HFNL 2015 Season

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Round 16!!

The home and away season is quickly passing us by, for some teams its all over and a chance to take some risks with selection and structure, but for 6 sides still in the race for finals and jostling for ladder position its high stakes footy!
The biggest game of the week in terms of possible ladder manipulation in my opinion is Warrnambool Blues vs Camperdown Magpies, both sides have named unchanged winning sides. The Pies have found some solid form heading into the second half of the season and are eager to sew up a finals berth. All they have to do is travel to The Reid Oval and knock off ladder leaders Warrnambool....if only it was that easy. Warrnambool have played some great footy in last couple of weeks, strong, classy and settled, its an ominous mix. If Camperdown can cause an upset they will finish in the final 5, but Warrnambool losing this one will drop to third or possibly 4th depending on the result of Portland v North Warrnambool which is the other ladder defining game. Camperdown need to shut down the Blues midfield power, McCorkell is in blistering form, Jackson Bell has had a breakout year, Darcy Graham has been impressive, and then you have Maskell Medallist Tim Hunt and veteran Josh Walters to deal with on top of that. They then feed it to Jason Rowan, Travis Graham and goal sneak Jye Turland, it just doesnt stop. Camperdown have their work cut out for them but its a huge chance to show the competition they mean business. Sam Chapman, Fraser Lucas, Luke Mahony and Khan Beckett are all in great form for the Pies and will need to excell yet again. Common sense says to me Warrnambool win this at home, but stranger things have happened, im all for an upset and im going to have a bit each way on this one.
Head says - Warrnambool by 20 points
Heart says - Camperdown by 6 points

Portland Tigers vs North Warrnambool Eagles will be a tough contest tomorrow at Hanlon Park. I fear for Portland though that the season is catching up with the fitness levels of the group and thats ok because they have been good all year. The only problem is that North Warrnambool are hungry and preparing for finals footy. The Eagles have regained the services of big gun ruckman and last seasons club B&F winner Jordan Dillon. Dillon broke his arm in Rd.3 against Terang/Mortlake and hasnt played since, but according to sources has been doing a power of work for last 6 weeks. He is a very important cog in the machine of the Eagles, he frees up Darcy Keast to the backline and gives the Eagles midfield more of a chance for first touch of the ball at stoppages. Its been quite a credit to the Eagles to play so well without a known ruckman for that period. They also regain playmaker Xavier Mills from a hamstring injury. They omitted Lachie Woodhams and Robbie Gregg is unavailable. Portland can make a stand here and put real pressure on Camperdown in 5th spot with a win, it would be a fairytale season for Portland to make finals but its a tough run home. The Tigers have added Cam Mather to the side at the expense of NBRebel Rowan Marshall. Players like Egan, England, Stiles, Hayse, Van Huegten and coach Holt will really need to bring their A game to challenge the Eagles. The Eagles need to win to stay in contention for a top 3 finish and they arent about to let this one slide.
My Tip - North Warrnambool by 40 points

Hamilton Kangaroos vs South Warrnambool Roosters
No Hugh Douglas for the roos severly limits the Hamilton fwd line and makes it a whole lot easier on the Roosters. The Roosters will win this one.
My Tip - South Warrnambool by 25 points

Port Fairy Seagulls vs Koroit Saints
Koroit have lost 3 of the last 4 and will be looking to kick themselves into form against the ever improving Seagulls. Anson returns for the Seagulls midfield and Koroit were training tonight before they named their side. Koroit need this win to possibly regain top spot depending on percentage boost.
My Tip - Koroit by 45 points

Cobden Bombers vs Terang Mortlake Bloods
Terang have included the very talented youngster Alex Moloney from Geelong Falcons, and also regained power forward Steve Staunton. Cobden have included Micky Salmon and Leigh Evans is out. Cobden have been taking names lately knocking over North Warrnambool and Koroit in last two weeks. They are building for a big assault on the finals, Levi Dare and Joe Dare are their prime movers and in great form. Cobden should take care of this one.
My Tip - Cobden by 50 points

Good luck to all sides!!
 
Hampdenmad how have you rated portland debut season have they over archived your expectations?
Do you think any tigers will make the team of the year cut? Luke van heughton has has a fantastic season down back getting plenty of big scalps
 
Shaun the sheep said:
Hampdenmad how have you rated portland debut season have they over archived your expectations?
Do you think any tigers will make the team of the year cut? Luke van heughton has has a fantastic season down back getting plenty of big scalps
Click to expand...

G'day Shaun the sheep, my expectations were that they would miss finals but be in the mix for that 5-6th spot. But in saying that they have given some sides a good run for their money including the big scalp of Warrnambool. They will build to be a successful side in my opinion. They seem to have a solid base of players from 18's thru to seniors. They have it going right off field too. It's great for Portland.
In terms of Team of the Year I think it will be a terrific achievement for Luke to make it in defence. Defence is littered with guns in Hampden League. Rudolph, Hinkley, McLaren, Wines, Baxter.... But he has done some super jobs over the year. Rhys Egan has also been very impressive.
 

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Results from Round 16:

Hamilton Kangaroos 6.5, 9.9, 12.12, 19.16 (130)

South Warrnambool 3.2, 4.4, 6.6, 11.9 (75)

GOALS, Hamilton Kangaroos :B. Huf 4, L. Crawford 4, K. Uebergang 3, H. Waldron 2, R. Newell 2, G. Crawford 1,J. O'Brien 1, A. Pepper 1, T. Feely 1

South Warrnambool :K. Eagleson 5, S. Kelly 2, P. Anderson 2, L. Howarth 1, Z. Struth 1

BEST, Hamilton Kangaroos :J. Pepper, H. Waldron, G. Crawford, B. Huf, T. Feely, J. O'Brien

South Warrnambool :T. Niddrie, T. Ryan, Z. Struth, K. Eagleson, O. Lee

Hamilton recorded their biggest win of the year over the South Warrnambool Roosters, the Roosters are now destined to receive the wooden spoon in 2014, it's been a big fall from grace for the Roosters but with a big bunch of talented kids the future looks ok. Hamilton needed that win for confidence heading into North Warrnambool next week.

