MOOROOPNA V KYABRAM
This is a huge game in the context of these two teams’ finals aspirations.
Mooroopna has secured its place in the September action and it will be a case of working out which elimination final it plays in – 3 v 6 or 4 v 5.
On the other hand, Kyabram needs to win at least one of its remaining three games – its last two are against Seymour and Shepparton both at home.
Aidan Robinson, Brad Whitford, Marcus Khoo, Jackson Griffiths, Mitchell Dodos and Anthony DePasquale were outstanding in the dismantling of the Demons.
The Bombers had 11 goalkickers, won all four quarters and you could mount a case that it was their most complete performance for 2024.
The Cats’ win was equally as impressive that saw them win the final three quarters to secure an important 16-point win over the Swans.
Coby James, Ben Hicks, Kai Madgwick, Jed Woods and Keelin Betson led from the front to guide what is a very young Cats team at present in the absence of few more experienced campaigners who are missing through injury and suspension.
Hard to tip against the Cats. They just seem to find a way to win even when they sometimes they don’t have a right because of who is out of the team.
So, with that I am going with them to win a real arm wrestle against the plucky Bombers.
Tip: Mooroopna.
MANSFIELD V TATURA
Mansfield starts its season at home to Tatura. It can forget about what it has done in the opening 15 rounds. It will be judged on the next three matches it plays, starting with the bottom of the ladder Tatura. They have not won since defeating Euroa at Euroa on June 1.
And, if they want to feature in the finals, then they probably need to win all three of its remaining fixtures and hope results go in their favour.
Matthew King, Cody George, James Herridge, Jack Marks and Adam Boshevski were the standouts in the upset loss to Benalla.
Billy Hogan and Jack Hutchins will be the targets as the Eagles look to get their first win since June 1.
Both have been leading the way up forward for the Eagles.
Comanche Walls, Jacob Simpson, Curtis Ryan, Mitchell Elliott and Kitt McCamley will be looking to try and help the Dogs to their first win since the opening day of the season.
They have been decimated by injury this season, but the Dogs have put their faith in coach Paul Barnard. He has re-signed for a further two seasons and the building has already started for 2025 for them and they would love nothing more to spoil the finals hopes of the Eagles.
Tip: Mansfield.
EUROA V SHEPPARTON
Euroa is another team that is looking to play finals in 2024. But to do so it probably needs to win at least one more game to be assured of its place in September. They play Benalla (away) and Mansfield (away) in their final two games.
But before they worry about that they will welcome the red-hot Shepparton to Memorial Oval.
The Bears are the second favourite on the premiership betting ladder.
And, they have played like a team that really means business over the past month.
A big win over Mansfield and Rochester coupled by a workmanlike win over Seymour.
The Magpies will look to Jett Trotter, Nate Trotter, Keily Jager and Lachlan Hill to continue their good form.
They will look to Fletcher Paul and Nathan Stewart to curb the influence of premiership Bears’ ruckman Ash Holland.
If Holland is allowed to dominate, then that could spell disaster for the Pies.
Will Hayes is an unlikely starter as he is likely to be playing for the Blues in the VFL like he did prior to last weekend when he lined up for the Pies v Echuca.
Trent Herbert (five goals), Luke Smith, Bryce Stephenson and Joel Brett (three goals) were outstanding for the Bears in their win over the Lions and if they can continue that form, then I think they get the win.
Tip: Shepparton.
SEYMOUR V ECHUCA
Echuca will be looking to continue its charge towards a third straight premiership when it makes the trip south down to Kings Park.
The Murray Bombers are having another splendid season and still has some first-choice players to return to the line-up, including Matt Lias and Cooper Willoughby. Both were important in the team’s win over Euroa last round in the reserves.
Liam Tenace, Sam Willoughby, Samuel Reid, Jack McHale and Noah Langborne were the standouts in the big win over Euroa in the senior match.
The reigning premier had 10 different goalkickers in the win over the Pies and they played the Lions only a few rounds ago at the Port of the Murray where the reigning premier got over the line by 5 ½ goals.
Coach Ben Davey will welcome the challenge for his Lions.
He will be measuring the improvement from their last meeting only a few weeks ago.
Tom Maloney, Jack Murphy, Nicholas Dundon, Lachlan Waite, Nathan Beattie and Riley Mason will be important for the Lions if they are to try and cause an upset.
Tip: Echuca.
Note – Round 16 is a split-round with more previews to follow.
