TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG v NNW UNITED
With both teams starting the season undefeated, tomorrow’s contest between neighbouring rivals Tooleybuc-Manangatang and Nyah-Nyah West United will take on extra meaning.
It’s the first time since 2010 that the Saints have begun a season 2-0, and while confidence is high that they can keep their winning streak, they will have to do it without full-forward Josh Williams, who will miss the all-important clash.
The Demons could also have a change to last week’s team that defeated Woorinen by 31-points, with Brady Davidson a chance to return from a quad strain.
To say NNW United were impressive last Saturday would be an understatement, with the Demons in control for the majority of the match.
Nick O’Neill’s move forward changed the dynamic of NNW United’s forward line, with the co-coach contributing four goals in the win.
With Corey Daniels and Brandyn Grenfell also roaming the forward line, along with smalls Charlie Boulton, Liam White and Riley Daniels, the Demons now possess a forward line that not only has great balance, but plenty of unpredictability.
While the Saints top end talent is as good as anyone’s – including United’s – it’s their depth where they may struggle, with the Demons expected to make it five straight wins against their rivals.
Tip – NNW United to win by 18 points.
MALLEE EAGLES v SWAN HILL
While the Saints and Demons will be looking to continue their unbeaten starts to the season, the Mallee Eagles and Swan Hill find themselves at the other end of the spectrum, as both clubs chase win number one in 2024.
The Eagles were found wanting in their only match so far, a nine-point loss to Tooleybuc-Manangatang in round 1, and with aspirations of playing finals, can ill-afford to lose to the Swans, who themselves have had an underwhelming start to their 2024 campaign.
Swan Hill will be buoyed by the inclusion of Jimmy Toumpas, who returns to the line-up after missing last Saturday’s loss to the Saints, while young gun Sonny Beasy and key defender Tom Corridan will also give a further boost to the Swans line-up.
Corridan’s inclusion couldn’t have come at a better time for the visitors, who will have to contend with key forward Darcy Hourigan.
The Eagles will also have a different look to their team tomorrow, with Jordan Robins (hamstring) to miss, while Toby Sheahan (general soreness) will be given every opportunity to take his place, along with Clinton Cummins who is a confirmed in for the home side.
Tip – Mallee Eagles to win by 18 points.
TYNTYNDER v LAKE BOGA
Tyntynder will be aiming to climb back into the top five with a win when they host Lake Boga in the Len Hutton Memorial Anzac match tomorrow afternoon.
The Bulldogs have shown themselves to be one of the Central Murray’s big improvers so far in 2024, with a close win over the highly fancied Kangas, before pushing reigning premiers Kerang to within 15-points last Saturday.
The Bulldogs have plenty of class across all lines and with Roy George, Harry Simpson and Matthew Gillbee among their better players in both matches, will also go into tomorrow’s match with key players in form.
Lake Boga on the other hand will be no push over, despite losing Jarrod Taylor (broken thumb) and Lachlan Wooding (knee) for at least the next month.
While the Magpies are clearly in a rebuilding phase under new coach Dean Helmers, they still showed plenty of attacking flair and a willingness to take the game on last Saturday, with Zac Warne, Nathaniel Holmes-Brown and Josh Wills all performing well.
While Lake Boga will have the potential to trouble teams on their day, Tyntynder’s all-round class should be enough to get them home.
Tip – Tyntynder to win by 40 points.
KOONDROOK-BARHAM v KERANG
It will be a case of David versus Goliath when Koondrook-Barham hosts Kerang tomorrow afternoon.
The reigning premiers will go in as heavy favourites against the team who haven’t tasted victory in 19 consecutive matches, despite the Blues missing Jarryd Pertzel (hamstring) and Jack Daglish (knee). The pair will join Lachlan Ross and Ryan Gillingham on the sidelines for Kerang.
Despite the absence of several key players, Kerang should have far too much talent, especially through the midfield.
After looking good for three quarters against the Demons in round 1, the Raiders took a step back last Saturday, kicking just four goals for the match against Cohuna to lose by 70-points. It’s not all doom and gloom for Koondrook-Barham however, with the form of Kye Attwell improving by the quarter, while new recruits Billy Driscoll, Nathan Hamence and the Hura brothers all looking like quality players.
Although the Blues have started this season below their best, they are still in many eyes the team to beat this season, and should comfortably account for the Raiders tomorrow.
Tip – Kerang to win by 60 points.
