Robe v Hatherleigh
Rumours persist that Hatherleigh could be playing its last-ever match at Robe on Saturday ahead of a possible regional restructure in 2025.
The intense speculation about the fate of the Eagles adds extra spice to the seaside clash of the only two undefeated teams in the Mid South East Football League this season.
The result of the round eight match could have a huge bearing on where the blue and golds play their football – and netball – beyond the end of this calendar year.
The two neighbours have had some ding-dong battles since the Roosters entered the MSEFL in 1966 after the Southern Ports Football League went into recess.
Given their close proximity, it is no surprise that a number of key players have represented both clubs.
They include current MSEFL leading goalkicker Hamish Smith along with the likes of Dylan Coxon, Barry Smith, Robbie Scott, David Scudds and Bernie Kuhfuss.
Robe currently leads the competition despite the round two team sheet hiccup against Glencoe.
As exclusively revealed several weeks ago by The SE Voice, this error cost the seasiders the premiership points, their score and a $1000 suspended fine.
It is worth stating the Roosters also had a blistering start to the 2023 season and did not have their colours lowered until well past the half-way mark of the minor round.
Kingston recruit Henry Lawrie and new coach Nathan Brown were stand-outs, but injuries took their toll among the playing group and a makeshift Robe lineup exited in the first weekend of the 2023 finals.
Brown missed rounds five and six in 2024 due to injury, but returned to the playing field at Mick and Jean Walker Oval at Mount Burr on Saturday.
With his Roosters in total control, Brown was happy to direct traffic from the forward pocket.
The Robe player most active in the forward line was Smith and his 10-goal return was well-deserved.
His 29 goals means he is averaging almost five goals per game and is three clear of Hatherleigh full forward Paddy Chay.
Both players are capable of booting 50 metres and the playing arena at Robe has a first-class surface.
Although some Hatherleigh players used last weekend’s bye to go on a long-distance run in the Barossa Valley, I was surprised that some “spies” did not go to Mount Burr to see Robe in action and take notes.
Along with Smith, the main Robe forwards in 2024 are Joel Bryant (19 goals) along with Nathan Brown 14, Sam Bates 13 and Jed Jarrett 10.
Along with Chay, the main Hatherleigh avenue to score have been Bradley Mitchell (14 goals), Tom Hutcheson 14 and Jed Telfer with 13.
In their head-to-head contests, Hatherleigh has won four of the past five.
Their most recent clash was the 2023 first semi-final when the margin was 81 points: Hatherleigh 18-13-121 to Robe 6-4-40.
It is hard to separate two teams which are loaded with talent and play an attractive and fast-paced style of play.
The result may well depend on winning the centre bounces and this is where the visitors may have a slight edge.
Mail Medallist and ex-Robe coach Tom Wachtel is in good form but he faces the daunting task of combatting Sam Waring and Darcy Bateman in the tall timber stakes.
Rain or shine, this match will probably attract the largest non-finals and non-interleague crowd to the Robe oval in more than 35 seasons.
You would have to go back to the Glenelg/Port Adelaide trial game of 1989 to find a match which has generated so much interest.
The home ground advantage should take the Roosters to victory.
Glencoe v Port MacDonnell
As the season approaches the half-way mark, some targets are slipping out of reach for many of the Mid SE clubs.
Having won the 2023 minor premiership with just one loss, it is fair to say that Port MacDonnell would have been aiming for a top two finish by the end of the minor round.
However, the Demons currently occupy sixth and would be happy with any major round berth.
Port MacDonnell had some extra supporters at home in round seven with a good turn-out of premiership players from the post-war era.
That is unlikely to be seen on Saturday as the seasiders face a danger game at Glencoe.
The Murphies find themselves in third position thanks to the extra four premiership points from round two as reported exclusively by The SE Voice.
Make mine a Murphy.
Kongorong v Nangwarry
The Hawks were handed the dreaded spoon by the Saints last August.
If Kongorong can play to its potential, it will defeat Nangwarry on Saturday and a few other teams as well.
The visitors have found it hard to score winning tallies and this is unlikely to change.
Tantanoola v Mount Burr
The Tigers can think of nothing better than inflicting a third consecutive defeat on the Mozzies.
If Mount Burr does succumb, it is likely to drop out of the top four.
These cross-town derbies bring out the best in the 42 competing players and I am leaning towards the hosts at Tigerland.
