MACORNA v QUAMBATOOK
Quambatook will be looking to put their first points on the board for the season when they travel to Macorna to take on the Tigers Saturday afternoon.
After taking on Nully in the opening game of the season, the Saints will be hoping for an easier time of it against Macorna – and although the Tigers aren’t as strong as the all-conquering Maroons, they won’t be an easy beat, either.
Macorna had a good win over Murrabit in their first game, with gun recruit Malcolm Neiwand starring for the Tigers in the midfield and Grady Smith, Kansas Varker and Josh Cameron all prominent in defence.
Jaydon Stiles will once again hold the key up forward for Macorna, with the big question from a Quamby perspective who goes to man the Tigers gun full-forward. Jarred Schlitz is the logical first option for mine, with Ash Davis and Nick Birthisel there to assist.
While the Tigers performance against Murrabit was encouraging, it’s hard to see them making it two on the trot – especially with the depth of Quamby’s midfield. Tip – Quambatook to win by 18 points.
NULLAWIL v ULTIMA
Ultima will travel to Nullawil for Saturday’s annual Anzac weekend clash against their arch rivals.
While these two clubs have played out many classic battles over recent seasons, this one won’t be one of them – with Ultima languishing down the bottom in rebuild mode and Nullawil seemingly unbeatable at this early stage of the season.
To make matters worse, the visitors depth will be tested with a spate of injuries and unavailabilities for this weekend compounding their situation – with Jack Gervasi and Martyn Cooper the most notably of the omissions.
The Maroons won’t be worried about who runs out for their opposition however, with competition for spots set to keep the Nullawil list playing on the edge. Mitch Farmer picked up from where he finished last season with a seven-goal haul against the Saints, while the Nully engine room was once again led by Matt Quigley, Grant Ford and Patrick Kelly in their opening game.
In terms of the result, it really won’t be a question of who wins – but of how much the home side win by. Tip – Nullawil to win by 60 points.
MOULAMEIN v WANDELLA
Moulamein and Wandella are set to face off Saturday afternoon and give an early insight into the finals credentials of both sides.
Both the Swans and Bombers got the chocolates in their opening games of the season – although both sides made hard work of it at times against opposition teams that they were expected to easily account for.
One shining light for Moulamein though was the performance of full-forward Josh Flight, with the recruit from Mathoura snagging 10 majors in an impressive debut for his new club. Flight is expected to dominate in the air again with his superior reach and marking ability causing the Ultima defence massive headaches last round.
This game is likely to be decided out of the centre square however, with the Bombers to back their on-ballers in to win the bulk of the contested footy. The key for them though will be trying to nullify the influence of Swans ruckman and coach Heath Moloney not just at the stoppages, but also around the ground. Tip – Moulamein to win by 8 points.
HAY v MURRABIT
The final game of round two will see Hay host Murrabit – with both teams set to go hell for leather to secure their first points of season 2022.
The Lions were well served by Simon Bunyan in their 26-point loss to Wandella in round one, with the forward kicking six goals in the opening game of the season – while Brait Headon, Dillion Penhall and both Tim and Daniel Zambon also started 2022 off in fine fashion.
Lions coach David Webb will be hoping for more of the same from his stars this week if they are to register their first win of the season, particularly with the class that Murrabit possess through the middle.
Marc O’Neill and Nathan O’Toole are among the competition’s better midfielders on their day, while Darcy Grant and Brody Green provide great depth through the centre as well.
The Lions are a three to four goal better side on their home deck however – and with this in mind, should get the job done in another nail biter. Tip – Hay to win by 5 points.
