| Trent Hill | 11:13 AM (1 hour ago) |  | |
| to me | |||
It’s hard not to think about finals, with the final month of Hampden League Football only a month away. The only sewn up position in my mind is the minor premiership, with South Warrnambool looking extremely unlikely to be dethroned. The race is still well and truly on for other positions, this weekend is huge for Port Fairy, a loss could end their finals aspirations.
South Warrnambool Flag Favourites
The finals make-up of the Hampden League top five is going to come down to the wire, with six teams still in strong contention to play in the final month of the season. There is one certainty of the teams currently sitting inside the top five, South Warrnambool will be the minor premiers. The Roosters list is becoming the healthiest it’s been all season, with key personnel returning. South Warrnambool were unbelievable last round, they have no weaknesses on any of their lines. The defensive group is tight and hard-working, their midfield is deep and ultra talented with Saunders, Nicolson, Stevens, Mugavin, Gallichan, Beks, Youl, Maher and Anderson all running through. The Roosters forward line is strong, with a great variation of height, mobility and uncanniness.
Former Bomber Hangs Up Boots
The AFL journey of Cobden export Ben Cunnington will come to an end this weekend, with the two-time Syd Barker Medallist retiring deciding to finish his 14 year association with North Melbourne. A former top 10 recruit, Ben made an immediate impact in the Kangaroos midfield, he was renowned for his hard contested work, strength and leadership. The 237 game veteran holds the AFL record for the most contested possessions in a game, accumulating 32 against Richmond in 2018. Ben, who made one of the most memorable Hampden League debuts in the modern era with 10 goals, will be remembered as one of the league’s greatest exports to play at the top level.
Liam Hoy 150th
Koroit skipper Liam Hoy will line up in his 150th senior Hampden League game this weekend against the Hamilton Kangaroos. Liam’s CV is ultra impressive, he is otherwise known as the ‘Grand Final’ man as he’s played in eight of the last nine Grand Finals, resulting in 6 premierships. Liam is one of the hardest working midfielders in the competition and is very much regarded in the competition. A terrific leader of the Saints, especially for the next generation of Saints coming through. Well Done on a great milestone Liam!
Round 16 Tips
Koroit vs Hamilton – An important match for Koroit as it could almost consolidate their position inside the top three and a double chance. The Saints will be hoping to record the win for club favourite Liam Hoy, who celebrates 150 games. Hamilton will be aiming to finish the season on a high, but it won’t be this week.
South Warrnambool vs North Warrnambool – Two of the competition heavyweights meet each other. South Warrnambool have all but locked up top spot whilst North Warrnambool are in a fight with Terang Mortlake, Koroit and Cobden for a top three position. The Eagles form has been sound over the past few weeks but I think it’s hard to overlook the Roosters, who are in strong form. South Warrnambool for the win.
Cobden vs Port Fairy – One of the biggest matches of the season, with repercussions for both sides. If Cobden win, they just about lock a finals berth and remain in contention for a double chance, if Port Fairy come out victorious, then their finals hopes remain alive, if they lose, it’s all over for 2023. It was a draw last time, it should be a high quality match, with Cobden just edging out the Seagulls.
Camperdown vs Portland – Two sides that will be aiming to finish the season on a strong note. Camperdown have had some personnel issues over the past few weeks with injuries to key players whilst Portland almost pinched one last weekend. A real toss of the coin but I think the Magpies just narrowly over Portland.
Terang Mortlake vs Warrnambool – The Blues are back in form but take on a Terang Mortlake side that needs to win, as both top three and top five are still very much a real possibility. The Bloods welcome back two stars in Scott Carlin and Alex Moloney into the line-up which will really bolster. The game is being played at the DC Farran Oval. I expect Terang Mortlake to win.
