Football: Tiger answers call to Country

South Bunbury’s Leigh Kohlmann has gained an 11th-hour call-up to the South West’s Landmark Country Football Championships squad to replace injured spearhead Matthew Martin.

Martin booted six goals for Carey Park in a 20-point victory over Bunbury at the weekend, but on Tuesday ruled himself out of next week’s carnival with knee soreness.

Kohlmann, a Tigers’ junior, returned to the fold at Hands Oval last month after two-and-a-half seasons with WAFL club Swan Districts.

The 20-year-old played his way into the Landmark squad on Sunday, booting five goals in South Bunbury’s stirring 51-point victory over Augusta-Margaret River.

The utility, who was cleared back to the Tigers just nine days before the June 30 cut-off, did not figure in South West selectors’ early calculations.

But South West coach Crandon Keddie wasted no time rushing Kohlmann into the 30-man squad.

“He just adds a bit of youth and a bit of flexibility,” Keddie said.

“We’ve spoken to him and are excited about what he’s going to bring to our squad.

“I see him as someone who can play forward and in the midfield.

“We had those players last year when we won.”

Kohlmann said he had not thought about playing at the carnival until selectors called on Monday.

“I wasn’t sure if my body would be right (for the workload) but it’s a good opportunity,” he said.

“I’ve been in alright form so I thought I’d give it a go.”

Meanwhile, despite being dropped to Collie Eagles’ reserves last weekend, small forward Blair Malatesta kept his place in the squad.

Malatesta has struggled for consistency this season but proved to be the South West’s trump card in last year’s Landmark grand final victory over Upper Great Southern, booting seven goals.

“He (Malatesta) trained well last Thursday and has got a good track record at the carnival so I’m not overly concerned about him playing in the reserves (for Collie),” Keddie said.

Selectors will meet this Sunday evening to confirm their travelling party of 27 for the carnival, which starts next Thursday.

Eaton Boomers players dominate the squad, with nine from the unbeaten club selected. Boomers’ skipper Will Oelsnik is the captain.