ORFFA Round 13 Review – Footballing Wasteland A short review of a round that seems to have occurred such a long time ago. Mt Beauty 1273 def Cradle Mountain 1095 The Max and Zak show were central to the Uglies win and move into the Top 4. Gawn (131) and Butters (143) were backed by several other consistent performances – especially up back and across the midfield. Walsh, Hollands and Petracca were among those leading the way for the reigning premiers. Cradle Mountain’s Tim English (127) and Toby Nankervis (104) more than held their own against big Max, but an injury to Toby Greene and a dip in forward line production proved the difference, despite Pendles and Laird cracking the ton. Both teams sit inside the top 4 and look likely to return to the finals. Waikickamoocow 930 def by Gariwerd 1026 The Cockies continue to fly high – now sixth with a 7-4 record – after emerging triumphant in a low scoring contest against the Incorrigibles. Max Holmes, again. Really, that sums things up in some ways for Gariwerd. Another game, another big score (152) and another five votes in the Les W. A bit of depth and even performances across the defensive and midfield areas more than covered for a missing ruck. The Waikicks’ youngsters continue to step forward – something that will continue in the wake of their many picks in the MSD! Dunkley (120), Ward (117) Hinge (95) and Fletcher (89) led the scoring. And we watch with interest as coach Graeme’s young rucks and others come on board in time for the next game. Charlie’s Opening 1435 d Dunsborough 1168 The Spelunkers roll on – 11-0 and atop the ladder – with another big score and win over the Dung Beetles. Ten players scoring over 90, with the Lizard (146) and big Lloyd Meek (134) leading the way. Both are clearly better than those disappointing, underperforming midfielders in Bont (101), Daicos (95) and Merrett (81) who should all be traded, preferably to Nareewillock. (Who did Charlie’s Opening trade in during the MSD period … Whitfield and Cameron? Yeah, well ) Dunsborough’s score would’ve been enough to beat quite a number of teams during Round 13, despite playing one player short and having no dedicated ruckman. Atkins (145), Green (140) and Sheezel (137) were brilliant, while Joel Freijah and Kane McAuliffe are youngsters on the rise. Lovely Banks 749 def by Junee 1136 The last round before the mid-year break got a bit ugly for the Lovelies, with Junee cruising to an easy away win. The Jaguars rebuilding push gained momentum during the MSD and trade period, with several senior players bidding Junee farewell. However there’s still plenty of talent left in the ranks, with Sheldrick (109), Daniel (124), Taranto (107) playing key roles. And the injection of youth through trades and the MSD will further bolster the Jaguars’ ranks - Disco Turner and Nate Caddy among the highlights there. For the Lilacs, a less than ideal time was had. Six missing players through byes, injuries and other mayhem. No ruck, unexpected ineptitude, all of the above. Heeney (123), Stewart (111) and Wines (102) led the scoring, while three of the prominent Rising Stars scorers continued to plug away – Luke Trainor, Archie Roberts and Dan Curtin. The additions of an actual playing ruckman, a young running back and Dan Curtin’s impressive emergence will undoubtedly provide improvement in the coming rounds. Wineglass Bay 1366 d Iron Knob 1142 Tracey’s Packers keep the pressure on those teams in the bottom half of the eight with a comfortable win over Iron Knob. Contributors everywhere for Wineglass Bay – Ash and Taylor up back, Hewitt, Jaicos and Baker in the middle, Cameron in the ruck and Ben Keays up forward. Savvy MSD picks from the Packers will only add to the growth here too – Caminiti and Campbell look more than capable. Despite being down a couple of players, Iron Knob would have been encouraged with McKercher’s 144, as well as tons from Martin, Prestia, Soligo, Witts and Chol. A bit of mid-season bolstering in the form of Sidebottom and O’Connor will provide further support for the Codpieces as they look towards the remainder of the season, as will the return of players absent in Round 13 due to the bye (looking at you, Macrae and Sinclair!). Larrikin Lagoon 994 def by Wagga Wagga 1128 The Wombats stay a game inside the eight – in eighth, in fact – with a win over the Lefties. Miles Bergman (128) and Connor Rozee (116) top scored for Wagga Wagga, with notable support from Jye Caldwell and Jack Ginnivan. The Wombats wisely grabbed a playing ruck in the MSD, as Jarman Impey may well have been complaining to the coaching staff over his fill in role there. Unsurprisingly, the lack of a Wombats ruck saw the Lefties’ Tristan Xerri dominate (!53). That said, he dominates even when the opposition has a ruck! With another five Les W votes, Xerri is only one vote behind Max Gawn for the lead. The rest of the Lefties’ scores were pretty even – Blake Acres notching a ton. Alas two missing forwards were too difficult for the Lefties to overcome. Birdsville 1150 def Nareewillock 1058 A Tom de Koning highlight reel performance led Birdsville to an important win over the Nuffers and kept their spot in the eight secure. TDK’s 146 helped make up for Bailey Smith’s absence, with midfielders Cerra (109) and Nash (100) clearly benefitting from his ruck dominance. Several other sturdy performances across the back and forward lines were more than enough for the Battlers to record the W. For Nareewillock, Dale, Richards and Rowell all topped 100, and the since-traded Quaynor had a stunner with 118. However the Nuffers’ lack of depth was also on show – injuries and bye absences causing all manner of concerns and prompting some moves during the mid-season break to address the problem. Hopefully these, as well as Errol Gulden’s return, help the Nuffers secure a finals berth. Gundagai 1354 d Venus Bay 1103 Gundagai opened up a two-game break in second on the ladder with a comfortable win over Venus Bay. Lots and lots of scoring for the Grasshoppers, led by Brodie Grundy’s continued great form (155). Dawson, Newcombe, Mills, Simpkin all managed 100+, making up for some down days from Cripps, Neale and McLuggage. Depth is the key. Plenty to like about Venus Bay’s effort. Howe’s 155 was impressive, while Docherty, Crisp, Fort and Weddle chimed in with timely scores. The absence of Nasiah up back due to the bye stung, but the recruitment of Long and Silvagni during the break will help.