Back to the Kindra ‘Koliseum’ this Saturday to take on the Griffith Swans and Coolamon Grasshoppers senior selection team of Jamie Maddox, Connor Neyland and Mitch Robinson have made four changes to the first grade side that overcame a gallant Turvey Park Bulldogs last weekend.
Into the Hoppers side returns Anthony Atkin following a brief previously planned trip overseas, as well as Zach Bradley after a week out with injury. Also into the seniors comes Hayden Leary for his first game of first grade at the Hoppers for a couple of seasons, rewarded for several consecutive weeks of massively competitive inside play in the Ressies. Also in is Marly McGregor, set to debut for the Hoppers after coming to the Club mid-season from the NT, following a strong performance in U17s last week. Congratulations Marly!
Out of the side goes Ben Edyvean, Luke McLoughlin, Bay Leary and Mitch Stibbard, all who had good games last week and all making way for others on account of particular match ups in play this week in a top of the table clash that will give the Hoppers a clear indication of where we are at this season.
The Swans have consistently been the best side in the competition across the past two seasons. Apart from a shock loss to Mangoplah a month ago and a close loss to Collingullie in last year’s grand final, Griffith have set the benchmark for hard-nosed, contested footy backed up by clean hands and superb forward delivery. This year, along with Tigers, they’ve made clear statements with their play that they’re here to take the competition.
For the Hoppers, this is a game where we will be tested all over the ground, for the full four quarters. While lesser sides have had lapses this year that we’ve been able to take advantage of, the Swans, especially coming off a bye, are unlikely to provide the same opportunities, so winning will be all about our efforts, our intensity and our consistency. A finals type performance will be needed. In the first game at Griffith this year it was neck and neck until deep in the third term, where a five minute micro-sleep cost the Hoppers three goals, a margin that was the difference come the full time siren. In the Hoppers favour is not just home ground advantage, but a senior side really starting to show signs of gelling, of instinctively trusting each other and playing as a unit. This is a test. It’s exactly what the boys want.
First Grade 2.10 pm
B: Ryan Allen, Will Graetz, Connor Neyland
HB: Josh Buchanan, Zach Bradley, Coop McKelvie
C: Nick Buchanan, Nick Pleming, Max Hillier
HF: BJ Glyde, Joe Redfern, Hayden Bradley
F: Jerry Maslin, Matt McGowan, Luke Redfern
Fol: Anthony Atkin, Jake Barrett, Hayden Leary
IC: Benj Gillett, Jamie Maddox, Marly McGregor
In: Anthony Atkin, Hayden Leary, Zach Bradley, Marly McGregor (debut)
Out: Luke McLoughlin, Ben Edyvean, Bayden Leary, Mitch Stibbard
The Magoos bounced last week. A game they probably expected to win, but one where the opposition stepped up at precisely the time the boys have been stepping up in recent weeks. And this week, it’s the undefeated Griffith Swans, a side that has belted the opposition at times and had less than 30 points a game, on average, scored against them. It’s a massive test for the Magoos, not just this week, but a test of whether they think they’re pretenders or contenders in the premiership race. The boys are smarting after last week’s loss. They’ve been running their arse off this week on the track. They’re priming themselves for a four quarter effort against a good unit. They also know there’s some very decent players not even making the final 22 this week. And the competition to be picked in this side is only going to get tougher. There’s some serious quality and serious character in this Hoppers side and if they can pull together, anything can and will happen. Get to the footy early and take it all in.
Reserve Grade 12 Noon
Coaches: Daniel Crocker and Shaun Bradley
B: Ryan Chamberlain, Andy Shaw, Isaac Pattison
HB: Jeremy Bradley, Luke McLoughlin, Mitch Robinson
C: Dylan Frame, Tom Besgrove, Lach Pleming
HF: Lach Owens, Jack Mason, Jeremy Robinson
F: Ryan Maslin, Tom Carr, Heath Petty
Fol: Ben Edyvean, Sam Robinson, Jarrod Edyvean
Int (from): Adam Carroll, Adam Gain, Tyler Owens, Tom Heffer, Ben Baker
In the Thirds the young Hoppers had a tough loss last week against Turvey, but were definitely not disgraced. The Swans are a couple of games clear of the Hoppers on the ladder and will be still smarting over the three point loss to our boys in Round 5 at Griffith. That day was especially miserable early, cold and windy, and the Hoppers showed a stack of character to never, ever give up, only nailing the win when the final siren sounded. Another win for the Hoppers is not beyond them. It’s a chance for them to stand up and show the same character and to everyone around them that they’re serious about challenging this year.
Under 17.5s 10.20 am
Coaches: Hayden Bradley and Max Hillier
B: Will Doyle, Jake Neale, Jack Foster
HB: Jake Fifield, Callum Burns, Jake Manley
C: Pete McCallum, Mitch Stibbard, Darcy Mackay
HF: Hugh Wakefield, Lach Crawford, Godfrey Okerenyang
F: Archer Bucheggar, Will McGowan, Lachie Payne
Fol: Harry Allen, Bayden Leary, Alim Farah
Int: Colt Parker
Go Green Men!!