Match Preview

By the Lineside Lion

This week Palmyra make the short trip south to take on the Lions at the Lions' Den in another season defining game for the host team.

After losing to a committed Perth Bayswater outfit last week the Lions are out for redemption this week and looking to maintain a positive win ratio by derailing the Palms who're looking to claw their way out of the cellar.

However, for all that Palmyra will be no easy-beats and have the pace and skill to prove a real handful.

With no Force boys available to any teams this weekend both sides will have to rely on their regular squads to get the job done.

However, Coach Brett Fell has done his homework and picked a squad to suit the opposition. Usually looking to spread the ball and go wide at every opportunity the plan changes this week favouring a more direct route.

"Pally won't be easy. It will be a very different game to last week. They might be sitting 12th but they'll get themselves up for us, believe me".

"If we can secure our ball and get on the front foot and play direct and get quick ball from phase play we're a chance. They're too fast to stretch so we need to bash it (and them) up a bit. We're looking to play a pretty physical game this weekend and need the boys to step up and deliver".

"Tomasi had a great game last week and was probably one of our best so we've retained him at blindside and rotated Brad Woodford to the bench and brought Mike Furze into 7. With Swainy at 8 its a larger back 3 that's still pretty mobile."

In other changes Brett has brought Ben Carr back into 9 whilst the industrious Joe Claes is promoted to starting hooker given the concussion to Josh Haynes last week. Brett has also reworked the back line and brought in some size on the wings with mid-season recruits Isi Pedersen and James Merrie starting on the flanks.

"They're both sizeable lads and if they hit a gap at pace they'll break the line and that's what we'll be looking for them to do."

Colts and 3rds at 12.30, Reserves at 1.50 and Seniors at 3.30.

Any volunteers welcome to assist with set up and break down and jobs during the day are welcome.