The Blackwood Football Club is back at home this weekend for the fourth time in 2018. Round 7 of the Mortgage Choice Hills Football League sees the Mt Barker Football Club travel to U-Install-It Kitchens Oval.

The third placed Woods are set to face the ladder leading Roos in a much anticipated fixture. Blackwood coach Damien Salievic spoke of the much anticipated match up after last weekend’s game against Lobethal. “We must do everything we can to prepare for the match against Mt Barker during the week. They are playing some great football at the moment.”

U-Install-It Kitchens Oval has been a happy hunting ground for the Woods winning the past four encounters between the sides. The most recent battle was in Round 1 of 2017 which saw the Woods run out 23 point winners, 13.10.88 to 10.5.65.

Both sides will be looking to sure up the two points with a win extending the gap between the top three and the chasing pack whilst a loss will keep the chasing pack in touch.

Game details

Who – Blackwood vs Mt Barker

When – Saturday, 26 May

Where – U-Install-It Kitchens Oval

Times – U14s (8.45am), U16 (9.55am), U18 (11.10am), Bs (12.50pm), As (2.30pm)

Blackwood Oval

The opponent

Season 2018 has seen the Barkeroos go undefeated in their first six matches. The Barkeroos are averaging 96.8 points for (2nd in competition) whilst conceding only 59.0 points (2nd in competition). This compares to the Woods who are averaging 75.5 points for and 62.5 points against.

This season has seen an improvement in form for the Barkeroos who were bundled out of the finals against Uraidla Districts in the semi-finals. The side has improved in attack in 2018 scoring 21.8 more points per game (most improved the competition) whilst they are conceding 4.1 points less per match (third most improved defence). To date the side from Mt Barker are averaging 27.7 scoring shots per match at 50.0% accuracy, this is equal with Hahndorf who are also averaging 27.7 scoring shots per match but have a slightly higher accuracy (52.4%) accuracy. Blackwood are averaging 22.2 scoring shots per match (3rd in competition) at 48.1% accuracy which is lowest accuracy to date of any side.

The improvement up forward has come through a greater output from their two leading goal scorers. In 2018, Henry Johnson is averaging 3.8 goals per match (up from 1.9 in 2017) whilst Simon Nunan is averaging 2.3 (up from 1.6). These two players have combined for 44.6% of all goals for the Barkeroos in 2018, this is compared to only 33.2% in 2017.

Additionally, the Barkeroos midfield recruits have also provided them with a high quality output. Harley Montgomery has been named in the best players 50.0% of matches (three best on grounds) whilst Mark Thomas has been named in the best players 66.7% of matches played (One second, one third and two fourth).

Historically vs Mt Barker

Since 2006, Blackwood has played Mt Barker on 12 occasions at U-Install-It Kitchens Oval. The ratio currently sits at 8 wins to Blackwood, 4 wins to Mt Barker.

From the 12 matches the sides have played, the Woods have scored 1,069 points (89.1 points on average) compared to the Barkeroos who have scored 1,076 points (89.7 points on average). Blackwood has averaged a 25 point victory in its eight victories with the biggest win coming in Round 11 of 2009 (69 point win) whilst in Round 14 of 2014 the Woods defeated the Roos by the slimmest of margins, 1 point.

Last 5 matches v Mt Barker @ U-Install-It Kitchens Oval

Round 1 2017 – Blackwood 13.11 (89) defeated Mt Barker 10.5 (65)

Round 17 2016 – Blackwood 14.15 (99) defeated Mt Barker 9.12 (66)

Round 9 2015 – Blackwood 15.11 (101) defeated Mt Barker 14.13 (97)

Round 14 2014 – Blackwood 13.1 (79) defeated Mt Barker 12.6 (78)

Round 16 2013 – Blackwood 3.6 (24) defeated by Mt Barker 14.19 (103)

2017 A Grade Action v Mt Barker

See you at the football!

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