Round 12 of the Kowree Naracoorte-Tatiara Football season is back on Saturday as the run home to the finals starts.
Mundulla hosts Bordertown in the match of the round. The Roosters had a thrilling victory the first time the two teams clashed in round three when the Roosters won by two points.
Both teams need the victory as the double chance for the finals is still on offer.
The Tigers have hit their straps recently as they get near full strength.
Gaining Jake McGrice back into the line-up has been a big addition.
I’m not sure what injury James Hinge has, but if he can get back into the team the Tigers will be formidable again.
Nick Mosey, Elliot Jaeschke and Nathan Studham have been consistent for the Tigers this season and will be the driving force again for Mundulla on Saturday.
Jaidan Kappler, Troy Blackwell and Jacob Eats have led Bordertown this season and will be keen to clock up their second win over the rivals on Saturday.
The break came at the right time for the Roosters to regroup and reset their charge towards a finals spot.
I think Mundulla will be the more settled line up on Saturday and get the victory in a close game.
Lucindale hosts Border Districts in a game that could decide each team’s post-season chances. If the Eagles get the win they pull clear and start to look impossible to chase down for the final top five spot.
If the Roos get the victory then they stay in the chase.
The Roos defeated the Eagles earlier in the season and it would be a big effort for them to do it again.
Border Districts have been playing better football lately and look like they are primed for a late-year run.
Mark Quinn, Joshua Richards and Zac Richards have been super impressive this season for the Eagles.
The Eagles have a good forward line with Mackenzie Bower and Dylan Schoenmakers leading the way for Borders as the Eagles have a good balanced scoring list.
The Roos will need some players back to stop the Eagles from getting good looks in the forward line.
Brad Agnew, Henry Tregoweth and Josh Trembath will be called upon to give Lucindale the best chance to kick a winning score.
Border Districts look too strong and should get across the line.
Padthaway takes on Penola at home in what is an effective elimination final game.
The loser of this contest will not be able to make a run to try and make the finals. The winner will stay in the hunt for a late-season run to try and make the finals. Padthaway made it harder on themselves when they could not hold their three-quarter time lead against Kingston.
The Lions will be determined to not let that happen against the Eagles if they get the chance again. Nathan McCarthy, Wyatt Fraser and Danny Juckers have been consistent performers for the Lions and will play key roles in the contest.
Tobin Cox has managed just five games for the season and the Lions need him back in the lineup if he is fit enough to have any chance at a late-season run at the finals.
Penola has won two of its past three games to build confidence in the team.
Coach Jayden Eldridge has had a consistent season on the field and would be pleased with how some of the younger players are getting better every week.
Beau Shinnick and Harrison Evans have been impressive recruits.
Jak Ryan is another player who has had a consistent run of form since joining the club.
Bradley Bryant, Jordan Galpin and Brodie Foster have been strong contributors most weeks.
This game is a toss of the coin match-up.
Padthaway won a close game the last time these two teams met earlier in the season.
I think it might go the other way this time with the Eagles getting across the line in a close contest.
Archrivals Naracoorte and Kybybolite clash again with the Tigers full of confidence after their close win against Mundulla.
The Demons battle hard every week they play and have been more competitive lately but their lack of experienced depth hurts them when trying to get the win.
Tommy Anderson and Matthew Maney have been great for the Demons this season.
Both have fought hard all season against the odds to have consistent years.
Kai Schmid is another who has had a great year.
The Demons will be looking to be competitive against the Tigers and push them as much as they can.
Kybybolite’s key forward Stephen Craig could be set for a big bag of goals and get back into the league goal-kicking award race.
Andrew Bradley, Jack Trengove and Jared Deep will most likely have lots of the football and be sending the ball inside the forward 50 often on Saturday to get the Kybybolite forwards plenty of supply.
The Tigers are almost certain to win, the question is by how much? If Naracoorte can keep it in the 10-goal range then I think that would be a commendable effort.
Kingston is at home to Keith and the Crows are chasing a finals spot and the double chance.
The Saints are chasing pride and want to cause an upset or two to shape the finals race. Both teams enter this game in winning form and so it could be a good contest.
The Crows would be expected to win as they have a greater depth in the current team. Crows midfielder Daniel Bibby is having another consistent season and might have a chance at back-to-back league medals.
Kingston’s Jed Castley might gain the tag on Daniel Bibby on Saturday. Crows player Seb Schreiber continues to impress since moving on the ball. Will Schreiber also has been consistent throughout the year for the Crows.
The Crows have loads of firepower with Lewis Hender and George Johnson leading the way. Blake Read and Riley Wilsdon have been others who have consistently hit the scoreboard this season.
Kingston finds it hard to score, but they can get the football inside 50.
Jack Armfield has had to move forward at times this season to add a focal point to help Todd Lockwood.
The Watts boys William and Campbell are always in the thick of the play for the Saints.
Kingston has a good young core that keeps them competitive.
Chris Draper and Ben Rogers have been consistent out of the backlines for the Saints this season.
I get the feeling both players will be very busy on Saturday rebounding the ball.
Keith will be the favourite and should win comfortably.
