The 2025 season is only two rounds old but last season’s grand finalists are already emerging as the clear favourites to contest the season decider at Robe on September 19.

Reigning premiers Hatherleigh and runners-up Robe have begun the minor round with convincing wins and are the only unbeaten sides.

Fellow round one winner Mount Burr was put to the sword by the Eagles to the tune of 75 points.

The Mozzies missed the 2024 major round on percentage but have a lot of work to do if they are going to add to their record haul of flags.

Robe defeated Kalangadoo by 93 points in the 2024 preliminary final and the margin of 68 points on Saturday was also decisive.

After a bye for the opening round, Tantanoola defeated round one victor Nangwarry by 10 goals in the closest game of the round.

Port MacDonnell opened their account and retained the Ian Smith Trophy with a convincing win at the seaside over neighbours Kongorong.

The four games were played in temperatures well above 30 degrees.

No doubt the players and umpires appreciated the new shorter quarters in the Mid South East Football League of 20 minutes plus time on.

Crowd numbers were up as the neighbouring Limestone Coast League had a bye for the AFL Gather Round in Adelaide and the Barossa Valley.

Tantanoola 12.16 defeated Nangwarry 3.10


It has been around 15 years since Nangwarry was ranked in the top four but that lasted only one week due to a 10-goal hiding by Tantanoola at Tigerland.

The run and carry which had served the Saints so well in their opening round win at home over Port MacDonnell was missing for much of the match.

Tantanoola began well but their eight scoring shots in the first term only resulted in two goals.

The Tiger defence stood firm to concede just one goal in the first half and two in the second.

The youth and inexperience of a third of the visitors was exploited by the Tigers.

The home side’s 12 goals were shared around with no Tantanoola player registering more than two majors.

Among those to impress for the victors was Roy Osborne who last played with the Tigers in 2022.

Standing almost 195cm and with late Melbourne skipper Robbie Flower in his family tree, the 26-year-old has been working interstate and overseas.

The hard luck story of the day belonged to Tantanoola utility player Bryce Radley.

After missing seven seasons away from football, he had found touch with two goals.

However, Radley dislocated a shoulder in the third term and was ferried to hospital by the SA Ambulance Service.

After the break for Easter, Tantanoola heads to Kongorong for the customary pre-match Anzac tribute with the Mount Gambier RSL and the presentation of the John Rogers Memorial Medal for best on ground.

Meanwhile, the timing of Easter and their scheduled bye means Nangwarry has a 21-day break before its next game at home against Kongorong on May 3.

Hatherleigh 17.11 defeated Mount Burr 5.8


A much-anticipated close tussle had gone by quarter time as Mount Burr were goalless and home team Hatherleigh led by 48 points.

The remaining three terms were also lopsided with the Eagles looking the goods for a first-ever back-to-back premiership ranking.

The Mozzies posted one goal in the second term, none in the third and four in the last.

Almost half of Hatherleigh’s 17 goals came from the boot of returning player Frazer Bradley.

He leads the MSEFL ladder with 12 goals and this follows his 59 with Millicent last season.

As a sidelight, Mount Burr’s skipper Jack Gregory played his 200th game while it was game 150 for Hatherleigh’s Sam Waring.

The round three blockbuster between Hatherleigh and Robe at the seaside will also have an Anzac theme.

Mount Burr hosts Port MacDonnell on April 26.

Robe 18.6 defeated Kalangadoo 7.4


Robe and Kalangadoo were well matched in the opening term with four scoring shots apiece.

The Magpies led by five points on their home ground and things then went to muck.

They had no answer to young Rooster Joel Bryant who marked his 50th game with a career-high return of eight goals.

Kalangadoo will need to improve to retain the Max Matthews Memorial Cup at Glencoe on April 26.

It honours the memory of the premiership player with both clubs.

The cup has been held by the Magpies for over a decade.

Port MacDonnell 18.14 defeated Kongorong 7.5


Port MacDonnell experienced a 103-point turnaround on their opening round loss at Nangwarry to win easily at the Bay over arch rivals Kongorong.

Following an even first quarter, the Demons pulled away to increase their lead at every change.

The Hawks had a more productive forward line than in the first round.

The seasiders got good value from their Penola recruit Gus Eckermann. He finished with five goals and a best on ground ranking.

The Demons’ win came despite being without Adam Kuhl, who was suspended for three weeks following an incident in the opening round at Nangwarry on April 5.

Kuhl was yellow-carded and reported by field umpire Matt Cockrum for striking Saints recruit Jake Mansell in the final quarter.

The matter was sent to South East football operations coordinator and match review officer Michael Mourbey
 for investigation.

The match review officer graded the reportable offence as a four-match penalty. He offered Kuhl a three-match suspension for an early guilty plea and this was accepted.

Kuhl will be eligible to return to playing with the Demons in their round five match at Glencoe on May 10.