BY NATHAN DOLE
Tigers tackle Lions at Macorna
A CLASH between the third and first-placed Macorna and Hay highlights this Saturday’s third round of senior footy in the Golden Rivers season.
Macorna has home-ground advantage as the Tigers and Lions fight for premiership points from 2.25pm.
The Hay Lions are eyeing a hat-trick of victories as the Tigers aim to improve their one-one record.
In round two, Macorna was beaten by 22 points on Murrabit’s turf.
Best for the Tigers against the Blues were Travis Mercadante, Sam Whinfield, Fergus Bear and Josh Berryman.
Big roles to be played by Harley Somerville and Lachlan Ritchie in defence, Laing Whinfield in the centre, and rover Malcolm Neiwand.
Macorna will look to Johnny Dawes and Ryan Dee to cap off the attacking moves.
The Lions tore through Moulamein’s defence on the way to a 92-24 victory on the Swans’ ground.
Players to watch for Hay include centreman Jack Cattanach, ruck-rover William Collis, Brad Pocock and James Eddy in defence, and Tom McGufficke from a wing.
The Lions focal points in attack are Kenneth Jubb and Declan Watson.
It’s second against fourth as Ultima hosts Murrabit in the clash of the Roos and Blues.
Ultima marked a 10-goal win at Wandella as Billy Delmenico, Darcy Farrell, Thomas Bull and Ricky Wild led the way.
The Kangaroos’ line-up includes Caillum Brady, Ryan Devereux, Mitch and Tyler Makepeace, and Jye Purtill.
Murrabit will be keen to follow up its victory with another strong performance.
Best for the Blues against Macorna were Nathan O’Toole, Toby Gray, Dean Harrop and Jordan Lampi.
Wandella or Moulamein will break their winless run when they meet in the Bombers’ hangar at Wandella Recreation Reserve.
Key players for the red and black include Justin Robinson at centre half-forward, rover Russell Rich, Adam Ward at half-back, Nathan Boysen and Jonty Taylor in attack.
The Bombers will look for strong defensive games from Jarred Schlitz, Joel Gray and Logan Keighran.
Been a tough start for Moulamein as a first-round loss to Ultima by 100 points was followed by another defeat at the hands of Hay.
The play of Trae Atkinson from a wing, Kaylem Hartley at centre half-back, Andrew May in the centre, and captain Morgan Turvey will be crucial to the Swans chances of springing an almighty upset.
Moulamein’s team includes Hunter Hartland, Heath Moloney, Lochlan Prentice and Cody Storm.
Golden Rivers senior footy ladder:
Hay 295 per cent, 8 points; Ultima 262, 8; Macorna 109, 4; Murrabit 72, 4; Wandella 58, 0; Moulamein 22, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
9 Justin Robinson, Wandella.
7 Ryan Devereux, Ultima.
6 Tristan McIntosh, Macorna.
6 Declan Watson, Hay.
5 Jim Houston, Hay.
4 Brodie Bennett, Ultima.
4 Lincoln Frost, Ultima.
4 Koby Gibson, Macorna.
4 Heath Moloney, Moulamein.
4 Nathan O’Toole, Murrabit.
4 Matt Taverna, Ultima.
4 Adam Ward, Wandella.