This week, Mark Mercuri comfortably accounted for Glenn Hawker as did Scott Lucas in his match up with Kevin Walsh. The tightest of the three match ups was between Justin Blumfield and Peter Bradbury but it was Blumfield that prevailed.
There are three more intriguing match ups this week - Adam Ramanauskas v Garry Foulds, Matthew Lloyd v Paul Weston and Michael Long v Neil Clarke. After that just the on-ballers and bench remain – we are in for a great finish.
“Mercuri vs Hawker would probably break about even. At his best MM would shade Glenn, to take nothing away from Hawker, who was rarely beaten. Scott Lucas would think it was Christmas. He would have a day out. Walshy tried hard and could be difficult but with Scott's athleticism and hand/foot skills he would kick a bag. Blumfield and Bradbury could almost be interchanged. Might as well toss a coin on this one... It came up Blumfield. The 2000 Empire strikes back!” Kris Bayne
""Another 3 very hard match ups to choose. Mercuri was a magician on the field and one of the best kicks from a set shot for goal. Lucas has a done a tremendous job at CHF over his time and Blumfield, a hard worker in the forward line, just gets the nod over Bradbury,” Nathan Smith.
“Sorry Mercs, that miss against Carlton in the prelim cost you. Hawker never put a foot wrong. Lucas too strong on the lead and overhead for Walshy. Blumfield capable of BOG's, Bradbury servicable but never polled well in voting of any kind,” Stuart Nixon.
“Mercuri vs Hawker is the toughest to call so far. Both players had great skill and ability and were solid contributors to the team. If ever there was a reason to have a ""draw"", this would be it!” Rod Ansell.
“Mercuri and Lucas - both super players and beat their opponents. Mercuri had a touch more class than Hawker. Hawker going to bloody Carlton later in his career also meant he lost my vote. Walsh was a very serviceable player without being a superstar whereas Scotty Lucas has been a fantastic player for the EFC. Blumfield had a super 2000 year and thus beats Bradbury on that score,” Brendan Razga.
“Clean sweep on this one for the class of 2000. Mercs and Hawks both had silky skills but Mercs goal kicking gets him across the line.(Also have to penalise Hawks for moving to the Bluebaggers!) Lucas versatilty and ability to kick bags of goals in Lloyd's absence gets him the nod over Kev who was Mr Dependable. Blumfield's extra class and versatility (and performance in the 2000 decider) sees him shade Bradbury by a fair bit,” David Allen
“Toss-up between Mark and Glenn but have to give it Mark for his skill and poise. Have to go for Scott over Kev and Justin over Peter but all very close this week. Think the 2000 team win on this line by a whisker,” Garry Spry.
“Mark Mercuri always regarded as the RollRoyce of the team his skill levels were equalled by no other, great mark for his size, long kick and hard at it would get the nod over a very clever Glen Hawker. Lucas one dimensional but enough to outwit and out position a gritty Kevin Walsh and Peter Bradbury to tough and very clean with hands and feet over Justin Blumfield would wear him down. Close call on all accounts,” Nicholas Soklev.
