BOISDALE BRIAGOLONG
Current position: Third
Points: 36
Strengths: The Bombers have the best ruckman in the competition, Matt Wilkinson, who would be a short priced favourite at this stage of the year to win the league best and fairest. He’s particularly dangerous when Kel Porter is in the team, as he seems to shark him better than anyone else, bringing dangerous players such as Tom Jolly, Jackson Glenane and the dangerous Junior Bradshaw into the game.
Weaknesses: Their backline is unheralded and playing outstandingly, but they lack height. Barring Andrew Quirk they could be challenged by a tall side like Lucknow. With Jesse Bedggood (knee) and Trayvon Stretch (Western Australia) both unlikely to play for the remainder of the season, the Bombers have had to rework their forward set up in recent weeks. Skipper Jim Reeves, coach Sam Bedggood and the rejuvenated Cal Egan have been combining well, but time will tell if the Bombers can go all the way without a big target in the forward 50.
Key player: Kel Porter – still has no equal in this competition. Is a big game player who could take the Bombers to premiership glory.
Run home: Lakes Entrance (H), Orbost Snowy Rovers (H), Paynesville (H), Wy Yung (A), Stratford (A) and Lindenow (H)
Prediction: Another with an attractive draw on the way home to push for a top two finish. Life could be tough without a big forward in late August, but at present the Bombers are going well with a small forward set up. With Porter likely to miss both Stratford and Wy Yung with work, they will be danger games as will Orbost Snowy Rovers away. Life could be tough from third but time will where they finish.
