The two remaining undefeated sides will lock horns tomorrow afternoon, with Kerang and Balranald to do battle in what many pundits perceive to be an early look at this year’s grand final match up.
While the reigning premiers Kerang have done what they do best, it’s been the form of Balranald that has been the biggest surprise of season 2023.
Three of the Roos’ four wins have come against teams who played finals last season, but tomorrow will be their biggest test, with Kerang undoubtedly still holding the title of team to beat following their five-game winning streak.
The Blues were lucky to escape with the four points against Tyntynder last Saturday, but despite the close result, Kerang coach Troy Coates is confident his side will be ready.
“Our boys are really looking forward to tomorrow as I’m sure they are too, they’re up and about as well and have some great players in their side and we can’t wait to see where we’re at against a quality opponent,” Coates said.
“Over the years our boys have always responded well when our backs are against the wall and after playing poorly last weekend and up against a quality team, I’m pretty sure we’ll respond well.
“Last Saturday (against Tyntynder) was a bit of a reality check for a few of our boys, we’ve gotten a few games into a few of our kids out of necessity with a few injuries in recent weeks, but we played some pretty ordinary footy on the weekend.
“With that said though, we’re pretty confident with where we sit currently and I know our boys will give a good account of ourselves.”
While the game will see perhaps the two best midfields in the Central Murray lock horns, the game itself will likely be decided in Kerang’s attacking half of the ground – with the league’s number one scoring team taking on the most miserly defence in the competition.
Kerang, who have gone with a vastly different forward line in 2023, are by far and away the Central Murray’s most prolific scorers, averaging 105 points for in their first five games.
Balranald on the other hand have been superb in defence, giving up just 44 points to their opposition on average so far this season, with the Roos’ defence-first mentality set to have them well placed to counter whatever the reigning premiers throw their way, according to senior coach Jydon Neagle.
“I think if our back six can hold up the way they have over the first few rounds, then we’ll be right in the game,” Neagle said.
“Defence is everything now and we’re a defence-first side, everyone can attack when they’re going forward, it’s easy to run forward, but we want to be working back just as hard the other way.”
With Ryan Hodgson set to miss tomorrow’s match, that will leave Josh Hodgson, Jaxon Neagle, Nathan Ablett and Jack Salau to do the bulk of the defending.
They will have to contend with Troy Coates, who is expected to return after missing the Blues’ win over the Bulldogs, along with Sean Hunter, Troy Davis and Nick Pay who are also set to return.
While Kerang’s midfield have long been the benchmark, Balranald’s new wave of talented onballers have made a statement over the first few weeks of the season, with Coates expecting the match to be won and lost out of the middle.
“Their midfield is exceptional with (Ethan) Gant, the Neagle brothers, (Colin) Andrews, plus they have a very good ruckman in Wilkins – I think they’ve got as good a midfield as any team in the competition,” Coates said.
“Then they have Fuller, who is in form up forward and a really strong back six as well, so they’re pretty competitive right across the ground.
“Their top end talent is as good as any in the league and we’ll be relying on a few guys to play a role and shut them out of the game as best they can.”
While the home side will be focusing on closing down the Roos’ prime movers, Neagle be concentrating on a different aspect of his team’s game, with Balranald’s ball movement set to play a key role in deciding the outcome.
“Our disposal efficiency will be a huge focus for us, because once you give it back to them you rarely get it back again,” Neagle said.
“If we can limit their ball use, that will be massive for us – we probably got away with some pretty bad errors against Boga on the weekend and I don’t think we’ll be able to play like that again tomorrow and still get the result we’re hoping for.”
Tip – Kerang to win by four points.
KEY MATCH-UP
Rylee Smith v Ethan Gant
Although they may not directly line up on each other tomorrow, these two line breakers are so important to their respective teams.
Both have started this season in incredible form and would most likely be leading their club Best & Fairests currently.
Gant’s has been a revelation for Balranald this season and his ability to take the game on means he is the guy Kerang will need to put the clamps on tomorrow, while Smith’s speed through the centre gives the Blues’ midfield the point of difference they require.
THE BURNING QUESTION
Do Balranald have the depth to match it with Kerang?
There’s no doubt that the Roos top end talent is capable of running with the Blues better players, but are their bottom six players the equal of Kerang’s.
Logic says no, simply based on how impactful Kerang’s depth players are, but that’s not to say Balranald’s can’t be either.
With the Blues having a number of their better players missing through injury and suspension, it’s not likely to be a big issue tomorrow – but later in the season when the whips are cracking, that may not still be the case.
