By RUSSELL BENNETT
ELLINBANK AND DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
PREVIEW – ROUND 11
WHO would have thought way back in Round 3 that the second grand-final replay of the season would be shaping up as such a one-sided match-up?
The Cobras had just nudged past the fast-finishing Demons by the skin of their teeth in a two-point, Round-2 thriller 15.10 (100) to 14.14 (98). At that stage, the titans of the 2014 season almost seemed destined to return to the big dance this year.
But instead, they’ve gone in two very different directions. The Demons have faltered, while the Cobras are still undefeated and now no-one would give Kooweerup a legitimate chance of winning this one in their current state.
And just maybe, that’s exactly what the Demons need. In a way, the pressure is off them now. Their form has been so cold in recent weeks that their season’s task has become a whole lot simpler – just win enough games to make the eight.
“With Cora Lynn this week, we’ll soon find out where we’re really at,” Demons coach Matt Shorey told the Gazette after his side’s Round-10 win over Nilma Darnum.
Josh Winter and Steven Greaves seem to have risen in confidence, while the form of Ben and Tim Miller, and the match-winning ability of Luke Walker, Shaun Marusic and Paul Gramc are all positives for the Demons to build upon this week.
And despite the Cobras’ all-conquering ways, they’re still yet to put in a full four-quarter performance. If the Demons can dig deep and do whatever it takes to push Travis Marsham’s men, then they’re in with a shot this week. But the Cobras have shown no clear chink in their armour as yet, and they have the wood over the Demons. On paper, this likely won’t be close, but what sort of statement will the Demons make? Will they take a stand? Will they come out breathing fire, and new life into their season, or will their struggles continue?
We’re tipping the Cobras by six goals in what should be a game of compulsory viewing for all sorts of reasons. Alex Considine (suspension) will miss this week for Koowee, while the in-form Jordan Toole (lower leg), Mitch Wallace (possible concussion), and Nathan Muratore (a tribunal appearance) would all be under some doubt for Cora Lynn. Keep an eye on the potential returns however, of Rob Beswick and Brad Horaczko.
Two other mouth-watering clashes highlight Round 11, with the fourth-placed Bunyip hosting the sixth-placed Nar Nar Goon, and the third-placed Warragul Industrials facing a stern test against what is sure to be a fired-up Garfield. Nar Nar Goon still have a number of players to come back into their best 22 but need to make this week’s post a winner. We’re tipping them by just three points, while Garfield should knock off the Dusties by 10 points. If they don’t win, their finals’ equation just becomes that much harder. Ryan Hendy is still pushing to play this week, with his injury nowhere near as bad as the potential season-ender many thought he originally suffered against Cora Lynn. Lincoln Withers could also return.
In the remaining games of the round, Lang Lang should have too many weapons in their arsenal for Ellinbank; Longwarry should record a comfortable win over Nyora; and Buln Buln likewise against Nilma Darnum. Catani has the bye.
