Around the Grounds with Hilly: Round 16

Around the Grounds with Hilly: Round 16

4th August 2022

Supporting the Seagulls

It has been one tough year for the Port Fairy Seagulls and it became even tougher only days ago with the club announcing they would be forfeiting their senior football clash with Koroit. No doubt, one of the hardest decisions this club has had to make in recent times, but with low player numbers, high injury numbers and illness, the Seagulls had no other choice. The big question for us to think about as a football community now, is how can we best help and support them moving forward and getting them back winning games? The club stated in their media release this week “they aren’t going anywhere and have no intention to change that anytime soon”, which shows the hard working committee are ready to fight this tough time. We as a league need a competitive Port Fairy side in the competition, they’re an important part of our fabric.  Planning for 2023 has well and truly commenced and lets hope we hear some pleasing news in the coming months. There is some quality amongst the Seagulls playing list, star power in Sully, McMeel, Mercovich, Sullivan, and young talent coming through including Lecardie, Pollock, Myers and Dalton. Hopefully we see some experienced players head to Gardens Oval to work with this group, as well as former Seagulls wanting to return to the club and help build again.

Kelly 150th 

South Warrnambool tall Sam Kelly will play in his 150th senior game this weekend against the North Warrnambool Eagles. Sam was a key ingredient in the Roosters 2011 premiership win and continues to be a vital cog in the 2022 line-up. Whilst assisting Ollie Bridgewater in the ruck at times this season, Sam has forged a tight knit unit in the South Warrnambool forward line this season with Weir, Beks, Henderson, Dye and Irving. He has kicked 24 goals this season. A major milestone Sam will be proud of, but no doubt his main focus is what the team can achieve in September. Congrats on the milestone Smell.

Maskell Medal Change

Some exciting news this week was unveiled in regards to the 2022 Maskell Medal Day, with each club set to host their own function with the awards to be conducted at Silver Ball Studios. The Hampden Leagues partnership with Fitzmedia will be further enhanced, and as part of the new concept, the studio hosts will conduct live crosses to each club throughout the afternoon and interview winners of each awards. Terrific innovation, and a great chance for clubs to build extra revenue this season.

Round 16 Matches

The top five is locked and loaded for this year’s finals series with Warrnambool consolidating their position last weekend. The race for a top 3 position is still well and truly between South Warrnambool, North Warrnambool and Portland. We might have to wait until the final round to see who will receive the double chance. 

South Warrnambool vs North Warrnambool – A toss of the coin decision for this one. The Roosters could welcome back as many as 9 first choice players this weekend as they’ve been undermanned in recent weeks. North Warrnambool are building some great continuity and will be confident in their chances. A great game coming up with both clubs having so much upside. I think South Warrnambool narrowly will get the win.

Terang Mortlake vs Portland – The Bloods have had a great second half of the year, with a number of their young players performing well. Portland had a big win last round and will be focused on regaining good form heading into their first ever finals campaign. Tigers for me.

Warrnambool vs Camperdown – Warrnambool will be hoping to make it consecutive wins whilst Camperdown will be hoping to take a scalp. I think this game will be reasonably close if the Magpies can be at their best. The Blues will want good form heading into September and I think they win.

Hamilton vs Cobden – Two young emerging teams going head to head. Cobden have improved so much throughout the course of the season while Hamilton has shown their best football is hard to come up against. A real even contest and I think Cobden narrowly win.

Have a great weekend at the football.

Hilly

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