Men
Gambier Centrals v Apollo
Gambier Centrals will look to continue their hot start to the Barry Maney Premier League season tomorrow night as they host Apollo at MGA Park under lights.
Centrals have started the season strong with a solid win over Inter in round one followed by a huge win over Millicent last weekend.
However, the same cannot be said for Apollo as they have struggled thus far, losing their first two games.
Already Centrals have set the benchmark as the best side in the competition so Apollo will have a tough task as they have not looked close to winning a game this season.
Two key players who will cause problems for Apollo will be Centrals’ Sam Shoemark and Daniel Crossing.
Shoemark has been in fine form this season with goals in both of Centrals’ matches while Crossing has slotted nicely into the Centrals squad after missing round one.
For Apollo, Tobbei Kennett has been very solid this season, scoring their lone goal.
He will need to be at his best tomorrow night if Apollo wants a chance of winning.
I think Centrals will just be too good for Apollo and they will come away with the three points.
Portland Panthers v International
Inter will head across the border on Saturday as they take on the Portland Panthers.
Last week Inter recorded their first win of the season while the Panthers suffered their first loss.
Both sides are shaping up to be competitive this year, setting the scene for a tight tussle.
The blue and black were back to their best on Sunday with a big win over Apollo while Portland failed to overcome Blue Lake.
The Panthers will have a tough task against Inter’s Matt and Sam Bueti this week as they both had standout games against Apollo.
There’s no doubt these two will definitely be in for a big game on Saturday.
For Portland their playing coach Troy Jensen has gotten off to a good start this season and will need to be at his best on Saturday if his side wants to come away with any points.
Given how well Inter looked last weekend I think they will come out on top in this match, but not without Portland putting up a good challenge.
Naracoorte United v Millicent United
Naracoorte United will host Millicent United this Sunday as both sides look for their first win of the season.
The teams had tough losses in their first game as Millicent was smashed by Centrals while Naracoorte went down by six goals to Portland.
Given how the competition is shaping up this will likely be these sides’ best shot at getting a win.
Naracoorte will be extra hungry for the three points after going winless last season while Millicent will be looking for their first A grade win in a while after not fielding a side last year.
There were not too many highlights for Millicent last week with the lone one coming from their only goal as Cooper Widdison found the back of the net.
Naracoorte playing coach Jonathon Thurlow will be looking for his side to step up in this game with players like Andy Munro likely to have a solid game.
I think Naracoorte will finally break their losing drought this week and get their first win in a while.
Women
Gambier Centrals v Apollo
Gambier Centrals and Apollo will face off tomorrow night at MGA Park.
Centrals have gotten away to an impressive start to the season with two solid wins while Apollo have not looked quite like the reigning premiers, registering a win and a draw.
Last year when these sides faced off under the MGA Park lights it was one of the best games of the season as Centrals upset Apollo who were undefeated up to that point in a 3-2 match.
Given how these sides have looked this season, tomorrow night’s match has all the signs of another thrilling game.
Centrals’ Jasmine Siemon has been great this season and will be a player to watch tomorrow night.
Siemon has been cutting through opposition defences with great dribbling skills and will certainly be a tough player for Apollo to contain.
Gambier Centrals coach Wanita Robinson hopes it will be a close game on Friday with her side coming out with the win.
“I have heard they have got pretty well half a new team so it will be interesting,” she said.
“I’m hoping it will be a close match and hopefully we can get away with a win but I think it will definitely be close.”
Portland Panthers v International
Inter will head to Portland on Sunday as they face the Portland Panthers in hopes of picking up some points.
Despite having a couple points to their name thus far, Portland are yet to win a game as they have had back-to-back draws.
Inter, on the other hand, have had two tough losses to start the season and have yet to score a goal.
Despite registering two draws, Portland have looked a very competitive side that will definitely be in contention for the flag.
After a tough season last year and a slow start to the year, Inter will be keen to get some momentum going with a win over Portland.
The Panthers will look for Imogen Pratt to have another great game as she has scored in both their matches so far and helped her side get the draw with Naracoorte.
I think the Panthers should come out on top in this game and secure their first win of the year.
Naracoorte United v Millicent United
Millicent United will head to Naracoorte on Sunday as both sides look to get their first win of the season.
After a disappointing season last year Naracoorte looked like a different team in round one with a 5-5 draw with Portland.
Meanwhile, Millicent has not had a good start to their year after a great season last year where they made the grand final.
Millicent struggled last week, going goalless in the game, which will be something they will have to improve on if they want to get the three points this weekend.
If Naracoorte can play like they did in round one then they should be in a good position to come away with a win.
Naracoorte’s Tanah Oliver and Sophie Hole were both solid in the draw and will definitely need to repeat that performance this week.
I think this should be a very competitive game, but the result really could go either way.
