Kalangadoo versus Hatherleigh


It will be a hard slog to defend their premiership if Kalangadoo slumps to 0-3 after losing to Hatherleigh at home in the Mid South East Football League match of the day on Saturday.

A bumper crowd will be on hand to see if the Eagles can avenge their losses to the Magpies in both the 2022 and 2023 grand finals.

As it is Kalangadoo’s first home game for 2024, the premiership flag will be unfurled.

The black and whites were not that far off from achieving their first win of the season at Mount Burr last Saturday night.

In a game where they only conceded eight goals all night, two of them came in the dying minutes.

Over in the Eagles camp, there must be concern about their second term fade-outs.

In round one, they allowed Glencoe to boot five unanswered goals leading up to half time.

It was a similar story in round two when Kongorong booted four of their six goals between quarter time and half time.

With the likes of Jed Telfer and Paddy Chay providing reliable avenues to goal, the visitors should win.

Nangwarry versus Mount Burr


Nangwarry hosted Mount Burr almost exactly a year ago with a probable record minor round crowd in attendance.

The drawcard was obviously Brownlow Medallist and former Collingwood champion Dane Swan who was secured by the Saints for a guest appearance.

His playing fee was met by generous club sponsors but it is fair to say that he did not have a big impact on the game.

There is no doubting that he mixed well with supporters and gave entertaining talks throughout the day in the licensed clubrooms.

However, Swan was no miracle worker and the Mozzies cruised to a comfortable victory on the day.

Mount Burr players should be in ‘high heaven’ after a solid victory at Kongorong in round one and then a come-from-behind victory over reigning premiers Kalangadoo.

Both wins were achieved without the services of sensational teenager Kallan Bevan and injured past skippers Josh Fiebig and Nathan Muhovics.

Bevan is currently living and studying in Adelaide but could be about later in 2024 if the Mozzies become a genuine premiership contender.

To achieve this ranking, victories on the road to places like Nangwarry need to be achieved.

Glencoe versus Tantanoola


Tantanoola players must surely fancy their chances of victory when they travel up the Mile Hill to Glencoe.

The Murphies have faded after half time in their two matches to date this season and the final scorelines have not looked pretty
 sights.

On the other hand, Tantanoola put in a creditable performance in their sole game to date in 2024.

Robe are again expected to go deep into the major round in 2024 but took three full quarters to shake off the determined Tigers at Tigerland in round one.

Due to a strong breeze at their backs, the Roosters dominated in the final stanza and banked some percentage.

Tantanoola had a bye in round two and it has made two significant leadership appointments for the remainder of the season.

Brandon Pitts and Troy Hatt have been rewarded for their loyalty to the red and white guernsey by being named joint captains.

Meanwhile, the Glencoe team sheet had a notable inclusion in round two with reigning Mansell Medallist (Junior Colts) Kallan Price getting a call-up to A Grade and booting a goal.

Kongorong versus Robe


There will be a measure of pomp and ceremony at Kongorong on Saturday in a belated acknowledgement of Anzac Day which falls today.

The John Rogers Memorial Medal will be awarded to the footballer judged best and fairest by the umpire.

Meanwhile, the new Mel Tilley Memorial Medal will be granted on a similar basis for the stand-out netballer.

It is fair to say the Kongorong sporting community stage the Anzac commemorative events as well as any of its size across the nation.

They do this in association with the Mount Gambier RSL and all of the traditional Anzac Day elements are retained in a dignified ceremony just before the opening football siren.

They include the Ode of Remembrance and singing of the National Anthem.

Going on their performances to date in 2024, Robe should win comfortably.

The seaside supporters are not renowned for travelling to such distant away games but they should make an exception this year.

Not only will they probably see their side win, they can also join in honouring service and sacrifice.