The 2008 Manpower AFL Mackay Premiership Season got off to a cracking start last weekend with solid wins to each of last season's finalists. Early indications are pointing toward another stellar year for the North Mackay Saints, who will look toward back-to-back premierships in 2008.
The Whitsunday Sea-Eagles still pose the greatest threat, showing they still have what it takes with a 22 goal thumping of Bakers Creek to lead the premiership ladder after Round 1.
Hot on their heals is a resurgent Eastern Swans, who impressed last weekend in difficult conditions. The Swans have run middle of the road in recent years, but have recruited well during the off-season, and look the goods to mount a decent tilt at the top spot.
This week's matches see clubs going for a road trip, with matches played at Moranbah and Airlie Beach, leaving only one game played in town at Rogers Oval with a bumper crowd expected.
Who plays who:
Round one games for the 2008 Manpower AFL Mackay competition today are:
Whitsunday Sea Eagles v Mackay City Hawks at Airlie Beach Sports Park; reserves 2:45pm, seniors 4:30pm.
Moranbah Bulldogs v North Mackay Saints at Stevenson Sports Park, Moranbah; seniors 2:45pm.
Eastern Swans v Bakers Creek Tigers at Rogers Oval; reserves 1:00pm, seniors 2:45pm.
How they match up:
◊ Mackay City Hawks travel the highway this week to take on the Whitsunday Sea-Eagles in a twilight match. Whitsunday were impressive last week at home, taking the almost new team lineup only two quarters to gel, from which they became almost un-stoppable.
Mackay City's new coach Jason Kelly got his first look at his Hawk's line-up last week. The fledgling Hawks have undergone some changes since last season, and have a tough draw to start the season, but will spread their wings at the competition progresses. However, the Sea-Eagles should win this battle of the birds. Sea-Eagles by 9 goals.
◊ North Mackay Saints will get a taste of Moranbah's hospitality when they go-west this weekend. North Mackay will be minus ruckman Andrew McMahon for this weekend, but all is not lost in the Saint's centre-line, with the return of last year's MJ Miller medalist John Price.
Moranbah failed to deliver last week, and will be sure to make amends in front of a big home crowd this weekend. Moranbah coach Graeme Thompson, who missed last week through knee surgery, will provide the spark needed to lift the Bulldogs this week against their more fancied rivals. - Saints by 20.
◊ Bakers Creek Tigers will be looking to restore some pride this weekend as they take on the Eastern Swans at Rogers Oval. Matches between the two clubs is always a tight and tough affair, and this weekend's match appears to be no different. Rogers Oval is renowned for it's near cyclonic conditions, with a predicted 25 knot South-Easter sure to make the goal umpire earn his pay.
The Tigers played with plenty of spirit in their match last week, but were out-classed in the end. This week they stand a far better chance against the Swans, who looked the goods in their match against Moranbah. - Swans by 10.
Last Modified on 07/03/2008 14:56