*************

Warrnambool 3.8, 8.9, 9.13, 12.17 (89)

Camperdown 3.3, 3.5, 5.10, 8.15 (63)

GOALS, Warrnambool :J. Rowan 4, J. O'Donnell 2, J. Turland 2, J. Walters 1, P. Corredig 1, S. Cowling 1,J. Turland 1

Camperdown :J. Titmus 1, K. Beckett 1, S. Chapman 1, A. Sinnott 1, L. Mahony 1, J. Mahony 1,
D. Casey 1, M. Danahay 1

BEST, Warrnambool :D. McCorkell, J. Turland, J. O'Donnell, J. Bell, T. Graham, D. Graham

Camperdown :K. Beckett, N. Bateman, D. Pemberton, H. Moloney, S. Chapman

A second quarter fade out cost Camperdown any chance of an upset at the Reid Oval yesterday. Warrnambool kicked 5.1 to 0.2 and held the lead for the rest of the game to run out 26 point winners. Rowan kicked 4 and with multiples to O'Donnell and Turland showed their fwd line was potent. Casey was well held to only 1 goal. Camperdown now have Terang and Sth Wbool to lock away 5th spot and a finals berth.

********

North Warrnambool Eagles 4.5, 5.6, 9.10, 14.16 (100)

Portland 2.2, 9.5, 12.7, 14.13 (97)

GOALS, North Warrnambool Eagles : J. Parkinson 4, M. Murphy 3, M. Wines 1, S. McLachlan 1, X. Mills 1, J. Lewis 1, D. Gavin 1, N. Murphy 1, M. Darmody 1

Portland : J. Moody 3, S. Clark 3, J. Hayse 2, B. Bentley 2, J. Stiles 1, J. Quinlivan 1, J. Holt 1, D. O'Loughlin 1

BEST, North Warrnambool Eagles : M. Wines, A. McMeel, B. Murfett, T. Sheldon, J. Parkinson, D. Gavin

Portland : S. Clark, B. Malcolm, M. England, C. Mather, R. Egan, B. Bentley

The Eagles had a big scare when the Portland Tigers Beau Bentley lined up from 50m out after the siren with a goal needed to win, his kick sailed through the points and it was a 3 point North Warrnambool win. The Eagles trailed by as much as 6 goals during the second qtr as Portland had a 7 goal to 1 run with the wind. But it was the Eagles 2nd half that impressed, they clawed back the lead and thanks to Jeremy Parkinson's 4 2nd half goals. It keeps them in contention for the top 3 with Hamilton next week and Warrnambool in the final round to determine the final placings on the ladder. Portland now look likey to miss out on a debut finals year, but full credit to them for digging in and just missing out.

********

Koroit 5.6, 8.10, 10.14, 11.16 (82)

Port Fairy 1.1, 1.3, 3.5, 5.6 (36)

GOALS, Koroit : B. Goodall 3, J. Brennan 2, J. McLaren 1, B. Walsh 1, K. Dwyer 1, B. Dobson 1,

S. Blake 1, L. Nagorcka 1

Port Fairy : S. Robinson 3, J. Gunning 1, S. Rudolph 1

BEST, Koroit : B. Harrington, D. Mooney, S. Blake, C. McLaren, B. Goodall, J. Brennan

Port Fairy : M. Crosier, S. Robinson, I. Martin, S. McCartney, D. Gunning, S. Rudolph

Koroit flexed some muscle against Port Fairy yesterday limiting them to just 1 goal in the first half. Koroit ran away 46 point winners and never looked in doubt. Ben Goodall continued his stellar form kicking 3 goals for the Saints. But it was the backline of Mooney and McLaren that took the reigns and dominated. They are heating up the Saints and with an easy run home will be nailing the game plan down shut and perfecting every angle.

*********

Cobden 2.6, 2.9, 5.19, 7.23 (65)

Terang Mortlake 1.0, 4.4, 6.4, 8.6 (54)

GOALS, Cobden : S. Harkin 2, A. Cole 1, M. Hickey 1, B. Mahoney 1, L. Dare 1, S. Uwland 1

Terang Mortlake : J. Hay 3, J. Richardson 2, J. Meade 1, D. O'Connor 1, N. Monk 1

BEST, Cobden : B. Richardson, D. Beechey, S. Harkin, D. Delaney, L. Cahill, G. Tongs

Terang Mortlake : T. Densley, P. Heffernan, D. O'Connor, J. Richardson, J. Hay, W. Pomorin

In a game where Cobden had 30 scoring shots to Terang Mortlakes 14 you would be excused for thinking it was a 50+ point win, but an inaccurate Cobden only brushed past the bloods by 11 points after kicking 7.23 to 8.6. Tough windy conditions sent the ball sideways more than straight and Cobden got out of jail with the win. Brendan Richardson held Staunton impressively, while Delaney and Beechey were also busy around the ground. Cobden now just have to keep winning, they have Port Fairy who they drew with on the last occasion, and then Portland at Hanlon Park which is seeming to be a daunting task for most. If Cobden drop a game now North Warrnambool Eagles will swoop on 3rd spot. Big finish ahead.

Ladder defining games next week:
There are none to define finals positions unless there are upsets to the 5 contending. All top 5 sides should win their respective games. It will be the last round the following week that will bring the interest!
Rd18 - Portland v Cobden and Warrnambool v North Warrnambool.

Possible finishing scenarios:
A Cobden win and Warrnambool win -

1 - Koroit 60 (depending on %)
2 - Wbool 60
3 - Cobden 58
4 - Nth Wbool 52
5 - C'Down 44

A Cobden win and North Warrnambool win

1 - Koroit 60
2 - Cobden 58
3 - Wbool 56 (depending on %)
4 - Nth Wbool 56
5 - C'Down 44

A Portland win and North Warrnambool win.

1- Koroit 60
2- Wbool 56 (depending on %)
3- Nth Wbool 56
4- Cobden 54
5- C'Down 44

A Portland win and Warrnambool win.

