ROUND 9 PREVIEW
Some big games in the AFL Sapphire Coast Competition this weekend, check out the previews below.
ROUND 9 FIXTURES
Seniors
Narooma v Eden (Bill Smyth Oval) 2:30pm
Pambula v Tathra (Pambula Sports Complex) 2:30pm
Merimbula- Bye
Women’s
BM Giants v Tathra (Kyla Park, Tuross) 1:10pm
Pambula v Bega (Pambula Sports Complex) 1:10pm
Narooma v Eden (Bill Smyth Oval) 1:10pm
Merimbula v Bermagui (Berrambool Complex) 1:10pm
Reserves
BM Giants v Tathra (Kyla Park, Tuross) 11:50am
Merimbula v Pambula (Berrambool Complex) 11:50am
Narooma- Bye
Round 9 Preview
Narooma v Eden
The Lions held on last weekend to claim the four points against Tathra running out 6 point winners against a Tathra side tht wouldn’t throw in the towel. The Lions should have a easier match this weekend against bottom placed Eden. The Whalers will be without ruckman Dylan Wallace this weekend after a lacerated spleen in last weekends match which wont help the clubs causes in causing an upset this weekend against the top of the table Lions. Look for Narooma to extend their lead on top this weekend with Merimbula having the bye in the senior grade.
Player to Watch: Jeremey Sly, The Lion looks to be hitting top form again in 2018 after a superb 2017 season. Sly kicked 4 last weekend and will most likely be amonst the goals this weekend for Narooma. Prediction: Narooma by 60 points.
Pambula v Tathra
Match of the round this week is in Pambula. The Panthers host the Sea Eagles with both teams sitting on 3 wins apiece for the season. This match will be vital for both clubs as they will want to edge into the top two to gain the second chance come finals time or claim a home semi final for finishing third. The Sea Eagles pushed hard late last weekend although fell short against the Lions after trailing by 30 at half time. Tathra will be looking to get off to a better start this weekend against a rested Pambula and last the distance in this heavy weight match between two sides who have got plenty to gain and loose.
Player to Watch: Dylan Cook, Cook is the leader of the Panthers on and off the field. The Half back has been in good form for the Panthers in 2018 creating run and spread. Prediction: Pambula by 8 points.
Women’s
The biggest game of the weekend in the women’s grade will see Narooma host Eden in what is set to be a cracking contest. The Lions sit third and a win this weekend would give the club confidence of sneaking into the top 2 and breaking the Eden/Tathra dominance. The Whalers will be keen to continue their good form and Kamilla Grubesic has been dynaminte in front of goals this season.
In Merimbula the Diggers will be looking to build on their highest score of the season from last weekend. They take on Bermagui who will be looking to get back on track after three consecutive losses to clubs within the top 4. The Breakers will need a win this weekend to stay in touch with the top sides.
In Tuross Heads, The Giants tackle a Tathra side who just keep winning. The Giants unfortunately had a serious injury last weekend and the girls will be looking to rally around each other this weekend and cause an upset as the Giants have been playing some solid football so far in 2018. The Giants to push the Sea Eagles this weekned.
In the final match of the weekend, the Panthers host the winless Bombers in Pambula. Pambula have worked their way back into the top four after last weekends win over Bermagui and they will be looking to hold that advantage after this weekend.
Player to Watch: Velvet Jones, New player for the Bombers, Jones was apart of the successful Bega High team and a new addition to the Bega women’s team. Prediction: Bermagui, Tathra, Eden & Pambula.
