IT’S first against third this Saturday when Sea Lake Nandaly takes on Birchip Watchem in the 10th round of the Goldacres North Central Football League season.
Under a re-jigged draw, rounds eighth and nine have been withdrawn.
The Tigers and Bulls will do battle this Saturday at Sea Lake Community Centre.
Birchip Watchem will be aiming to break Sea Lake Nandaly’s run, which includes the 2019 grand final victory against the Bulls and this season’s third round when the Tigers won at Birchip by four points.
A powerful Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers’ attack is led by Billy McInnes 25 goals; Wade Donnan, 25; and Will Simpson, 12.
The Bulls will look for big games from Daniel Castellano, 22 goals; and Will Sheahan, 14.
A highlight of Sheahan’s season was his play for North Central in the inter-league clash with Sunraysia at Sea Lake.
The Tigers and Bulls were victorious last week.
Sea Lake Nandaly beat Wycheproof Narraport by 133 points at Wycheproof, and the Bulls won 74-32 against Charlton at George Cartwright Oval in Birchip.
Key players for the Tigers who have Joel Donnan as playing coach include Kane, Trent and Wade Donnan, ruckman Ryan O’Sullivan, Bryce Delmenico in the centre, Luke Martin and Tom Summerhayes in defence.
In-form players for the Bulls include key defender Dale Hinkley, Riley Hogan, Nathan Gordon, Lachlan Foott, Sam Simmons and Lachlan Ryan.
Another big contest will be at Boort Park where the Magpies take on Donald.
Both clubs are fighting to gain a place in the top four.
Boort is 1.67 per cent behind Charlton as both are locked on 3-4 records.
A win for Donald would put it above Boort, but a Magpies victory would gain a six-point buffer to the Royals.
In round three it was the Andy Hawker-coached Boort which clinched a dramatic 58-56 victory on the Royals’ turf.
Boort will be determined to strike back from a 10-goal loss at Wedderburn last Saturday.
Donald is chasing back-to-back wins after a 41-point triumph at St Arnaud’s Lord Nelson Park.
The Magpies’ attack is led by Cody Gunn, 17; and Braeden Deary, 13.
Other key players for Boort include Darcy Hawker in the centre, Keiren Wilson and Jesse Muscatello in defence, ruckman Mitch Buchanan, and ruck-rover Matt Chisari.
Reece Boland is in for Boort, and James Wilson is out.
Donald’s Brendan Goss lifted his season tally to 13 after four majors in the win against the Saints.
Players to watch for Donald include Rian McGough, Jordan Bath, Leigh Burke, Daniel Venditti, James Wall and Ross Young.
The Royals have brought in Jake Burke, but Cooper Anderson is out.
Wedderburn takes on Charlton at Donaldson Park in Wedderburn.
The Redbacks won the round three clash at Charlton Park by 22 points.
A great run by Wedderburn includes five wins, a draw, and the one loss.
Will Holt leads the Redbacks’ attack on 20 goals, and Tom Campbell has kicked 11 majors.
Best in Wedderburn’s latest win were Luke Holt, Joseph Lockhart, Jordan Rosengren and Jackson Guan.
A talented Redbacks’ line-up includes Ryan Butters, Louis Holt, Jacob Hernan and Hamish Winter-Irving.
Wedderburn also welcomes back Ben DeAraugo to its squad, but Will Holt is out.
Charlton’s attack is led by Rhys Thompson, 15; and Joseph McGrath, 12.
The Navies’ workrate at centre ball-ups and stoppages will be important.
Charlton will look to key defender Tim Hill, ruck-rover Thomas Finlay, Aaron and Ben Walklate, Kade Blow on a wing, Jordan Collins at half-back, Sean O’Connor at half-forward, and Sean O’Connor to lead the way.
Mason Heenan and Tyson Watton are in for the Navies, but Ben Roberts and Jackson Zagame are out.
Wycheproof or St Arnaud will mark their second win when they meet at Wycheproof Recreation Reserve.
The Saints scored a 74-62 victory against the Demons in round three.
The Demons’ attack is led by Corey Jones, eight goals in three matches, and Lachlan Allison, eight.
Wycheproof Narraport has brought in Guy Chisnall, Dane McLennan, Hadrian Prest and Sam Turner.
Spencer Allan, Jed Bish, Zac Cruse and Dylan Turner are out.
James Coatsworth, Boe Bish, Joel Turner and Sam Faure were the Demons best against the Tigers.
The play of Adal Zuk, Trevor Rumbold and Lachlan Longmire will be a key to Wycheproof Narraport’s chances.
Angus Grant leads St Arnaud’s goalkicking on 14 goals and will play a vital role.
St Arnaud’s best against Donald were Nic Birthisel, Tim Atkins and Kurtis Torney.
The Saints will look to Mitch Egan, Harley Durward and Brady Tillig to play well.
Changes at St Arnaud are Tom Bertalli, Daniel Gifford and Toby Pickthall in for Nic Birthisel, Lachlan McQuilken and Jason Rogers.
Goldacres North Central FL senior footy ladder:
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 396 per cent, 28 points; Wedderburn 137, 22; Birchip Watchem 213, 20; Charlton 66, 12; Boort 65, 12; Donald 82, 10; St Arnaud 49, 4; Wycheproof Narraport 46, 4.
Written by Nathan Dole.