News

Umpire Abuse Must Stop

Umpires are essential to our game, yet too often they are subjected to unnecessary criticism, questioning, and abuse. This behaviour is unacceptable — and it’s driving good people away from officiating.
If this continues, we risk losing the very individuals who make our sport possible.
We are calling on all players to show respect for umpiring decisions, and on teammates to take responsibility for one another. Step in when lines are crossed. Hold each other accountable. Support the officials who give their time and effort so we can all play.

Respect for umpires is not optional — it’s fundamental to the integrity and future of our game.
Let’s work together to protect them.

Round 10

Port v West Augusta at Port Oval

The Hawks travel to Port Oval to face a confident Port outfit fresh from a commanding victory over the Lions. In contrast, the Hawks will be looking to bounce back after once again surrendering a winning position late in the game. Port enters the contest in good form, with Blake Hanlon, Faulkner, Puddy and Mieglich all playing great football. Their ball movement, pressure and fitness have been key strengths in recent weeks, and they will head into this clash expecting to continue their winning momentum. The Hawks will again rely heavily on the efforts of Bejah, Colson and the evergreen Crabbe, who have consistently carried much of the workload. However, unless West  Augusta can sustain four quarters of football, they may struggle to match Port’s intensity. Port to win comfortably, with their superior fitness and depth proving decisive in the second half.

Port by 25 points.

 South vs Solomontown at Central Oval

The table-topping Cats make the trip to Central Oval to take on a South side full of confidence after extending their winning streak to four games with a convincing victory over the Hawks. The Cats have gone from strength to strength this season and remain the benchmark of the competition, but they know they face a genuine challenge this week. South has found excellent form at the right time, with Paparella, Ritter, Gade, Bok and Beattie all playing outstanding football. Their relentless pressure and ability to win the contested ball have been key to their recent success, and they won’t be giving the ladder leaders anything easy. The Cats, however, boast a star-studded line up of their own. Corey Davey continues to lead from the front, while Webber, Williams and Sumner, Bearman and the Head brothers have all been in excellent touch. The return of Jono Hayes adds even more experience and class to a side renowned for never giving in. This shapes as the match of the round, with South’s current form set to test the competition leaders. Expect a fierce contest, but the Cats’ depth, experience and ability to perform in the big moments should see them edge out the home side in a classic.

Cats by 15 points.

PropRisdon vs Central at Memorial Oval

Both sides enter this clash looking to bounce back after heavy defeats last weekend. The Lions have struggled to field a settled line up throughout the season due to work commitments and injuries, while Central Augusta has faced similar challenges in trying to maintain a consistent side. Central will once again look to experienced campaigners Stuart, Jackson, McKeough and skipper Williams to shoulder much of the workload. If they can win the contested ball and remain in the contest early, they’ll give themselves every chance of pushing the Lions. The Lions, however, have plenty of firepower of their own. Patterson continues to lead from the front, while the Promo brothers, Eckert and Bodger provide plenty of drive and scoring power. Their depth and ability to run out games could prove the difference. With both teams desperate to return to the winner’s list, expect a hard-fought contest early. But if the Lions can maintain their intensity for four quarters, they should have enough class and endurance to pull away.

Lions by 21 points.