Unbeaten Waaia, complete with the competition’s most stringent defence, comes up against its most capable challenger in Strathmerton ― and 72-goal monster Tim Looby.
Bombers coach Mitch Cleeland said he had a fair idea of Strathmerton’s ability, but admits if previous scorelines are anything to go by, the Bulldogs will prove a hard ask on their home deck.
“They’re going quite well, but it’s hard to fully understand how well they are playing when we haven’t seen them first hand ourselves yet,” Cleeland said.
“Results indicate that they’re doing everything right as well, as we can only take what results are providing at the moment.
“Based off the previous couple of years, they’ve been a really good side and we’ve always had good competition with these guys.
“When you’ve got players like Tim Looby, you’re always going to be a good side, so we’re wary of what they’re going to provide, and at the same time, just hoping we can focus on ourself and that’s enough for the day.”
Looby heads the league’s goal-kicking charts, ahead of Waaia’s Charlie Burrows by 13 after the Strathmerton forward booted eight in a 111-point thumping of Rennie last round.
The Bombers’ most recent win was much slimmer, albeit more important, in nature.
Cleeland’s boys felled fourth-placed Tungamah 13.10 (88) to 6.7 (43) in round 14 following three weeks off the park, with a hard-nosed effort from the back six key to claiming the Bears’ scalp.
“It took a little while to get going, but it’s nice now that we’ve got that one under our belt and a good win to come into this week’s game relatively fresh and everyone in a good state of mind,” Cleeland said.
“We’re hoping we can play the right style of footy and that gets the job done.
“We’ve got quite an even spread across the board, last week our back six were really strong and hopefully they provide the same again this week.”
In terms of difference-makers from either side in this weekend’s top two bout, Looby is a clear pick for Strathmerton alongside forward partner Darcy McCormack (47 goals).
Cleeland will again rely on his brigade of backmen to nullify the duo’s influence, also backing a number of stars in the red and black to weigh heavy on the outcome of Saturday’s blockbuster.
“Ash Holland in the ruck is always a bit of a cheat code to be honest, so any time he’s in the ruck it helps the midfielders,” Cleeland said.
“Jess Trower the captain, he’ll be good again as per always and Charlie Burrows has been kicking plenty of goals up forward.
“When in doubt we fall back on those guys, but we’re hoping to not rely on them and everyone contributes their little bit across the board.”
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