KERANG v WOORINEN
DESPITE two consecutive wins, Kerang will go into Saturday’s home match against the undefeated Woorinen as significant underdogs with two key players set to miss the must-win match with injury.
Experienced veteran Bradlee Pay and Blues skipper Josh Hunter will both miss Saturday’s encounter, with the Tigers set to take full advantage with full-back Ben Booth returning to their line-up.
Also set to pull on the yellow and black for the first time is Lachie Martin, with the former Tyntynder winger expected to make his debut for Woorinen.
After a slow start to the season, the Blues have been impressive in recent weeks, with wins over Swan Hill and Koondrook-Barham seeing them climb into the top five.
It’s fair to say Saturday will be a rise in class however, with Woorinen’s ambush on the Mallee Eagles last Saturday sending a statement that they are genuine contenders in 2025.
The Tigers are well organised behind the ball and with Matt Perry, Hugh Thompson and Doug Beames all sharing the workload up forward; Woorinen appear to be the real deal this season.
Add in a midfield containing Jye Barry, Henry Thompson, Jose Miliado and Lachlan Gardner and the Tigers should have enough firepower to handle Kerang’s depleted midfield.
Tip – Woorinen to win by 42 points.
NNW UNITED v BALRANALD
REIGNING premiers Nyah-Nyah West United will be out to resurrect their flagging premiership defence when they host Balranald in a rematch of last year’s first semi-final at Nyah on Saturday.
Three straight losses to Cohuna, Woorinen and Koondrook-Barham has set the alarm bells ringing for the Demons, who currently find themselves in eighth on the ladder.
While it’s not time to hit the panic button just yet, a loss to the Roos would have the red and blue faithful at least reaching for it despite their healthy percentage (93.47) indicating that they are far from a spent force.
Max Thompson is expected to return for the Demons, with Ethan Curran likely to make way with Bendigo Pioneers duties for the home side.
Balranald are also expected to make changes to their line-up, with Will Lowry and Lachlan Bence expected to strengthen the team that defeated Tyntynder by four points last weekend.
Although a four-point win over a team who is yet to win a game this season isn’t much to get excited about, the form of key recruits Bradley Hartman, Cody Henness, Roarke Smith and Lachlan Collihole was, with the quartet expected to be key players once again.
While much is at stake for both clubs, the Demons have too much on the line to drop this game – especially at home.
Tip – NNW United to win by 20 points.
LAKE BOGA v KOONDROOK-BARHAM
NNW United won’t be the only team hoping to return to form on Saturday, with Koondrook-Barham out to end a two game losing streak when they travel to Lake Boga.
After defeating the reigning premiers in round 2, it’s been all downhill for the Raiders, with Saturday’s match against the much-improved Magpies now shaping as a 50-50 contest.
Lake Boga will be without Noah Sherlock and Fraser Colville (foot) from the team that defeated Swan Hill by 45 points last Saturday, with the Magpies’ outside run opening up the game after quarter time.
Lake Boga’s outside run and ability to break the lines will no doubt be a key focus of Koondrook-Barham, with the Raiders’ key position stocks expected to be without Ryan Bassett.
While Koondrook-Barham’s disposal efficiency will need to improve if they are to take the points, the inclusions of ball winners Jack Thomas and Ethan Reeves should see them get over the line.
Tip – Koondrook-Barham to win by 12 points.
TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG v SWAN HILL
AN already understrength Swan Hill will have to chase their first win of the season without their coach and key onballer Michael Herlihy, who suffered a season ending knee injury during last Saturday’s loss to Lake Boga.
Herlihy will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after rupturing his ACL during the Swans’ 45-point loss to Lake Boga last weekend, with his absence set to leave Swan Hill’s midfield rotations even further stretched.
The Swans will also be without Adam Manning and Buol Majur for Saturday’s match against Tooleybuc-Manangatang, with Bodhi Kelly, Jude Seymour and George Martin all expected to come into the visitors line-up.
Tooleybuc-Manangatang on the other hand will welcome back Gareth Grant to their line-up, with the Saints needing the four points to climb back into the top five.
While the Swans’ midfield depth looks set to be tested without Herlihy, Tooleybuc-Manangatang should be flush with options, with Blake Grant, Elliott Chalmers and Josh Domaille all starring against Lake Boga a fortnight ago.
The biggest watch could well be on Saints forward Connor Nutting, who after kicking 18 goals from his last two matches, could be eyeing off another big day in front of the sticks.
Tip – Tooleybuc-Manangatang to win by 48 points.
