It’s off to the Crossroads this Saturday to take on the Collingullie Demons and Coolamon Grasshoppers senior selection team of Jamie Maddox, Connor Neyland and Mitch Robinson have made at least one change to the first grade side.
A solid four quarter effort against the fast improving Narrandera Eagles last weekend at home created 38 scoring shots and a 39 point win for the Hoppers but the boys know that they’re in for a much tougher assignment creating that many opportunities this week. The much fancied Gullie midfield is full of experience, toughness and serious skill and the battle between the arcs will go a long way to determining the result. Couple that with the class up forward and the hardness down back, the boys have prepared themselves for a fantastic test.
In recent years Gullie have been merciless on the Hoppers including a 104 point victory in Round 6 last year, and no doubt they will be keen to continue their work after their return to form in last week’s good win against the Tigers. But so too are our boys keen to continue their work this season. The build-up this week has been steady and consistent. We know there’s massive quality right through our 21 and truth be known, this is a challenge the boys have looked forward to. Taking on the defending premiers, on their home deck, with a few players returning. It’s just what we need to test where we’re at.
Into the Hoppers side returns Tom Stubbs on an extended bench with at least one player doubtful this week. We won’t know the confirmed makeup of the side until Saturday morning and while the uncertainty isn’t great, what is great is knowing we can bring blokes in if we need to that will slot straight in without the side missing a beat.
First Grade 2.10 pm
B: Josh Buchanan, Zach Bradley, Luke McLoughlin
HB: Ryan Allen, Will Graetz, Hayden Bradley
C: BJ Glyde, Jake Barrett, Lochlan Dhurrkay
HF: Shannon Charlie, Joe Redfern, Connor Neyland
F: Max Hillier, Matt McGowan, Jamie Maddox
Fol: Anthony Atkin, Nick Pleming, Luke Redfern
IC: (from) Tom Stubbs, Coop McKelvie, Benj Gillett, Nick Buchanan
The Magoos had a great win last week against Narrandera and plenty of the boys got some confidence from the hit out. This week is a different team with a stack of changes because of player unavailability due to the long weekend. Tim Garrett, Adam Gain and Will Donoghue play their first games for the year, and Jeremy Robinson plays his first game for the Club for several seasons – welcome back Jezz!
This week they come up against a Gullie side that sits next to them on the table but that has had some huge wins this year. The boys will need to fight hard for the footy early and having Hoey and Jack Nuggett in the middle this week alongside Bessy, will be a major plus for our boys.
Reserve Grade 12 Noon
Coaches: Daniel Crocker and Shaun Bradley
B: Jarrod Edyvean, Liam Armstrong, Will Donoghue
HB: Jeremy Robinson, Jack Mason, Lach Pleming
C: Will Alchin, Tom Besgrove, Kyle Woods
HF: Isaac Pattison, Dave Chandler, Sam Robinson
F: Adam Gain, Tim Garrett, Heath Petty
Fol: Tyler Owens, Jack McPherson, Hayden Leary
Int: Ben Edyvean, Dylan Frame, Lachie Owens, Andy Shaw
In the Thirds the young Hoppers keep chipping away, burying Narrandera last week when they could, but now knowing that Gullie are tough, relentless and tireless, and a different opposition all together. This game will require a four quarter effort and the boys will need to stick together and use their voice when the game gets tight. There’s some real character in this group and the camaraderie is really starting to develop. Look for the older boys to show some great leadership this week and show the younger blokes the way forward.
Under 17.5s 10.20 am
Coaches: Hayden Bradley and Max Hillier
B: Mitch Stibbard, Jake Neale, Jack Foster
HB: Jake Fifield, Callum Burns, Will Doyle
C: Pete McCallum, Lach Crawford, Darcy Mackay
HF: Hugh Wakefield, Damien Wells, Nate Bloor
F: Archer Bucheggar, Will McGowan, Alim Farah
Fol: Harry Allen, Bayden Leary, Jake Manley
Int: Abdul Umar, Lachie Payne, Colt Parker
Go Green Men!!