Storm moving on in
Jeparit-rainbow will attempt to put an early dent in Natimuk United’s confidence when the teams clash in the second round of Horsham District football on Saturday.
The Storm would be still kicking itself for squandering more than a four-goal first-quarter lead against Southern Mallee Giants and will attempt to bounce back strongly at Natimuk.
Despite surrendering a significant lead in a wind-blown opening term, Jeparit-rainbow was far from disgraced and there were plenty of signs to suggest the lightning bolt will play a role in shaping the competition.
Of major significance for the Storm was the immediate impression of newcomer Shane Maslin and the on-field lead-by-the-front game of coach Ash Clugston.
Peter Weir also collected a few goals and looms as a major challenge for the Natimuk United defence.
The jury is still out on Natimuk United regardless of its hammering of Rupanyup in round one.
What was obvious was the newfound versatility in the camp and the strong presence of new coach Sam Anson.
Clever goal-sneak Nathan Koenig would obviously be riding high on confidence after his ninegoal haul while Alex Ridsdale, Jordan Smith, Callum Cameron and Sean Moss will be keen to continue their solid start to the season.
Natimuk United has been down for a while but appears to be showing plenty of promise with considerable player depth.
Jeparit-rainbow, meanwhile, wants to continue to make an impression on the competition and would have gleaned plenty from its first-up clash.
It all points to a fascinating contest and the game clearly being match of the round.
Another close game might evolve between Swifts and Laharum at Stawell’s North Park. Both scored first-round wins, Laharum far too good for Pimpinio and Swifts charging home against Taylors Lake.
While Daniel Griffiths and Trent Woolman kicked 12 goals between them for Laharum, finding the big sticks might be harder against the Baggies. It will also be fascinating to see if Swifts can again produce seven-goal kickers after Andrew Cameron and Zach Armer enjoyed round-one spoils.
Haves and have nots?
Many watchers are already predicting a league of two distinct halves with Harrow-balmoral and Southern Mallee Giants setting the pace at the top of the table.
Games at Pimpinio and Beulah on Saturday might provide further insight into whether this is how the competition will pan out this season.
Reigning premiers Southern Mallee Giants take on Noradjuhaquantong at Beulah while Harrow-balmoral meets Pimpinio.
Harrow-balmoral appears to be super slick after throttling Kalkee first up, while Pimpinio came a distant second to Laharum.
The dash and intensity of players such as Nick Pekin and Greg Hamilton will fully test the Tigers, who will need to somehow slow their opponents down and find more avenues to goal.
The Tigers’ Brodie Mines will match the Southern Roos in 5050s on the deck but he might be swimming against the tide.
The Giants had to work hard to beat Jeparit-rainbow and while favourites to beat the Bombers, won’t have the luxury of being able to coast.
The Bombers’ Jason Kerr loves a challenge and Tyler Bye was good first game but NoradjuhaQuantong also needs to create more goal-kicking opportunities.
Giants goal-front firepower will be the big enemy of the Bombers with Kain Robins primed and Brock Orval on the end of a fourgoal haul last week.
Leigh Stewart has also captured attention.
Plenty of goals
Kalkee will attempt to lift itself from the canvas to face Edenhope-apsley at Kalkee.
The Kees copped both barrels from the Roos and now face a Saints outfit fresh from a comprehensive win over the Bombers. Keep an eye on Steven Butler – he will kick plenty of goals for the Saints this year.
Hamish Exell and his Kees have plenty of work ahead.
Rupanyup was probably not as bad as its score against Natimuk United suggested and will be favourite to beat Taylors Lake at Rupanyup.
Newcomers Hugh Mcmurtrie and Jack Musgrove will provide the home side with a significant edge.
Jack Mcrae and Addison Milner will work hard in the contests for the Lakers but face being overwhelmed over four quarters.