Full Time at Eden Sporting Complex and even with Stretch missing the Whalers managed to pick up the win. Most of the Bulls were not used to the conditions with McEvoy being the only 100+ scorer among them. Tom Lynch was the 2nd highest scorer for both teams with ours scoring 121 to 87. Meanwhile for the Whalers we had 6 100+ scorers with Brown top scoring with 122 among a starring forward line. Next week we play Pearcedale and Staghorn Flat play Korumburra. Eden Whalers 1229 Def: Williams 120, Tarrant 99, Andrews 73, Vlastuin 39 (Maynard) Mid: Curnow 103, Jones 83, Scully 72, Stretch DNP Ruck: O' Brien (Gibson 47) Fwd: Lynch 121, Brown 122, Hrovat 107, Jenkins 55 (Cunningham) IC: Atkins 85, Crisp 103 Staghorn Flat Bulls 1019 D: Mackie 77, Salem 70, Mayes 64, Wellingham 78 (Wood) M: Rockliff 53, Selwood 73, B Hill 57, McCluggage 19 (Foote) R: McEvoy 125 F: Lynch 87, Roughy 64, Lobb 71, Fasolo 54 (Hayward) I: Weller 65, Bruce 62
The less said the better for this game. What an insipid performance from the Bulls! Looking forward to Coniglio returning this week however the opportunity for change is small with injuries and blokes being dropped to the twos. Well done Holky who leads this H2H battle 4 - 0 - til next time!
If it didn't save but you posted in team entry thread then surely commish @JPK and board can modify? That's one of the reasons we have the redundancy of the team entry thread!
A pivotal matchup early in the season with both sides looking to consolidate some good early season results. The Bunyips had only lost the one match coming in to round 6 while the Buffaloes had one less win but were showing signs that the planned rebuild was starting to come together. Sam Jacobs (116) took control in the middle and took out another Big Tap scalp and the Blanchetown midfield took full advantage. Scott Pendlebury (149) was a standout performer and was very good late in the contest but he was ably supported by the rest of his midfield brigade as well with Gray (111), Ziebell (103) and Mitchell (99) all putting in solid shifts. With such midfield dominance, questions are sure to be asked of team management as to why the end result was not much better for the Bunyips. This was highlighted by the left field option by the coach to have Chris Mayne shout abuse at Captain Dangerfield (65) from the sidelines as he enjoyed some of Serengeti's finest and take no part in the on-field contest himself. While the tactic proved effective in quelling the influence of the Serengeti star, the one man less that it left the Bunyips to take the field with ultimately proved very costly when it was combined with an early injury to ex-Buffalo Jack Silvagni (6). Some sections of the travelling crowd were left to wonder how serious the injury was and questioned where the young forward's heart still laid. Given the limited opportunities Serengeti's beaten midfield were able to provide, the efforts of power forward Charlie Dixon (151) were all the more impressive. Rory Laird (122) did his best to fill the hole in front of the Serengeti beast but he would not be stopped in this contest while he was also being able to bring his other forwards, Reid (80) and Daniher (79) into the match and only some questionable kicking from young colt Daniher prevented him from taking a game apart for the second week in a row. Jarrod Harbow's (114) Serengeti career is off to a magnificent start and he lead a total dominance for the Buffaloes defence against a lacklustre Blancetown forward line. He was the second ex-Smuggler to perform well on the day and club officials were happy the pair had been inspired by taking on their ex-employers the week before and dispelled any rumurs of funny busines taking place despite the strange coincedence. In a tight contest where the Bunyips were well on top with the top end of talent on display, it was the Buffaloes new found depth in 2017 that got them across the line. Final scores; Serengeti Buffaloes 1305 def Blanchetown Bunyips 1174 Both teams now sit at 4-2 with the Buffaloes also sitting in the top 4 for the first time but each of the teams have big contests ahead in round 7. The Buffaloes will be on the road to visit the international imposters at Banchang while the Bunyips take on reining premier Groote Eylandt BAFFU votes 3 Charlie Dixon 151 (SER) 2 Scott Pendlebury 149 (BBU) 1 Rory Laird 122 (BBU)
