FOOTBALL
NORTH gippsland fl
FORMER Collingwood premiership player Leigh Brown is poised to make his long awaited return in the blue and white of Heyfield this weekend, after injury derailed his first attempt at a North Gippsland comeback.
The Gippsland Power coach advised ‘Roos coach Damien Birss he was “right to go” for this week’s clash against Yarram, confident he has shaken a hamstring complaint which ruined his homecoming three weeks ago.
“Last time there was a bit of a hiccup; it wasn’t ideal but I have another opportunity and I am really looking forward to getting out there and playing,” Brown said.
Set to make the trip to Yarram, a ground which he has not played at before, Brown has put in a number of sessions on the training track in preparation and was hopeful the body could hold up.
“I have been able to get back training and I will be ready to go come Saturday,” he said.
Rosedale v Bois/Briag
BOISDALE/Briagolong will return to home turf to host second-placed Rosedale.
Sitting at the opposite ends of the table, it has been lean pickings for the Bombers who have endured convincing losses to a number of the league’s front runners.
The Bombers will need to be at their best to counteract the visitors who have dropped just two matches to date.
Churchill v Glengarry
PAST players and premiership stars of Churchill will be on hand when the Cougars meet reigning premiers Glengarry.
Hosting its past players reunion, Churchill will be aiming to make it two on the run after its best four-quarter effort last week against Yarram.
Noting that his side still had plenty of improvement ahead of last week’s clash for fourth position, coach Allan Chandler would no doubt be pleased with the side’s efforts, which impressed even this week’s opposite number Ryan Potter.
“They are the team to beat at the moment, they are on a roll,” Potter said.
Tapping on the door to the five, reigning premier Glengarry finds itself a game behind fourth-placed Churchill and will need to snatch a couple of big wins in the run to finals to have a chance to play beyond round 20 and defend the title.
With injuries taking their toll, Potter said it was pleasing to see the mojo back among his list.
“We have been up and down, there have been a few challenges, the team’s changed from last year and we have been adapting to new players,” he said.
“What’s been pleasing is that we have got our spark back.
“We have had our fair share of injuries, but that’s no excuse as to who goes out of the line-up, the 22 that we pick we still expect to win.”
Aware that he needs every man to perform against last week’s juggernaut, Potter knows that the contest will provide the Magpies with a good indicator as to his side’s current credentials.
Gormandale v Woodside
GORMANDALE and Woodside will compete for silverware this weekend in the form of the Toms Cap Cup.
With both sides coming into the contest on the back of losses, a win to either has rarely been so important.
After enjoying a breakout season under coach Chris Pettitt in 2013, the Wildcats are yet to hit their peak and need points to keep the top half of the ladder in sight.
Showing patches of solid form has not been enough for the Tigers to notch more points following a win on Mother’s Day.
Sale City v Cowwarr
HAVING suffered just its second defeat Sale City will return home to meet a side on the march in Cowwarr.
Flying high after a successful month, which has seen the Saints significantly improve their win loss ledger with three wins, the visitor will not be easy pickings for the Dogs.
Holding a two-game buffer over nearest rival Churchill, the Dogs will be aiming for a return to the winners’ list as they attempt to tighten their grip on a top three finish.
Traralgon Tyers United has the bye.
