Hatherleigh v Kalangadoo
It has taken until the very end of the first half of the home-and-away season of the Mid South East Football League but powerhouse clubs Kalangadoo and Hatherleigh will finally meet in round 9 on Saturday.
Until recently, it looked as though the outcome of the upcoming match would decide the outright ladder leader at the mid-point of the season.
The Magpies are undefeated after seven rounds but the Eagles suffered their only blemish on Saturday at the Bay.
The black-and-whites simply have too many scoring avenues headed by the leading MSEFL goalkicker Michael Krieger.
Injury ruled him out of the latter part of the 2021 season and his absence from the grand final was telling.
Hatherleigh has done well in the past two minor rounds of 2019 and 2021 but not claimed any flags.
Jake Dowdy’s team has plenty of talent but it is unlikely to stop the visitors who are playing with surety and confidence.
Robe v Nangwarry
After heavy defeats at the hands of Kalangadoo and Mount Burr, Robe players would be thankful they are playing at home against winless Nangwarry.
To use a cliché, the Saints have been “so near and yet so far” in their quest to end their losing run which began in 2015.
Will Saturday be the day that Lady Luck smiles on the visitors?
The seasiders are certainly vulnerable with eight first-choice players missing due to injury against Mount Burr.
It should also be noted that Nangwarry’s last win was at Robe seven years ago.
An omen perhaps?
Tantanoola v Mount Burr
Tantanoola players have chosen the wrong time to go off the boil as Tigerland prepares to host a resurgent Mount Burr in the cross-town derby.
The ace in the pack for the Mozzies could well be Dylan Ridley who has recovered from a knee reconstruction.
His ability to read the play is without peer in the MSEFL and earned him high rankings in the Mail Medal count on multiple occasions.
Another drawcard is 15-year-old Kallan Bevan who has worn the jumpers of the Glenelg Football Club, Millicent High School and Mount Burr in the past month.
The Tigers have a talented group of teens and will have to battle hard against the Mozzies who are still aiming to reach the major round.
Glencoe v Port MacDonnell
Port MacDonnell’s next step towards a first-ever successful premiership defence should come with its annual trip to Glencoe.
The seasiders have recently risen to a season-high ranking of third due to a rich vein of form.
It would come as no surprise if pressure was mounting on 2021 “retiree” Ben MacGregor to pull on the boots again to bolster the playing ranks.
MacGregor is obviously committed to coaching the MSEFL against the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League in the SE zone carnival at Kongorong on June 11.
Having MacGregor back in the mix would provide some insurance for the Demons with COVID being an ever-disruptive presence at every club.
While Port MacDonnell is aiming for the top, Glencoe is trying to avoid the other end of the premiership table.
The Murphies are currently second-to-bottom and the club has never “won” a wooden spoon since its foundation in 1910.