1- Koroit 60 (depending on %)
2- Wbool 60
3- Cobden 54
4- Nth Wbool 52
5- CDown 44

So in terms of no upsets this week and those possibilities the following week it could come down to % for top spot or that 3rd spot that a couple of teams are after.

The percentages are currently

Koroit 165.04
Warrnambool 162.47
North Wbool 153.35

It holds Wbool in good stead to hold off the Eagles for 3rd spot if it comes down to percentage.
The top spot tho will be down to the wire if they are drawn on points.

Exciting couple of weeks! Lets hope for some last minute upsets to really shake it up!!
 
Some Kangaroos in the cross hairs of Portland? Looking at a catch and release approach on the surface of Hanlon Park..... Watch this space.

Hampden Mad, are Koroit praying for some firmer grounds come finals time? Seems the heavy conditions don't suit their style?
 
XXXXIsland said:
Some Kangaroos in the cross hairs of Portland? Looking at a catch and release approach on the surface of Hanlon Park..... Watch this space.

Hampden Mad, are Koroit praying for some firmer grounds come finals time? Seems the heavy conditions don't suit their style?
Click to expand...

XXXXisland I would think Koroit have been in a fairly tough training phase over last few weeks and the heavier ground is adding to the poor finishes of recent games. They will most likely retain top spot so travelling pretty well. Just a word of warning to the rest of the competition if it firms up over next 2-3 weeks watch out! Koroit are a tall side too so the below knee level footy might be hard for them to be better at than some other sides. They aren't invincible as we can see but I promise you they will be fit in the business end of finals.

Nothing too much to write home about in terms of ins and outs in main games this week. Koroit missing a couple through injury but Portland away haven't been too much trouble for top sides. Should cover them.

The Hamilton - Portland comment I'm not quite grasping properly can you elaborate more?

Cheers for the interest!
 
So it looks as though after Round 17 the top 5 could well be set in stone failing upsets this week.

Koroit - Exceeding expectations
Warrnambool - Backing up premiership form
Cobden - In the right spot again this season
North Warrnambool - Underachieved again this season be it by only 1 or 2 wins.
Camperdown - Lost a lot of players Pre season, done well to get 5th.

Results from rd.17 favored the top sides, all decent margins. There was some big goal kickers this round also, Sam Dobson (Koroit) 10, Robbie Gregg (NWE) 8, David Haynes (NWE) 7, Stephen Staunton (TM) 7, Aiden Cole (Cob) 6, and Jason Rowan (Wbool) 5.

The goal kicking race is wide open now! Dan Casey (Camp) 61 goals has relinquished his big lead over Jason Rowan now on 59 goals. Next best is Sam Dobson (Kor) 47, Stephen Staunton (TM) 44, David Haynes (NWE) 43, followed by the two best small forwards in the comp Mark Murphy (NWE) 41 and Jarryd Lewis (NWE) 40.
Dan Casey will be up against the struggling South Warrnambool Roosters and will have the much easier game to stay ahead of Rowan. Jason Rowan faces the North Warrnambool Eagles who have a reasonable defensive unit. He will need to kick 3 more goals than Casey to take the goal kicking award yet again.

Now back to standings,
North Warrnambool have the opportunity to show the competition they mean business and will be a force to be dealt with by knocking over Warrnambool this week, it is unlikely to affect their position on the ladder unless Cobden loses to Portland at Portland. The Eagles should regain late withdrawals Andy McMeel and Dean Gavin, this should have them near enough to full strength. I did notice Herb Barlow, Mathew Buck and Matthew Brophy are all in good form in the Reserves also so pressure on spots at the Eagles is fierce.
Warrnambool though have been in super form over the last weeks, they have won 10 of past 11 games and have an injury free list. Damien McCorkell and Jackson Bell have been in peak form and look to be the ones to stop this weekend if the Eagles are any chance. It's at the Reid oval and hopefully the rain stays away for a couple of hours. A cracking game of footy is likey.

Portland have a chance to shake things up from outside the 5 when they take on Cobden Bombers this weekend. Portland have beaten Warrnambool and taken it up to Koroit and North Warrnambool at Hanlon Park this year and we could only expect another great effort by the Tigers in this one. Lead by Jarrod Holt the Tigers have been fierce at home, Scott Clarke, Rhys Egan and Marcus England will need to turn it on to combat the strong mids of Cobden, Paul Foster, Joe Dare and Brody Mahoney are rippers. Cobden just need to win and they lock in 3rd place at least.

Koroit face Hamilton up at Hamilton and should lock away top spot with a big win. That will mean the following week will be a well earned rest for the Saints as they get to watch either Warrnambool and Cobden or Warrnambool and North Warrnambool battle it out as the 2nd and 3rd finishing sides. The Elimination Final is likely to be North Warrnambool v Camperdown failing upsets.

Koroit are in the box seat to find their way into the 2013 HFNL Grand Final, but...will their lead up of a few losses and two easy wins followed by a week off be harmful to matching a Warrnambool or Cobden in the finals. It's Koroits to lose from here.
 
XXXXIsland said:
Some Kangaroos in the cross hairs of Portland? Looking at a catch and release approach on the surface of Hanlon Park..... Watch this space.

Hampden Mad, are Koroit praying for some firmer grounds come finals time? Seems the heavy conditions don't suit their style?
Click to expand...


The Tiges have some Kangaroo's players firmly in their sights for season 2014.
 
XXXXIsland said:
The Tiges have some Kangaroo's players firmly in their sights for season 2014.
Click to expand...

Yeah I would think that would be the case!! Portland look to be a great club, great set up and set for a good leap next year if they can recruit some extra talent. They could play finals as early as next season. Keep posting your info xxxxisland!!
 
