Port Fairy Support
There is no doubt local football around the state is facing its battles. It has been a challenge for some clubs in the Hampden Football Netball League this season for many reasons, but there is one thing that is evident, all stakeholders are working their backsides off to ensure long term viability and success. Port Fairy has been one club this season that has faced many big challenges, they suffered a significant loss last round, have had player number difficulties, but are determined to work through these issues and hopefully return to the competitive force they’ve been over the past 5-6 seasons. If there was ever a time where the club needed ex-players, officials and volunteers to rally around them, the time is now. Port Fairy are an important part of the Hampden League fabric and it’s important we see them prospering in the years to come.
Emmanuel College Success
Koroit coach Chris McLaren and sixteen youngsters that have played senior football in the Hampden League were this week a part of the Emmanuel College team that won the SSV Premier League title at Mars Stadium. The exciting playing group will now participate in the semi-finals of the Herald Sun Shield, taking on the big private schools in metropolitan Melbourne. An unbelievable effort and a great advertisement of the talent we have in the region.
McPherson Milestone
Multiple premiership winning defender Tim McPherson will play his 100th game this weekend, when Koroit meet arch rivals North Warrnambool at Victoria Park. Tim, who in my mind is one of the best defenders we’ve seen in the last 10 years, has been a crucial component to the defensive end of the Saints. Tim has never been a huge accumulator of the ball, but his one on one body work, spoils and goal restriction of the premier forwards has been sublime. A great football person and we wish him all the best.
Round 11 Matches
Koroit vs North Warrnambool – What a contest coming up. Koroit are playing some unbelievable team football, whilst North Warrnambool are finding their mojo and building towards a strong finish. Hard to tip against Koroit at home, it will be a game where the winner will just get over the line.
Camperdown vs South Warrnambool – South Warrnambool are a very good football side and will be hard to beat. No doubt some recent injuries will hurt them, but they do have great depth. Camperdown are emerging, they have some great young talent – Coates, Payne to identify a couple. Hard task for the home team.
Warrnambool vs Hamilton – This is one of the most important games of the week. Warrnambool are just holding fifth spot on the ladder by percentage and can jump a game ahead if they can win or subsequently fall outside the top 5 with a defeat. Hamilton are the team shadowing the Blues, they have good form against them, and themselves are playing a nice brand of football. Warrnambool have been decimated with injuries but I expect them to show a return to form, but only just.
Port Fairy vs Terang Mortlake – Recent form suggests it’s hard to tip Port Fairy. Last weekend, it was a tough week and hopefully, we will see a strong response on Saturday. I like Terang Mortlake, they have outstanding juniors – Hutchins, Vickers, Kain and the Roberts brothers. The Bloods will be too good.
Cobden vs Portland – An important period coming up for Portland if they wish to receive the double chance in the finals series. After a tough block of matches, they must ensure they win against the teams outside the top five to bank their wins. Cobden will prove to be a real test, they’re improvement has been fantastic as the season has progressed. I Portland win.
Have a great day at the footy.
Hilly
