We have a fantastic round of matches in Murray League Football this week. Mulwala clash with Echuca United in what is undoubtedly the match of the round. Big improvers Tongala get to test themselves against Cobram, while Numurkah will get the opportunity to see how much they have improved when they take on Finley. The other 3 games all appear on paper to be fairly evenly matched, so results could go either way.
Mulwala v Echuca United
The match of the round takes place at Mulwala, where they take on Echuca United. Both teams will be out to prove they are genuine Premiership contenders at this early stage of the season. The Lions have started the season with 2 convincing victories and will be keen to build on that at home today. Dangerous small forward Anthony Giuliano will miss through suspension, but Chase Strawhorn and will be one player the Eagles defence will need to restrict. While Sean Robinson, Nick O’Bryan, Dean Bigger and Kyle Archibald have been very dangerous around the ground and when resting forward. The Eagles will need to find some multiple goal kickers to knock the Lions off. Farran Priest, Duane Hueston, Rowan Priest and Scott Beattie are not only winning plenty of the footy, they are also kicking goals. They will need more support today if they are to take the points. At home the Lions should have too much firepower and run out victors.
Cobram v Tongala
Another big match takes place at Cobram, where the undefeated Tigers and Tongala clash. The Tigers had to fight hard last week to shrug off a determined Congupna side, and must improve today if they are to take the points. They have Tom Crapp, Matt Hyde, Nick Tassell and Tom Thorson performing well, while Daniel McIntyre, Ben Ryan, Dean Norris, Harry King and Dylan Ryan have been solid contributors. Tongala are going nicely with 2 convincing victories to start the season. Dave Newman, Jimmy Cullum and Jarrad Martin are providing plenty of drive around the ground and providing Luke McGill, Matt Andrews and Tom Donnell with plenty of scoring opportunities up forward. This should be a very close, entertaining game. At home the Tigers may just sneak over the line.
Numurkah v Finley (Sunday)
Numurkah commenced their season last week with a comfortable victory over Rumbalara. They had plenty of contributors and will need them to stand up again today against Finley on the rebound. Chris Oliver should have a good battle in the ruck against Tim Robertson, while Justin Murphy, Matt and Brett Chapman and Beau McKeown will be key players for the Blues. Up forward they have Dylan Sidebottom and Joel Child to cause the Cats defence plenty of headaches, Will and Nick Robertson are likely to have first crack at them. The Cats will be keen to bounce back from their loss last week through Ryan Bongetti, Ollie Ford, Matt Jackson, Reid Crowe and Kamen Ogilvie. Up forward they will look to stretch the Blues defence with Jake Plattfuss, Tom Doyle and Cam Robertson providing targets. At home the Blues will be tough to crack, but the Cats should just take the points.
Deni Rams v Barooga
Deni Rams get the chance to get a much needed win on the board when they host Barooga. The Rams pushed Echuca United all the way last week. Their youngsters in Ash Morris, Jayden Pitts, Blair Whelan, Brenton Loudon, Justin Barker and Ollie Draffin have been leading the way. If their leaders in Nick Howe, Josh Whelan and Ricky Gittens can join in then they should be too good. The Hawks improved last week, but have lost Shaun Robbins and Michael Connors to injury. Their youngsters in Cal Leighton-Daly, Riley Brooks and Nick Gadsby have also been impressive, while Luke Jarjoura and Chase Saunders will be key players to the Hawks chances. At Deni, the Rams should get their first victory for 2013 on the board.
Moama v Congupna
Congupna travel to Moama full of confidence after a promising start to the season. They pushed Cobram all the way last week, and a similar performance today should see them successful. Their experienced players in Marcus Drum, Luke Kenelley, Shane Bensch, Matt Hodgetts, Heath Barton and Mitch Sidebottom have been leading by example. While Daniel Bowles, Paul Kenelley, Lachlan Sidebottom, Kaine Greening and Ben Hicks are providing valuable support. For Moama Josh Maddox continues to lead the way with support from Tyler Jones, David Ismail, Shannon Galea, Kyle Manley and Daniel Thorp. With some key players to return this week, Moama may just get the points on the final siren.
Tocumwal v Nathalia
In the final match Tocumwal host Nathalia desperate for a victory. Toc would have been pleased with their performance last week and will look to lift another level today. Forwards Aaron Findlay and Michael Madden will need to kick multiple goals. While they need big games for Dalton Sanderson, Matt Neill, Trent Boglis, Steve Poynton, Jacob Hore and Ben Phelan if they are to taste victory. Nathalia fresh from the bye will be keen to get an early win on the board. Key Forwards Brodie Ross and Jason Limbrick should cause the Bloods defence plenty of headaches, while Jarrod Maskell, Nathan Ryan, Alistair Corry, Adam Hickey, Luke Quinn and Ian Fulton provide the drive around the ground. This should be a close tussle, but the Purples should be too strong through their key forwards.
Rumbalara Bye
Selections: Mulwala, Cobram, Finley, Deni Rams, Moama, Nathalia.
