Following a round of wet weather football across the South West that dealt the only undefeated side a loss, teams are now gearing up for round six.
There are a couple of intriguing matches on the cards for the round while some pose potential blowouts.
Here are previews to each SWFL game for round six.
This game has a bit more interest in it than it might suggest at first.
A top five team at home taking on a side with one win that is on the road does not necessarily equal an interesting game.
But both of these sides are coming off narrow losses they should have claimed wins in, adding a certain hunger to this clash.
But is hunger enough to make this match a showdown? This writer thinks not.
The weather poses to be a bit dryer which works in Busselton’s favour, and their large-bodied midfielders should have a license to run rampant against the Lions.
Dan McGinlay has produced solid performances so far this season, but with his teammates taking some of the pressure off we’re yet to see an overdose of his ability.
But I’m betting that will change in this match with a big performance from the perennial powerhouse.
This could lead to the demise of HBL’s midfield.
Zac Piper, Jack Quinn and Jordan Sell are all talented, but it’s difficult to envision them running with McGinlay, Chris Kane and Nathan Bradbury.
Tip: Busselton
Margin: 40 points.
Again, this matchup does not scream excitement at anyone – except maybe South Bunbury fans.
The Tigers’ put their season back on the right path last week with a win over Busselton and a win here would see them even their record up at 3-3.
Considering they began the season at 0-3, that’s a decent effort.
Collie on the other hand remains without a win, having started the season at 0-5.
The Eagles have their share of talented players on their roster, but the side as a whole has many gaps.
They lack a dominant forward, a tough full back and their ruck stocks could do with some improvement.
Their running players of Matt Michael, Adam Bignell and Corey Griggs can make a difference in games, but they lack in the spine which could hurt them here.
South Bunbury does not have an overly large amount of strength in their spine, but they should have enough around the ball to get the job done here.
Matt Giacci, Ben Jerez, Damon Bull and Shaun Crane should help the Tigers over the line here.
Tip: South Bunbury
Margin: 26 points
Although they’re not in the top five right now, I have a feeling the Bulls are a better side than we’ve seen so far this season (and what we’ve seen has been good).
Unlike many other teams in the South West, they recruited well in the off-season.
Their coup of Andrew McDougall is paying dividends while Dan Lieshman and Michael Genovese are also helping Harvey to win matches.
Contrary to that, Bunbury had the off-season from hell losing just about all of their key players.
But the Bulldogs continue to give their younger footballers opportunities which should prove a wise decision in the future.
However, focussing on the present, this game threatens to be ugly for anyone wearing black and gold.
I don’t see anyone on Bunbury’s roster that can run with McDougall, but the biggest danger could be Harvey’s spread of scoring they’ve displayed in the last few weeks.
Josh Krispyn continues to boot majors while Mark Cherubino, Lieshman and Jordan Fimmano can hit the scoreboard.
Brad Blake and Cameron Lamonaca can be looked at for significant contributions for the Bulldogs, but it’s likely that it won’t be enough to see them secure a win.
Tip: Harvey Bulls
Margin: 52 points
Finally, we arrive at the best game of the round.
Donnybrook is up an about with a win over the then-undefeated Carey Park Panthers last week, while Eaton sits atop the ladder with a blistering percentage.
But the biggest talking point heading into this game is whether Donnybrook big man Jeff Smith will play or not.
Footy HQ understands that Smith, who was battling a rib injury last week but still managed to boot six goals, landed awkwardly in a contest last week and suffered a corked buttock.
Smith missed Donnybrook’s game against AMR two weeks ago and the Dons went down.
Now he faces further injury questions placing him in doubt for this week’s game.
That’s the main reason I’m tipping Eaton to win this match – if Smith misses, Donnybrook is far less likely to come away with four points.
But I’m extremely wary to tip against the Dons after they made me eat my words last week.
The midfield battle shapes as the most entertaining part of this match.
Simon Parry, David Roche and Curtis Guglielmana form a potent attack but they will be coming up against an expert squad for Eaton.
Chris Atthowe leads the Boomers’ engine room while Blake Piggot, Kane Bloxsidge and Brent Piercey give Eaton a slight advantage in the centre.
If the game is played through the corridor, Eaton should take advantage.
But if Smith does play and Donnybrook utilise his marking ability, then they are every chance of driving home with four more premiership points.
Tip: Eaton
Margin: 9 points.
We end round six with another mind-boggling matchup.
Carey Park suffered their first defeat of the season last week while AMR claimed an inspiring victory, meaning both sides now sit with 4-1 records.
With both sides at full strength, this game would perhaps be the most entertaining of the week.
Unfortunately though, AMR will be without co-coach and superstar player Hamish Shepheard, who accepted a one match ban for striking (which also ruins my Hayward medal tip).
This leaves AMR without much to contest against Loki Lawrence and Carey Park’s other big men besides Daniel Atkinson (who was very impressive against HBL).
But it’s not the battle of the tall timber that interests me in this match.
I’m particularly keen to watch AMR’s underrated midfielders and flank players going up against Carey Park’s star studded line-up.
Graham Jetta (my new Hayward medal tip) has been in fine form for the Panthers while Brandon Jetta, Chris Rintoul and Kieran King can help link up play and drive the ball forward.
For the Hawks, Vaughan Colyer leads the surge while Daniel Payne, Jordan Payne and Ben Gerrans assist.
It’s disappointing that Shepheard won’t be out there, but this could still be a great game.
Tip: Carey Park
Margin: 17 points
