A BIG match will be played at Murrabit this Saturday when the Blues take on Moulamein in the ninth round of Golden Rivers senior footy.
The showdown between the Blues and Swans will start at 2.25pm.
A 20-point win at Wandella last round has lifted Murrabit to the ladder’s third rung.
The Blues are locked on 16 points with Wandella, and are a win and 14 per cent clear of the fifth-placed Moulamein.
Just 15 points separated the Blues and Swans when they met in round four at Moulamein.
The Murrabit attack is led by Adam Thomson as Bailey Pengelly and James Stewart also played well against Wandella.
Players to watch for the Jack Shannahan-coached Murrabit include Sam Copland, Ben Derbas, captain Ben Gillingham, Patrick Bryan and Ethan Slater.
Moulamein has sights on a third victory in a row.
After toppling Ultima the Swans scored a 64-point win at home against Macorna last round.
Adam Saunders and William Doquile led Moulamein’s attack on five and three goals in the team’s fourth win of the season.
In-form players for the Swans include Ely Miller, Tobie Richardson, Mitchell Ryan and Morgan Turvey.
Moulamein is jointly coached by Brodie Tonkin and Hayden Dalitz.
Stung by its first defeat of the season, Hay will take on Wandella.
The Lions will start favourite against the Bombers in the den at Hay Recreation Reserve.
In round four Hay outplayed Wandella by 78 points.
A strong attack for the Lions includes Jack Headon, Declan Watson and Dylan Collis.
Hay has Fergus and Jack Cattanach, Joel Crocker, Dean Aylett, Kenneth Jubb and Brad Pocock capable of winning many contests.
The Lions are jointly coached by Jason Aylett and James Moran.
Wandella’s grip on the fourth rung is under threat.
The Justin Robinson-coached Bombers face a huge challenge against the fired-up Lions.
Crucial match-ups for Wandella will be Gregor Knight in the centre against Collis, , ruckman Darcy Ramage opposed to James Moran, Tim Robinson roving against Jack Cattanach.
The Bombers’ best last round included John Cooper, Connor Carter, and coach Justin Robinson.
At Macorna the Tigers take on the Kangaroos from Ultima.
Massive challenge for the yellow and black as the reigning premier struck form in a 50-point win at home against Ultima last Saturday.
Macorna’s latest clash ended in a 64-point loss at Moulamein.
Best for the Tigers were Josh Berryman, Josh Walters and Blake Forster.
The play of Macorna on-ballers Will Canham and Matt Angel and ruckman Harley Somerville will be important to putting up a strong challenge against the Roos.
Macorna’s team for this contest includes Reece Wissell in the centre, Hunter Anset and Toby Whinfield in attack.
In round four the Kangaroos beat the Paul Longstaff and Shaun Haffenden-coached Tigers by 70 points in Ultima.
A strong attack for Ultima includes Lachlan Bull, Ryan Devereux, Corey Grey and co-coach Mitch Seton-Stewart.
Best for the Roos against the Lions included Thomas Bull, Darcy Farrell, Josh Dwyer and Zac Cattlin.
An Ultima team which has Kyle Symons as co-coach also has Jye Purtill, Matt Taverna and Caillum Brady in its line-up as it chases back-to-back premierships.
Golden Rivers senior footy ladder:
Hay 176 per cent, 28 points; Ultima 157, 24; Murrabit 92, 16; Wandella 82, 16; Moulamein 78, 12; Macorna 59, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
36 Jack Headon, Hay.
28 Adam Thomson, Murrabit.
24 Declan Watson, Hay.
17 Justin Robinson, Wandella.
16 Ryan Devereux, Ultima.
16 Corey Grey, Ultima.
13 Adam Saunders, Moulamein.
12 Thomas Isma, Ultima.
11 Blake Launer, Moulamein.
11 James Stewart, Murrabit.
10 Mitch Collins, Wandella.
10 Luke Gray, Macorna.
10 Morgan Turvey, Moulamein.
9 Dylan Collis, Hay.
9 Kaine O’Connell, Wandella.
9 Josh Walters, Macorna.
8 Josh Dwyer, Ultima.
8 Jordan Lampi, Murrabit.
8 Matt Taverna, Ultima.
7 William Doquile, Moulamein.
7 Mitch Seton-Stewart, Ultima.
7 Toby Whinfield, Macorna.
6 Matthew Angel, Macorna.
6 Trae Atkinson, Moulamein.
6 Joel Crocker, Hay.
6 Ryan Harvey, Murrabit.
6 Jacob Watson, Hay.
5 Nathan Buckley, Moulamein.
5 Jack Cattanach, Hay.
5 Ryan Dee, Macorna.
5 Connor Jamieson, Wandella.
5 Harry Loughnan, Hay.
5 Justin Robinson, Wandella.
5 Laing Waddingham, Wandella.