Dockers out to regain pride

 By ROBSON AKIS

FORMER powerhouse, the Dockers will be in a desperate mood to work their way back to their former glory in Port Moresby AFL.

But the task will be ‘easier-said-than-done’ affair as they face off with an in-form Gerehu Magpies in the main clash at the UPNG Oval tomorrow. 

The Pies have largely improved on their standing this year with a 5-2 record to be on equal footing with the University Tigers on third spot on the ladder.

The Dockers, who won the premiership in 2013 and lost last year’s grand final to Taurama Suns have been well below their best in 2015. 

Their chances of getting the job done against the relentless Magpies look slim, despite the recall of star Stanis Isu from Kimbe last week.

Isu’s presence on the field last Sunday for his first game of the season was not enough to stop the Bombers from winning the match by six points.

Emmanuel Tupia, Wesley Yuwi, Desmond Kaumu, Sylvester Mangaea, and Valu Nakas will join forces with Isu tomorrow to get the wharfies back on track.

But they will find strong resistance from their former teammates Paul Tika, Sebastian Gelu, Emmanuel Taviri, Greg Ekari, Shannon Lavai, Camillo Ekari and livewire Alois Baleko. Others who should feature prominently for the Pies include Kawai Akaru, Michael Vitolo, Ali Pinda, Malcolm Koilamus, Rodney Gela and Phillip Kua.

In tomorrow’s other matches, a youthful Bomana Cats will show their competitiveness to run down the Oilmin-sponsored Gordon Kokofas while the Central Bombers should maintain their sustained effort to shoot down Defence.

On Sunday, an improving West Giants should provide some anxious moments for the Moni Plus-backed Taurama Suns.

Meanwhile, a star-studded Concept Koboni should edge the University Tigers.