this will be a tough ask for Merimbula. The Sea Eagles are still in the race for top spot and wins against the lower teams are essential if they wish to finish top 2 and gain a second chance.
Player to Watch: Kirby Mackie, 3 games for the undefeated Lions and 3 games in the best players. One to watch going forward in season 2017 in her first season with the club. Prediction: Eden, Pambula, Tathra & Narooma.
Development
This weekend sees the Diggers host Tathra on the wide open plains of Berrambool Oval. The Diggers have struggled so far in 2017 with a lack of depth in the senior grade which has resulted in less then ideal start to the season for the development grade. The Sea Eagles are 1 and 1 and will be favourites to make it 2 and 1. Prediction: Tathra & Narooma.
UNDER 16’s
Merimbula v BM Giants (Berrambool Sports Complex, Merimbula) 10:30am
Bermagui v Pambula (Dickinson Oval, Bermagui) 11:50am
UNDER 13’s
Bermagui v Pambula (Dickinson Oval, Bermagui) 10:30am
Bega v Narooma (Roy Howard Field, Bega) 10:30am
Eden v BM Giants (Eden Football Ground) 11:50am
UNDER 11’s
Bermagui v Pambula (Dickinson Oval, Bermagui) 9:10am
Bega v Narooma (Roy Howard Field, Bega) 9:10am
Eden v BM Giants (Eden Football Ground) 10:30am
Merimbula v Tathra (Berrambool Sports Complex, Merimbula) 9:10am
Round 4 Preview
Under 16’s
Round 4 Sees the Panthers return to action after a couple of rounds off. The positive for the Panthers is that they have one bye remaining for the rest of season. Pambula were super impressive in week 1 against Merimbula showing that they are the team to beat in 2017. With Flynn Cook playing as a key forward in week 1, Cook showed his versatility and importance to the Panthers as they aim to kick big scores against their opposition in 2017. The Breakers have continued to recruit players early in the season and have shown signs that they will claim their first scalp in the coming weeks although inexperience will see the Panthers claim the 4 points. Merimbula will play host to the BM Giants looking to remain undefeated after beating Bermagui and Narooma. This weekend will test the Giants, and the league will see if they are the real deal this season. The Giants have been able to recruit key Sea Hawk 16 year old’s which has helped boost their star power with the likes of Will Aiken and Buster Ware. Look for the Diggers to maintain their strong play after large wins against Bermagui and Narooma with Doug Stubbs leading the way in the goal kicking race. Top two will be important come the seasons end and it looks as though the Diggers will be battling it out against the Panther and giants in the race for top 2.
Player to Watch: Eric Hills, Has been solid for the Breakers up to Rd3. Prediction: Merimbula & Pambula.
Under 13’s
For the second week on the trot Bermagui will play the second placed team although this weekend it will be against the Pambula Panthers. The Breakers have not really been tested in 2017 playing some fast and exciting football. The like of Will Kellar and Will Seach will take it up to the Breakers. Bega host Narooma looking for their first win for the season. The Lions were lucky to escape with a win last weekend against the Giants with a strong second quarter. Look for this to be a tight contest. In the final match up both Eden and the Giants will be searching for win number one. The Giants played extremely well in patches last weekend although couldn’t string that form together for 4 quarters. Look for the Giants young players to gain confidence this weekend if they can secure their first win against a youthful Eden.
Player to Watch: Nate Woods, Small forward for the Pambula Panthers has grown his game in previous seasons to be Eddie Betts like. Prediction: Bermagui, Narooma & BMG.
Under 11’s
The Bermagui Breakers saw their 16 game win streak snapped last weekend against Merimbula and the Breakers will look to start afresh this weekend against Pambula. The Panthers had a nice win against the Whalers last weekend although Bermagui’s more experienced squad should have to much firepower for the Panthers. In Eden the Whalers suffered a close loss and will be looking to bounce back against the Giants who will also be looking to bounce back after a loss. Home ground advantage could be key in this matchup with the Whalers having been competitive against Pambula and Bermagui away from home after being clinical against Tathra at home. In Bega, top of the ladder will be up for grabs with the Bombers set to take on a Narooma side who are getting better and better each week. Bega have been clinical against Tathra and Pambula early in the season and sit comfortably on top on percentage. After a tough loss against Bermagui in Round 1, the Lions have strung together quality wins against Broulee/Moruya and Merimbula to show that they will be key players in 2017. In the final match of the round Merimbula host Tathra. The Diggers only loss in 2017 has come against Narooma in a 1 point loss and wins against Pambula and reigning premiers Bermagui show that their second place on the ladder is well deserved. The Sea Eagles who are still in search of their first win of the season have shown steady improvements over the first three weeks and although the going may be tough this weekend, they will take it right up to the Diggers.
Player to Watch: Joel Munkton, Bermagui’s big improver in season 2017 after a solid showing early in the season. Predictions: Narooma, Merimbula, Bermagui
