LALBERT will host the Central Murray Football Netball League’s (CMFNL) Anzac match tomorrow, with Mallee Eagles taking on Balranald.
Both sides will be looking to open their accounts after disappointing games in the opening round but it is the Mallee Eagles that will likely start favourites tomorrow.
Eagles coach Jamie Macri said there were aspects of last week’s game — a 10 point loss to Woorinen — that were pleasing, but insisted it was vital for his team to learn from the match.
“We were playing last year’s grand finalists and we had really good commitment and endeavour but we need to get better,” he said.
Macri said the Eagles had pulled up well and were unlikely to be forced to make any changes.
“We’ve just got to play good footy and try to get the four points,” he said.
Balranald coach Josh Richards said the Roos had taken a lot out of last week’s game, despite the big margin against Tooleybuc Manangatang.
He said he was pleased with the progress of younger players, in particular the likes of Jordan and Kane Griffiths.
He said the latter had come up against experienced ruckman Ryan O’Sullivan and acquitted himself well.
“Sully is the best ruck in the competition and Kane handled himself pretty well,” he said.
Richards said the midfield had also been bolstered by the return of Cameron Barrett from Pioneers duties.
“He added a little bit of class in the middle which really helped and he brought other players into the game as well,” he said.
Roos Matt Jess and David Caccamo are yet to slot into Balranald’s line-up while Gavin Lloyd was brought out of retirement to play in defence.
At home, however, the Eagles would appear to be too strong for the Roos.
TIP: Mallee Eagles by 75 points.
