TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG v KERANG
3SH Central Murray Live
WHILE at first glance a match involving last year’s premiers and wooden spooners may seem like a mismatch, Saturday’s encounter between Tooleybuc-Manangatang and Kerang may hold significant interest.
The Saints have been very active recruiters, adding a number of high-quality signings.
Former North Melbourne midfielder-forward Josh Williams will be the headline act and expected to settle somewhere in Tooleybuc-Manangatang’s front half. Ethan Goldfinch, Blake Grant, Jaicob Kenny and Tim Auckland are also expected to have an impact on the Saints season.
However, they will be without the new ruckman Auckland – along with Jack Spinks – against the reigning premiers, leaving them slightly exposed through the midfield. Compounding Auckland’s absence will be the addition of former Kangaroo Flat ruckman Nick Lang to the Blues line-up.
Also below full strength, Kerang are set to be without Sam Heavyside (quad) and Lachlan Ross (wrist) for the start of the season.The Blues should have no problem in covering the loss of the pair, with depth and class all over the ground set to be a key feature of their game once again.
The most intrigue with the Blues will centre on where a few of their key players line up, namely midfielder Bradlee Pay, who could return to half back and cover the loss of Ross, and key defender Michael Dalrymple, who has been earmarked for a move forward after the departure of Bryce Curnow during the off-season. Tip – Kerang to win by 27 points.
MALLEE EAGLES v LAKE BOGA
THE Mallee Eagles will play host to Lake Boga on Saturday afternoon, with the Magpies heading into the match as favourites.
After breaking their finals drought last year, Lake Boga will be one of the teams to beat in 2023, retaining the bulk of their squad from last season and adding depth in a number of key areas.
Having relied heavily on Angus Monfries up forward, the Magpies added key forwards David Gourdis and Lochie Laing, as well as midfielders Jake Warren, Ricky Wild and Marty Parsons.
Lake Boga won’t be at full strength on Saturday however, set to be without Josh Cruse-Filo, Daniel Dzufer and Brady Hogan (elbow) from their best 22.
One player who will be out there will be reigning club best and fairest Jacob Simpson, who took the league by storm last year with his dominant ruck work and ability to compete around the ground one key reason the Magpies were able to go as deep into finals as they did.
Simpson’s battle with Eagles big man Angus McKenzie looms as a pivotal match-up for both clubs, with McKenzie’s ability to give his onballers first use of the ball set to be an important element of the Eagles game plan in 2023.
The men from Lalbert have been somewhat of a mystery this pre-season, but are expected to at least be competitive providing they can get their best team on the park.
A long-term hamstring injury to Toby Sheahan won’t help their cause, however their new look forward line that is expected to include recruits Paul Davis, Brent Macleod, Brandon Gardiner and Matthew Despott will still pose a challenge to the Magpies’ defence. Tip – Lake Boga to win by 18 points.
NNW UNITED v KOONDROOK-BARHAM
SATURDAY presents as the perfect opportunity for two of last year’s lower ranked teams to kick off their 2023 campaigns in the best way possible.
Nyah-Nyah West United will host a new-look Koondrook-Barham, with both clubs desperate to start climbing the ladder following some strong recruiting.
The Demons will feel as though they are ready to make the leap with the additions of Nick O’Neill, Joel Walsh, Kayne Davidson and Michael Bowden.
Bowden in particular will be a big inclusion, with the Southern Districts veteran set to partner with Alex Erlandson in defence.
The Demons’ big strength this season will be their midfield, which will run much deeper with the return of Walsh and the recruitment of Davidson, along with the retention of Dyl Mclachlan, Brady Davidson, Matt Duffy and Corey Daniels.
The Raiders will also have a very different look about them this season under new coach Will Callow, the former local returning home and bringing with him a number of impactful players.
Corey Barrington and Harley Burmeister will return to their home club, while Dom Cirillo and James Flack are expected to have a significant impact on the midfield.
While the Raiders have a number of quality additions, they have also lost a number of key players – particularly reigning best and fairest Jack Shannon – and with a vastly different playing squad, it could well take them a couple of weeks to find their feet. Tip – NNW United to win by 15 points.
