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It's now mid week, time to consider this weekend's [insert name of sponsor] Premier Grade fixture.
Nedlands are a very good side, now overseen by former Force assistant coach Tom Fearn. Tom was watching Neddies game against Palmyra last weekend (I was standing next to him incognito) and he didn't appear all that impressed. I'm sure he picked up on a few deficiencies and won't allow them to make the same mistakes twice.
However one of Neddies' props is an aging draught horse, and while he did his best, he flagged considerably as the game wore on. Better for them they lose some avoirdupois in favour of agility and pace. A younger man from the seconds perhaps, or call in Fairbrother under the Browngate "Favours for Favourite Clubs" Rule? After all, Fairbrother did play part of one game for them. Fairs fair.
Cottesloe will not match Nedlands in the forwards, Brown or no Brown, and as heavy as Cott's pack is, they will be hard pressed at the set pieces.
In the backs however I feel Cott have a definite advantage, especially in the halfback / five eight combination of Swanepoel, the Brisbane club player (see, I do know how to spell his name, Laura) and Cloete. As slick as any I've seen this year, even at Rep level. If the Neddies' loose forwards can shut them down, Neddies will win the game. But it will be a tall order as the pair are quick, low to the ground, and slippery.
I'm a bit concerned about the morale of the Cottesloe reserves. As they did one of their interminable warm up jogs and ran past me, I asked them politely how it felt to be on the sidelines while a couple of ring ins took their place in the team, and their reaction was most, to say the least, unpleasant. I think those lads need counselling and anger management intervention.
Anyway you look at it, it will be a hard grind for both Neddies and Cott and the winner will certainly be worthy of a place in the finals.
Good luck to the club side, Nedlands.