Magpies to give Crocs tough test

SOUTHERN Districts coach Shannon Rusca knows his Crocodiles have sharp teeth – three wins to start their defence of the NTFL premiership is proof they want to tear any potential challengers apart.

But Palmerston could prove to be too big a target to bite today at Norbuilt Oval, with Magpies ruckman Matthew Dennis getting plenty of touches and giving his running players an armchair ride.

“There’s no easy game this season because the competition is very close,’’ Rusca said.

“Palmerston has already played some good footy and they’ll be confident they can do some damage of their own.

“Having said that, we’ve been very consistent in every game we’ve played so far. Our ball use has been very good and we’ve worked as a unit defensively and up forward.’’

Dennis has been a colossus for the Magpies, starring in their opening-round win over a very good Waratah side and being one of their best three players in losses to Nightcliff and the Darwin Buffaloes.

“We’re aware of what Dennis can do. He can take a catch and give his small players first use of the ball – something we’ve got to counter if we want to get the ball out of the middle on a regular basis,’’ Rusca said.

“Palmerston has a very good spread of players in that area, so we will definitely have to be on our game.’’

One name stands out in the Districts side that will run on at about 3.45pm today: Seb Guilhaus. The giant former Territory Thunder and Nightcliff ruckman has just completed a season with SANFL preliminary finalists Woodville-West Torrens.

His battle with Dennis will be worth the entry fee alone, with Guilhaus’s strength at centre bounces and boundary throw-ins doused by Dennis’s athleticism and powerful marking.

In-form utility Sam Smith and wingman Charlie McAdam have been in stellar form, creating some pre-game match-up headaches for Magpies boss Alwyn Davey.