No offence to the rest of the competition but this weekend there is only 2 games of senior footy where the result is possibly in doubt that can shift ladder positions! They are 2nd placed Warrnambool Blues v 4th placed North Warrnambool Eagles separated by 1 game and percentage. The other being 6th placed Portland Tigers v 3rd placed Cobden Bombers who are half a game behind Warrnambool and half a game ahead of North Warrnambool.
Stay with me here....Blues fans want to win and win big to take Saints off top spot, Saints fans want to win and win big to starve off the Blues from taking top spot, Eagles fans want to win and win big to take 3rd spot from Blues on percentage and or win and have the Tigers beat the Bombers to snatch 3rd off them, Bombers fans want to win and keep 3rd spot and for the Eagles to win and win big so they can play them instead of the Blues in 2v3 final, but Bombers fans would also be happy for a Blues win incase they lose to the Tigers.

So who wins....

Warrnambool have added last seasons Maskell Medallist Tim Hunt to their line up after recovering from a groin injury, Hunt has missed a lot of footy this season but is still likely to be a big factor in this game. They have dropped youngster Tom Schnerring back to the U/18's. North Warrnambool have regained midfield power in Andy McMeel and Dean Gavin at the expense of Ryan McElgunn and Lachie Woodhams who return to the reserves. Dean Gavin has been in some good form before he missed last week with the flu. McMeel returns from a calf complaint.

Where it will be won -
In my opinion this game will be won in between the two 50m arcs, the midfield is littered with great players, Hunt, McCorkell, Bell, Graham, Walters, Bright and McCarthy for the Blues and McMeel, Wines, Myles, Gavin, Keast and Dillon for the Eagles. This is going to be the unit that enables each side with the drive, feed and carry to either give their forwards first use or kick goals themselves. It will be whoever can spread and cover the oppositions spread the best. The Reid oval is a huge ground and fitness/footspeed and efficiency will be crucial. I mark the midfield of Warrnambool substantially better than that of the Eagles. I think they are more damaging, faster and mentally stronger. That's a whack to the Eagles I know, but not many would argue when you look at the names.
The forward line v back line of the sides is the other factor of course. I think you could argue the depth of both sides in this area about breaks even. The Eagles maybe lack a strong tall because Keast will need to help shoulder ruck duties. But O'Leary and Sheldon can both play tall. As can Wilson and Bull for the Blues.
Ok so Blues lead this race in the mid, even in the fwds and backs, and I don't think the Eagles have a tagger that can run with a McCorkell or Bell.
With all this in mind I can only conclude that unless the rain plays a major factor and slows the Blues spread for the Eagles then this one is already all over. The best the Eagles can hope for is a narrow loss. The worst....could be a 40-50 point belting and absolute confidence destroyer.

My Tip - Warrnambool Blues by 35 points.
Jackson Bell or Damo McCorkell best on ground.

The other game is of course Portland Tigers v Cobden Bombers at Hanlon Park. A week or two ago I questioned the fitness of the Tigers heading into this late stage of the year, they proved me wrong against the Eagles to miss out by only a straight kick, and the proceeded to prove me right against Koroit last week getting pumped. Which Tigers side shows up tomorrow?? At home they press hard and choke up the corridor making teams play wide and allowing them to return through the corridor. The Bombers are however the masters of the win possession and spread. I expect the Bombers to turn up tomorrow with far to much to play for to let this one slip. They regain Damon Delaney at the expense of Ben Robertson while the Tigers regain Jaron Quinlivan for the exciting Jay Moody who has been impressive of late. The Bombers are on the up and up at the right time of the year and in my books it's between them and Warrnambool for this years premiership....again. A win is all they need to make a prequel of the possible 2014 GF and replay of 2013 GF in the first week of this seasons finals. Isn't that tantalizingly exciting!!

My Tip - Cobden Bombers by 24 points
Levi Dare best on.

Koroit will account for Hamilton very easy - 80 points

Camperdown will annihilate South Warrnambool and possibly Dan Casey could kick a bag and seal up the HFNL Leading Goal Kicker award, he is currently 2 ahead of Rowan. - 100 points

Port Fairy will cause an upset defeating Terang/Mortlake at Gardens Oval tomorrow! - 8 points.

There we have it, final round for Hampden home and away draw of 2014!! It's gonna be a beauty at the Reid so get on down there for the action all day.

Good luck to all the juniors playing in the GF on Sunday, the details of the U/14 Prelim final between North Warrnambool and Koroit were extraordinary, 6 periods of 3 extra time allocations due to game finishing in a draw and then a rushed behind deciding the result and handing the Eagles a GF appearance, that's sensational and great effort by both clubs. Extremely well supported too from the sidelines I was told. Great for footy.
 
FULL TIME SCORES FROM HAMPDEN GAMES TODAY

Hamilton 12.11.83
Koroit 21.16.142

SWbool 6.12.48
C'Down 25.13.163

Cobden 16.16.112
Portland 4.8.32

Port Fairy 8.16.64
Ter/Mort 3.6.24

Wbool 11.18.84
NthWbool 13.7.85

The big games were played out today, one was a fizzer and one was a belter!! The fizzer was Portland v Cobden with the Bombers handing the Tigers and absolute hiding 112 to 32. The Bombers finished 2nd on the ladder with the win and the Eagles knocking over the Blues. They will now face the Blues next Saturday in the Qualifing Final.

The second game was a belter!! I watched one of the best games I have seen this season today. The North Warrnambool Eagles had a thrilling one point win over the fancied Warrnambool Blues. The Blues gave up a 24 to 0 head start to the Eagles before adding a couple to steady. Robbie Gregg for the Eagles kicked 3 goals in the 2nd qtr showing that he still has it and has been a handy get for the Eagles this season. Warrnambool started gathering momentum at the end of the 3rd qtr and rolled on to close the gap and lead by a point with only minutes to go, Rowan kicked 3 as did Tim O'Keefe after switching fwd from defence, but it was 2 last gasp efforts from Eagles mid Jake Myles that enabled the Eagles to win! He kicked two quick points before the siren sounding and the Eagles taking the points and confidence that they can match the best and on the Reid Oval. Warrnambool and North both were slick and created long strings of link up kicks resulting in goals, it was tough and congested around the stoppages but the Eagles were on top there all day. Jake O'Donnel was great all day for the Blues but for mine the best on ground votes would of been 3 Jake Myles, 2 Jake O'Donnel and 1 Jordan Dillon. Gregg finished with 5 goals and Myles had loads of the footy! Brendan Murfett was exceptional on Travis Graham, and Adam Wines equally so on Rowan. Jackson Bell was impressive through the mid for Wbool and Angus Chirnside was hard and tough all day. The Eagles take this one but they could meet again in two weeks time.
One aspect that was a talking point in the crowd was the umpiring. I never like to be too rough on the umpires as it is a tough and loveless job, but today they were very very ordinary. Missed a lot of calls and made a lot of shockers. Please HFNL get the mix right for the finals as today was far from up to scratch.

