Mid South Eastern Football League Round 4 preview
Kongorong v Nangwarry
The match of the round in the fourth round of the Mid South East Football league on Saturday is at Kongorong when the luckless Nangwarry pays its annual visit.
As well as the footy encounter between the only two winless teams in the competition, the Hawks will have their annual Anzac commemoration.
The best-on-ground will receive the prestigious Private John Rogers Memorial medal which honours the local serviceman who died from his wounds in the Vietnam War in 1968.
The visitors come into the game as warm favourites as they have been in winning positions in two of their three losses, but lacklustre third terms proved costly.
Adelaide recruit Andrew Hyland remains their main chance of a breakthrough win and their first since mid-2014.
Hyland was recruited from Edwardstown in the strong Southern Football League.
He has booted almost 600 goals for the “Townies” in around 160 games and this averages out to an impressive four-goals-per-match.
Kongorong will appreciate the home turf but three heavy losses to start 2022 relegates it to underdog status.
Hatherleigh v Tantanoola
Ladder leaders Hatherleigh are red-hot favourites to boot a large winning score on their vast home ground at the expense of Tantanoola.
With the grounds remaining firm, this is an obvious advantage to pacy teams like the Eagles.
They have forwards in great touch like Jake Wight and coach Jake Dowdy while third-generation Hatherleigh player Jett Faulkner has settled in well in A Grade company.
Over in the Tiger camp, they are reaping the benefits of having a fit coach in Jak Ryan who is back on the park and able to direct the traffic around him.
A three-week break from playing will be of some assistance to the Tigers but will not give them the winning edge.
Mount Burr v Port MacDonnell
Mount Burr is set to play at home again with reigning premiers Port MacDonnell now visiting Mick and Jean Walker Oval rather than hosting this fixture at the seaside.
MSEFL secretary Naomi Mitchell has explained the reason for the program change.
“This is at the request of the Port MacDonnell Football Club and is due to the poor grass coverage on the oval as a result of their renovation works over summer,” she said.
The Mozzies and the Demons have each sung their victory song on one occasion so far in 2022.
Neither team has yet to fully hit their stride this season with club insiders suggesting that COVID-related absences are proving disruptive.
Glencoe v Robe
If Glencoe are to keep their place in the top four, then they will have to win games at home against the likes of Robe.
The Murphies impressed in their narrow round three win at Nangwarry as they withstood a strong final quarter onslaught by the Saints.
The victory should give great heart to new coach Tom Edwards while newcomer Henry Smith came away with some silverware in the form of the Phil Muhovics Memorial Medal.
Smith is mobile for a player of his size (195cm) and is one of a number of talented players to pull on the maroon-and-gold colours for the first time in 2022.
Glencoe needs anther pair of players of his class to join the club before the clearance deadline of June 30 as well as the much-anticipated return from injury of skipper Zacc Cocks.
The Roosters have a 50:50 record this season but need to improve on their round three showing at home against undefeated Hatherleigh.
