Top-three WDFNL clash coming between Nirranda, Merrivale

Despite being undefeated after nine rounds, the Blues, like all Warrnambool and District league clubs, have struggled with injuries and unavailability in 2021.

While almost all were there for the team's 25.19 (169) to 0.2 (2) demolition of Allansford on Saturday, there was at least one key piece of the puzzle missing.

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Premiership player John Paulin was a late out with a hamstring injury and the coach is hoping to get the classy onballer back for round 12 against Merrivale.

"We'll see how he goes this week, hopefully he comes up," Harkness said.

The Blues versus Tigers game present itself as the match of the round this Saturday and the Blues' mentor can't wait.

"It's always good to be playing those sides that are going to be there come finals time," he said.

Despite the Tigers big loss to the Power, Harkness is expecting a tough encounter.

"We've just got to be consistent right across the field, we know how good they are," he said.

It'll be the first time the teams meet this season as the round eight match-up was postponed until now due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

Harkness felt the Blues were more up-and-about against Allansford after being a bit flat against Panmure following the pandemic-enforced break.

"We were just really clinical, we had a big emphasis on atoning for a couple of deficiencies in the Panmure game the week before where we thought we were a bit flat," he said.

"We were really clinical against Allansford and played a good style, the way wanted to play."

He felt the Blues' forward line responded well from the Panmure game.

Nirranda had a dozen goal-kickers on Saturday.

Nirranda 6.9, 13.12, 21.16, 25.19 (169)

Allansford 0.0, 0.0, 0.2, 0.2 (2)

GOALS

Nirranda : N. Couch 5, J. Willsher 4, J. Spokes 3, J. Dalton 3, D. Philp 2, M. Primmer 2, A. Lane 1, S. Carlin 1, L. Cook 1, D. Craven 1, D. Willsher 1, D. Lees 1

Allansford :

BEST

Nirranda : M. Lloyd, J. Willsher, S. Carlin, L. Irving, R. Nutting, D. Lees

Allansford : J. Kirkwood, J. Fedley, B. Hunger, D. Cross, T. Membrey, R. Hare

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