With no football or netball being played tomorrow, what better time for us to run the rule across all 11 clubs in the Central Murray Football Netball League – and take a look at what’s gone right, what’s gone wrong and what’s ahead for the rest of 2023.
1ST – KERANG
RECORD – 9 wins, 0 losses
PERCENTAGE – 239.77
AVERAGE FOR – 92
AVERAGE AGAINST – 39
TOP 3 GOALKICKERS
14 – Rylee Smith
14 – Bradlee Pay
13 – Hayden Hall
GAMES REMAINING
Round 11 – Swan Hill (H)
Round 12 – Mallee Eagles (A)
Round 13 – Tooleybuc-Manangatang (H)
Round 14 – NNW United (H)
Round 15 – Cohuna Kangas (A)
Round 16 – BYE
Round 17 – Balranald (A)
Round 18 – Woorinen (H)
RUN HOME
The Blues are perfectly poised to finish on top, despite a tricky finish to the season, facing the other three top teams in their final three games. Unbeaten through the opening ten rounds, and with a healthy percentage, Kerang would need something to go terribly wrong to drop from top spot – and lose their direct path to the semi-finals.
PREDICTED FINISH – 1st
REPORT CARD – A+
Hard to fault any aspect of the first half of the season when it comes to Kerang. Despite injuries to key players, the reigning premiers remain undefeated, even after hard-fought wins against Tyntynder (Round 4), Balranald (Round 5) and Woorinen (Round 6). No surprise that they are the number one ranked team defensively and are slowly regenerating their midfield, with Josh Nitschke, Rylee Smith and Tyson Clingan developing into A grade midfielders.
2ND – BALRANALD
RECORD – 8 wins, 1 loss
PERCENTAGE – 180.40
AVERAGE FOR – 80
AVERAGE AGAINST – 44
TOP 3 GOALKICKERS
22 – Ben Fuller
16 – Jydon Neagle
15 – Drew Lloyd
GAMES REMAINING
Round 11 – Cohuna (H)
Round 12 – BYE
Round 13 – Tyntynder (H)
Round 14 – Woorinen (A)
Round 15 – Koondrook-Barham (H)
Round 16 – Lake Boga (A)
Round 17 – Kerang (H)
Round 18 – Swan Hill (A)
RUN HOME
Top spot isn’t out of the Roos’ reach, but they must beat Kerang in the second last round. They pay four of their last seven at Greenham Park, which will be a huge advantage, including a season-defining match against Cohuna next Saturday. If they can beat the Kangas and go three games clear inside the top three, plus percentage, then Balranald will have a top three berth locked away.
PREDICTED FINISH – 2nd
REPORT CARD – A
There’s no doubt that Balranald have been the surprise packet of 2023. The inclusion of the Neagle brothers Matthew and Jaxon, along with Ethan Gant and Nathan Ablett, has completely changed the dynamic of the Roos midfield and defence. The key will be in keeping Ben Fuller fit and healthy for the remainder of the season, with Balranald still possessing an at times unhealthy reliance on their key forward to be a target inside forward 50.
3RD – WOORINEN
RECORD – 7 wins, 2 losses
PERCENTAGE – 234.06
AVERAGE FOR – 95
AVERAGE AGAINST – 41
TOP 3 GOALKICKERS
29 – William Collicoat
18 – Douglas Beames
13 – Danko Bzenic
GAMES REMAINING
Round 11 – NNW United (H)
Round 12 – Tyntynder (A)
Round 13 – Cohuna (H)
Round 14 – Balranald (H)
Round 15 – BYE
Round 16 – Koondrook-Barham (A)
Round 17 – Lake Boga (H)
Round 18 – Kerang (A)
RUN HOME
Tough finish to the season for the Tigers, with games against all current top five teams to come, along with a home match against the much-improved NNW United next Saturday. With a percentage in the two hundreds and two games clear, the Tigers aren’t at real risk of missing the finals, although they would want to keep winning to lock away a top three finish.
