TWO of the Central Murray Football Netball League’s powerhouse senior sides will meet tomorrow for a chance to progress to this month’s grand final.
Four-time reigning premiers, Kerang and last year’s grand finalists, Koondrook/Barham will clash at Nyah in what shapes to be an entertaining affair.
The Blues, aiming for a ninth consecutive grand final, hold a 8-0 record in second semi-final appearances since beginning their strong finals record in 2008, whilst tomorrow will be the Raiders’ first second semi-final appearance.
“Although we have improved on last year, Kerang is easily the yardstick of the competition for the last five years and until someone knocks them off, they will be the trendsetters,” Raiders coach, Neil Bradley said.
Kerang will benefit from having last weekend off thanks to finishing on top of the ladder, whilst the Raiders recorded a 32-point win in the qualifying final against Nyah-Nyah West United.
“We had a pretty solid training session last Saturday morning that went for a couple of hours to make sure we are ready for tomorrow’s match,” Kerang co-coach, Troy Coates said.
The only injury concern the Raiders had coming out of last week’s win was Matt Dean, who rolled his ankle, but the border side should go into the match with the same 22 as six days ago.
Kerang will make one change, with Bronson Booth to return to the side following a suspension.
Dean and Daniel Mowat will need to shut down Luke Cotchett and Luke Livingston if the Raiders are to replicate their round nine efforts against the Blues.
Accurate kicking helped Koondrook/Barham record a 14-point win against Kerang, reversing a 53-point loss back in the opening round of the season.
“The win in June showed that if we have a good start and maintain that lead, we can win,” Bradley said.
“If we maintain a good tempo of play and keep our hands on the footy, we play well, but we cannot let Kerang’s midfielders take uncontested marks.”
Coates will lead his seasoned midfielders in Mark Lloyd and Bradlee Pay in a tussle against Tom May and Lucas Matthews, whilst the ruck duel between Raiders recruit, Rhett Sutton and former AFL player, Troy Davis will be pivotal to the result.
Mark Walter will need to stop Jay Reynolds from replicating last weekend’s six-goal effort if the Blues are to prevail, with fellow defender, Josh Bray to challenge Tom Lamb in the Raiders’ forward line.
“Both Tom Lamb and Jay, as well as Tom May in the middle of the ground, are dangerous when they get the ball, so we have to make sure they are kept accountable,” Coates said.
PREDICTION: Experience and the week off will help Kerang win by 30 points.
