THE two teams considered most likely to challenge reigning premiers Kerang will meet in the first blockbuster of the season.
While Woorinen have long been one of the premier Central Murray clubs, Balranald are the new kids on the block this season, with big-name recruits and the return of talented former locals.
On Saturday they’ll be put to the test, something Balranald coach Jydon Neagle was looking forward to.
“We’re happy to get a game like this early on the season, it’ll be really good for us to see where we’re at,” Neagle said.
“(Woorinen have) had the wood over us for the best part of the last decade, but I think if we can bring our A-game, we can definitely match them and get the four points.”
After a dominant 113-point win over Tyntynder last Saturday, Woorinen will hold confidence that their best will be hard to beat.
But while the Tigers are the form side, that will count for little, according to Woorinen coach Marcus Demaria.
He told The Guardian he was expecting nothing short of a finals-like atmosphere – even though it’s only April.
“They’re always difficult to beat up there (at Balranald) regardless of where both teams sit on the ladder,” Demaria said.
“We enjoy going up there and playing because you always know you’ll be in for a fight.
“From our perspective, nothing changes too much, we have our brand that we want to play and we’ll try and stick to that.
“They’ve got some really good footballers however, one of those being their coach (Neagle) off half back, and we’ll have to nullify his influence on the game.”
Neagle isn’t the only player capable of turning the game in his team’s favour, with one of the legue’s best midfields in terms of top-end talent.
In fact, the contest between Matthew Neagle, Kobe Lloyd and Ethan Gant, who will go head-to-head against Woorinen’s Jye Barry, Josh Domaille and Robbie Miller, will almost be worth the price of admission alone.
Both coaches felt the team who won first use of the ball and the resultant territory battle would ultimately prove hard to beat, with Demaria pointing out that for his side, locking the ball inside 50 would have an equally great effect on their chances.
“For us to play our brand and keep the ball in our front half also means that (Ben) Fuller doesn’t get a good look at it, which would be our biggest thing,” Demaria said.
“If he’s able to get loose and find himself playing one-on-one all day then we’re in trouble, but if we can maintain the ball in our forward half then that also means he’s not getting a look at it.”
For Neagle, despite his offensive weapons, his players were set to change tact somewhat, knowing that a less-than-perfect defensive performance could spell disaster.
“Defensive play will be a massive focus for us, with a lot of body work, not letting them run free and not allowing them a clear path from defence to attack,” Neagle said.
“There’s been a massive emphasis on defence because we think we can match them offensively, it’s just going to be however wins the game, will probably get it done on defence.
“We still want to attack the game however and I’ve given the boys a licence to attack.
“If they have a chance to take the game on, they’ve been instructed to go, but it’ll just be that initial transition from attack to defence.
“It’ll be just about shutting down their outlets and spare players as quick as we can and close them down defensively.”
Tip – Woorinen to win by four points.
KEY MATCH-UP
Ben Fuller v Ben Booth
OUTSIDE of the midfield arm wrestle, this will be the next great contest to decide the winner. Fuller at his best is unstoppable, and even though he kicked two goals against Tyntynder in the Roos’ only game so far, that was in wet, rainy conditions that didn’t suit. Booth, while one of the best defenders in the league, can’t be expected to keep Fuller under control on his own, so it will be incumbent on his midfielders to pressure the Balranald onballers and his fellow defenders to peel off and give him a chop out.
THE BURNING QUESTION
Does last weeks bye impact Balranald positively or negatively?
WHILE Balranald may have been happy to rest a few sore and tired bodies after their bruising round 1 encounter against the Bulldogs in the wet, it does leave them somewhat exposed to a Tigers outfit that will be match fit and full of run. The fact both clubs will be close to full strength should ensure a close game as a result.