Well done to Dan Casey for winning the league goal kicking award after kicking a remarkable 14 goals today for the Pies!! Ice up that foot Dan the Eagles await!

Next week games -

Qualifying Final - Cobden v Warrnambool, some whispers this may be played in Hamilton as they had been promised a final.

Elimination Final (Sunday) - North Warrnambool Eagles v Camperdown Magpies, not sure where this will be, possibly Cobden or Mortlake?? Who knows!!
 
One kid I forgot to mention was North Warrnambools Sam McLachlan, this kid is already an accomplished footballer!! He was so clean, hit targets and had great awareness. According to a source from the Eagles Sam is 17yrs old, and had been playing senior footy in the GFL last season, his father Tony who plays reserves for North is a policeman who was working in Colac and who was re-stationed to Warrnambool early this year, Sam shopped around at Koroit and North before settling with North because he knew a couple of the fellas there already. I'm telling you Sam McLachlan is a footballer to watch for years to come.

Over next few days i will review the sides that have missed the finals and name who stepped up, who a likely B&F winner for that club is and who was the not so good.
 
So with the home and away season over for Hampden League it's time to review the sides that missed the finals! First up we have the wooden spooners South Warrnambool Roosters.

What a fall from grace it has been for South Warrnambool. They featured in the 2010 and 2011 GF's winning the latter and in only 2 seasons have made their way to the bottom of the ladder. Understandably it's been mostly because of multiple departures by good players but at the same time there has been a huge lack of new faces over the last 2 years. The kids are great down there U/16's are premiers, most of the U/18's have played seniors but you can't rely on that to lift you back up. It's going to take some master strokes from recruiters at South to lift them back up again.

The players who most impressed without a doubt are Zacc Struth, Nick Thompson and Sam Thompson, their midfield big 3 are as good as any other team. Struth played very well in the Hampden Interleague game this year and is an elite midfielder of the comp.

My guess for Souths B&F this year would be Zacc Struth but it will be close between him and the Thompson boys.

The players who probably haven't been at the level required or that have been promising is big fwd Sam Kelly, and Kym Eagleson. These blokes haven't probably had the required level of delivery all season they would otherwise be maybe used to but I think their output this year was poor in expectation.

Where to for South? Well as I said their junior base is strong, some under 18's now have 10-18+ games of senior experience under their belts. The future looks good long term, add some good established players and the short time pain may not be as bad it looks at moment.
 

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Next up in my reviews is Port Fairy Seagulls.

The Port Fairy Seagulls had been languishing at the bottom of the ladder for a couple of years and going nowhere fast, in steps SANFL gun Sam Rudolph to coach, it has turned out to be a definite step forward for the club, added to that list VFL player Sandy Robinson and others such as Dylan Gunning and Sam Anson and this side has proceeded to be more competitive and taken a couple of wins and a draw (against Cobden) from this season. Yes they are still second bottom but they have the right mix to improve again with some added talent. I have no doubt in the off season they will sign a couple of really good players and turn things right around in 2014. I won't go as far as saying they are finals bound but a tick would be beat the sides below them consistently and take it to the sides above them. Take a scalp of a top 5 side once or twice. Hold on to the list and stick by them supporters its going to turn in near future.

The players who have really impressed this season have been Coach Sam Rudolph who has been an all over the ground player leading from the front, he is in the top backman in the league without a doubt. Sandy Robinson, has missed some games through injury and VFL but when he is on it shows why he is highly regarded. Superb tap ruckman and very mobile. Sam Anson is a tough mid with excellent skills, he battles hard against the best in the comp every week and is an important player for future of club. Dylan Gunning who crossed from Hamilton is almost up in the elite mid category, he is a beauty and will shine further as the club gets better.

Players who didn't deliver, it's hard to say with a team like Port Fairy, you tend to have the great players then a couple who maybe aren't that talented but battle on well then a gap to the blokes who are making up numbers in comparison to the talents of other sides. I guess if I was to maybe choose one who I would like to see really kick up a gear next season it would be Sam McCartney, he has the size and pace to match those that are highly regarded in the comp I'm just not sure he himself has the belief he can. If Port Fairy can work with him and get the tank built up he can be the next big step for the Seagulls in terms of home grown talent.

The likely winner of the Best and Fairest, it's going to be close between Rudolph, Anson, Gunning and Robinson.

Where to for Port Fairy? Up for mine. Hold onto list and increase the talent pool through recruitment of players likely to hang around for a couple of years. The base is now set.
 
Next up is Hamilton Kangaroos.

The merged Hamilton sides now know as the Kangas have had their debut year in HFNL and it's been a rocky start. Just the 4 wins. Even though the win loss record wasn't great in the senior ranks the U/18's and Reserves have been travelling pretty well. The depth is there if they can top up the senior side with some bigger bodies. A new coach could be likely as they are looking for a high profile playing coach to help develop the side as they strive to improve next season. Mick Edmonds is happy for the club to look and will wait to see what is in store for his future. Good coaches are hard to find so Mick could well yet be signed again. They 3 games I have seen them play this season I have witnessed a sometimes strange game plan of 5 forwards, loose men, and 4 starting wings, but I guess everyone has their own way of doing it. Not sure it helped with the scorelines in those games or the development of players.

The players that impressed were Kane Ubergang who was the standout player in the side and possibly will find his way into this seasons HFNL Team of the Year, he has been the benchmark for the other players at Hamilton to strive. Hamish Waldron showed plenty and will be asked to be better again next season, also Gareth Crawford with a delayed start to the year impressed as the season went.