Nuytsland hosted Pearcedale down at Viking Land in which this match posed a danger game for the home team as there defensive depth was to be put to the test fielding two rookies. In the centre square Grundy 83 was very lucky to win the big tap as Nankervis 68 won the hit outs but his disposal let him down his early season was no where to be seen, to make matters worse he was reported for striking and will now miss a week. Even though the home team lost the hit outs our midfield brigade where sharks Mitchell 117 lead the way Crouch 111 worked his way into the game Sheuy 98 and Viney 98 both solid as we danced around opposition only Parker 98 put up a fight. In what had been a formidable midfield Mundy 61 Ellis 64 and Hunter 74 the coach must be scratching his head in disbelief, can these guys lift. Down back recruit of the year Montagna 93 and partner in crime Roberton 149 continued to show there coach he is a wingman not a tall third option, Howe 59 Williams 46 both is for 1st games of the year showed pleasing signs. For the visitors up and down Howe 70 out of form Shaw 111 bounced back but maybe Gibson 49 has gone around one year to long while kolo and reserve player didn't show. Up forward the visitors did not fair any better Weller 76 top scoring Caddy 67 still adjusting to new game plan struggled. Home team Greene 92 has been on the edge and finally crossed the line with a flush round house dearly costing his team with a two match ban, Petracca 95 and 4 goals has given the improvement required to maintain his starting position same with Mclean 85. On the interchange Greene's hit on Daniel 108 only drew blood Smith 76 did ok but it was the home sides Ross 105 Heeney 107 sealing the deal and keeping the team on top of the ladder. 3. Roberton 149 2. Mitchell 117 1. Crouch 111 Shaw 111 @TigersTooTough
Christmas Island (Smugglers) 1,205 def by Groote Eylandt (Barracudas) 1,288 Not a good start to the morning when Beams forgot to set the alarm as the visitors got things started early at Flying Fish Cove Park for round 6. On home turf the Smugglers were looking to win back the converted Island Cup from the Barracuda’s. The visitors having come off a smashing the week before would be looking for redemption however the home team’s defensive line of Johnson, Hartlett, Hurn and Williams had other ideas as they put the lock-down on Hawkins and pinch hitter Guthrie but young Jong and Phillips stayed the line. Beams paid dearly with a sleep in as he was sluggish all day. Don’t argue Martin, Heppell and Tyson were solid both on the inside and outside plays however couldn’t contain the raging Bontempelli as he made up for his poor showing the week before with 3 goals in the second half as the visitors gained momentum through the middle with Hannebery and Patty Cripps. The big men tapped, bumped and crashed their way through the game neither of them getting the upper hand, perhaps Giles just over Kreuzer. Off the interchange both sides had fighters ready to roll up their sleeves for their team in Trengrove and Lewis. Cotchin verses Grigg was an interesting head-to-head unfortunately for the home side the chocolates went to the Trent. At the business end of the field is where the Smugglers young talent of Lever and Markov succumbed to the pressure of FU football as the experience of the Barracuda’s backline was on show from Lloyd, Murphy and Burgoyne. In the end 4 points and the Eylandt Cup made their way to Groote. BOG awards 3 Marcus Bontempelli (141) 2 Trent Cotchin (108) 1 Michael Johnson (106)
King Island 1141 def Cow Bay 1070 It was a low scoring affair at the KingDome. Apparently there was an issue with getting the stadium doors closed which keep out the constantly raging westerly wind, resulting in the ball spending most of the match trapped on the far wing. Both midfields were poor with their disposal in the tough conditions with only Monarch stalwart Priddis and young Croc Blakely managing to break the ton. For the visitors, Jones and McGrath battled well down back as did late inclusion Taranto off the bench but there was little to cheer about up forward. Rance was solid in the backline for the home side but it was in the the forward line the game was won with JJK making the most of his opportunities. Zac Smith avoided the disgrace of being beaten by Keays in the ruck with Tom Boyd making it onto the ground just before the opening siren to take the honours. Votes 3 Kennedy 2 Priddis 1 Rance
