MATCH OF THE ROUND 20/08/22

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PREMIER DIVISION

Written by Fin Dunford

Saturday Match of the Round Preview: Premier Division

Well, here it is.

Saturday’s Match of the Round features the two-remaining title-challengers, Modbury Jets and Old Ignatians. In the Jets we have an established power in the league that has been around the mark year after year, but this season they have been matched by a formidable opponent in the up-and coming Old Ignatians. The rivalry is fierce, as both sides know exactly what they’re playing for this weekend. For Jets, they aim to maintain their mantle as the best team in the Premier Division. It’s a case of not can they do it, but can they do it again – a true marker of a champion. Iggies will be chasing a slightly different kind of glory, as a win would almost seal their first ever Premier Division Title – a monumental moment in this club’s proud history.

Iggies captain, Julian Sartoretto, understands the significance of the occasion but is cool, calm, and collected in his approach. When quizzed on how the squad is feeling, ‘Sarts’ acknowledged “a really good atmosphere among the squad”. The Iggies outfit we see now is the result of good business in the transfer window and slowly finding the formula, “we have picked up a couple of new players and have continued to put in good performances week in week out – which is all we can really ask for – plenty of good vibes”. Sarts commends his side’s title opponents and knows that overcoming them will require the very best of what his team has to offer, “we know Jets are a pretty good side, they’ve been the best team over the last couple of years – always tough playing them away. We’re pretty confident that if we put our best foot forward that we will be in with a chance to get a result.”

His opposing captain Scott Weidenbach backs his team to emerge victorious, which speaks to the winning culture the club has built in recent years. He says the team is feeling pretty good after previous results, “we’ve had a few players come back from injury and suspension. We’re confident within the group”. When asked about what he thinks will get his side over the line, Weidenbach commended their attacking style of play “I think our best attributes are in our forward half, so hopefully we can score more goals than them!”.

Get down to Smith Partners Stadium at 3.00pm to watch this absolute blockbuster.

Sunday Match of the Round Preview: Premier Division

If you thought the drama stopped with Saturday’s fixture, you could not be more wrong. The drama intensifies and the theatre of football open’s its curtains once again – as Parafield Gardens host Elizabeth Downs in yet ANOTHER title-decider. This weekend’s hosts are just a point behind Sunday juggernauts, The Downs, and are 90 minutes away from the brink of making history – as this would be their first title since 2013. The Gardens of course, famously won last year’s cup over Downs, which will inevitably serve as a reminder to them that they belong in this arena and can match it with the very best on their day. Their opponents, however, are no stranger to moments like this and seem to revel in the challenge and pressure that comes with these blockbuster affairs.

Daniel Roadley is on the march to leading his side to glory, he remarks that team side have “been consistent all year round”. The Gardens have been one of the teams-to-beat in recent times, “I feel like it’s been 4-5 years in the making. We’ve been around the mark, finished second a lot. So, I think the boys are really up for it.” Roadley and his troops know that second place won’t satisfy them this year, when asked about his side’s title hopes, he simply and rather epically said “I feel like it’s our time”.

Scott Lindsay the esteemed captain of Elizabeth Downs may have other ideas though. He is very happy with how the squad has developed recently, “since I’ve been at the club, its one of the best squads I’ve been a part of. We’ve got that much depth, and that plays a huge role”. Lindsay makes a valid point; you will find players on the Downs’ bench that would be starting almost anywhere else – the quality and standards forming at the club are remarkable. Scott was also very complimentary of this week’s opponent, “their season has been pretty good as well. They are always hard to come up against – they’re young, they’re fit, they work hard – can’t fault them”. There is evidently a lot of respect between these competitors, which is also equalled with confidence “if we play our game, I think we probably still have the wood over them”.

You simply cannot miss this one, get down to Bradman Oval for what promises to be an all-timer.