Round 10 of the East Gippsland Football Netball Association is highlighted by the Battle of the Avon – Boisdale Briagolong hosting Stratford.
Both sides are currently inside the top four on seven wins, and both Boisdale Briagolong (third) and Stratford (fourth) will be keen to bank the vital four points as the loser will probably have Orbost Snowy Rovers (fifth), gnawing away at their heels, four points ajar after the weekend’s matches.
The small ground obviously isn’t ideal for either side, with both coach’s game plans suited to the wide open expanses of finals venue, Bairnsdale City Oval.
Boisdale’s new-look forward line looked impressive last week against Lindenow with skipper Jimmy Reeves up front and leading the charge.
The midfield will play a crucial role in this encounter. If Stratford gun Lachie Channing get his fair share of ball at the centre clearances, the Swans will be right in the game.
That might be easier said than done, with Bomber giant Matt Wilkinson almost unbeatable in recent weeks and giving his runners first use of the ball.
His counterpart, the emerging Floyd Fulton, has a big task. His efforts might sway the game.
Orbost Snowy Rovers will host Lakes Entrance at Lochiel Park, and regardless of their respective ladder positions the contests between the two arch nemesis’ are always entertaining and hard fought.
You would expect with plenty to play for and given their great form against Lucknow last week, the Blues would be too good.Paynesville is at home to Lucknow, who narrowly escaped its second loss of the season last week.
The Gulls have been regrouping in recent weeks, welcoming some vital players back from injury and unavailability, but one would suspect the Magpies will have too many tricks at this stage of the season.
Wy Yung and Lindenow clash at Bullumwaal Road. The Tigers have welcomed back some classy players in recent weeks, with Nick Ward, Mitch Toms and Jobe Sommerville all rejoining the fold, as the possibility of back-to-back flags looms.
The Cats are winless but are certainly playing better than a side that is yet to sing its song in 2024.
They certainly have the midfield artillery to go with Wy Yung, Justin Gould, Brett Waddell and Dave Donchi as formidable a centre square combination in the competition.
It’s uncertain if the Cats half forward line will be able to curtail the hard running Sommerville and Betts brothers, who act as stoppers and playmakers for the Tigers.