Gisborne Grenades 1186 defeated Korumburra Blowflys 1108 In the upset of the round, the lowly and previously winless Grenades have somehow pulled off a coup at home, stealing a win from the much more highly fancied Blowflys. The news sent the town into a frenzy, but only after multiple news sources had been checked to confirm this was not just another bout of fake news. The match was clearly won in the consistency of the Grenades team, who had 7 players score above 88 compared to Korumburra's 4. Fingers will be pointed at underperforming stars for the 'Flys, with Johannisen, Hunt, Picken, Barlow, Goldstein, Walters all good players who should be scoring higher. It was a nightmare in the Korumburra forward line, with all players scoring well below their average and a highest score of 55. There were some standouts, with Docherty returning to form in a big way with a huge 149. Captain Sloane continued his barnstorming ways, hitting 140 despite not being on the field for much of the 4th quarter. Hodge also played better with 97, while Menegola's breakout year continues with another 88. After viewing some of the massive scores on the Korumburra team, Grenades scoring staff were worried to tally up the match. However, as is now known after confirmation from the great overlord, their maths was correct in awarding Gisborne a win. In reality, it was a much improved performance from Gisborne who began to show just how good they could be if they decided to actually perform like they should. Talia kickstarted it in defence with 98, flowing onto the consistent Neale (124), Masten (88) and the ever-improving Billings (93). Side note: did you know Bont was taken one place behind Billings in the draft, and look how different their current careers are! Anyway, Steele showed why he was held onto despite numerous trade offers with his highest score of 118 and Douglas managed 99. On the IC Powell-Pepper smashed out a 97, showing why he may be named on field for the first time next week. It doesn't get easier for the Blowflys, playing the 4-2 Buffaloes in another road trip. Gisborne take some confidence into the next round, but are playing 'the best 0-6 team to ever live' in what could be a tough battle. BAFFU 3. Docherty 2. Sloane 1. Neale Big Tap Witts (73) defeated by Goldstein (77)
Ladies and Gentlemen, Over the past few weeks I've noticed that there's been a few gaps in home teams posting match reports.... can we please try to keep up with the match reports? They're a great read, they keep everyone involved, and they're the considerate thing to do. Cheers, JPK
Southern Cross Sandgropers 1295 defeated @JPK 's Coolgardie Prospectors 1214. Round 6 saw the fourth instalment of the Nugget Cup or as the Southern Cross locals refer to it the Prospector's grand final Head to head Coolgardie was up 2-1 but the Sandgropers, coming off a big win against the reigning premiers Groote Eylandt, were determined to square the ledger. Mummy dominated in the ruck winning 50+ hitouts to take the Giant Tap points and get his team going; Ryder, however ineffective in the ruck, showcased his mobility and goal kicking prowess to ensure even if his mids may not get first use of the ball that he would still contribute. Only Duncan for the home team and Ebert for the visitors were able to read the ruck taps and be creative with the ball. JOM, Ollie and to a lessor extent JPK looked lethargic after the two hour bus ride from Coolgardie but at least they had an excuse. After ripping apart his former employers last week the fox decided he'd done enough for the season and went back into his hole. Fellow Sandgroper mids Fyfe & Crouch faired little better. With so much dirty ball going forward the Sandgroper's defenders mopped up with ease, the Gov continued his excellent form taking intercept mark after intercept mark. He was ably supported by Hibberd & Hurley although ring in Crozier did his best to undermine their efforts. With the defence dominating possession the Prospector forwards struggled to have their usual impact. David Schwarz's best number one pick of all time Jack Watts was the standout for the visitors as he shared his duties in the forward line with some time in the ruck. Touk-touk & the Hoff were down on their best as was BT's favourite Oraaaashiooooo. At the other end of the field a rejuvenated WHE continued his renaissance leading all scorers on the park. Darling & Devon formed a lethal partnership with Jack in particular receiving favourable attention from the umpires (Richo's voice of affirmation at work?), whilst the package kicked a couple of goals but was reasonably well held. The 'intent' shown by the Sandgroper forwards meant there were few spoils for Sexual Barrassment and Macmillan to dine on. Smith tried his heart out and was ably supported by the happy Hooker but it was looking more and more like too little too late. Coming off the bench for the home side Prestia had another down week and looked decidedly unfit but The Dom showed why the club had resisted the opportunity to trade him preseason pumping out his best score so far this season and cementing his spot in the 15. For the visitors Martin had an unusually quiet match; some say the result of being overlooked for the starting ruck spot, whilst Matty Wright decided he'd try and win the game off his own boot with 4 late goals. History will show that both sides were below their best but it will also show a W for Southern Cross and a head to head record now of 2-2. The home fans were delighted with the win, the second on the trot, moving them up to 9th on the ladder sitting behind their defeated rivals by only points for. Round 7 sees Southern Cross hit the road to take on @ddsaints Parasites in the Battle of the Bugs IV while the Prospectors lick their wounds on the bus ride home before welcoming a resurgent King Island. A win for Southern Cross should see them climb into the 8 and really set a platform for their maiden finals appearance. BAFFU 3 votes - W.Hoskin-Elliot (SCS) 125 points 2 votes - J.McGovern (SCS) 121 points 1 vote - M. Duncan (SCS) 113 points
