THE big question heading into this match is: does Yarrawonga star Marcus McMillan stay forward or does he go back to man one of Lavington’s key forwards?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It’s a tough call with Adam Prior, Justin Koschitzke and Andrew Dess forming a good combination for the Panthers but I’d be starting McMillan in attack.
I think a front end with McMillan, Brad O’Connor and Jess Koopman can cause plenty of headaches and is worth starting with.
The other bonus for the Pigeons is that Brandon Symes has got some games under his belt and if he can play bigger midfield minutes, his ability to compete, spread from the contest, run forward and mark the footy will be crucial.
Yarrawonga’s midfield is well led by Xave Leslie, who has the best hands in the comp, but the Panthers are no slouches in the middle of the ground, either, with Matt Sharp getting first hands on the ball and receiving great support from Luke Garland.
Garland plays that high half-forward role beautifully and has caught so many teams out on the way back to goal.
He is an obvious key for the Panthers with him being able to play midfield minutes and kicking over 30 goals for the season.
It should be an absolute cracker and it’s hard to pick a winner as both sides have stars that will stand up with the game in the balance, but the Pigeons may just miss the X-factor of Nick Lawless, who we saw take the game away from us first-hand in round 13, and the drive of Tyler Bonat in the midfield.
- Tip: Lavington by six points