BOOM Mulwala recruit Kyle Archibald says Finley deserves to start favourites in Saturday night’s blockbuster Murray league clash.
A big crowd is expected when the Cats host the Lions under lights. Both teams are out to start the season with consecutive wins.
Finley opened its season with a 48-point triumph against Deniliquin and will be confident after the result when the clubs last played.
Matt Jackson booted nine goals to lead Finley into last year’s grand final after a 65-point preliminary final win, a loss that is sure to still hurt the Lions.
“They would be the favourites I would have thought,” Archibald said yesterday.
“Obviously it would suit them on their big ground.
“I reckon Finley will be a bit of a benchmark and will be raring to go.”
Archibald, who booted four goals, was one of Mulwala’s best in last week’s 202-point home win against Rumbalara, teaming with Ty Primmer and Dean Bigger in the midfield with devastating results.
Rennie recruit Chase Strawhorn, who kicked 111 goals in the Picola league last year, booted 12 majors on debut in a sign he will also be hard to contain this season.
Mulwala playing coach Nic O’Bryan, who was also outstanding in the 38.14 (242) to 5.10 (40) triumph, said there were no expectations on the star forward.
“As long as he’s kicking goals against the good sides as well, I’m happy,” O’Bryan said.
“I’m not interested in him kicking 10 against ordinary sides and none against the good sides.”
While Strawhorn will be one to watch, so will Finley’s star recruit Ryan Bongetti.
The former Cobram ace was outstanding against the Rams with strong support from Ollie Ford, Tom Doyle and Ben Schulz.
Deniliquin led at quarter time but the Cats put the foot down in the second half, booting six goals to three.
