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Bombers turn up the heat in intra-club
The Bombers have guaranteed the selection committee some headaches ahead of the club’s NAB Cup opener against West Coast next Friday, braving hot conditions to put on a tightly contested display in their first intra-club match at Shepparton today.
The Bombers have guaranteed the selection committee some headaches ahead of the club’s NAB Cup opener against West Coast next Friday, braving hot conditions to put on a tightly contested display in their first intra-club match at Shepparton today.
The two-hour hit-out saw a number of players putting their hands up for contention for a berth against West Coast with Patrick Ryder, David Hille, Angus Monfries and Jason Winderlich all looking impressive.
Click here to see the Matthew Knights post-match media conference and match highlights.
David Hille was a standout early, throwing himself into the thick of the action in his first hit-out since suffering a knee injury in ANZAC Day last year.
Starting out in the goalsquare, Hille provided a handy tall marking option where he converted the first major of the match before moving into the ruck mid-way through the first term. He moved well around the ground and looks well on track to make a return to senior football sooner rather than later.
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Scott Gumbleton showed no signs of the back injury that sidelined the 21-year-old last season. The key position forward added value as an agile marking target with a strong lead and ability to convert (two goals) and looked to have gained some confidence from the run. Gumbleton and emerging defender Tatye Pears played on each other and had a very competitive battle.
Jason Winderlich also looked better for a full pre-season under his belt and was argueably best-on-ground.
Two back operations limited the speedy midfielder's preparation for the 2009 season but he showed no signs of injury as he took on his opponents and provided slick running through the midfield.
It's hard to believe but the 2010 NAB Cup starts next week with Essendon playing West Coast in Perth on Friday. The Bombers are likely to unveil a new look team that could include plenty of young guns, like the highly rated Scott Gumbleton, so this week we ask 'should Matthew Knights play Scott Gumbleton in the 2010 NAB Cup?'