Robe v Kalangadoo


A fired-up Robe at home inflicted more pain on Kalangadoo with a stunning 60-point victory in round four on Saturday.

Billed as the match of the day, the Roosters were determined to climb the ladder after a shock decision by the Mid South East Football League tribunal last week.

As exclusively reported by The SE Voice, the seasiders were stripped of their premiership points and score due to a team sheet error in their 53-poin win over Glencoe in round two.

Many among the seasiders were seething at this penalty and their players responded with a fine display against the Magpies.

They were also keen to do well as many old-timers such as 1985 premiership players Garry Dunsford, Michael Timms and John McLaren were present over the weekend for various Robe past players events.

After an even first half, Robe added 7.4 in the third term and conceded a mere 1.3.

The scoreboard looked even sweeter for the home side at the final siren given another one-sided term.

The Magpies were far from full strength but still managed to write the names of 14 past premiership players on the team sheet including Mail Medallists Jack Casey and Brett Lindner.

Seaside teenager Joel Bryant played arguably his best game in senior company and bagged five goals.

The reigning premiers have begun 2024 with a 0-4 scorecard but could achieve their breakthrough win over fellow winless Tantanoola at home in round five on Saturday.

Kalangadoo will stage a sit-down lunch as part of its annual sponsor recognition day along with the 10-year reunion of the 2014 A Grade premiership team coached by Ben Mules.

Robe is in great touch and will be warm favourites to win at Nangwarry which is the third MSEFL team yet to open its account for 2024.

Mount Burr v Port MacDonnell


A large crowd at Mick and Jean Walker Oval at Mount Burr witnessed the home side take control in the closing minutes to deny victory to a gallant Port MacDonnell.

Little more than two straight kicks separated the teams for much of the day with the final margin being nine points.

Played in perfect autumnal weather, the spectators on Can Hill included 90-year-old Dave Mulshine who played in the Mozzies’ breakthrough premiership side of 1959 coached by the late Tony Hodgens.

It was a finals-standard contest with the lead changing hands around 12 times during the 2.5-hour match.

There was fierce tackling and many physical clashes but field umpires Matt Cockrum, Bruce McLaughlin and Tim Biggins promptly penalised any actions outside the rules.

For McLaughlin, it was his 501st time as an A Grade umpire and he also had to rebuke one “lippy” spectator at the final change.

Respective coaches Clint Gallio (Mount Burr) and Josh Woodall (Port MacDonnell) share the distinction of winning a MSEFL Mail Meal.

They would have also been impressed with the way their sides went about their task of seeking victory.

Ultimately, Mount Burr had the edge as they had a better avenue to goal.

It was provided by vice captain Jack Gregory who bagged six goals.

Mount Burr has the bye on Saturday while Port MacDonnell hosts Hatherleigh.

Hatherleigh v Nangwarry


The sunny skies may have been cursed by the cropping and grazing sectors at Hatherleigh but aided their fast-paced footballers on their vast home ground against Nangwarry.

The die was cast in the opening term when the scoring shot count was 13-3 and Hatherleigh led by 30 points.

The Saints and the Eagles shared the honours in the second term but then Hatherleigh dominated in the third and final terms to achieve a 113-point win.

Veteran ex-skipper Jase Bateman led the way for the victors with a career-high return of eight goals.

However, it was not enough to get a mention in the five official best Hatherleigh players released by team management.

It was not all sour news for the Saints as their senior colts won their first game for 2024.

Hatherleigh has a record 15 premierships in this grade while Nangwarry’s sole flag came in 1991.

Nangwarry hosts Robe on Saturday while Hatherleigh makes the long trip to the Bay.

It will be the first time the Eagles will run out onto the ground at the seaside since they narrowly lost the 2023 grand final to Kalangadoo.

Kongorong v Tantanoola


Kongorong players only sang their victory song once in 2023 and it looked as though they would not be exercising their vocal cords after round four as well.

However, there was a long-sought piece of luck in the dying moments of their match against the winless Tantanoola at Tigerland.

The scores were tied at the time the final siren sounded but a behind kicked by one of the Hawks was sufficient to claim the premiership points.

Visiting coach Cam Sandercock led the way with five goals while Tom Hunter continues to impress in defence.

It was not Tantanoola’s day with Cam Saint experiencing a serious leg injury.

Kongorong will meet Glencoe on Saturday and a second consecutive win cannot be ruled out due to the inconsistency of the Murphies.

Tantanoola heads to Kalangadoo to see who will achieve a breakthrough win in 2024.