AFL Central West Round 9 Preview
Orange Tigers might rue their early-season defeat to Bathurst Giants. Can they take down the Bushrangers on home soil this week? Photo: Ben Neely
Round 9 of the 2021 AFL Central West Senior Competition will be held across Waratah Sports Club, South Dubbo Oval, and George Park, on Saturday 10 July. All the action begins at 11am, please remember as AFL CW matches are organised outdoor events, patrons are required to wear masks and sign in on the available QR codes.
Men’s Tier 1
Dubbo Demons vs Bathurst Giants
Time: 2:15pm
Ground: South Dubbo Oval
Comments: The Bathurst Giants will be looking to extend their winning streak to five games when they travel to Dubbo to take on the Demons. The Giants have looked impressive this year, currently leading the competition. The Demons have enjoyed a two-game winning streak since losing to the Giants in Round 5, including a 38-point win over the Bushrangers in Round 7. Expect the Demons to come out hungry to win and defend home ground. Joshua Anasis will be our player to watch. The Demons forward will need to be at his best this weekend for his side to take the win.
Orange Tigers vs Bathurst Bushrangers
Time: 2:15pm
Ground: Waratah Sports Club
Comments: The Bathurst Bushrangers will try and make a push for top spot when they take on the Orange Tigers at Waratah Sports Club. The Bushrangers currently sit two-wins behind the Giants on the Tier 1 ladder. The Tigers will want a win to try and hold onto third spot, as the Demons only trail them on percentage. Expect a scrappy and physical game between the sides, and the conditions may play a part in the game. Scott Brown returns for the Bushrangers following lockdown compliance and is a massive in for a visiting side aiming to get their season back on track.
Women’s
Dubbo Demons vs Bathurst Giants
Time: 12:30pm
Ground: South Dubbo Oval
Comments: The Bathurst Giants will look to make it nine wins in a row this season, as the undefeated side travels to Dubbo to take on the second place Demons. The Giants have been the standout team in the Women’s competition this season, but have yet to play their opponents in Dubbo. They have looked fantastic in the first half of the season and they don’t look like slowing down anytime soon. The Demons have improved a lot this season, but they will want to bounce back after last week’s five-point loss to the Tigers. Keep an eye out for Elise Gullifer. The Giants forward has been in amazing form recently, having kicked eight goals in her past three matches.
Orange Tigers vs Bathurst Bushrangers
Time: 12:30pm
Ground: Waratah Sports Club
Comments: In this week’s Match of the Round, the Bathurst Bushrangers travel to Orange to take on the Tigers. It’s a must win game for the Bushrangers, as the side is beginning to run out of time to make a push for the finals. A loss to the Tigers this weekend will put them two games behind the third placed side. As a result, it would make it that much harder for the Bushrangers to snag a finals spot. For the Tigers, a win will help take some of the pressure off. Look for Kelsey Richards to have a big game, as the Bushrangers forward has kicked four of her side’s five goals in the past two rounds.
Men’s Tier 2
Dubbo Demons vs Bathurst Giants
Time: 11:00am
Ground: South Dubbo Oval
Comments: The Dubbo Demons play host to Bathurst Giants this weekend at South Dubbo Oval. In a battle between the sixth and seventh places sides, both teams will need a win as the competition reaches past its halfway point. This will be the second game played between the sides, as the Giants enjoyed a 15-point win over the Demons in Round 1. Dubbo were competitive defensively against Parkes Panthers last weekend, but like most sides this year, struggled to impact the scoreboard. This effort will need to remain, and at home, should be close to full strength for the encounter.
Orange Tigers vs Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws
Time: 11:00am
Ground: Waratah Sports Club
Comments: In the opening game at Orange this weekend, the Tigers host the Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws. This is a must win game for the Tigers, as they currently sit eight points behind the Outlaws. The Outlaws will be looking for a win as well, which would help the side make a push for the top three.
Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels vs Cowra Blues
Time: 11:00am
Ground: George Park #2
Comments: In the only game in Bathurst this weekend, the Rebels play host to the Cowra Blues. The Rebels and Blues both sit second and third respectively on the Tier 2 ladder, so expect a great contest between the two sides. The Rebels are coming off a one-point win over the Orange Tigers, whilst the Blues enjoyed a 14-point win against the Bathurst Giants. Look for a closely fought contest between two great Tier 2 sides this weekend as both sides look to consolidate a top two finish.
PARKES PANTHERS – BYE
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