IT may only be the opening weekend of the Central Murray Football Netball League, but tomorrow’s match between last season’s grand finalists could be a preview of one of this year’s finals.
Four-time reigning premiers, Kerang host grand finalists, Koondrook/Barham in the match of the first round of the season.
The Blues go into the match as favourites, with a decade-long dominance against the border side one of the factors going Kerang’s way.
The home side will go into the game close to full strength, with players missing the opening round due to injury not a factor for the first time in a number of years.
“We should be a full strength, with Luke Livingston not playing due to other commitments,” Kerang co-coach, Troy Coates said.
Tomorrow’s match will mark the return of former premiership player, Brandon Hayes, as well as the debut of new recruit, Mark Lloyd.
The utility played in six consecutive premiership winning sides – five with Bendigo Football League side, Golden Square from 2009 to 2013, then with Wedderburn in the North Central Football League in 2014.
Lloyd, as well as Hayes will help to cover the loss to former AFL premier, Lance Picioane, who will not play with the Blues this season.
“The beauty of Mark is that he can play in different positions. He can play forward, and when he was at Golden Square he was used on the half-back line and in the midfield,” Coates said.
The Raiders have also been busy during the pre-season securing players that can help secure the club’s first senior flag.
One big inclusion is former Rye ruckman Rhett Sutton, whose battle with Kerang tall, Troy Davis will be a highlight of the match.
Tom May, who comes to the club from Gisborne, will be asked to mind key Blues midfielder, Ryan Gillingham, with Max Baldissera to take on the challenge of containing Troy Thamm in Kerang’s forward line.
“It is a credit to Koondrook/Barham (to be where they are), as they have come a long way in the past couple of years. The club has recruited well, with some of those A grade players,” Coates said.
“I’m looking forward to the game. Kerang and Koondrook/Barham have developed a good rivalry during the past number of years, but tomorrow’s game should be a close one.”
PREDICTION: Kerang will win by 30 points.
