TOMORROW’S encounter between Swan Hill and the Cohuna Kangas will be a historic occasion, with the sides becoming the first teams to play for premiership points under lights at the Swan Hill Recreation Reserve.
The occasion will also mark the start of the Kangas’ second rebuilding season, with coach Rick Easton saying recently the club is looking for long-term development.
The Kangas finished ninth in 2015 with four wins, but will go into season 2016 with a stronger line-up.
Tomorrow’s match marks the return of former players Rhys Bradley and Shannon Hammond, who will provide support across the back third of the ground.
The Swans are also looking to improve, with injuries preventing the side from making the finals in 2015.
Swan Hill coach, Tim Ruffles will rely on the club’s local players, highlighted by midfielder Matthew Wade, who only played six games last year due to injury.
The ruck duel between Swan Hill’s Tobias Thoolen and the Kangas’ Ben Archard – who played in the Northern Territory Football League during the pre-season – will be a key battle.
Another interesting prospect will be the debut of Israel Mofalesi, who will provide an x-factor the Kangas will look to in big games.
The Swans defeated the Kangas by 53 points when these sides met in round eight last season, but a closer match will be on the cards tomorrow night.
PREDICTION: Swan Hill should win by 20 points.
