AFL Central West Round 3 preview
Giants and Bushrangers players contest the ruck - Photo: Ben Neely
Round 3 of the 2021 AFL Central West Senior Competition will be held across South Dubbo Oval, Mulyan Oval, and Waratah Sports Ground on Saturday May 15. AFL Central West preview all the action, including the Match of the Round between the Tier 2 Orange Tigers vs Bathurst Giants. All the action begins at 11am, and with Covid restrictions easing slightly from the 2020 season, fans are welcome to come down, and cheer on their side!
Men’s Tier 1
Dubbo Demons vs Bathurst Bushrangers
Time: 2:15pm
Ground: South Dubbo Oval
Comments: Both the Demons and the Bushrangers will be looking to bounce back after disappointing losses in Round 2. After a disappointing first quarter start against the Orange Tigers last week, the Dees will want to set the tone early against a Bushrangers side looking for redemption after narrowly losing to the Bathurst Giants at home. The Dees host for the first time in season 2021, and the Bushies hit the road for their first away trips of the Tier 1 and Women’s campaigns. The general rule of thumb with Dubbo, is if they make their home a fortress, lock them in for some finals action.
Orange Tigers vs. Bathurst Giants
Time: 2:15pm
Ground: Waratah Sports Club
Comments: With both teams winning in Round 2, this will be an interesting game to watch. The Giants were outstanding against the Bushrangers last week, and will want to keep that momentum going whilst the Tigers started hot in the first quarter against the Demons last week. Both teams will need to start strong. Come stop by Waratah Sports Club and catch the action. The top of the goalkicking charts take centre stage on Waratah’s with the Giants’ Sam Sloan and Tigers’ new recruit, Todd Fagan both leading the way with 9 apiece.
Womens
Dubbo Demons vs Bathurst Bushrangers
Time: 12:30pm
Ground: South Dubbo Oval
Comments: The Demons are coming off a low scoring victory against the Orange Tigers whilst the Bushrangers lost to the Giants by 58 points. Look for the Bushrangers to bounce back from last week’s loss and travel to Dubbo with something to prove. This will be a massive test for the visitors, who in 2020, battled their hosts all season for second place on the ladder, and a loss this week will start to see separation between the top sides.
Orange Tigers vs. Bathurst Giants
Time: 12:30pm
Ground: Waratah Sports Club
Comments: The Orange Tigers had a disappointing loss last week against the Demons in a low scoring encounter, and will look to improve as they face an undefeated Bathurst Giants side that defeated the Bushrangers convincingly last week. The Giants have goals aplenty at their disposal, with Hailee Provest (7) and Olivia Johnston (5 last week) leading the competition
If you’re in Orange, come check out all the action.
Men’s Tier 2
Dubbo Demons vs Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels
Time: 11am
Ground: South Dubbo Oval
Comments: The Dubbo Demons were defeated by the Cowra Blues last week whilst the Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels enjoyed a convincing victory over the Bathurst Giants. The Dees will need to move on from last week’s defeat and focus on getting a win against the Rebels. This shapes as a great chance for the Rebels to stay in touch with Parkes at the top of the standings, whilst for the Dees, it’s their first time in front of the home crowd, and this should lead to a strong lineup.
Come check out all the action at South Dubbo Oval.
Orange Tigers vs Bathurst Giants (Match of the Round)
Time: 11am
Ground: Waratah Sports Club
Comments: In the Match of the Round for Round 3, The Orange Tigers play host to the Bathurst Giants. The Tigers enjoyed the bye in Round 2 whilst the Giants were defeated by the Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels. Look for the Giants to bounce back against a Tigers outfit that will be looking to come out strong from the bye. Like the Dees, this match is the Tigers first chance in season 2021 for their Tier 2 side to play in front of the home fans, and with all three grades at Tiger Park this weekend, expect a quality side to take the field.
Cowra Blues vs Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws
Time: 11am
Ground: Mulyan Oval
Comments: The Cowra Blues started their season strongly last week, defeating the Dubbo Demons by 56 points. The Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws however, had a poor game against the Parkes Panthers, losing by 136 points. Can the Outlaws bounce back, or will the Blues prove to be too strong this week? Come to Mulyan Oval and check out all the action.
Parkes Panthers – BYE
Junior Grades (action begins at 9:30am)
Orange Tigers vs Bathurst Giants – Waratah Sports Club
Dubbo Junior AFL vs Bathurst Bushrangers – South Dubbo Oval
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