Robe v Mount Burr
Mount Burr needs to rebound from a round 6 crushing loss at Hatherleigh and win well at home over Robe on Saturday.
This will be the match of the day in round 7 of the Mid South East Football League as it pits the second-placed and unbeaten Robe against the third-placed Mount Burr.
Unbeaten means the Roosters have not lost on the scoreboard in 2024 but the seasiders were stripped of their score and premiership points in the round 2 team sheet fiasco.
With the club and Mount Burr only 90km from Robe, there should be a good contingent of visitors on Can Hill to view the action.
It is likely the blue and gold colours will also be seen in numbers at the MSEFL’s premier viewing vantage point.
Hatherleigh is undefeated and has the bye.
Having lost the past two grand finals, the club would do well to seize every opportunity to get intel on other clubs likely to reach the major round.
If you believe the rumours, it would come as little surprise if Hatherleigh backers are seen at matches of the new Limestone Coast Football Netball League.
Speaking of the Eagles, they certainly made the Mozzies look very tame in round 6 and their running game was executed perfectly.
Mount Burr will appreciate the smaller dimensions of Mick and Jean Walker Oval as Robe has a similar run-on style as Hatherleigh.
Over the years, it has been rare for the Mozzies to have two “shockers” in succession.
Nevertheless, Robe will still come into the match as slim favourites.
Nangwarry v Glencoe
Glencoe needs to bank as much percentage as possible at Nangwarry to maintain its tenuous hold on fourth spot.
Inconsistency has blighted the Murphies so far in 2024 and Kalangadoo is keen to take their place in the upper bracket.
The maroon and golds are missing the drive of 2022-23 coach and last season’s best and fairest Tom Edwards who is now playing at Port Pirie.
The losing margins of the Saints this season are not a true reflection of their improvement and commitment.
Nangwarry will appreciate a home game but the winless status will remain.
Kalangadoo v Kongorong
Kalangadoo and Kongorong have both played Glencoe in the past fortnight and the results suggest only one outcome at Pie Park.
The Hawks were thrashed at home by the Murphies and, in turn, the visiting Magpies thrashed the Murphies and retained the coveted Max Matthews Memorial Cup.
It is well over a decade since this trophy was in Glencoe’s possession.
Such is the intense rivalry between the two clubs, it is said tongue-in-cheek there are Kalangadoo supporters who are unsure about their premiership seasons but 100% certain about the years the Magpies defeated the Murphies.
Two good wins have lifted the reigning premiers into fifth place and it is hard to see the Hawks will be able to thwart the momentum.
Home team forward Connor Gentile might be able to trim the commanding lead on the goalkicking table currently enjoyed by Hatherleigh’s Paddy Chay.
Port MacDonnell v Tantanoola
Port MacDonnell will be made to work hard for the premiership points at home against Tantanoola.
The Tigers have finally broken through for a win and it came at the expense of Nangwarry.
Despite the best efforts of four-time Mail Medallist Will Macdonald, the Demons are now facing the unhappy prospect of a fourth consecutive loss.
It is of cold comfort to the seasiders these defeats have been handed out by Hatherleigh, Robe and Mount Burr who are the top three clubs in the competition.
The Bay boys will lose touch with the top four if the Tigers can clock up consecutive wins.
