KERANG will aim to go into its third break of the Central Murray Football Netball League season, scheduled for next weekend, with a win against the Mallee Eagles under its belt.
The Blues reclaimed top spot on the ladder last weekend thanks to a 62-point win against Tooleybuc/Manangatang, whilst the Eagles snapped a three-match losing streak with a 32-point win against Balranald.
With Nyah-Nyah West United taking on fifth-placed Woorinen and fourth-placed Lake Boga travelling to play sixth-placed Tooleybuc/Manangatang, the result of tomorrow’s match at Lalbert will have ramifications for both sides.
A Kerang win will leave the Eagles at least half a win outside the top five, depending on results at Nyah and Manangatang, whilst the Blues will remain on top of the ladder going into a round 16 blockbuster against the Eagles.
If the Eagles produce a surprise win, the side will move into the top five if the Magpies and Tigers lose, with the Blues to fall to third if the Demons and Koondrook/Barham win.
Kerang’s fringe players – led by Hayden Hall, Michael Runciman and Jarryd Pertzel – have shown in the past few weeks that the Blues’ premiership defence is on track, even when the likes of co-coach Travis Matheson and Luke Livingston don’t play.
This is the opposite for the Eagles, whose season has been decimated by injuries.
The side received a boost last weekend with the return of Beau Bennett, relieving the pressure on Mitch Bosward and Andrew Knight in the middle of the ground.
However, the trio will find it tough going tomorrow trying to contain Kerang co-coach, Troy Coates, Ryan Gillingham and Bradlee Pay.
Patrick Cadd and Caine Hillier kicked 10 goals between them in the Eagles’ win six days ago, but will find the Kerang back third, led by Josh Bray and Brandon Hayes, tougher to negate.
Braidon Bennett and Matthew White will need to shut down the likes of Hall, Troy Thamm and potentially Matheson and Livingston if the Eagles produce an upset win, but the Blues’ numerous goalkicking options will be too much for the home side.
Kerang won by 42 points when these sides met in round three. A similar result will occur tomorrow.
PREDICTION: Kerang will win by 40 points.
