BY NATHAN DOLE
THE Lions from Hay make their way to Macorna for this Saturday’s 10th round of senior footy action in the Golden Rivers FNL season.
It’s a crucial match for the Lions and Tigers who are third and fourth in the premiership race.
Action begins at 2.25pm.
A win for Hay will put it 12 points clear of Macorna.
When these clubs last met in round four it was Hay which won 92-91 at home.
In last week’s play, Hay scored a 25-point win against Wandella, while Macorna was beaten at Murrabit by 16 points.
Key players for Macorna include Lachlan Ritchie in attack, captain Malcolm Neiwand in midfield, Jack Featherby, ruckman Jacob McIntosh, Grady Smith and Jordan Simpson in defence.
The Lions’ attack includes Fergus Cattanach and co-captain Kenneth Jubb.
Other players to watch for Hay include ruck-rover Dom Booth, Dean Aylett in the centre, co-captain Brad Booth at half-back, and James Moran in the ruck.
The unbeaten Ultima faces a Murrabit line-up riding high from the confidence of consecutive wins.
In round four it was the Kangaroos who won 138-71 at Murrabit.
Ultima’s latest hit-out ended in a 33-point win on Moulamein’s turf.
A key match-up for the Roos will be Martyn Cooper at full-back against Murrabit star Damian Cupido who leads the league goalkicking race on 33.
Other key players for Ultima include Thomas Bull, Ryan Devereux, Luke Doolan, Mitch and Tyler Makepeace, and Jamie Nicholas.
The Blues from Murrabit will look for big games from the likes of Toby Gray in the centre, Ed and Jono Aujard, Rhys Carmichael, and co-captains Ben Gillingham and Nathan O’Toole.
Stung by a 33-point loss at home to Ultima, the Swans from Moulamein will be keen to rebound on Wandella’s ground.
In round four it was Moulamein which beat the Bombers by two goals.
Strong defence and captialising on chances will be a major focus for Wandella.
A Bombers’ defence that includes Ryan Lancaster, Jayden Crellin, Jonty Taylor and Darren Rushton faces a huge challenge against the likes of Andy Silva, Beau Duggan-Hulands, Blake Azzopardi and Daniel Aarsman.
In the centre it’s Russell Rich up against Amos Farrell.
A premiership winner with Marong last season, Adam Ward is one of Wandella’s most valuable players.
A strong on-ball division for Moulamein is led by Anthony Daw in the ruck, and Luke Shannon as ruck-rover.
Golden Rivers FNL senior footy ladder:
Ultima 175 per cent, 36 points; Moulamein 119, 28; Hay 109, 20; Macorna 99, 12; Murrabit 59, 8; Wandella 71, 4.
Leaders in the goalkicking race:
33 Damian Cupido, Murrabit.
24 Lachlan Ritchie, Macorna.
23 Andy Silva, Moulamein.
22 Daniel Aarsman, Moulamein.
17 Simon Bunyan, Hay.
16 Khy Stovell, Moulamein.
14 Ryan Devereux, Ultima.
14 Amos Farrell, Moulamein.
14 Troy Parker, Macorna.
13 Fergus Cattanach, Hay.
12 Josh Walters, Macorna.
12 Declan Watson, Hay.
11 Blake Azzopardi, Moulamein.
11 Michael Rowe, Wandella.
11 Kyle Symons, Ultima.
11 Chris Wilson, Macorna.
10 Jack Delmenico, Ultima.