-By Nathan Dole
THE unbeaten Hay takes on Murrabit in Saturday’s seventh round of senior footy across the Golden Rivers.
Play will be on Hay’s turf from 2.25pm as first faces third in the premiership race.
Murrabit faces a massive test against the unbeaten Lions.
Just a goal separated these teams when they met in round two at Murrabit.
On that occasion Murrabit fought back from an 11 -point deficit at three quarter-time to outscore the Lions, 27-22, in the final term.
The Lions clung on for a 74-68 victory.
A win-loss tally of three-three has the Jack Shannahan-coached Murrabit in third place.
The Blues won their round six clash with Macorna by 38 points as Sam Copland, Austin McKerrow, Bailey Pengelly and Adam Thomson led the way.
Key matches for Murrabit include Bryden Morison in the centre against Jacob Watson, Matt Moon at full-back opposed to Declan Watson, and captain Ben Gillingham in the ruck duels with James Moran.
Murrabit’s team to play at Hay includes ruck-rover Pras Sayakhot, Patrick Bryan at centre half-back and Jordan Lampi and Joseph Zambelli in attack.
The Jason Aylett and James Moran-coached Lions have a strong half-forward line of Dean Aylett, Hugh Crighton and Fergus Cattanach.
Hay also has Kenneth Jubb at full-back, co-captain Brad Pocock at centre half-back and Jack Headon in attack.
Macorna will be on its turf as it chases a breakthrough win against Wandella.
The Paul Longstaff and Shaun Haffenden-coached Macorna has a nil-six record, but played well at Murrabit last round.
Best for the Tigers against the Blues were Josh Berryman, Toby Whinfield, Corey Walters and Will Evans.
Macorna on- ballers Cooper Carmichael, Will Meharry and Matt Angel, and centreman Reece Wissell will play vital roles.
The Tigers have Hunter Anset and Josh Berryman to lead the defence, and Tori Ferguson and Josh Walters as main targets near goal.
Back in round two, Macorna was within four points of Wandella at the final siren in the Bombers’ hangar.
A three-three record has the Justin Robinson-coached Wandella in fourth place and eight points clear of Moulamein.
Latest hit-out for Wandella ended in a 43-point loss at home to Ultima.
Best for the red and black against the reigning premier were Jarred Schlitz, Logan Keighran, Justin Robinson and Darcy Ramage.
Wandella’s line-up for this clash includes Mitch Collins, Tim Robinson, Parker and Tanner Treacy, and Adam Ward.
It’s a showdown between the Kangaroos and Swans as Ultima hosts Moulamein.
The Roos won the round two match at Moulamein by 11 points.
Ultima scored an 83-40 win at Wandella in the sixth round.
Best for the Roos were Jake Foster, Thomas Isma, Ryan Featherby and Lachlan Bull.
An Ultima line-up jointly coached by Mitch Seton-Stewart and Kyle Symons includes Jack Delmenico at centre half-forward, Lachlan Bull in the ruck, rover Corey Grey, and Zac Cattlin at centre half-back.
Moulamein was outgunned by Hay last round.
Best for the Swans against the ladder leaders were ruckman Heath Moloney, Adam Saunders, Ethan Fitzpatrick and Trae Atkinson.
Big roles will be played by co-coach Brodie Tonkin in the centre, ruck-rover William Doquile, Adam Saunders in attack, Mark Drotsky and Ely Miller in defence.
In round two, Ultima fought on for a 90-79 win in the Swans’ nest.
Moulamein has Hayden Dalitz as co-coach.
Golden Rivers senior footy ladder:
Hay 237 per cent, 24 points; Ultima 168, 20; Murrabit 93, 12; Wandella 77, 12; Moulamein 62, 4; Macorna 59, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
30 Jack Headon, Hay.
16 Adam Thomson, Murrabit.
16 Declan Watson, Hay.
12 Ryan Devereux, Ultima.
10 Thomas Isma, Ultima.
9 Corey Grey, Ultima.
8 Josh Dwyer, Ultima.
7 Mitch Collins, Wandella.
7 Jordan Lampi, Murrabit.
7 Blake Launer, Moulamein.
7 James Stewart, Murrabit.
6 Kaine O’Connell, Wandella.
6 Adam Saunders, Moulamein.
6 Matt Taverna, Ultima.
6 Morgan Turvey, Moulamein.
6 Josh Walters, Macorna.
6 Jacob Watson, Hay.
5 Trae Atkinson, Moulamein.
5 Nathan Buckley, Moulamein.
5 Dylan Collis, Hay.
5 Joel Crocker, Hay.
5 Harry Loughnan, Hay.