Rooster ready for monster clash

Rooster ready for monster clash

15th July 2022

SOUTH Warrnambool’s Ricky Henderson may have played in some big games at AFL level, yet his side’s clash with reigning premier Koroit this weekend is set to be one of the more intriguing games at local level this season.

The second-placed Roosters take on the top-ranked Saints at Victoria Park in the Hampden League Live Match of the Round, with the former having won the pair’s Good Friday outing in April by 33 points.

While both sides have improved significantly since that encounter, the 33 year-old expects the top-of-the-table outing to draw plenty of attention within the local football community.

Henderson revealed he had spoken to many local residents who are salivating at the prospect of the bumper clash, while he added some light-hearted banter at his employment which has only heightened the contest in his eyes.

“It is exciting,” he said.

“It’s one vs two this week, and obviously Koroit are a very good side and have been for a very long time and anyone I’ve come across in town, they’re talking about it and looking forward to it.

“I’ve played in some big games such as some Showdowns and all that but this is just as big within the town.

“I work at Emmanuel College and the boys are getting right into me, so I’m looking forward to the game.”

Henderson, who is playing predominantly as a forward this year, concedes the Saints are still the team to beat despite knocking them over earlier this year.

He noted the Roosters played a similar game style to the reigning premiers, which had its advantages when taking on the powerhouse.

“It seems we match up pretty well with them and I think we might try and play a similar style of football which kind of works in our favour as well,” he said.

“Last time we played them if they had have kicked straighter it would have been a lot tighter on the scoreboard.

“They’re a great team, they have been for a long time and I still think they’re the ones to beat so we’ll go out there trying to accomplish that.

In other round 13 matches, Hamilton Kangaroos will look to keep its finals hopes alive when it welcomes fourth-ranked North Warrnambool to Melville Oval.

Fifth-placed Warrnambool will have its chance to consolidate its spot in the top five against Terang Mortlake at Reid Oval.

Camperdown hosts third-placed Portland at Atlantic Caravans Leura Oval, with the pair’s match to start at 4.10pm.

Bottom side Port Fairy is at home to seventh-placed Cobden at Gardens Oval to round out this weekend’s matches.

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