The B&F winner this year should land in the hands of the stand out half back Kane Ubergang.

Another team that's hard to pick who really didn't perform to expectations but I would next season expect a bigger output of goals from Hugh Douglas who wasnt terrible but can lift and generally more scoring from the forward line as a whole.

New side and benefit of the doubt in terms of ladder position, they now know where they need to reach and with a big preseason and list improvements I can see a decent return next season.
 
Terang/Mortlake Bloods

TM have had a rocky couple of years now, an exodus of talent has been the driving force behind it. Players with work commitments in Melb, overseas travelers, TAC Cup talent, and the lure of quick success at Kolora Noorat in the Wbool District League have meant the Bloods have had to really scrape the barrel for depth. They finish this season with 6 wins and 12 losses with a percentage of only 70. Coach Shane Threlfell has stepped down and the Bloods will have to think very carefully about where they go to next. Long term is the consideration needed. Rebuild.

The players to impress this season: no doubt Damian O'Connor has lead the way again, he is Mr.Reliable week in week out. Hard, tough and committed to the cause. He would be a welcome inclusion to any side in the Hampden League. Although he cops it sometimes for his hard hitting style you know when you play with Damian your protected. Steve Staunton has had a good year up forward and played a terrific HFNL Interleague game. Chris Baxter yet again a general in defence. Lastly Will Pomerin who was recruited from North Ballarat has been a livewire and all 4 are worthy of Hampden TOTY inclusion.

The B&F will be a close one this season. O'Connor, Baxter and Pomerin will fight it out.

The players to disappoint or not quite reach another level in my opinion would be fwd Jake Crawley who has been a good player but hasn't taken that step to a consistently good player, he walks around with the confidence of a big show player but lacks the results of a big show player. Robbie Hare may have missed a year of footy but he has still been disappointing he will need to show the faith TM has put in and have a massive crack in the preseason and come out firing early next season.

Terang will look to find the right coach and somehow get their recent departures to return or find new faces. Luke Rounds had said in the paper he would like to return to Terang so hopefully this stays true and he does go back to reward the club that spent the time on him. I have heard that Hamilton have offered Luke an attractive offer to be playing coach so TM will need to act fast. A very proud club I don't see them staying down for very long.
 
Correction to name in last post *Joel Crawley not Jake Crawley. That's what late night posting does to the details. Apologies to Jake.
 
The final team to miss the HFNL Finals this season is new comers Portland Tigers. Portland were ahead of most people's expectations this season finishing just outside the 5. They managed to knock over last years premiers Warrnambool, nearly knocked over North Warrnambool and took it right up to Koroit, all these games were at home. Away from home Portland struggled against the top sides, it seemed the confidence they have a home doesn't carry with them away. The game plan at home is a hard full ground press because of the shape of Hanlon Park, it works really well, but away the Tigers seem to revert to a zone style that does suit them that well. It will be interesting to see the improvement in this side next season, the Coaching position is currently not yet a sealed deal for Holt but he is keen to go around again. Sources say they are looking in the SANFL and that they may even be chasing Jake Myles from the Eagles as well.

The players to impress this year were most of the playing group! From Jarryd Hayse up forward to Big Boy Ben Malcolm in the ruck, Scott Clark in the mid, Luke Van Huegten in defence and the impressive leadership from Jarrod Holt, Rhys Egan and Marcus England this team has a lot to look forward to. Jaydon Stiles also had a good year.

Hard to pick players who didn't perform after not seeing them in years before. If anyone from Portland wants to add to this part feel free.

The B&F will be a close one I would of thought, Holt, Egan, Van Huegten, Clark, Stiles, Hayse all in contention from the outside looking in perspective.

Portland are in good stead to be a force in the Hampden League, they boast talent in both the 18's and reserves, the clubs set up is a successful one, and the hunger and drive is alive and well. Expect an improved away showing next season and maybe even a finals appearance, it would be a huge effort in only the second year.
 
2013 HFNL FINALS SERIES

Now we get down to business after 18 rounds of H&A games and the fairest draw that Hampden League has seen in years where every team has played eachother twice, once home and once away, we are left with 5 sides competing for the ultimate prize!! Koroit Saints have won the minor premiership finishing on top of the ladder and have earned the week off, Coach Adam Dowie has said they won't be playing a practice match this weekend as they won't take any chances on a possible injury occurring. He also said next week would be a lighter week on the track in preparation for the winner of Cobden v Warrnambool.

The Qualifying Final:

Saturday - Cobden Bombers v Warrnambool Blues @ Terang Rec Reserve

It's the 2012 GF replay and what a cracking game of football this is sure to be!! Bombers snatched 2nd spot last week after the Blues were beaten by the Eagles. It doesn't mean anything in terms of who they were likely to play but it's a confidence filler! The Bombers need to get this monkey off their back, the Blues have won the past 14 games against the Bombers which is astounding considering the last couple of years the Bombers have had. It's quite funny to think that the Bombers have no trouble beating the Eagles and have only lost 1 of too many to count against them, the Eagles and Blues win and lose against each other more regularly these days and the Bombers just can't beat the Blues!! Matchups? Style of footy? Defensive set ups?? Who knows! We will know more after Saturday!

The Bombers have a star midfield, cracking backline, and forward line that gets the job done. Their smalls are hard running and creative and that is the backbone of this side. Players like Hinkley and Richardson to Foster and Dares to Cole and Hickey the spine is as good as you will see in the comp, but it's the lesser profiled players such as Sammy Uwland, Damon Delaney, Brody Mahoney, Sam Harkin and Mick Salmon that are the engine room of the Bombers. They spread, their fast, their overlap is terrific and defensively they run as good as any. I'm afraid to say it but the Bombers are their best right now and this is the win they need to get their hands on the cup!
The Blues tho aren't going to let it happen that easy, they know how to win finals, they know the effort it takes to win flags and more importantly they seem to know how to beat Cobden. When I talk of spines of a team this one is the best in the comp! From the backs O'Keefe, Jacobs, McCorkell and Bell, Graham and Rowan, it's potent. Warrnambool's real strength is the ability to play players in multiple positions, Cowling, McCarthy, O'Keefe, Corredig, Chirnside they can all be called on to go forward or back anytime and you know they can be dangerous. The Blue will be hungry again for a 6th straight GF appearance and will want to start with this win more than anyone. I have an ominous feeling about this one, as much as it could be an absolute ripper game it has a vintage Warrnambool win feel about it.
Match ups will be key and balance imperative at the end of the day we will know who is probably the major contender to Koroits assault on the league this season.

