It’s a return to Kindra Park this weekend and Coolamon Grasshoppers senior selection team of Jamie Maddox, Connor Neyland and Mitch Robinson have made three changes to the first grade side for our home game against Narrandera Eagles this Saturday.
After three late changes to side last weekend, the Hoppers gave a spirited account of themselves against the much fancied Griffith side and led by a point deep into the third term. Three quick goals in a handful of minutes before the final break though gave the Swans a 17 point lead at three quarter time, and despite our best efforts the Hoppers couldn’t close the gap. We were certainly far from disgraced.
This week the Hoppers take on a Narrandera side fresh off a great win against Collingullie in what many might have considered an upset. No matter the circumstances, the Eagles will have their confidence up and will venture east with plenty of belief.
Into the Hoppers side returns Max Hillier after a few weeks rest following concussion against Turvey Park. Luke Redfern and Loch Dhurrkay also come back into the side after they were both late withdrawals last week. Out of the side goes Kyle Woods and Tom Stubbs, as well as Lach Crawford who performed really well in his debut game as a late call up last week.
First Grade 2.10 pm
B: Ryan Allen, Will Graetz, Luke McLoughlin
HB: Lochlan Dhurrkay, Zach Bradley, Josh Buchanan
C: BJ Glyde, Jake Barrett, Coop McKelvie
HF: Hayden Bradley, Joe Redfern, Connor Neyland
F: Max Hillier, Matt McGowan, Luke Redfern
Fol: Anthony Atkin, Nick Pleming, Jamie Maddox
IC: Shannon Charlie, Benj Gillett, Nick Buchanan
The Magoos got really tested last week in a tough hit out at Griffith, competing well for four quarters but were a couple of kicks behind every term. This week they come up against a Narrandera side that got a bit of a lesson last week as well, so both sides will be keen to return to the winners circle. It’s been another tough selection for Daniel Crocker and Shaun Bradley to work through who should be rewarded with game time, but it certainly ensures the group that runs out will be super keen to put on a show.
Reserve Grade 12 Noon
B: Jarrod Edyvean, Liam Armstrong, Andy Shaw
HB: Jack Mason, Jeremy Bradley, Ryan Maslin
C: Lach Pleming, Tom Besgrove, Isaac Pattison
HF: Tom Heffer, Matt Bradley, Sam Robinson
F: Lachie Owens, Dave Chandler, Jack McPherson
Fol: Tyler Owens, Kyle Woods, Tom Stubbs
Int: (from) Adam Carroll, Hayden Leary, Heath Petty, Ben Baker, Dylan Frame
In the Thirds the young Hoppers stepped up to the massive challenge of Griffith at home and simply refused to give in all day. While they kicked a barrel of points, it was enough to keep their nose in front to have them up by three when the final siren sounded. The boys will take a heap of confidence from the win knowing they are able to grind when the going gets tough. This week they come up against a winless Narrandera outfit, but Hayden Bradley and Max Hillier know there will be no complacency in the camp come game time. It’s a welcome to the Club to Nate Bloor in his first game in green and white.
Under 17.5s 10.20 am
B: Mitch Stibbard, Jake Neale, Jack Foster
HB: Jake Fifield, Callum Burns, Will Doyle
C: Pete McCallum, Damien Wells, Darcy Mackay
HF: Hugh Wakefield, Lach Crawford, Harry Allen
F: Archer Bucheggar, Will McGowan, Alim Farah
Fol: Godfrey Okerenyang, Bayden Leary, Jake Manley
Int: Lachie Payne, Colt Parker, Abdul Umar, Nate Bloor
Go Hoppers!