ROUND 9 FIXTURES
Under 16’s
BM Giants v Tathra (Kyla Park, Tuross) 10:30am
Merimbula v Bermagui (Berrambool Complex) 10:30am
Narooma & Pambula- Bye
Under 14’s
Merimbula v Bermagui (Berrambool Complex) 9:10am
BM Giants v Tathra (Kyla Park, Tuross) 9:10am
Pambula v Bega (Pambula Sports Complex) 11:50am
Under 12’s
BM Giants v Tathra (Kyla Park, Tuross) 8:00am
Pambula v Bega (Pambula Sports Complex) 10:30am
Narooma v Eden (Bill Smyth Oval) 11:50am
Merimbula v Bermagui (Berrambool Complex) 8:00am
Round 9 Preview
Under 16’s
It’s just the two under 16’s games in the competition this weekend with the Narooma Lions and Pambula Panthers both having the bye this weekend. In Merimbula, the Diggers host Bermagui in what should be an entertaining contest. The last time out the Breakers were too strong for the Diggers who were without Caleb Higgins and Jedd Martyn, if both are in this weekend the going will be a lot tougher for Bermagui who will be without Jai Curven through a broken nose. Look for Rocco Lagana to continue his strong form for the Breakers.
In the second match of the weekend the Giants host Tathra in Tuross. The Sea Eagles claimed the chocolates last weekend and will want to claim the four points again this weekend. With Narooma having the bye, the Sea Eagles will be looking to draw level on points with the Lions and cement their place in the top 2. With the game in Tuross, look for the Giants to give Tathra a run for their money.
Player to Watch: Dylan Golden, Golden has been amongst the Giants best players in 2018. His versatility allows him to play in key positions all over the field. Prediction: Tathra & Merimbula.
Under 14’s
This weekend the top three sides will look to increase on their already large margin over the bottom three sides. In Tuross Heads the Giants will be looking to make it four wins on the trot as they take on Tathra. After a shock loss to the Sea Eagles in round 5 the Giants have lifted their level of play to sit level with Pambula on 20 points. The Sea Eagles will be looking to bounce back from last weekends defeat to the Giants and give themselves a chance of finishing top 4 in 2018.
In Merimbula the Diggers take on Bermagui this weekend. After finally claiming win number one after playing some solid football the Diggers will be up against it this weekend as Bermagui are coming off the back of a comprehensive win over last years premiers Pambula. Look for Merimbula to continue their good form, although it will not be enough against a more experienced Bermagui side.
In the final match of the weekend, Pambula host Bega in a match that both sides will be keen on claiming the four points. The Bombers will be a little disappointed with their effort against Merimbula in last weekends loss and will be keen to put on a better display this weekend. On the other hand Pambula will be looking to bounce back from last weekends match where the team was unable to get much continuity in their play.
Player to Watch: Matthew O’Meara, an electric small forward for Bermagui. Prediction: Bermagui, Pambula & Broulee/Moruya.
Under 12’s
There’s a couple of important games in the under 12’s this weekend with some key games for finals places. In Merimbula the first placed Diggers host third placed Bermaui. After a close win last weekend Bermagui will be looking to reverse their one point loss when these two last played. The Diggers will be confident they can claim the four points on home soil in what will be a thrilling match.
Another key match this weekend sees the Panthers host the Bombers. Both sides sit on 12 points and a win this weekend will be vital for either side in trying to play finals football in 2018. Pambula were impressive last weekend against Bermagui whilst the bombers were unable to stop Narooma on home soil. Bega will need to contain Nate Woods in this contest if they are to claim the four points on Panthers soil.
In Narooma, the Lions take on Eden where Narooma will be confident of mainting their good form and pick up the four points. The Whalers have been improving against the top sides in recent weeks although without Jemma Pollock, the Whalers side lacks that extra bit of experience in getting the ball forward from ruck contests.
The final match of the weekend sees the Giants host Tathra. The Giants claimed win number one last weekend against the Sea Eagles. Will it be Tathra’s turn this weekend to claim win number one? No doubt both side will leave nothing to chance and give it their all.
Player to Watch: Ryan Simper, The Lion has been a goal kicking machine in 2018 playing as the key target up forward for the Lions as they sit second. Prediction: Broulee/Moruya, Merimbula, Bega & Narooma.
