Sport
14 August, 2024
Bombers relishing tests from top teams as finals nears | HDFNL round 18
Pimpinio hosts Noradjuha Quantong
The Noradjuha Quantong Bombers will be hoping to carry its momentum through the finals round of the HDFNL against the Pimpinio Tigers on Saturday, August 17.
The Bombers have weathered a rough ride to the regular season's end, taking on the finals bound Swifts and Rupanyup in recent weeks, claiming wins against both.
Bombers' assistant coach Brock Orval said the side is feeling good.
"We've struggled through the year with injuries and stuff like that, but we've got it all together towards the end of the year which is a good time to have everyone back on," he said.
"So long as we can keep everyone on the park and injury free, we couldn't be looking any better coming into finals."
Orval said the the Bombers' Alex Ross did take an injury hit in the latest round, but with strong depth, the side has numbers to call on.
"We have two blokes that will probably come up from the twos that unfortunately got dropped on the weekend," Orval said.
The Bombers have been relishing the recent opportunity to measure its side against other top teams in the league.
"We haven't had a chance to have our full side in, so I think this has given us a good chance to see where we are with a full side in," Orval said.
"Obviously, beating [Swifts], and then turning up and really pushing out that last quarter against Rupanyup shows everyone's fit, everyone's ready to go."
Taking on Pimpinio in round 18 at the Pimpinio Sporting Complex, the Bombers are meeting another finals-bound squad.
"We're hoping to put in a really tough effort against them," Orval said.
"It's just another test before finals ... It just helps you get your structures right when you're playing against better sides.
"We've had a tough run, but I think it's worked out for the better."
Orval commended the quality of Pimpinio's line up.
"They're a good side, and on their day, I reckon they can match it with anyone," he said.
"They're hard to beat, they always stand up well at home.
"We're just hoping to get everyone back on the park again, continue our structures and just keep travelling like we have the last couple of weeks."
With the prospect of a home elimination final, Pimpinio also has a little extra motivation in round 18.
The Tigers' footballers need to secure fifth to return to their home track a week later in finals, but Rupanyup is the side that stands in their way.
Rupanyup's final round sees the 2022 HDFNL premiers take on the 2023 premiers Harrow Balmoral at the Rupanyup Recreation Reserve.
In round 17 of the HDFNL, Laharum took the Southern Roos closer to defeat than most have in the last two years.
But, the blue and white will likely remain heavy favourites against the Panthers.
Laharum's round 18 will see the side hosting Edenhope Apsley at Cameron Oval.
Meanwhile. the Swifts take on Natimuk United at Stawell's North Park and Taylors Lake travels to Kalkee Recreation Reserve to meet the Kees.
Kaniva Leeor United's season is over, the Cougars are placed outside the top-six and have the final round bye.