PREDICTED FINISH – 3rd
REPORT CARD – A-
Have had several seriously good wins against lower ranked sides, but tough losses to both Balranald and Kerang have left questions that will need to be answered when they meet again later this season. While failing to get the points in those games, they proved to everyone that they are certainly capable of matching the best, and if not for a 10-minute period in the third quarter, arguably outplayed Kerang in Round 7.
4TH – COHUNA KANGAS
RECORD – 6 wins, 3 losses
PERCENTAGE – 111.24
AVERAGE FOR – 76
AVERAGE AGAINST – 68
TOP 3 GOALKICKERS
28 – Rhys Free
12 – Jack Donat
10 – Luke Conca
GAMES REMAINING
Round 11 – Balranald (A)
Round 12 – Koondrook-Barham (H)
Round 13 – Woorinen (A)
Round 14 – BYE
Round 15 – Kerang (H)
Round 16 – Swan Hill (A)
Round 17 – Tooleybuc-Manangatang (H)
Round 18 – Mallee Eagles (A)
RUN HOME
Will know more about the Kangas in the next month or so, with games against the top three sides set to define their season. Thankfully, they also have three games against bottom four teams as well, with their finals hopes likely to hinge on their return match against Swan Hill in Round 16 – the team who beat them by 51-points in Round 5.
PREDICTED FINISH – 4th
REPORT CARD – C
Having won their last four matches, the Kangas have put themselves back in the finals race after a slow start to the season. Many (including me) expected the Kangas to jump out of the blocks following last year’s grand final loss, but it’s fair to say the alarm bells were certainly ringing after their shock loss to the Swans. The return of Jake Hammond from injury has given their defence a major shot in the arm.
5TH – LAKE BOGA
RECORD – 5 wins, 4 losses
PERCENTAGE – 106.45
AVERAGE FOR – 72
AVERAGE AGAINST – 67
TOP 3 GOALKICKERS
17 – David Gourdis
10 – Jayden Lonergan
9 – Angus Monfries
GAMES REMAINING
Round 11 – Tooleybuc-Manangatang (H)
Round 12 – NNW United (A)
Round 13 – Mallee Eagles (H)
Round 14 – BYE
Round 15 – Tyntynder (A)
Round 16 – Balranald (H)
Round 17 – Woorinen (A)
Round 18 – Koondrook-Barham (H)
RUN HOME
Their season will likely hinge on their Round 12 game against NNW United, who they beat by just one point in Round 2 this season. The Demons kicked themselves out of it that day, and while the Magpies made the most of their opportunities, will need to be better next time around. Games against the bottom four sides leaves them well positioned for a run at September, but will still need to beat United.
PREDICTED FINISH – 6th
REPORT CARD – B-
Came into the season with high hopes, and while their finals dreams are still well and truly alive, it’s hard to see them pushing deep into September on their current form. Their best football is very good, and I feel can match it with the best teams, but their worst can be really bad – and it’s this gap between their best and worst that is troubling. If they can find a way to bridge that gap, and play at their best more often, then they should play finals.
6TH – SWAN HILL
RECORD – 5 wins, 4 losses
PERCENTAGE – 83.03
AVERAGE FOR – 65
AVERAGE AGAINST – 79
TOP 3 GOALKICKERS
15 – Jose Miliado
9 – Zach Mihocek
7 – Matthew Wade
GAMES REMAINING
Round 11 – Kerang (A)
Round 12 – Tooleybuc-Manangatang (A)
Round 13 – BYE
Round 14 – Mallee Eagles (H)
Round 15 – NNW United (A)
Round 16 – Cohuna (H)
Round 17 – Tyntynder (A)
Round 18 – Balranald (H)
RUN HOME
With the remainder of their season topped and tailed with matches against Kerang and Balranald, Swan Hill will need to make the most of their remaining five matches if they want to play finals. Back-to-back must-win games against NNW United and Cohuna in Rounds 15 and 16 will define their season – both teams they have beaten earlier this season.
