2024 ORFFA Round 11 Review

ORFFA Round 11 review
A final round before some delisting decisions, drafting duties and our State of Origin matchup. Let’s see where things sit at mid-season.

Wineglass Bay 1188 d Wagga Wagga 947
A fine performance in the ruck from Darcy Cameron helped Wineglass Bay snap a run of outs and record a win over a depleted Wagga Wagga side.
Cameron’s 128 was complimented by a balanced effort across the ground – Noble, Hewitt and Keays all scoring 90+.
The Wombats were unfortunately missing three players, who appear to have left for their mid-season breaks a week early. Of those who did play, Lachie Sholl (129) snagged five Les W votes, and LDU (117) continued his fine form.
Both teams go into the break within a game or two of the top eight.

Venus Bay 1230 d Marble Bar 1214
Venus Bay have consolidated their top eight position with a close win over Marble Bar.
Really, very little separated the two teams throughout – some fine late game performances from Big O (113), Lohmann (104) and NWM (118) helping the Vultures get over the line.
The Misfits have simply not had any luck this season, with their ‘for’ points total enough to seemingly place them in the top five or six teams in the league. Zac Fisher (113) led four centurions, including the emerging D’Ambrosio.
Hopes for a change in fortune after the break, and a savvy draft pick during that time.

Gariwerd 1259 def by Lovely Banks 1299
Another close one, with the Lilacs forwards probably the difference between a win and a loss here.
Heeney, Stengle, Lipinski and Wright helped boost three 100+ scores through the midfield and a 110 from the erstwhile Tom Stewart. Ollie Wines’ 126 a week after being subbed off due to heart palpitations was a standout.
The Cockies saw Max Holmes (134) continue his rise, alongside Sam Durham’s impressive 122. Crouch and Laird scored 118 and 117 respectively.
Both teams sit on the fringes of the eight and are not far from a second half surge into the upper echelons of the ladder.

Waikickamoocow 1208 d Cradle Mountain 1073
The Waikicks make it four on the trot and are now one of four teams on 8-3 after a comfortable win over Cradle Mountain.
While there were only two centurions for the Cows – McGovern (114) and Newman (104) up back – coach Graeme’s decision to play the youth and leave out big names like Fyfe and Prestia paid dividends, with an even contribution across the park.
For Cradle Mountain, a number of players down on their usual high standards. Big Nank (127) shone, while Steele and English also hit three figures.
Aaron Naughton’s injury had an impact this week, but isn’t as bad as first feared, with hopes of a return shortly after the mid-season break to help coach Dean get his team back up into the top four.

Nareewillock 1443 d Charlie’s Opening 1325
Nareewillock have moved a game clear at the top of the ladder with a high-scoring win over Charlie’s Opening in their clash on the weekend.
Seven Nuffers scored 100+, with Chad Warner (144) and Errol Gulden (131) heading the list. A fully functioning forwardline also helped the Nuffers cause, with Marshall and Langford providing timely support.
The Cave Dwellers had six players of their own reach three figures, with Bont (135), and the Nicks (Daicos 130, Blakey 120) doing what they usually do. A fine cameo from Jarrod Berry (110) saw him continue his career best season.
Both teams look likely to be around at the pointy end of the season.

Mt Beauty 1527 d Dunsborough 1168
Mt Beauty issued a reminder of its scoring power, compiling a huge total to cruise to a win over the Dungbeetles.
Nine players scored over 100 for the Uglies, led by Big Maxy’s 180. The midfield all tonned up, with two more midfielders on the bench – the youngster Day and veteran Boak – pulling together 100s for good measure. Even old Dusty pulled out some vintage tricks for the occasion.
For the Beetles, Sheezel, May and Hind all raised the bat, with continued encouraging performances from youngsters like Andrew, Powell and Reid.
Kane McAuliffe looks like another youngster to watch as well.

Gundagai 1115 d Iron Knob 1028
In what turned out to be a bit of a defensive battle, Snoz’s Grasshoppers outlasted a gallant Iron Knob to remain in the top four.
Ultimately it was a couple of late game midfield performances that sealed the deal for the Hoppers, with Lachie Neale (110) and then Jordan Dawson (158) getting the job done. Cripps’ 131 helped, while Charlie Curnow’s 90 covered some forward line blushes.
Short one player in the midfield, Iron Knob were well served by the veteran Witts (127) in the ruck, while Martin, Sinclair and Williams all provided 90+ scores.
Campbell Chesser’s 86 provided help for the shorthanded midfield, as well as a glimpse of potential going forward.

Larrikin Lagoon 962 def by Birdsville 1124
Another day, another five Les W votes for Luke Ryan. The Birdsville backman and Les W Medal leader again propelled the Battlers to a win over a slightly hobbled Lefties side.
Ryan’s 132 was enough to pip teammate TDK (131) for maximum votes in this game, while Brodie Kemp (102) also offered fine support up back.
Thomson Dow’s 73 was welcome cover for Sam Flanders’ late withdrawal.
The Lefties’ Xerri (117) battled manfully in the ruck, while young Jase Burgoyne (108) continued to show signs down back. Acres and MacDonald also worked hard.
Injuries however took a toll however, with Willie Rioli’s injury related doughnut covered only by Charlie Lazzaro’s sub-influenced 4.

Ladder update
The Nuffers sit atop the ladder going into the break, a game ahead of four teams (Charlie's Opening, Gundagai, Mt Beauty and Waikickamoocow) on 8-3. Venus Bay (7-4), Cradle Mountain and Birdsville round out the eight, with Lovely Banks, Gariwerd and Wineglass Bay a game back.
Iron Knob and the Lefties are at the foot of the ladder.

Les W update
Birdsville's Luke Ryan (30) has taken a three vote lead in the Les W, breaking away from Nareewillock's Caleb Serong (27). Big Maxy and Bont are a vote further back, with Naicos and Heeney just behind them.


Onwards now to the mid-season break, draft and State of Origin. May everyone’s draft picks be brilliant, and their delistings be astute.

 

Great write up Chris, and congrats on taking the choccies against my mob.

I better start getting some team lists out for SOO then

 

Thanks Chris. Great writeup.
Despite the loss, I’m proud of my guys putting in a valiant effort. We’re very enthusiastic about the Cockies’ future.

 

And crashing back to reality the Lefties go.
Thanks for the words Chris.

Can't complain off the back of probably a 5 yr high 1300+ score last week.
Kids are tracking ok with a few to return post byes.
No doubt already sold my MSD soul, so they better see us out til August.

 

Nice work

 

Luke Ryan's SC is unbelievable:
Rd 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
SC 165 127 130 111 145 89 106 197 111 122 132