by Jim Gordon
The Mallee Football League is off to a great start. Six teams on one win each and the winless Jeparit Rainbow certainly not out of contention after honorable losses to 2010 finalists Ouyen United and Hopetoun.
This week sees only two matches in the MFL with three sides having the split round bye, but what great matchups they promise to be. Woomelang Lascelles will still be floating on air after their first win in 38 matches against the Roos in the first round, and Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers will no doubt be stung into action after a disappointing loss at Underbool following on from their stunning opening round victory against the reining premiers Beulah.
WOOMELANG LASCELLES V SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS
The Woomelang Lascelles Cats will be looking forward to testing themselves out at home against near neighbour Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers.
The week’s rest due to the bye would have been a good chance for the Cats to deal with the milestone victory and come back down to earth. It also provided an opportunity for them to get over some of those niggling injuries from the first round.
Rohan Coburn is a chance to return for Woomelang Lascelles after missing the first game with a tight hamstring. Tony Mudge is also another good chance to play as the two-week rest will help him get rid of any lingering knee soreness.
The Cats will miss Trent Donnan if he is required by Pioneers, but their new recruits in Jason Kreuger and Jayden Lonergan were among the Cats’ best in the Round One victory with nine goals between them. If these two can step up again, even with Donnan missing, Woomelang Lascelles should see a lot of the ball up forward.
The Tigers have recruited well themselves. Matt Vining and Jeremy Weinert had great first up games against Beulah and although a little quieter last week, they should bounce back and provide Nathan Wight with many chances at full forward. Josh Longeri is another recruit for the Tigers that the Cats will have to watch. His four goal effort against Beulah was one of the reasons the Tigers were able to get up.
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers will be hoping that Mark Roberts will return from injury before too long and they will be looking for more inspiration from captain Liam Brady who was a great leader against the Blues in a best on ground performance.
Col Durie will demand a lot of his charges this week and they should respond. The Tigers have the talent, strength and fitness to just get over the line in a game that will once again see the Cats give all they have.
BEULAH V HOPETOUN
What a tantalizing match up this should be between near neighbours Beulah and Hopetoun. Last week Beulah bounced back from a first round loss to take care of the Demons. Hopetoun are flush with success after turning the tables on a gallant Jeparit Rainbow and are eager to take on the season’s benchmark in Beulah.
The Blues boast a very good defence. Rory Shannon and Tim Hill are strong and tight and they team well with their other defenders. Neverthelss, the Devils have an attack that will require close watching as big forwards Kain Robins and Bryce Wellington are proven goalkickers. Against Ouyen United, Brad Vallance and Sonny Lindsey proved difficult for the Blues’ defence and scored goals even under great pressure.
Hopetoun will be looking for onballers Luke Milroy, Tom Pridgeon and Zac Taggert to give their forwards first option and this trio will need to be on their game as Beulah are no slouches around midfield. As well as their highly skilled captain coach Scott Smith, Beulah’s Dale Shannon cut swathes through the United midfield last week.
If the Beulah defence is going to be tested against the Hopetoun attack, the same can be said for the Hopetoun defence. The Devils will be coming up against a very powerful forwardline as both David King and Peter Lehmann mark well and they don’t have to be close to goal to kick goals. The Devils will need a great game from Leigh Hutchinson who once again will be expected to guide the Hopetoun defence.
With no major injuries to report from the Devils, this is going to be a great test for them. If they can win, or get close to Beulah at home, it will be an indication that they are in for a promising year. Beulah may win, but they are going to have to bring their best football with them, as this Devils’ side is one to watch this year.
Last Modified on 13/04/2011 13:27
