EDFL ROUND 1 PREVIEW
The blood is pumping across all EDFL footballers, officials and fans with the first round of the 2017 to start this Saturday. It will mark a new phase in the history of the EDFL.
The match of the day will feature last season’s big improvers Nilma Darnum hosting Warragul Industrials. Both have genuine premiership aspirations.
Nilma Darnum v Warragul Industrials
The Bombers will be out to take down the Dusties in what should be a humdinger of a match to start the season. Based on last year their looks little between the sides. To add an edge to the contest - not that it is needed when these two sides meet - former Nilma Darnum ruckman Johnny Ikupu after two seasons with Euroa in the GVFL has joined the Industrials and shapes as the key big man in the game. The Dusties will be out to make amends for the disappointment last year when it finished outside the finals mix after a series of heart breaking losses and got a feeling it will be on the end of another close loss.
Buln Buln v Neerim South
The Lyrebirds will need to steel itself for a visit from the Cats. In his second season as Buln Buln coach Matt Gray will be looking to build on last year’s eight victories while first year Neerim mentor Allan Chandler will be hell bent on making a successful start to his coaching career. With James Davidson, Mitch Nobelius and Trent Baker the Lyrebirds will give plenty of cheek in and around the midfield but similar to last year do not appear to have enough fire power up forward. Neerim has the firepower led by 2016 MVP Chris Urie, Chris Redl, Tyssen Morrow, Aaron Fawcett and Mick Urie this should be enough to see the visitors open their winning account.
Catani v Longwarry
The Blues will shoot for and be confident for an opening round victory over the Crows. Catani was a far better side last year than their ladder position suggested. Longwarry disappointed in 2016 and finished the season with five losses in its last six outings. New Crow coach Daniel Fry is a proven goal kicker having booted 90 goals in his two seasons with Garfield in 2012/13 but not sure if he will have enough feed to trouble the Catani defence. The Blues looked to have recruited quite well and at home should start the season on a winning note.
Poowong v Ellinbank
New Magpie coach Mick Hawkens is under no illusions his side has a long way to go to measure up to the rest of the competition. Nonetheless he will greet each Saturday with the philosophy if you take the park you’re a chance. The Bankers have been one of the more active in the recruiting market. New coach Ben Wragg a key position player along with his former fleet footed Narre Warren team mate Jackson Parker should pose not only the Magpies a few headaches this week but all clubs this season. Poowong is unlikely to get a look in.
Lang Lang v Nyora
The Saints slip down the road to meet the Tigers. On the back of many former players returning to the club Nyora will be imbued with a new confidence this year. The same can also be said for Lang Lang who welcome back Clint Evans who took the club to a grand final appearance in his last stint at the helm. Knowing many of the Saint newcomers have performed well at some point in time over their career and with little knowledge of the Tiger newcomers the visitors look to be the most likely to win.
SELECTIONS (in Capitals)
Poowong v ELLINBANK
Buln Buln v NEERIM SOUTH
NILMA DARNUM v Warragul Industrials
CATANI v Longwarry
Lang Lang v NYORA
Last Modified on 06/04/2017 16:39