PORT MAC V KALANGADOO
All roads lead to the Bay on Saturday as the Mid South East Football League match-of-the-day is contested between Port MacDonnell and Kalangadoo.
The Demons are fresh from a come-from-behind win against 2019 grand finalists Glencoe on their home ground while Kalangadoo had the bye. The seasiders have three aces up their sleeve as they take on the reigning premiers.
They have 2018 Mail medallist Daron McElroy in great touch as he carried his terrific trial game form into the home-and-away season. Past premiership player Dylan Bromley has slotted back well into the lineup as has key Western Border recruit Kevin Thomson.
Kalangadoo has a key advantage of being the only MSEFL team to play in the Limestone Coast competition in 2020. This benefit will become apparent as the season progresses.
The Magpies will sorely miss quality talls Liam Hay and Jack Casey and this will give Port MacDonnell a winning edge.
MOUNT BURR V GLENCOE
Glencoe players will make the short journey to Mount Burr along the Overland Track with mixed feelings. Their new coach Frazer Scanlon was based at Mick and Jean Walker Oval for the 2015 season and he took the Mozzies to the flag.
On the other hand, the Murphies last played at Mount Burr in the 2019 season decider and were comprehensively outplayed by their arch rivals from Kalangadoo. As well as pride and premiership points on the line, the Ian McInnes Memorial Trophy is also up for grabs.
It has been awarded for around 20 seasons and it honours the memory of the late Mount Burr president and secretary. Mount Burr has the home ground advantage as well as an impressive running game which earned it a win at Kongorong.
Skipper Jack Gregory is the focal point in attack. There were plenty of positives for Glencoe in its hard-fought loss at home to Port MacDonnell in round one and a tough tussle is assured.
NANGWARRY V ROBE
Going solely on round one results, Robe will start its game at Nangwarry as the warmest of favourites. However, a narrow win by the Saints cannot be ruled out as a couple of factors are in their favour.
Firstly, the club’s luck is overdue for a change after it drew a tough opponent on the road to start the 2021 season and then loss the toss. Secondly, Robe does play the Nangwarry oval well. Thirdly, Robe was the last team to lose to Nangwarry back in 2015.
Fourthly, Nangwarry is a fitter and keener outfit than in 2019 while the overall playing strength of Robe is about the same. Fifthly, Saints’ veteran Ben Dinnison was in good touch with a couple of goals against Hatherleigh.
If Nangwarry can deliver the ball to him, a winning score might be posted.
TANTANOOLA V KONGORONG
The Tantanoola and Kongorong forwards certainly did not get “leather poisoning” when their respective sides succumbed to defeats in the opening round on Saturday.
The Hawk attack managed just four goals at home while the Tiger sharp-shooters did only a little better with five majors at Robe. With so many personnel changes and no footy in 2020, it is far too early to make an assessment for their chances this season.
Nevertheless the clash at Tigerland is crucial as no team wants a 0-2 start to 2021. The visitors are still expected to be without injured captain and past best and fairest winner Bryn Weaver.
However, when the Kongorong selectors meet tonight there will be the obvious temptation to recall coach Will Whitty to play against his home club. If Tantanoola can avoid another slow start, it will be well placed to win.
