Fresh off a two week break that included the RFL General Bye and Coolamon Grasshoppers senior selection team of Jamie Maddox, Connor Neyland and Mitch Robinson have made two changes to the first grade side for our away game against Griffith Swans this Saturday in Griffith.
While you’d be excused for thinking some of the boys may have put their feet up a bit in the first week of the break, over 55 turned up regularly each training night, a sure sign that the Club is working hard together and pressure is on for spots in every team.
The Hoppers take on a Swans unit that have come off a two game break with a Club bye and General Bye in succession. They’re fresh, they’ve got a few names back, and, like the Hoppers, undefeated so far this year. And they’ll be super keen to flex their muscle and make a stamp on the entire competition. It all stacks up for a four quarter, highly contested test our boys are really looking forward to: the in-form side, many pundits’ premiership favourites, on their home deck.
Into the Hoppers side returns Jerry Maslin after a couple of weeks out with a leg strain. To say he’s keen to get back in is a massive understatement. Also into the side for his first game this year is Zach Bradley, whose form in the Ressies just couldn’t be ignored. Out of the side goes Max Hillier due to concussion in the Turvey Park game almost two weeks ago. The Club’s strict policy on concussion means Maxy has a bit more time to wait until he will be considered for selection. Also out of the side goes Luke McLoughlin who can consider himself a bit unlucky after a very solid start to the season, making way for Zach.
First Grade 2.10 pm
B: Ryan Allen, Will Graetz, Zach Bradley
HB: Connor Neyland, Josh Buchanan, Hayden Bradley
C: BJ Glyde, Jake Barrett, Shannon Charlie
HF: Benj Gillett, Joe Redfern, Loch Dhurrkay
F: Nick Pleming, Jerry Maslin, Coop McKelvie
Fol: Anthony Atkin, Luke Redfern, Jamie Maddox
IC: Matt McGowan, Kyle Woods, Nick Buchanan
The Magoos are building nicely, grinding away for the first three quarters against Turvey Park in their last hit out, before steamrolling the opposition in the end. Competition for spots is pretty intense and many of the players are stepping up to show they’re ready for the later start if called on. Coaches Daniel Crocker and Shaun Bradley have had to work through a lot of options to work out who to reward with selection again this week. It’s a welcome back to Tommy Besgrove who has recovered from the concussion he got against Mangoplah a few weeks ago and a welcome to the Club to Jacon Lampton in his first game in green and white after sitting out the first couple of months with a foot injury.
Reserve Grade 12 Noon
B: Jarrod Edyvean, Liam Armstrong, Andy Shaw
HB: Jack Mason, Luke McLoughlin, Brodie Guthrie
C: Lach Pleming, Tom Besgrove, Will Alchin
HF: Tom Heffer, Matt Bradley, Ryan Maslin
F: Lachie Owens, Dave Chandler, Jack McPherson
Fol: Tyler Owens, Jacon Lampton, Tom Stubbs
Int: Adam Carroll, Heath Petty, Brad Evans, Hayden Leary
In the Thirds the young Hoppers had a tough day against a very strong Bulldogs outfit last game and now have one of the toughest challenges in RFL footy taking on Griffith at home. The Swans 17s always have massive numbers, especially on their own deck, and they’re undefeated. The boys know that hard work builds character and while they’re not rapt with the past couple of games, they’ll keep working hard to build teamwork knowing that persistence will bring the results they want. The coaching unit of Hayden Bradley and Max Hillier are classic lead by example players and if the young Hoppers can all consistently lead the same way, team improvement will come quick.
Under 17.5s 10.20 am
B: Mitch Stibbard, Jake Neale, Jack Foster
HB: Jake Fifield, Cal Burns, Will Doyle
C: Pete McCallum, Damien Wells, Darcy Mackay
HF: Hugh Wakefield, Lach Crawford, Godfrey Okerenyang
F: Archer Bucheggar, Will McGowan, Lachie Payne
Fol: Harry Allen, Bay Leary, Jake Manley
Int: Abdul Umar, Colt Parker, Alim Farah
Go Hoppers!