Paul Salmon v Troy Simmonds
Salmon is coming off a sensational game last week against Collingwood. He starred in the great win, rucking for four quarters – it was undoubtedly the highlight of his comeback thus far. Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy said that the club had been ‘fortunate’ with Salmon’s successful comeback this year, which was revived after he was brought out of a one-year retirement after playing 309 VFL/AFL games – 209 with Essendon and 100 with Hawthorn.
Troy Simmonds had a fantastic year in 2000 but was rarely on the park in 2001 and was traded to the Dockers at the end of last season. Simmonds has had an excellent year this year ranking in the top 10 in the AFL in terms of hitouts and marks. He is one of the reasons that Peter Bell has touched the ball more times than any other player in the AFL. He is one of the most athletic ruckmen in the league and he gets around the ground like and on- baller. It should be a great contest, and one that the fans can look forward to immensely.
Damien Peverill v Peter Bell
lDamien Peverill had an amazing nine games in the seniors last season, before he returning to the rookie list. He has continued to impress this season – picking up where he left off. He is able to shut down opponents and hurt them the other way. But he will have no bigger challenge in his career than the one he faces this week. Peter Bell is possibly the best on- baller in the competition - and unlike his teammates, he is accustomed to playing football in Melbourne. Bell has had the ball 524 times this season - more touches than than any other player in the competition. But that won’t phase Peverill, if anyone can shut him down it will be the close-checking Peverill.
Dustin Fletcher v Trent Croad
This head-to-head contest has the makings of a great one – Fletcher the brilliant full back v Croad the enigmatic full forward. Croad is a quality player, kicking 38 goals this year and giving Fremantle a real target in front of goal. And what can we say about Fletcher - he just keeps on going about his buisness as usual. He continaully keeps his players to one or two goals every week. He is without doubt the best Full Back in the buisness.
Fletcher who debuted in ’93 at the ripe old age of 17 has not looked back he has not missed a beat in any of his 187 games, winning two premierships, a best and fairest in the premiership year 2000. The All Australian full back will be a tough match up for Croad.
Matthew Pavlich v Scott Lucas
Matthew Pavlich has been tagged as the next big thing and he is undoubtedly a very talented young footballer. He has been a bit down in recent weeks but is too good a player not to hit back eventually. He is also very versatile and could start forward or back. The same applies to his possible opponent Lucas - he could end up playing on Pavlich and Pavlich could also play on him. So we just don’t know at this stage with these two players. But one thing we do know is that they can both are brilliant at their best.
Lucas has played 132 games for Essendon mainly at centre half forward. But he was sent to the key defensive post last weekend against Collingwood and did an excellent job.
