-By Nathan Dole
THE rematch of last September’s grand finalists, Ultima and Hay highlights Saturday’s third round of senior footy in the Golden Rivers season.
When they last met it was Ultima which claimed the ultimate prize in a one-point victory in the Lions’ den at Hay.
This time they clash on the Kangaroos’ ground at Ultima from 2.25pm.
Best for Ultima in last Saturday’s win at Moulamein by 11 points were Corey Grey, Zac Cattlin, Jye Purtill, Thomas Bull and Martyn Cooper.
A talented Kangaroos’ line-up jointly coached by Mitch Seton-Stewart and Kyle Symons includes Matt Taverna and Zac Denham across the half-back line, Thomas Isma in the centre, Ed Kuchel and Caillum Brady in attack.
The Lions fought for a one-goal win at Murrabit last Saturday as Dylan Collis, Fergus Cattanach, Tom McGufficke and Jack Headon led the way.
Key players for the Jason Aylett and James Moran-coached Hay include co-captains Jack Cattanach and Brad Pocock, Declan Watson and Dean Aylett in attack, Kenneth Jubb and Joel Crocker in defence.
It’s third against fourth as Murrabit faces Wandella.
The Jack Shannahan-coached Murrabit took it right up to Hay last round.
Players to watch for the Blues include Ben Gillingham, Jordan Lampi, Austin McKerrow, Logan McKinnon, Matt Moon and James Stewart.
Wandella will be keen to build on the momentum from a 77-73 win against Macorna.
A Bombers’ line-up coached by Justin Robinson includes Nathan Boysen, Logan Keighran, Archer Lancaster, Darcy Ramage, Kane Timmins and Laing Waddingham.
Macorna or Moulamein will bank their first premiership points of the season when they clash in the Tigers’ den at Macorna Recreation Reserve.
Best for Macorna at Wandella were Luke Gray, Jackson Fry, Tori Ferguson and Kurt Forder.
The team in yellow and black coached by Paul Longstaff and Shaun Haffenden includes Travis Mercadante, ruckman Harley Somerville, Reece Wissell and Fergus Bear.
Moulamein put in a great effort to finish within 11 points of Ultima.
In-form players for the Swans are ruckman Heath Moloney, Matt Edwards in attack, and rover William Doquile.
The Moulamein team coached by Brodie Tonkin and Hayden Dalitz has Xander Hartland as ruck-rover, Mark Drotsky and Cody Storm in defence, and Nathan Buckley on the bench.
Golden Rivers FNL senior footy ladder:
Hay 159 per cent, 8 points; Ultima 151, 8; Murrabit 112, 4; Wandella 71, 4; Macorna 82, 0; Moulamein 63, 0.
Leaders in the goalkicking race:
14 Jack Headon, Hay.
8 Adam Thomson, Murrabit.
4 Ryan Devereux, Ultima.
4 Josh Dwyer, Ultima.
4 Corey Grey, Ultima.
4 Adam Saunders, Moulamein.
4 James Stewart, Murrabit.
3 Matthew Angel, Macorna.
3 Kade Benfield, Ultima.
3 Matt Edwards, Moulamein.
3 Luke Gray, Macorna.
3 Thomas Isma, Ultima.
3 Jordan Lampi, Murrabit.
3 Harry Loughnan, Hay.
3 Laing Waddingham, Wandella.
3 Josh Walters, Macorna.