PREDICTED FINISH – 7th
REPORT CARD – B+
While Balranald have been the biggest surprise packet in 2023, the Swans haven’t been far behind them. Many were predicting them to finish in the bottom two or three, not contend for finals, which is certainly the case for this team in the midst of a rebuild. Veterans Matthew Wade, Toby Thoolen and Xavier Moloney in recent weeks have been as consistent as ever, while Jose Miliado has added that much needed touch of outside polish.
7TH – NNW UNITED
RECORD – 4 wins, 5 losses
PERCENTAGE – 113.82
AVERAGE FOR – 82
AVERAGE AGAINST – 72
TOP 3 GOALKICKERS
19 – Hassan Ahmat-Watkins
12 – Charlie Boulton
8 – Liam White
GAMES REMAINING
Round 11 – Woorinen (A)
Round 12 – Lake Boga (H)
Round 13 – Koondrook-Barham (A)
Round 14 – Kerang (A)
Round 15 – Swan Hill (H)
Round 16 – Tooleybuc-Manangatang (A)
Round 17 – Mallee Eagles (H)
Round 18 – BYE
RUN HOME
Winnable games against Koondrook-Barham, Tooleybuc-Manangatang and the Mallee Eagles are interspersed with matches against top three teams Woorinen and Kerang. Currently find themselves a game outside the five, but with a healthier percentage than their rivals fighting for that elimination final berth. Games against Lake Boga and Swan Hill are must-win matches – with both games being at Nyah potentially giving the Demons the upper hand.
PREDICTED FINISH – 5th
REPORT CARD – B-
Were expected to improve after recruiting well in the off-season, however injuries to key players stunted their push for finals. Their one-point loss to Lake Boga in Round 2, when they kicked 8.16, could well come back to haunt them, as could their 32-point loss to the Michael Hurley inspired Swan Hill a fortnight later. With the exception of those two games, NNW United have been pretty good, and if they can find a way to tighten their defence in coming weeks, could well break their six-year finals drought.
8TH – TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG
RECORD – 2 wins, 7 losses
PERCENTAGE – 78.10
AVERAGE FOR – 62
AVERAGE AGAINST – 80
TOP 3 GOALKICKERS
33 – Josh Williams
7 – Conor Mcdonald
5 – Mitchell Grant
GAMES REMAINING
Round 11 – Lake Boga (A)
Round 12 – Swan Hill (H)
Round 13 – Kerang (A)
Round 14 – BYE
Round 15 – Mallee Eagles (A)
Round 16 – NNW United (H)
Round 17 – Cohuna (A)
Round 18 – Tyntynder (H)
RUN HOME
Interesting run home, with only one game (Kerang) against a top three side, and two games against teams below them (Tyntynder and Mallee Eagles). Have a real opportunity to shape the finals with games against Lake Boga, Swan Hill, NNW United and Cohuna – all teams vying for fourth and fifth. Are likely to improve in the second half pf the season as the team continues to gel, making them a potentially dangerous opponent to face.
PREDICTED FINISH – 9th
REPORT CARD – C
Despite winning just two games, there have been plenty of positive signs from the team who won last year’s wooden spoon. Have been competitive in most matches, but are unable to sustain their form for long enough in game to give themselves a chance of victory. The recruitment of Josh Williams was a master stroke, with the former North Melbourne midfielder/forward showing his class to lead the league goalkicking with limited opportunities.
9TH – TYNTYNDER
RECORD – 2 wins, 8 losses
PERCENTAGE – 75.95
AVERAGE FOR – 58
AVERAGE AGAINST – 76
TOP 3 GOALKICKERS
13 – Jason Eagle
12 – Liam Whelan
12 – Matt Corney
GAMES REMAINING
Round 11 – BYE
Round 12 – Woorinen (H)
Round 13 – Balranald (A)
Round 14 – Koondrook-Barham (A)
Round 15 – Lake Boga (H)
Round 16 – BYE
Round 17 – Swan Hill (H)
Round 18 – Tooleybuc-Manangatang (A)
RUN HOME
The only team yet to have a bye, the Bulldogs have one less opportunity to grab four points than everyone else. Face Woorinen and Balranald in the next fortnight, but have winnable games from then on, culminating with a return bout against arch rivals Swan Hill in the penultimate round of the season. Would love nothing more than to crush their crosstown rivals finals hopes with victory – and will likely get that opportunity, too.
