FOOTBALL
MID GIPPSLAND
Undefeated teams Morwell East and Yinnar face off at the Hawks’ nest in the Mid Gippsland match of the round on Sunday.
Yinnar’s win over Yarragon was full of merit and with top players to come back a few players will cruelly miss out.
Morwell East has picked up some good recruits and most have been among the best each week.
Shaun Barnes has eight goals in two matches and will be a danger forward to watch.
The clash of the day could be the match-up of Tim Aitken (Yinnar) and Jack Brown (Morwell East), two buddies that have played against each other in the Gippsland League.
Yinnar is no slouch up forward with Cam Harwood and Sam Mills both on eight goals apiece.
Both teams were slow starters last week but wiped the opposition when they hit top gear.
In a close game Yinnar may just edge out the Hawks in a thrilling last term
Yarragon v Trafalgar
Yarragon and Trafalgar will battle for the Waterloo Cup, a long standing trophy played for since the 1890s.
Yarragon showed promise against Yinnar in the first quarter last week but stopped thereafter, allowing Yinnar to thrash it by 181 points.
Trafalgar also dropped the points to Boolarra, giving ground to the Dees in the first quarter.
Trafalgar has a mobile midfield which will be key to the Bloods’ game plan.
With history over Yarragon, Trafalgar should take out the points.
Boolarra v Newborough
Boolarra will be hungry to make it two in a row in its third match at home.
However, Newborough is two wins up and playing with confidence.
The Dogs are teaming together well but at times last week their kicking was atrocious.
Nick Hider and newcomer Chris Stanisnowsky will bolster the Demons, which will threaten Newborough for the points.
Hill End v Mirboo North
Hill End at home to Mirboo North can expect the Tigers to be in a mean mood.
The premier’s first up lost to Newborough will live long in the memory and all teams will now pay for that inglorious defeat.
Hill End, yet to post a win, will need a big improvement to challenge the Tigers.
Mirboo North will take time to adjust but should be too good for Hillmen in the final wash-up.
YYN v Thorpdale
Yallourn Yallourn North’s third home game is an important match for it and opponent Thorpdale.
Both are yet to win but the drought will break for one.
YYN was competitive against Morwell East last week and only a second quarter lapse brought about its downfall.
Thorpdale has two losses but the margins have not been immense.
Blues coach Nathan Scurrah is expected to be back after a hamstring injury in a big inclusion for the visitor.
YYN has fared better on the scoreboard with a total 24.11 from both games while Thorpdale has been astray with 14.23 from two more shots at goals.
Accuracy will play a big role in deciding the winner.
