BY NATHAN DOLE
THE Lions from Hay trek across to Ultima to take on the red-hot Kangaroos in Saturday’s seventh round of senior footy in the Golden Rivers competition.
It’s first against third from 2.25pm as Hay tries to end Ultima’s winning streak.
After just two wins in 2022, Ultima is unbeaten and on top of the ladder.
There have been many contributors in the Kangaroos making their way to number one.
In round six it was Mitch and Tyler Makepeace, Thomas Bull and Will Nelson who played key roles in a 77-30 win by Ultima at Wandella.
Ryan Devereux has kicked 14 goals to lead the Roos’ goalkicking race.
Other key players for Ultima include ruckman Luke Doolan, Jayden Kiel, Caillum Brady and centre half-forward Kyle Symons.
Hay marked a 50-point win at home against Murrabit last Saturday.
Best for the Lions in that match against the Blues were Declan Watson, Dean Aylett, Bentley Murphy and Luke Arandt.
A talented attack from Hay includes Simon Bunyan, Fergus Cattanach and James Moran.
The Lions will also look for big games from the likes of captain Brad Pocock, Hugh Crighton and Jensen Hargreaves.
Another big match will be at Macorna where the Tigers take on Wandella.
A 2-4 record has Macorna in fourth place, but Wandella is just a win and less than 12 per cent behind.
The Tigers scored 87 points at Moulamein last round, but the Swans passed the 150-mark.
Stronger defence will be a goal for Macorna in this match.
Key players for the Tigers include Jack Featherby at half-forward, Nick Ingleton, Liam Roberts in the centre, and Josh Walters.
Macorna will also look to ruckman Jacob McIntosh, ruck-rover Michael Roberts, and skipper Malcolm Neiwand to set up a lot of attacks.
Wandella worked hard in their latest home game to be within 11 points of Ultima at half-time.
In the third it was the Kangaroos who surged clear and scored 5.1 to 2.1 and then kept the Bombers scoreless in the final term.
Best in the Bombers’ latest contest were Tim Robinson, Jack Radcliffe, Declan Hogg and Russell Rich.
The play of Jarred Schiltz in the ruck, Michael Rowe and Darren Rushton at stoppages, and workrate of a defence led by Jayden Crellin, Shannon Burton and Ryan Lancaster will be keys to Wandella’s chances.
Murrabit is home to take on Moulamein.
The Blues are yet to win and the task does not become easier up against the second-placed Moulamein which has a 5-1 record.
The Murrabit attack is led by former Brisbane Lion and Essendon player Damian Cupido, but he needs more support.
Best for Murrabit in last week’s loss at Hay were Dustin Blake, Jono and Ed Aujard, and Luke Murphy.
The Blues will look to Rhys Carmichael, Tobie Cameron and Michael Grant to defend well.
Moulamein will have sights on another big win.
A talented line-up representing the Swans includes Amos Farrell in the centre, Daniel Aarsman, Andy Silva and Khy Stovell in attack.
Moulamein named Cody Storm at full-back, captain Heath Moloney in the ruck, and Luke Shannon as rover.
Golden Rivers FNL senior footy ladder:
Ultima 195 per cent, 24 points; Moulamein 132, 20; Hay 120, 16; Macorna 89, 8; Wandella 78, 4; Murrabit 45, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
22 Andy Silva, Moulamein.
20 Damian Cupido, Murrabit.
16 Simon Bunyan, Hay.
16 Lachlan Ritchie, Macorna.
14 Ryan Devereux, Ultima.
12 Daniel Aarsman, Moulamein.
12 Kky Stovell, Moulamein.
10 Fergus Cattanach, Hay.
10 Amos Farrell, Moulamein.