Unchanged line ups for both sides.

My tip - Warrnambool Blues by 12 points.


ELIMINATION FINAL

Sunday - North Warrnambool Eagles v Camperdown Magpies @ Vic Park Koroit

The do or die clash on Sunday between the Eagles and the Pies we hope is going to be another cracking game of footy! The Eagles have had a reasonable season even though they finished 4th, the fact they were only one win behind 1st placed Koroit shows they have been solid. Camperdown finished 5th but a couple of games behind the Eagles who have beaten them twice this season. The Eagles will go in very confident with a win over Warrnambool showing they can match it with the best and will be keen to stomp on the Pies the same authority it did the Blues early in the game last week. The Pies also come off a win but a much easier game for them flogging wooden spooners South Warrnambool, Dan Casey the league goal kicking award winner kicked 14 goals in a show of individual brilliance, he steps out this week in great form and has kicked well against the Eagles in their two outings. The Pies however need to find goals from else where this week, a spread of goal kickers will help beat the Eagles. The will also need to be on top in the middle, Chapman, Beckett, Mahoney and Lucas are some of the better mids in the game and they can match and win this battle. Please Camperdown will you play Chapman in the mid this week!! He is the best you have, leave him on the ball!! No more half back or full forward antics!! The Eagles mids looked great last week, Jake Myles, Andy McMeel, Matty Wines and Dean Gavin are all playing good footy and hungry to succeed. The Eagles have made some major inclusions for this game, North Ballarat Roosters listed player Marcus Darmody returns, as does North Ballarat Rebel Mitch Bowman, they come in for Nathan Murphy who had a knock in the knee and Tim Sheldon who is strangely unavailable for work reasons. Darmody would be rated as top 5 backman in the league, a full year in Hampden would have him number 1 in my opinion. He is big, mobile, reads the play well, kicks long and can play forward or back. Bowman is a stopping defender type and has excellent skills. The Eagles by far have the better team on paper and formline.
The pies welcome back big man Nick Bateman at the expense of Eddie Lucas.
I couldnt understand Haynes' idea that the Eagles were considering Herb Barlow as an inclusion with the side already stacked with talls, he is probably only a back up now in case a Dillon or Haynes goes down and a big is required. The Eagles seem not the quickest side in the top 5 so they need to be wary of that.

My Tip - North Warrnambool Eagles by 20 points

Good luck to all sides this weekend!! I ll be checking out both games and have a full wrap up of each that evening.
 
Saturday 30th August - Terang Recreation Reserve

Qualiying Finals

Grade Time Match
Football
Under 18.5's 10.00am North Warrnambool Eagles v Portland

Reserves 12.15pm Camperdown v Koroit

Seniors 2.10pm Cobden v Warrnambool

Netball
13 & Under 11.00am Camperdown v Cobden

15 & Under 10.00am South Warrnambool v Terang Mortlake

17 & Under 11.00am North Warrnambool Eagles v Terang Mortlake

A2 12.00pm Koroit v South Warrnambool

A1 12.00pm Cobden v Koroit

A 1.15pm Camperdown v Port Fairy
 
Full Time Score HFNL Qualifying Final

Cobden - 9.12.66
Warrnambool - 10.15.75

Warrnambool took a big step towards another GF appearance defeating Cobden today by 9 points. Darcy Graham was instrumental in setting up the victory, he had a tagging job on Joe Dare at stoppages but when Wbool had the ball he created chances, set up goals and exposed Joes lack of accountability today. Others to impress were Andrew McCarthy in the ruck and loose in defense, Damian McCorkell was superb, Tim O'Keefe was solid, Jason Rowan was good and Josh Walters was ultra clean. For Cobden it's another loss to the Blues and now will face the winner of Nth Wbool and Camperdown. The Bombers fell for the old son of kicking long to the OPP ruckman too many times and their skills looked pretty rusty. Better players for them were Paul Hinkley, Damon Delaney and Levi Dare in my opinion.
It was a great tough hard contested style of game today and both teams look fairly even. Will be another twist in this final series yet.
 
A great win to the North Warrnambool Eagles today in very warm conditions at Koroit. They managed to brush aside the Camperdown Magpies 14.12 (96) to 7.8 (50). For the Magpies it's season over and next season brings a new coach in Dan Casey, for the Eagles it's Semi Final time against the Cobden Bombers next Sunday.
The game today was scrappy to begin with but opened up after the 1st qtr and had some real highlight footy for the decent crowd that attended. Robbie Gregg was the main man up forward for the Eagles kicking 5 goals including one after a crowd pleasing speccy, he is in great touch at the right time of the year. Mark Murphy's sprints down the wing were great to watch, this kid has some serious speed, he is exciting. Andy McMeel was best on ground winning the ball at stoppages time after time and must of had around 30+ touches for the day. Haynes was a dominant force up higher in the forward line and layed a heavy bump on Camperdowns Jack Williams that resulted in an Eagles goal. Marcus Darmody was brilliant in reading the play in defense and used the ball sublimely. For the Pies Luke Mahony kicked a nice running goal to begin the 3rd qtr, Sam Chapman had a blistering start to the game but went missing when the Eagles sent youngster Tom O'Leary to him, he done a super job. Dan Casey kicked a couple of good long goals and finished with 4. Matthew Sinnott was busy in the center square and Khan Beckett worked hard all day.
The Eagles used the ball very well after qtr time and Camperdown couldn't match their speed as the day grew old. The Eagles kicking in front of goal was a little wayward but it was a tricky breeze for most of the day. They will now go on to face their bogey side in the Cobden Bombers next Sunday. The ground is yet to be announced. The Eagles have selection dilemmas to face with Assistant Coach Tim Sheldon available and possibly Nathan Murphy if he recovers from a sore knee. Who they drop from that side only a better person than me knows. It's almost a possibility they could go unchanged. Wouldn't be the worst call as that side today looked very balanced.
Cobden Bombers will be a huge mountain for the Eagles to climb but the Eagles have started the finals series with a bang.

