Round 3 of the Mortgage Choice Hills Football League sees a blockbuster encounter with the Blackwood Football Club facing Uraidla Districts at U-Install-It Kitchens Oval. After a 19 point loss in Round 2 the Woods will be looking to return to the winners list with a victory over the Demons.
Speaking to the players before Thursday training, coach Damien Salievic said “it will be a hard match this weekend against Uraidla Districts. We always seem to play close matches. They are a tough opponent, well coaches and have some quality players across each line.”
Game details
Who – Blackwood vs Uraidla Districts
When – Saturday, April 28
Where – U-Install-It Kitchens Oval
Times – U14s (8.45am), U16 (9.55am), U18 (11.10am), Bs (12.50pm), As (2.30pm)
U-Install-It Kitchens Oval
The opponent
Season 2017 saw Uraidla Districts finish in 3rd position on the ladder wins eleven wins, four losses and one draw. The Demons finished with the third best attack in the competition (82.7 points for) and the third best defense (61.5 points against)
Since 2006, Uraidla Districts have played in Division One every season and consistently been at the top of the ladder. Across these 12 seasons they have ranked as the best attacking side (94.5 points for) and also the best defence (58.0 points against). Their best season statistically across this period was 2007 where they won 17 of 18 matches averaging 121.9 points for and only 55.0 points against.
So far in 2018, Uraidla Districts have played two matches for one draw and one loss. In Round 1 against Lobethal it was a low scoring affair with the ball in goal square for Lobethal the final siren sounded with both sides deadlocked at 7.6 (48). Whilst in Round 2 against Mt Barker, a five goal to two second quarter from the Barkeroos proved to be the difference with Uraidla Districts going down by 28 points at Uraidla Oval.
Last five matches v Uraidla Districts
Preliminary Final 2017 – Blackwood 11.6 (72) defeated Uraidla Districts 7.10 (52)
Qualifying Final 2017 – Blackwood 15.13 (103) defeated Uraidla Districts 10.10 (70)
R16 2017 – Blackwood 6.12 (48) defeated by Uraidla Districts 15.2 (92)
R7 2017 – Blackwood 10.7 (67) drew Uraidla Districts 10.7 (67)
R13 2016 – Blackwood 13.17 (95) defeated Uraidla Districts 7.10 (52)
Players to watch
Some of the better players to watch for Uraidla Districts include:
Travis Oakley (#5)
The big forward continues to provide a focal target deep in attack for the Demons. In 2018 he has kicked seven of the seventeen goals which Uraidla Districts have kicked (41.2%). Since 2012 Oakley has played 121 A Grade matches for the Demons kicking 260 goals (2.1 per match).
Tom Kluvanek (#7)
Another key player for the Demons, Kluvanek has the ability to play at both ends of the ground. Appearing to play in attack in 2018, he has kicked five majors (29.4% of Uraidla Districts goals) teaming up with Oakley to provide a two pronged attack. Since 2012 he has played 99 matches, kicked 100 goals (1.0 per match) and been named in the best players on 30 occasions.
Nathan Remnant (#21)
The hard nosed midfielder is a key player for the Demons providing grunt and toughness around the ball. Since 2012 Remnant has played 108 matches being named in the best players 41.7% of the time (45 matches). Across these matches he has only scoring 14 goals across the matches (0.1 per match). Remnant also likes playing Blackwood where in the last 6 matches against the Woods he has been named in the best players on 5 occasions (80.0%).
Braedon Renshaw (#26)
Recruited from Torrens Valley, Renshaw will be a key player for the Demons with the ability to play at centre half back or centre half forward. In the past two seasons for Torrens Valley, Renshaw played 38 matches, kicked 58 goals (1.5 per match) and been named in the best players on 9 occasions.
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