KERANG will go into tomorrow’s grand final as clear favourites according to seven of the nine Central Murray football coaches who were asked to provide their opinion on who will be crowned premiers in 2024.
Despite Nyah-Nyah West United being the sentimental favourites, the Blues are expected to claim the premiership by just more than 20 points, on average, while Marty Kelly is also the popular choice for best on ground honours following his runner’s up performance in Sunday’s Jack Betts Medal count.
BALRANALD
Tom Lister
Tip – NNW United by 17 points
Best on Ground – Joel Walsh
I’m going with Nyah basically because I have mates that play there and ‘Nicko’ (Nick O’Neill) and I are pretty close.
I think their speed will be too much for Kerang and they are playing some really good footy at the right time of the year.
COHUNA
Jack Geary
Tip – Kerang by 26 points
Best on Ground – Marty Kelly
Kerang and Nyah have both been the best two teams, holding those top two spots all year so it’s probably a pretty fitting grand final really.
I think on the big stage, Kerang’s experience in big finals will shine through and they’ll get the job done.
KOONDROOK-BARHAM
Will Callow
Tip – Kerang by eight points
Best on Ground – Nick Lang
Kerang should get first use out of the midfield, but they will have to use the ball well going forward to stop Walsh’s influence from the back half for the Demons.
Grenfell is a big threat forward, but Kerang will turn their defence into attack and spread the ball too quickly.
LAKE BOGA
Dean Helmers
Tip – Kerang by 37 points
Best on Ground – Josh Nitschke
I think Nick Lang can provide first use around the stoppages for Kerang’s strong midfield brigade, which might trouble Nyah.
MALLEE EAGLES
Harry Allen
Tip – NNW United by five points
Best on Ground – Corey Daniels
My brother-in-law plays for Nyah-Nyah West United, so I would love to see him get up.
They will have to maintain their running game for four quarters to beat Kerang however.
SWAN HILL
Michael Herlihy
Tip – Kerang by 28 points
Best on Ground – Sean Hunter
I expect Kerang’s experience to shine through and get the job done over NNW United, they just know how to get it done on the big stage.
TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG
Brad Morris
Tip – Kerang by 18 points
Best on Ground – Marty Kelly
Their overall team balance sets them apart from the competition and the winning/successful culture their club has maintained over a long period of time has them getting it done for me.
TYNTYNDER
Jack O’Rourke
Tip – Kerang by 12 points
Best on Ground – Marty Kelly
The head says Kerang, but the heart says Nyah.
I would love to see Nyah win a grand final, but I think Kerang’s experience in finals as a group and Troy Coates coaching will prevail on the day.
I wish both teams the best of luck on Saturday.
WOORINEN
Marcus Demaria
Tip – Kerang by 17 points
Best on Ground – Sean Hunter
Kerang are well-rested, well prepared and have been there numerous times before, they know how to win premierships.
They bat deep through the midfield and have great variety in their front half, which should be enough to see them secure yet another premiership.
