Bannockburn’s hopes of a top three finish in the Geelong District Football League will be on the line on Saturday.
The fourth placed Tigers face the third placed Geelong West Giants on Saturday, with the winner to sit third after the match.
With six teams still in the hunt for the five finals positions with five rounds to go, the match is massive in the context of the season.
While a loss this week wouldn’t end the Tigers top three spots, it would put a serious dent in them.
Tigers coach Ronnie Pilgrim knows how important the match against the Giants is.
“It will likely determine if we finish top three or not,” he said.
“They beat us back in round one. The top six teams are close this season. We definitely wanted to finish in the top five at the start of the year.
“If we can win enough games and get a second chance, that would be good.”
The match against the Giants is the second big one in as many weeks.
Last week they beat Corio, 12.17(89) to 4.6(30), to cement this spot in the top five. They sit percentage ahead of sixth.
For the Tigers, it’s not only the senior team that has a lot on the line this week against the Giants.
“Our reserves are going along a similar path,” Pilgrim said.
“They need to win if they want to keep the top three hopes alive.
“We’re getting good numbers at training and it’s creating depth for both the seniors and reserves.”
While on track to achieve their aim this, one of the most pleasing things for the Tigers this year has been the development of their younger guys.
Pilgrim said the players coming through from the club’s pathways were holding the club in good stead.
Josh Kunjka, Ayden Obsorne and Juanito Ramos are among those who have impressed Pilgrim when given opportunities. Kunjka was named in the best in their win against Corio.
“We had 18 come up from under-19s last year,” he said.
“We’ve blooded seven or eight young guys this season. They are improving every week and have come on leaps and bounds, with development and educational things.
“There’s a few more in the seconds going well too.”
In other matches this weekend, Werribee Centrals host Inverleigh, North Geelong faces Corio, Belmont plays East Geelong, Bell Post Hill will play Thomson and Winchelsea takes on Anakie.
Tara Murray
