The Bedge wrote:Match of the Round - HOPE VALLEY SET TO MAKE 'BURRAS FACE THEIR DEMONS
As we head into Round 4, in a division eerily close between most sides, two sides stand out clear above - Hope Valley and Kenilworth. Along with Pulteney, these sides remain the only undefeated sides still this season and aloft the table, two games clear of Eastern Park in 4th position.
This weekend they'll square off, in what is being touted as a possible grand final preview - at the end only one will remain with their perfect record in tact. The scene is set for a blockbuster. 19 degrees, partly cloudy, minimal chance of rain.. ideal conditions for two quality sides to smash it out for 4 quarters.
Hope Valley proved their credentials last weekend, knocking off Eastern Park at the Dwight Reserve - a task difficult to come by in the past for visiting sides - the win setup by Devin Payne who has continued his rich vein of form in the forward half with 5 goals as he relishes the inclusion of quality around him to ease the pressure and spotlight. Big Jayke Hellmans continues to trouble sides - 15 goals in 3 games highlighting his potency.
Garang's backflip on a move to Modbury is paying off for the young athletic ruck, and allows Bollmeyer and Riddle to play other roles, making it an extremely dangerous unit. Sandery, Harney, Williams and young ball hunting mid Jimmy Rentoulis having pivital impacts on games.
They'll get their real test this Saturday though, an opportunity to see exactly how they stack up. Kenilworth for large parts of the 2018 season appeared the most likely to challange CBC for the flag, before falling away late in the year.
Another side full of quality in every line, starting with Liverton forward who has kicked 16 goals in his opening 3 rounds, including two bags of 6.
Add in the brother boy contingent of Wilson-King, Krakouer and Kruse - and now the addition of NT Thunder Team of the Decade ruck/utility Vea Vea and that group just oozes class and x-factor.
Chesser and Zesers doing the extraction work on the inside, have started the season brilliantly, whilst Richter, Ryles and Siemering appear unbeatable.
The class of the 'Burras outfit was on full disaply last week against another finals fancy Smithfield. The panthers - previously undefeated - headed out to St Marys and were swiftly put to the sword, losing by 54 points as Stewart and Moore ran riot, Liverton the benefactor up forward with 6.
Smaller ground at Hope Valley may hinder Kenilworth marginally, and the Dees traditionally play that ground, as expected, better than anyone.
Ryles on Hellmans will be a crucial clash, and i'd expect to see Bollmeyer and Vea Vea cross paths across the half forward/half back line. Sandery vs Chesser, Payne and Krakouer, Williams matching Wilson-King.. important one on one battles all across the ground that'll impact the result.
If you're free Saturday, head out to the Valley, order yourself a Holy Grail Burger, grab a cold one and sit back and enjoy what should be an absolute belter.
Tip: Kenilworth by 13 points
A couple of the names mentioned for Kenilworth won’t be on the park today a long with Moser for a period of time. I’m really looking forward to this match today - We’ll see where we really are at. 2 draws in years gone by and a couple really close matches at this venue between these 2 sides, should be a great day of footy.
Posted: Fri May 03, 2019 11:18 am