The Peel Football and Netball League will resume from its two-week break in style when Pinjarra hosts Baldivis in a blockbuster at Sir Ross McLarty Oval this weekend.
The league’s top two sides have been simmering after heading into the two-week break with wins, but things will boil over when they meet on Saturday in a game that could define their seasons.
With the race to the finals heating up, Pinjarra needs to gain some ground on Baldivis if they want to leapfrog into top spot before the post-season kicks off.
They currently sit six premiership points behind the Brumbies, but a win here would turn their fortunes mightily.
On the other hand, Baldivis are clutching to their lead and would be relishing the chance to jump two-and-a-half games clear of the reigning premiers.
Tigers coach Troy Vidovich said the importance of the clash wasn’t lost on his side.
“We know this is a big game. It’s a tough one because you never know what head space you’re in coming off the break, but we know we need to step things up,” he said.
“I feel really good about where our group’s at – we’ve started to get a little consistency in the 22 blokes we’re getting on the field each week which is pleasing.
“Each team is pretty strong across the board, so it’s probably just going to come down to who wins that midfield battle, and I’m confident in our boys.”
Key factors
1. Weather
It’s a shame the rain looks set to pour down on this one, because it had the potential to be a battle of attrition with both sides very skilled users of the footy. The bad news is it’s probably going to become a bog, but the good news is that it adds another element to the spectacle – whichever teams adapts to the conditions best is going to come away with the win.
2. Dynamic forward lines
They won’t be getting hit on the chest with bullet-like passes thanks to the weather, but each team boasts and array of small forwards who could make the most of winning the ball at ground level. Since it’s likely to hit the deck more often than not in this one, guys like Pinjarra’s Leroy Jetta and Brennan Gillam, or Baldivis’ Eddy Dann and Blaine Johnson, should have plenty of opportunity to make something out of nothing, and all are capable of doing exactly that.
3. The bye weeks
They’re in the rear view but that’s not to say they won’t play a part in this game. They may be the top two, but last time these squads came off a bye left plenty to be desired. Baldivis’ inaccurate kicking did them in against Rockingham, and Pinjarra was left bruised and battered against a rampant Centrals outfit. This time they’ve had two weeks off, so it’s going to be very interesting to see which side shows up looking sharper than the other.
Head-to-head
The midfield battle
There’s no possible way of knowing which midfield is going to come out of this match-up on top, given how evenly they stack up. Baldivis will be led by captain Emmanuel Collard along with competition stars Brendan Tingey and Dann, while Pinjarra’s Rob Beswick, Rory O’Brien and Rohan Kerr try to see the Tigers over the line. Throw in bucketing rain to make it a scrap and it’s basically impossible to pick which side has the edge. Should be a ripping contest at every stoppage.
The fixture
Sir Ross McLarty Oval, Saturday, July 21, 4.30pm.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
