Plenty happening in another big round of TAC Cup this weekend, as Ben Cavarra previews round 12 of action.
Western Jets vs. Eastern Ranges: Box Hill City Oval
Only percentage separates these two teams on the ladder, with both teams on 5 wins and 6 losses for the year in 7th and 8th spots. These two teams met in round one this year and the Jets came out victors on the day by 29 points. The Jets have won the last two games by an average of 28 points, with a big win on the weekend against top side Gippsland – knocking the Power from top spot on percentage. The Ranges have found some form with a hard-fought 12 point win over Bendigo last week. Max Warren of the Eastern Ranges is in great form being the best player on the ground last weekend and also being named in the best players on seven occasions this year. Lachlan Fairley of the Jets has been best on ground in the Jets past 2 games and has kicked 6 goals in the last two weeks.
North Ballarat Rebels vs. Oakleigh Chargers: Eureka Stadium
One game separates these two teams on the ladder, and with this being the first time these two teams meet this year, bragging rights are on the line. Oakleigh are up and about after winning their past three games with an average winning margin of 55 points. Sam Dobson of the Rebels has kicked 10 goals in his past three games and is capable of kicking multiple goals. Jacob Williams of Oakleigh was best on ground last week against Murray Bushrangers and has been in the best for his team on 4 occasions this year.
Gippsland Power vs. Northern Knights: Morwell Football Ground
Northern Knights have lost the past two games by an average of 56 points, and will come out firing as they look to change their recent poor form. Gippsland are sitting comfortably in 2nd spot on the ladder with only percentage separating the top three teams. Gippsland have beaten the Knights in recent times, with the Power beating the Knights by 71 points in round 5 this year. Danny Butcher from Gippsland has been the standout for the Power this year, being named in the best in the past 8 games, with two best on performances included. Douglas Morris of the Knights was best on ground last week, and has also been named in the best players in nine out of eleven games this year. These are the two players to watch this weekend.
Geelong Falcons vs. Calder Cannons: Skilled Stadium
In the match of the round this week we see Calder travel to Geelong. Only one game separates these two teams with Calder having 4 points over the Falcons sitting in 3rd spot, to Geelong in 4th. The Falcons are coming off a 44 point victory over the Northern Knights last week with Tristan Battaglia leading the way with 4 majors and Jed Bews having another standout performance. For the Cannons, a 50 point victory over the Dandenong Stingrays ensured they remained 3rd on the ladder for another week. Jack Sheahan led from the front bagging 4 goals whilst Damien Bugeja continued his great run of form with another best on ground performance.
Bendigo Pioneers vs. Sandringham Dragons: Epsom Huntly Reserve
This week ladder leaders Sandringham Dragons travel to face the bottom of the ladder Bendigo Pioneers. After recording their first win for the season against the Calder Cannons in round 10, the Pioneers looked to go 2 in a row last week against the Eastern Ranges kicking a very accurate 15.1. In a tough contest, Bendigo was just beaten by the Ranges, going down by 2 goals. Sam Kerridge was the standout for the Pioneers kicking 2 goals in a best on a ground performance. Sandringham are coming off their 3rd straight win, defeating the North Ballarat Rebels last week by 39 points and soaring to the top of the TAC Cup Ladder. Jack Beech for the Dragons had an immense impact last week with 22 hit-outs whilst Jackson Coleman booted 3 majors.
Dandenong Stingrays vs. Murray Bushrangers: Shepley Oval
This is a must win match for both sides as they continue to stay in contention for making the finals. The Bushrangers have lost their last two games at an average losing margin of 78 points. Sam Martyn was best for the Bushrangers last week, and has been best on ground on three occasions this year. The Stingrays have lost their last three games at an average losing margin of 37 points and they will come out looking to change their poor recent form. Ryan Morrison was best on ground last week for the Stingrays, and they will need their ruckmen to stand up for them in this game after the team had a total of 12 hit-outs for the whole game last week.
Last Modified on 08/07/2011 09:49