Midfield vital to Loxton premiership hopes

By ROB McLEAN

LOXTON'S RFL A grade premiership hopes could rest with its midfield, according to coach Murray Voigt.

The Tigers will take on warm premiership favourites Waikerie in this Saturday's grand final at Barmera.

Voigt said players such as Whillas Medallists Mal Greenwood and Daniel Evans, plus Brett Hudson and versatile ruckman Shane Schubert will be influential in Saturday's result.

"Waikerie match up pretty well around the ground with most of our good players, but if we can win in the middle, we will obviously go a long towards the flag," Voigt said.

Voigt said Shane Schubert's form in recent weeks has been outstanding and his battle with Brooke Hoad will be one to watch.

"Schubert could be the difference on the day, because his form in recent weeks has been excellent," Voigt said.

"If he gets first touch on the ball that will be a big plus for us." Loxton defeated cross town rivals Loxton North in last Saturday's preliminary final by 29 points to earn a berth in the premiership decider.

The Tigers subdued North early, before breaking the game apart in the second quarter with seven goals.

"It was very pleasing because we played the footy we have been trying to play all year," Voigt said.

The Tigers will hit the field at virtually full strength with Dametrius Steinert, who has missed the first two finals, expected to regain his spot in the side.

Forward Rob McLean and utility Pat Portolesi, who have both been suffering from injuries in recent weeks, will also come up for selection.

At Waikerie, attention will focus on talented midfielder Nathan Tape who appeared to damage a hamstring in the Magpies' second semi-final victory over Loxton two weeks ago.

If fit, Tape will be part of a very experienced midfield, including playing coach Craig Griffiths, Clayton Lush and Adrian Maturo. The match, to be held at the Lakeside Oval, begins at 2.40pm on Saturday.

Waikerie will be seeking a second premiership in three seasons, while Loxton will be aiming for its first since 1996.

Waikerie will be playing in its fourth consecutive A grade premiership decider and will also have its seconds and thirds in action on the day.

First appeared in The Loxton News, 10 September 2003.

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