GDFNL Morris Seniors’ Previews – Round 9

31 May GDFNL Morris Seniors’ Previews – Round 9

Werribee Centrals vs. Belmont Lions (Live on 94.7fm the Pulse this Saturday)
What a blockbuster to finish the first nine rounds of the season! Werribee Centrals’ upset loss to Anakie in Round 3 has now been left in the distant past after the Centurions strung a fifth consecutive win against Thomson on Saturday. Teenager Carmelo Saliba finished with six goals on one end, ball winners Blake Taylor and Daryl Chesterman slotted three each and Werribee VFL star Daly Andrews also proved accurate in the 20.13 (133) to 8.10 (58) win.
The Centurions also proved solid down back as Jack Stephenson impressed with 36 disposals. Though they will be without Joshua Sutton (concussion) the line-up will hope to be the first in 2024 to celebrate a win over the undefeated Lions. Bradley Carlton will be the notable inclusion for the home side while former Barwon Heads Seagull Braeden Eddy has crossed to the Lion den.  
Last time they met – Round 14, 2023. Belmont Lions 15.18 (106) defeated Werribee Centrals 11.11 (77).

Bannockburn vs. East Geelong 
East Geelong will enter this clash as favourite with momentum displayed in its current seven game winning streak while head-to-head the Eagles held a 3-0 record over the Tigers in season 2023. Not even the absence of deep forward Zac Smith (who injured his hamstring in the third quarter of his side’s 28-point win over Winchelsea) will worry the Eagles who have multiple avenues to goal.
Bannockburn celebrated its biggest win for the season last week when conquering Bell Post Hill by 63 points. The Tigers’ tackling pressure in the opening quarter will be key.
Last time they met – Elimination Final, 2023. Bannockburn 12.9 (81) defeated by East Geelong 10.17 (77).
 

Thomson vs. Geelong West
Incredibly hard to gage where the Tigers are placed in the premiership race. They have faced three defeats by eight or more goals yet remain in the top five with a 4-4 record. Billie Smedts remained the standout in the side’s 74-point defeat and could be in contention for the Whitley medal conversation if he performs well against Geelong West, Anakie, Bell Post Hill and Winchelsea in June.
The return of Aaron Hutchison and a few other Orange talents will strengthen the visitors. But will it be enough to end their current three game losing streak? Geelong West ball winner Thomas Burke will be the player to watch in his 50th game. 
Last time they met – Round 15, 2023. Geelong West 6.5 (41) defeated by Thomson 14.11 (95).
 

Corio vs. Anakie
An eight goal-haul from Herschelle Carr against Geelong West complimented a Corio midfield masterclass on Saturday as the Devils celebrated their biggest win in almost 14 years. Despite the on field absence of Joel Bennett, younger brother Toby has proven to be sensational off of half back after the current captain finished with 31 disposals and eight inside-50s, threading the ball to his accurate spearhead up forward.
First year recruit Luke Dahlhaus was sensational for the Roos with 36 disposals in their narrow loss to Inverleigh. After a 2-2 start to the season the Roos have slipped down to 10th but can even the ledger with wins against Corio, Thomson (away), Winchelsea and Bannockburn (away). Nothing is impossible in season 2024.  
Last time they met – Round 15, 2023. Anakie 13.15 (93) defeated by Corio 16.13 (109).

Winchelsea vs. Inverleigh
Last year the home side won this head-to-head match-up by three goals. Once again, this could go either way.
The Blues have made three changes to their line-up following Saturday’s broadcast clash including Jack Todd who, in the words of assistant coach Hayden Forssman, adds some height on the wing. However the absence of Tavae Sauni (hamstring) may be the home side’s achillies heel following the impressive former of Inverleigh ball winner Jarrod Love.
This match-up may come down to the match-up of key defender Luke Henry and Inverleigh goal-kicker Adam Donohue who has scored 30 goals from seven games. Perhaps goal-kicking runs in his family?
Last time they met – Round 15, 2023. Inverleigh 12.19 (91) defeated Winchelsea 10.11 (71).

North Geelong vs. Bell Post Hill
It wasn’t that long ago that this way the permanent match of the round when we reached this chapter of our league’s rolling draw.
Now we have two of the youngest sides on paper both aiming to make the finals. It is an eight point game for the Panthers who hope to climb from the bottom of the table. Will Kerrins and Jett Herrmann stood tall against the Tigers last week while other young guns followed the example set by premiership Panthers Adrian Fantella and Jordan Flaccavento.
Jacsen Jewell and Rory Desnoy were both exciting to watch against the Belmont Lions last week, they are in the box seat to lead their side to a 4-5 start to the season. Notable absences in this clash: Jack Yates, Dylan Godwin (Bell Post Hill), Thomas Schwennesen and Dillon Wickham (North Geelong). 
Last time they met – Round 15, 2023. Bell Post Hill 18.16 (124) defeated North Geelong 5.10 (40).