Off to Robertson Oval this Saturday and Coolamon Grasshoppers senior selection team of Jamie Maddox, Connor Neyland and Mitch Robinson have made one change to the first grade side to take on the Wagga Tigers.
Into the Hoppers side returns Jamie Maddox after overcoming a leg strain that’s been niggling the past few weeks. Out of the side goes BJ Glyde, caught up in friendly fire after taking on Josh Buchanan’s knee in a marking contest early in the game last weekend and coming off second best, suffering concussion and a head wound that required some time at the hospital and a few stitches. He’ll be back up and about in a week or two.
There’s a lot happening for this game. It’s 1 v 2. It’s a game where if the Hoppers win, the minor premiership is ours and we get the first week off in the finals no matter what happens against Leeton the following week. It’s a game against the Tigers, a side that caught us on the hop last time and got out and away from us before we knew what was going on and we couldn’t reel them in. It’s a dress rehearsal for when the serious footy starts in a few weeks’ time. And it’s a test the boys are really looking forward to as they continue to build towards September.
The Tigers have skill and speed all over the park. They’re a lot like the Hoppers in that they’ve learnt to work really hard for each other no matter the consequences and they have self-belief in spades. It should be a classic.
Massive shout out to Connor Neyland who runs out for his 150th first grade game this week. A co-coach who leads by example, makes his team mates feel safe when he’s around them in the contest, and who is universally respected for his no nonsense, straight forward approach to footy. Congratulations and good luck Con!
First Grade 2.10 pm
B: Ryan Allen, Zach Bradley, Connor Neyland
HB: Josh Buchanan, Will Graetz, Nick Buchanan
C: Marly McGregor, Nick Pleming, Max Hillier
HF: Shannon Charlie, Jerry Maslin, Hayden Bradley
F: Jamie Maddox, Joe Redfern, Matt McGowan
Fol: Anthony Atkin, Jake Barrett, Luke Redfern
IC: Benj Gillett, Hayden Leary, Coop McKelvie
In: Jamie Maddox
Out: BJ Glyde (concussion)
The Magoos are now out of the top three by a game and percentage, and must win one of the next two games to assure themselves a finals spot. The Tigers are equal on points, but down on percentage, but if results go as predicted over the next fortnight, this game is a dress rehearsal of an elimination semi come week 1 of the finals. The Ressies have hit a speed bump in recent weeks, but now have the chance to re-group and launch themselves into a September mind set. Everyone knows there’s talent to burn in this side. The question is whether they can wake from their slumber and get on a roll. It’s a brave person who backs against them.
Reserve Grade 12 Noon
Coaches: Daniel Crocker and Shaun Bradley
B: Jeremy Robinson, Andy Shaw, Isaac Pattison
HB: Will Donoghue, Luke McLoughlin, Jeremy Bradley
C: Ben Baker, Tom Besgrove, Lach Pleming
HF: Jack Mason, David Chandler, Sam Robinson
F: Jack McPherson, Tim Garrett, Heath Petty
Fol: Tyler Owens, Ryan Maslin, Will Alchin
IC: Lach Owens, Tom Heffer
In the Thirds the young Hoppers face the ladder leading Tigers still clinging on to fifth spot. With Leeton a game and percentage behind them and facing the hapless Ganmain Lions this weekend (and a likely victory), the equation is pretty simple for the youngsters in green. They either knock over the Tigers and claim fifth spot, or they must beat Leeton next week in a shootout for the last spot in the semis. If ever the boys needed motivation to step up and work as a unit, this is it. There’s talent everywhere in this group, but they need to prove to themselves and their Club they want the footy more than their opposition and they can work together and support each other for four quarters. When that happens, the sky is the limit for this fantastic group of young Hoppers.
Under 17s 10.20 am
Coaches: Hayden Bradley and Max Hillier
B: Will Doyle, Jake Neale, Jack Foster
HB: Jake Fifield, Callum Burns, Jake Manley
C: Alim Farah, Bayden Leary, Darcy Mackay
HF: Hugh Wakefield, Godfrey Okerenyang, Lachie Payne
F: Archer Bucheggar, Will McGowan, Damian Wells
Fol: Harry Allen, Sam Neale, Mitch Stibbard
IC: Colt Parker, Nate Bloor, Jake Seymour, Ash Crawford
Go Green Men!!