My best today - Andy McMeel, Robbie Gregg and Marcus Darmody.

Looking forward to next weeks huge games between Koroit and Warrnambool,
and Cobden Bombers v North Warrnambool Eagles!
 
Hampden League have decided on the venues for this weeks upcoming Semi Finals. Officially it is now-

2nd Semi Final: To be played on Saturday at Gardens Oval, Port Fairy.
Koroit Saints v Warrnambool Blues (winner into GF, loser plays SF1 winner)

1st Semi Final: To be played on Sunday at Vic Park, Koroit.
Cobden Bombers v North Warrnambool Eagles (winner to play loser of SF2, loser is eliminated)

The weather forecast at this stage suggests light showers on Saturday and rain on Sunday.
 
With the Maskell Medal only around the corner who are your tips!! The Winner, the runners up, the smokey, and the surprise vote getter!?

The Winner - Ben Goodall (Kor)

The Runners Up - Sam Dobson (Kor), Paul Hinkley (Cob).

The Smokey - Khan Beckett (Camp)

The Surprise Vote Getter - Jackson Bell (Wbool) and Jake Myles (NWE)

Chuck out a post and have your say!
 
Semi Final Weekend!

Teams have had their final training session of the week and are now in a bit of a cat and mouse scenario with all sides except Warrnambool naming extended benches.

2nd Semi Final - Koroit v Warrnambool @ Port Fairy on Saturday.

For the winner it's straight into the GF, for the loser they will face the winner of semi final 1 in a prelim. Warrnambool have named an unchanged line up from last weeks win over Cobden. Koroit have added Drew O'Grady, Haydn Drew (VFL), and Jayden Brennan (Rebels) to an extended bench. Anyone dropped from this side will be unlucky.
Koroit have had the week off in the lead up to this game after finishing on top of the ladder, obviously it's a huge advantage as one win will have them into the GF. Warrnambool have had a win and a loss in past 2 games and both games were close, lost to NWbool by 1 point and beat Cobden by 9 points. That's how close this competition is at the top. Don't expect a blowout here, this will be one of the games of footy of the season, it will be all about pressure on the ball carriers, making the opposition make mistakes, and trying to be the side that settles the earliest and hits the scoreboard. Some veterans of footy face off in this game, Koroit have Joe McLaren, Chris McLaren, and Ben Goodall, while Warrnambool have Josh Walters, Andrew McCarthy, Jason Rowan. Both teams have massive finals experience and both will fight to the final siren. For Wbool I think they have a huge reliance on Andrew McCarthy to play well, he plays the loose ruckman behind the ball, sits in the hole and the Blues then entice the OPP to kick long down the line where McCarthy then marks or spoils to create a stoppage. Warrnambool have been doing this well for years. Koroits challenge this weekend is to limit McCarthy's influence and not let him have the position required, use their forwards to push up onto him and prevent him from having any influence on the long ball. I think Koroits fwd line is what will worry Warrnambool, it's big, quick and versatile. Sam Dobson has been the main man and is as good a lead up fwd as anyone in the comp. If Koroit can give them some clean delivery then they can really hurt them. It's going to be all about rebound footy and hurting the other side in transition.

My Tip - Koroit by 6 points.

1st Semi Final - Cobden v North Wbool @ Koroit on Sunday.

Another very interesting game, Cobden have been the bogey side of NWbool over the years, they have managed to win all but 1 game over the last few years and they flogged the Eagles in the Prelim last season. Cobden named Leigh Evans and the out is Mick Salmon, North named an extended bench including Barlow, Sheldon, Nathan Murphy and Ryan McElgunn. North look a better unit this season with many more avenues to goal and a stronger backline. What they lack is pace against the top sides, this means unless their skills are spot on they get hurt in transition. They are a shoot out winning side, easily beating sides below them and grinding out games with sides above them. Cobden have a solid defense lead by Paul Hinkley. The last couple of outings I have seen Hinkley matches up on Michael Darmody, Darmody has been far from impressive this season as a CHF, he is undersized and reasonably slow to recover. This is why Hinkley wins this match up every time, one on one, spoil and recover faster. Hinkley will hope that NWbool let this happen again. Richardson has been the other form back man for the Bombers and has done great jobs on David Haynes in recent times. Haynes is yet to play a great game against Cobden, in fact he tends to lose the plot against Cobden. 2 50m penalties and a yellow card last time they met....Cobden will not let him forget it. For the Bombers it's all about defend first then attack hard when they have the ball. Their mids play smart footy and set up brilliantly defensively, they are fast and use short options no matter where or who it is. They back Levi in to win the stoppages and are able to somewhat roll the dice a little and attack from most stoppages. This is where this game will be won. Who can win the clearances. Foster, Dare, Mahony, Dare v McMeel, Wines, Myles and Dillon. It's an exciting battle. I have no doubt both sides will tag, I'm assuming after last week Tom O'Leary may earn himself a job on Joe Dare or a run with role on Mahony, and Beechey will be likey to tag Myles or McMeel. I'm surprised the Eagles may change a winning side that looked very well balanced, Sheldon is an assistant coach and is likey to be included for the likes of a Joel Nestor who seems to be in and out a bit. After that I wouldn't be changing much. Keep it minimal.

My tip - Cobden by 2 goals.

So if my predictions are correct we will see -

Grand Final - Koroit Saints v TBC @ Reid Oval.

Prelim Final - Warrnambool Blues v Cobden Bombers @ Reid Oval.

What a couple of belters they will be!

Good luck all and may there be a couple more twists to come yet!
 

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