The Murray Football League season kicked of last week in front of some massive Easter crowds. Unfortunately most games failed to live up to expectations with some huge winning margins. The closest margin was 48 points between Finley and Deni Rams. While the biggest winning margin was at Mulwala, where the Lions thumped Rumbalara by 202 points.In other matches Tongala showed they will be improvers with a 56 point over Nathalia, Congupna surprised by the ease of their 64 point win over Tocumwal and Echuca United showed they will again be a force defeating Moama by 72 points. In the final match Cobram despite losing several players, proved too good for close rivals Barooga by 105 points. This week we should see some much closer games.
Finley v Mulwala (Saturday 6.10pm)
The match of the round takes place at Finley, where last season’s Preliminary Finalists clash. The Cats proved much too good on that occasion for the Lions. However a number of key players have moved on but the Cats still have a quality midfield led by Ryan Bongetti, Ollie Ford, Tim Robertson, Kamen Ogilvie and Paul Massingham. They also have plenty of options in the key positions with Tom Doyle, Will Robertson, Jake Platfuss, Rob Jewell and Cam Robertson. The Lions have again started the season full of promise and must win today to prove they will be a threat this season. Chase Strawhorn gave them a target last week up forward with good support from Anthony Giuliano. While Sean Robinson, Nick O’Bryan and Kyle Archibald proved dangerous around the ground and up forward. The Lions always start the season strongly and may just take the 4 points on the Cats home ground in a close one.
Echuca United v Deni Rams
Another big match takes place at Echuca United, where the Eagles take on the Deni Rams. The Eagles after a slow start piled on the goals late to run out big winners. They should have too much class in the midfield led by Farran and Rowan Priest and Scott Beattie. While Daniel Cavallaro, Ryan Prendergast and Duane Hueston will provide support around the ground. The Rams started strongly last week, but kicked only 4 goals after quarter time. Ash Morris will need to be closely watched, along with Troy Bartlett, Ricky Gittens, Dan Jordan and Simon Maher. It’s hard to see the Rams containing the Eagles guns and kicking a winning score, so the Eagles should take the points.
Congupna v Cobram
Congupna surprised many MFL followers with the ease of the their victory last week with recruits Matt Hodgetts, Luke Kenelley and Kieran Sheehan performing well. While regulars in Shane Bensch, Mitch Sidebottom, Lachlan Sidebottom, Daniel Bowles and Kaine Greening will ensure they are again competitive against the Tigers today. Cobram also had an easy win with recruit Tom Thorson performing well. He will again be a danger today along with Nick Tassell off half back, Tom Crapp, Matt Hyde, John Lucas and Sam Gemmill in the midfield. While the experienced Simon Rudd holds the defence together. At home I expect Congupna to be very competitive, but the Tigers should have too much class at the end of the day.
Rumbalara v Numurkah
Rumbalara will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss last week when the take on Numurkah at home. Dion Williams, Miles Kerindun, Des Morgan and Ryan Hudson tried hard last week, but should get more support today. If Eric Edwards, Jamie Atkinson, Levi Power, Brayden Williams and Josh Atkinson can lift a level they should at least be competitive. The Blues had the bye last week, but have a new coach in Brent Chapman along with recruits Matt Chapman, Justin Murphy and Jake Wilkinson. With Chris Oliver and Dylan Sidebottom providing the aerial strength for their group of promising youngsters, the Blues should take the points.
Tongala v Tocumwal
Tongala will look to continue their promising start to the season when they clash with Tocumwal today. The Blues found a goal kicker in Matt Andrews, while Dave Newman knocked up getting the footy across half back and in the midfield. Nick Mellington and Jordan Souter also proved dangerous in front of goal and Jarrad Martin, Tom Donnell and Jimmy Cullum will give plenty of drive from the middle. Toc would have been disappointed with their showing last week with only Michael Madden kicking multiple goals. They need big games for Dalton Sanderson, Matt Neill, Trent Boglis, Jacob Hore and Ben Phelan if they are to cause an upset. Tonny at home will have another comfortable victory.
Barooga v Moama
In the final match Barooga will look to bounce back from their disappointing performance last week against Cobram. The much travelled Luke Jarjoura will prove dangerous up forward, while youngsters in Cal Leighton-Daly and Nick Gadsby led support. For the Hawks to take the points they need more from the experienced players in Matt Hendry, Shaun Robbins, Michael Barca and James Hazelman. Moama will also be keen for a better performance this week. Josh Maddox was a standout and will need to be closely watched. They will need big games from Jake Kilmartin, Daniel Thorp, Michael Sage, Ben Welch and David Ismail to get their first win on the board. This should be a close game with maybe Moama just getting home if they can contain Jarjoura.
Nathalia Bye
Selections – Mulwala, Echuca United, Cobram, Numurkah, Tongala, Moama.
