EDFL ROUND 1 PREVIEW
Round 1 of the 2018 EDFL season kicks off this Saturday the 7th April. Most clubs expect to improve upon last year which augurs well for the evenness of the league. The opening week is always full of expectation as we get our first look at the new recruits. Can’t wait for the first bounce!
Warragul Industrials v Buln Buln
The Dusties have lost a fair bit of talent but the arrival of Mitch Davies, Jack Blakey and Rhett O’Hara will go a long way to replace those to have left. Buln Buln’s competitiveness last year was based on its hard working midfield and tight defence. However with the loss of James Davidson and Mitch Nobelius through the middle and the under rated Sean Beecroft and Sam Langford in defence the Lyrebirds look hard pressed to win. The Dusties to open their winning account.
Catani v Lang Lang
The Blues will hoist their 2017 premiership flag when they host the Tigers. Catani showed they were big game performers last year. Their ability to make the right decisions at the right time proved decisive in many key games. With Paul Patterson, the 2018 league best and fairest and equal winner of the Lang Lang Golf Club MVP award the Blues still have arguably the most influential player in the competition. Lang Lang will display its usual workmanlike ethos but will be outplayed in most departments. Tiger recruit Thomas Marks kicked 50 goals at Belgrave last year but is likely to be starved of opportunities.
Nilma Darnum v Longwarry
Plenty of new faces will take the field for both teams. However it is the Crows who are brimming with the most excitement due to the arrival of Russell Lehmann and Danny Wells and extra depth this season. The jury is still out on the Bombers. It will field a handful of newcomers but most if not all unfamiliar to EDFL supporters. Expect Nilma to have their moments during the course of the game but will fall well short come final siren.
Poowong v Ellinbank
The Eagles will enter firm favourites over the Magpies. With mature recruits Steven Ballingall and Mick Urie along with the strong possibility Adam Cook will also take the field it has added plenty of experience and has fashioned a team that looks capable of winning the flag. Poowong have also gained experience having enticed Ben Hancock and Trevor Hooker back to the club. Ellinbank won’t get everything their own way but the strong recollections of a scare at Poowong in the opening round last year should be enough to keep the home side focussed.
Neerim South v Nyora
The Cats play host to the Saints. Neerim’s senior playing list has been decimated over summer and in contrast Nyora has recruited well and have much cause for optimism. Neerim will use this season to develop its youngsters many of whom played in last year’s narrow U18 grand final loss to Catani. Nyora fans should have a far greater insight of their clubs fortunes by late Saturday afternoon.
SELECTIONS
DUSTIES v Buln Buln
CATANI v Lang Lang
Nilma Darnum v LONGWARRY
ELLINBANK v Poowong
Neerim South v NYORA
Last Modified on 06/04/2018 11:09