PREDICTED FINISH – 10th
REPORT CARD – C-
Are yet to have their best team on the park this season, with injuries to key players ruining their 2023 campaign in its early days. Despite this, it has been a sharp fall for a team who played finals last season and who would have been hoping to replicate that feat this year. Their midfield seems light on for depth and talent and is an area they will need to fix in the off-season.
10TH – MALLEE EAGLES
RECORD – 2 wins, 7 losses
PERCENTAGE – 61.55
AVERAGE FOR – 57
AVERAGE AGAINST – 92
TOP 3 GOALKICKERS
17 – Brent Macleod
14 – Paul Davis
8 – Jacob O’Meara
GAMES REMAINING
Round 11 – Koondrook-Barham (A)
Round 12 – Kerang (H)
Round 13 – Lake Boga (A)
Round 14 – Swan Hill (A)
Round 15 – Tooleybuc-Manangatang (H)
Round 16 – BYE
Round 17 – NNW United (A)
Round 18 – Cohuna (H)
RUN HOME
The Eagles face only Kerang out of the top three teams in the run home, and like the Saints, have a real possibility to shape the top five with games against Lake Boga, Swan Hill, NNW United and Cohuna. Also face Koondrook-Barham and Tooleybuc-Manangatang in winnable matches for the Eagles, with the game against the Saints played at Lalbert and likely to give them the edge.
PREDICTED FINISH – 8th
REPORT CARD – C-
Were expected to drop away after an exodus of players in the off-season – and that’s exactly how it has panned out. Haven’t been helped by injuries to Brent and Toby Sheahan, along with a number of other key players. Turned to youth at the start of the season and while they may be a little way away this season, are showing plenty of positive signs, with Liam Drummond and Billy O’Meara regularly featuring in the Eagles better players.
11TH – KOONDROOK-BARHAM
RECORD – 0 wins, 9 losses
PERCENTAGE – 30.01
AVERAGE FOR – 34
AVERAGE AGAINST – 114
TOP 3 GOALKICKERS
5 – Cameron Moore
5 – Mitchell Christensen
4 – Lachlan Laursen
GAMES REMAINING
Round 11 – Mallee Eagles (H)
Round 12 – Cohuna (A)
Round 13 – NNW United (H)
Round 14 – Tyntynder (H)
Round 15 – Balranald (A)
Round 16 – Woorinen (H)
Round 17 – BYE
Round 18 – Lake Boga (A)
RUN HOME
The Mallee Eagles (Round 11) and Tyntynder (Round 14) are likely to be Koondrook-Barham’s best opportunity to break through for their first win of the season, both of which are at home. Finish with games against Balranald, Woorinen and Lake Boga, so they would want to have their first four points on the board before Round 15.
PREDICTED FINISH – 11th
REPORT CARD – D
It was always going to be a tough season for the River Raiders, with an exodus of players and a new coach in the pre-season adding to the upheaval at the club. While they are yet to taste victory in 2023, they have also shown positive signs for the future, getting games into a number of kids, who have in turn shown big improvement. Have also been missing a number of key players for much of the season, including Kye Attwell and Jack Thrum.
FLEMO’S LADDER PREDICTOR
1st – Kerang (15 wins, 1 loss)
2nd – Balranald (14 wins, 2 losses)
3rd – Woorinen (13 wins, 3 losses)
4th – Cohuna Kangas (10 wins, 6 losses)
5th – NNW United (9 wins, 7 losses)
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6th – Lake Boga (9 wins, 7 losses)
7th – Swan Hill (8 wins, 8 losses)
8th – Mallee Eagles (4 wins, 12 losses)
9th – Tooleybuc-Manangatang (3 wins, 13 losses)
10th – Tyntynder (3 wins, 13 losses)
11th – Koondrook-Barham (0 wins, 16 losses)
