Around the grounds with Hilly

Around the grounds with Hilly

13th August 2021

We’re on, we’re off and now we are back again, and hopefully for the good. It has been a nice feeling this week knowing we’ll have some Hampden League action this weekend, albeit without supporters once again.

I really feel for the ten clubs this season. All of them have had to negotiate many pathways to get our beloved competition up and running in the short-term with the unexpected hurdles. More importantly, clubs have endured no income throughout the year with games lost and also no crowds. It has been a tough year for our administrators.

Let’s look at the positives, despite no crowds, action returns and the final fortnight of the season will not disappoint with some terrific fixtures occurring. Whilst Warrnambool are mathematically a chance to still make finals, in my mind the top 5 is set, meaning Portland will play their first ever finals series. Which is a terrific story.

 The other intriguing race is the goal-kicking title, with Camperdown gun Sam ‘Flash’ Gordan three ahead of Koroit forward Sam Dobson, who is on 47. Both players have been ultra consistent in front of the big sticks, and both would be deserving of the award. Some terrific news from Camperdown throughout the lockdown, with coach Neville Swayn leading the Magpies again in 2022. Swayny is an absolute beauty and very well regarded in the local football circles. Currently we have learnt the coaching structures of North Warrnambool and Camperdown next season, whilst Hamilton are searching.

Here are my tips for this weekend.
Camperdown vs South Warrnambool – Three stars out for Camperdown, South Warrnambool too strong.Port Fairy vs Terang Mortlake – Both sides will be desperate, but I think the Bloods bat a little deeper around the ground.Koroit vs Cobden – Koroit are building beautifully, they’ll win.Norht Warrnambool vs Warrnambool – Game is at Dennington, Eagles flying at the moment. Hamilton vs Portland – Hamilton wants to finish strongly, Portland wants good finals form. I think Portland.

Keep Safe

Hilly

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