Kate Withers
FOOTBALL
NORTH GIPPSLAND
Just two games will be played in the North Gippsland Football League this weekend as the second half of the split round gets underway, starting with Saturday’s game between Gormandale and Traralgon Tyers United.
The Tigers came within 29 points of the Bombers when they last met in round six but endured a run of four straight losses before the break – three of which have come against top-five sides.
Coming off the split round break, Gormandale coach Steve Hazelman said he felt as though his charges had “been in a lot of games” so far this season but hadn’t been able to close them out.
“As much mentally as physically it was just really good to have a break for everybody and hopefully we can play some good footy in the last part of the year and win some games,” Hazelman said.
He listed high-level talent across the board as the toughest aspect of lining up against the Bombers.
“We thought [TTU] were pretty even so we’re probably looking for the same things we were last time rather than focussing on two or three of their players,” he said.
“They’re hard to match up on but we’ll go out there and do our best and see how we go.”
Hazelman said the side was “looking pretty good” with several players out to prove their fitness at training this week ahead of Saturday.
Rosedale v Heyfield
Rosedale can leap-frog Sale City for fourth spot on the North Gippsland league senior ladder this weekend if they secure a win against seventh-placed Heyfield.
Churchill trounced the Blues by 49 points last round after they found impressive form in round 12 and came within two points of Yarram – the closest of any team for season 2018.
When the Roos and Blues last met in round six it was a see-sawing encounter and Rosedale led by 17 points at the main break but the tide turned in Heyfield’s favour to the tune of 15 points at the last break.
Blues coach Sam Bristow said the side didn’t take the week off lightly and went full tilt on the track but welcomed the break in what has been a “long season”.
“We had quite a few players who had pulled up sore from those heavy weeks, so it was good,” Bristow said.
Bristow highlighted the Roos’ stocks as “quality” and listed their former AFL-listed players as ones to watch this weekend.
“I think they’re definitely still a really good side that’s running around with plenty of premiership experience, which is massive,” he said.
