A well-rounded side

Cora Lynn tackling machine and reigning EDFL best and fairest winner Brendan Kimber will play a key role this Saturday. Picture: MICHAEL KOMPA

By KEN MOORE AND RUSSELL BENNETT

MAYBE they’re spurred on by a nine-point loss to the Central Highlands last season, maybe they’re part of a more rounded side this year, and just maybe some of the Ellinbank and District Football League’s biggest name players have renewed excitement to test their mettle on the big stage. One thing is certain – those who take to the field at Inverloch against Alberton this Saturday won’t die wondering.
The strength of the EDFL outfit rests with its suite of class midfielders, led by Warragul Industrials’ player-coach Shane Brewster, Cora Lynn counterpart Brendan Kimber and Garfield’s Andy Soumilas – all bonafide stars and proven performers. Kimber – the league’s premier tackler – and Brewster add grunt, while Soumilas is a prolific ball winner.
The EDFL will draw upon last year’s experience against the Central Highlands – their first interleague match since 2004 – to field a better balanced team this year.
Last season’s incarnation was top-heavy, lacked pace and lost by nine points. Hardly helping matters – two inches of rain fell in the 24 hours prior to the opening bounce – turning the contest into a low-scoring, dour slog that nullified the side’s skilled tall timber.
This time around, selectors will think seriously about giving games to Garfield’s Dylan Collis, Warragul Industrials’ Daniel Johnson, Nar Nar Goon’s Brodie Howe, Cora Lynn’s Jackson Dalton, Bunyip’s Michael Whyte and Buln Buln’s Trent Baker to add a bit of youth, bite, pace and carry.
Warragul’s Hastings recruit Dean Warry is one league newcomer likely to win selection. However Nyora’s Korumburra recruit Ilan Osman – another elusive forward – looks set to miss after reportedly injuring his collarbone in a workplace accident on Sunday.
One of the EDFL side’s most important players this Saturday promises to be 2012 premiership-winning versatile big man Nathan Lieshout.
He impressed against the Highlanders last year and can fill central roles in both attack and defence. Lieshout’s Bulldogs team mate Zac Vansittart is another prime mover. He has VFL experience and can set up play from the half-back line.
Ellinbank player-coach Daniel Barrand will enjoy the presence of some other A-grade midfielders around him. The former Drouin star likes to work forward and is dangerous on the goal-side of the contest. Nilma Darnum spare parts man Harley Lacunes is another whose versatility may be required to fill a trouble spot should it arise during the game.
Star ruckman Bob McCallum (overseas), Nick Shannon (knee), key forward Matt Robinson (hamstring) and utility Luke Tyrell (calf) will not play this Saturday. Rugged Cora Lynn utility Jack Allen sustained a lower leg injury on Saturday against Bunyip and is also doubtful.
Gun Kooweerup midfielder Luke Walker, a dual VCFL representative, has only attended one training session and the word is that he will be overlooked. Talented Cora Lynn forward Ryan Gillis’ spot in the side is subject to a tribunal appearance.
The EDFL’s weakness is perhaps its defence, which looks workmanlike rather than outstanding. Powerfully-built Catani spearhead Owen Fitzpatrick will lead the forward line with support from Neerim South player-coach Danny Brewster, Warry and Osman. The visitors will rely heavily on their midfielders to drift forward and kick goals.
Not surprisingly, EDFL coach and former Cora Lynn stalwart Ron Hampton sees his midfield as the side’s real strength.
“We have picked a lot of players who can play a lot of roles,” he said.
“We intend to pick a side that has more versatility with a good number of midfielders that can rotate throughout the game.”