BY NATHAN DOLE
A SHOWDOWN between the Lions and Cats highlights Saturday’s fourth round of senior footy in the Golden Rivers FNL competition.
Hay is on home turf to meet Macorna.
Both teams have a 1-2 record.
The Lions are on the rebound from a four-goal loss at Moulamein.
Hay worked hard to be within out points of the Swans at a quarter to go, but it was Moulamein which lifted to claim a 95-71 victory.
Fergus Cattanach lifted his season tally to seven after a four-goal haul, while Simon Bunyan booted three.
Key players for Hay include Dean Aylett, Will Clark, Hugh Crighton, Andrew Low, James Moran and captain Brad Pocock.
Macorna will be determined to start well and to avoid lapses which proved costly in last Saturday’s loss at Ultima.
The Tigers were down 26-9 at the first break and 48-22 by the main break.
Macorna fought back to win the third, 9-1, but the Roos slammed on six goals in the last for an 89-40 victory.
The play of Hunter Anset, Jack Featherby, Shaun Haffenden, Nick Ingleton and Michael Roberts will be crucial to the Tigers beating the Lions.
The winless Murrabit takes on the ladder-leading Ultima at Murrabit.
Gun forward Damian Cupido was held to a goal in Murrabit’s loss at Wandella last round.
The Blues will look to Ed Aujard at centre half-back, Jono Aujard in the centre, ruck-rover Dustin Blake, Tobie Cameron at half-back, and co-captain Nathan O’Toole to continue their fine form.
It’s a daunting task for Murrabit as Ultima won its latest hit-out by 49 points.
Ryan Devereux kicked eight goals to be best afield as the Roos were too strong for Macorna.
Other players to watch for Ultima include Darcy Farrell and Jye Purtill in attack, Jayden Kiel and Mitch Makepace in defence, Will Nelson, and Mitch Seton-Stewart from the wings.
Moulamein is at home to face Wandella.
The Swans had Andy Silva kick six goals and Khy Stovell boot four in their win against the Hay Lions.
Both loom as major threats to the Bombers’ defence.
In-form players for the Swans include Nathan Buckley, Amos and Corey Farrell, and Will Gibson.
Moulamein also gained the classy Blake Azzopardi from Leitchville Gunbower.
Wandella had many contributors in an 83-35 victory against Murrabit.
Kane Timmins, three; Shannon Burton and Lee Pollock, two, were the Bombers’ multiple goalkickers.
Best in Wandella’s first win of the season were Tim Robinson, Russell Rich, Lee Pollock, Matt Wilkinson, Adam McKenzie and Archer Lancaster.
Golden Rivers FNL senior footy ladder:
Ultima 172 per cent, 12 points; Moulamein 164, 12; Hay 108, 4; Wandella 91, 4; Macorna 69, 4; Murrabit 50, 0.
Leaders in the goalkicking race:
14 Andy Silva, Moulamein.
12 Damian Cupido, Murrabit.
12 Ryan Devereux, Ultima.
8 Khy Stovell, Moulamein.
7 Fergus Cattanach, Hay.
6 Daniel Aarsman, Moulamein.
6 Simon Bunyan, Hay.
6 Liam Whitbourne, Hay.
5 Troy Parker, Macorna.