Terrible report mate... I'm still more than a bit pissed that Mummy only just got 100 points with that performance! So many of my players were sooo terrible!!! ...and I think we played our GF a couple of weeks ago
Match Preview, Round 7: Coolgardie hosting @Tylo King Island The Coolgardie side Def: J Macmillan, T Barrass, J Smith, C Hooker - J Ramsay Mid: JP Kennedy, O Wines, B Ebert, J O'Meara - R Clarke Ruc: S Mumford Fwd: T Miller, J Watts, O Fantasia, J Westhoff - J Sicily Int: S Martin, M Wright - M Baguley Unlucky to miss: A Aliir Unfortunately injured: B Parfitt Leading the "Where's Wally" competition: M Daw The King Island side Def: A Rance, B Houli, M Broadbent, K Mcintosh - J Thurlow Mid: M Murphy, M Priddis, T Boak, D Swallow - M Rosa Ruc: D Gardiner (OOP) Fwd: JJ Kennedy, J Macrae, T Walker, E Betts - T Bell Int: J Dunkley, L Henderson - D McStay Unfortunately missing (for the visiting coach anyway): N Naitanui and Z Smith Coolgardie: 8th at 3-3 with 7574 points for and an insane 7872 against King Island: 2nd at 5-1 with 7464 points for and a nothing impressive 7044 against Taking just a quick snapshot of the ladder, and you'd think that King Island have this in the bag, 2nd v 8th, how could they lose??? But dig down just a little bit and you'll see that Coolgardie have outscored King Island in 4 of the first 6 rounds, including the last two. The big difference in these two sides fortunes' has been the intimidating tactics employed by King Island, which has caused their rivals to wither and die (lets call this "the Ross Lyon effect"), while the boys from Coolgardie have been playing good clean entertaining footy, which has seen some monstrous scores (lets call this "the TV-friendly gameplan"), although the resulting shootout has often seen the Prospectors on the wrong side of the ledger come the final siren. The Monarchs will be sorely missing the King of King Island, Nic Naitanui, and his sidekick, Z Smith, in a match where Darcy Gardiner is going to go head-to-head with the big Mummy, ably supported by (some might say outshone by) Stefan Martin. It should mean first use of the ball for the local lads (JPK, Ollie, and Ebert), even with Jaeger doing his best to upset this clearance advantage, but we all know what Smurphy and Pridda are capable of, while the return of Boak and Swallow is surely more-than-welcome. In the backline it'll be the visiting Richmond Tigers, against what used to be the Collingwood Bombers, but is now a happy balance, with Macmillan leading the way and Hooker forgetting how to play. On paper the Monarchs forward line should have the Prospectors beat, but we all know paper doesn't play footy. A quick glance over the averages, 410 for the visitors to 323 for the locals, is ominous!!! I want to make a comment against "the other" JK, but I really need him to kick a bag this week in Adelaide, so lets just hope that the North defence and Blundstone Arena contain the Crows forwards. This game has the potential to be a huge game, match-of-the-round maybe. It also has the potential to be an absolute fizzer, being a blowout in either direction, or an absolute mess of a game that you wouldn't care if it wasn't broadcast on tv. Lets all hope for the former, with 1300-odd points for each team, and a biased win to the home team Prospectors!
@Tylo I'll apologize in advance - I've got a fairly busy weekend, and I don't know when I'll be home to give updates. I can say that 1/9th of the way through the game, its Coolgardie leading, even before the points are released. Coolgardie 67 / 1 / 67 (Mumford - he didn't look that bad watching the game, but clearly CD didn't like him!) King Island 0 / 0 / 0
Bulls out to a small early lead on the back of Coniglio's return Bulls 176 / 2 / 88 Blowies 121 / 2 / 60.5 @Mick
At the first break at The Stadium, the visiting Buffaloes have got off to a flier, scoring 3/253/84.3, while the Barcrawlers are still to take to the field. That didn't stop the Buffaloes midfield pairing of Steven 120, and Kelly 108 though as they both controlled the midfield perfectly.