Match of the Week – Brentwood Booragoon v Manning
11 Jul, 2008
The round 13 Keystart Home Loans Match of the Week between rivals Brentwood Booragoon and Manning at Karoonda Park is shaping as a very important match for the home side as they look to further consolidate their spot in the top five and stretch their winning run to seven. Manning is searching for their fourth win of the season and would dearly love to jump ahead of Carlisle and Dianella Morley and away from the relegation zone.
Brentwood Booragoon used the 2007 season to work on their game plan under new coach Aubrey Green. The results of that decision speak for themselves as the Bulldogs now sit in third spot, only one game off the pace set by Ballajura and Kingsway. The 2007 Premiership winning Reserves are in second spot and in a good position to challenge for back to back flags. The club is in a healthy position and confidence is high.
Aubrey Green has brought stability to the club that has been lacking since their last finals campaign in 2001. This is shown through the impressive player numbers that has allowed the club to field an additional senior team for the 2008 season and beyond.
Acting League Captain Anthony Rowell, Dave Arnold, Ben Paine, Gary Peel and Brent Farrow have been the corner stone of the clubs success so far this year. The League team has found a great mix of youth, experience and leadership that will take the club to the finals.
The Manning Rippers are rebuilding in 2008, after two injury plagued years in C Grade that ultimately lead to their demotion to the D Grade competition. The Manning Rippers season can best be described as similar to the Dockers in the AFL as they have been competitive against the top sides but haven’t been able to seal the deal. It is not all doom and gloom for the club though with the Reserves in third spot on eight wins and pushing hard for finals.
It can’t be denied that there is a bit of feeling between these two clubs. Several Manning life members defected to Brentwood nine years ago and Manning have long memories. Loyal Captain and three time best and fairest winner Erwin Edlinger is very keen to put his best foot forward this week and steer home a win for the Rippers.
Jamie Hendry and Nick Matthews have had good seasons in the midfield supplying full forward Luke Lovett who has booted 43 goals so far this season. All three will need to be at their best but confidence is high and there is a lot to play for this weekend at Karoonda Park.
Jason Edlinger, Colin Bishop and Bob and Gavin Braam are the keys in the reserves battle, whilst Dan Hurrell will celebrate his 150th game lining up on Rippers Hall of Fame member and current Brentwood player Roger Beer.
Brentwood Booragoon would like to thank major sponsors Westlink Shipping and InFocus Money Management for their ongoing support.
The Rippers will hold their annual Legends Game on Sunday 27th July when retired players suit up for another round of combat. After the game three new people will be inducted into the Hall of Fame and one player will be honoured with Club Legend status. The day starts at 11am and former Manning Lions, and Manning and Bankwest Rippers should contact Scott Greer on 041 3169 664 for further details.
