CMFNL Round 10 Preview

VITAL MATCH TO BE PLAYED ON SWAN HILL’S TURF

A SHOWDOWN between Swan Hill and Lake Boga is one of several highlights in this Saturday’s 10th round of senior footy in the Central Murray FNL season.

Separated by four points it’s a massive test for the fifth-placed Swans and seventh-placed Magpies.

Another big game will be at Manangatang where the Saints will mark their second win of the season, or Koondrook Barham it’s first.

At Swan Hill Recreation Reserve the Swans will aim to achieve win number six and gain an eight-point break on the Pies.

Key players for Swan Hill include Toby Thoolen in the ruck, rover Matt Wade, Elijah and Jose Miliado and Brandon Houlihan.

If match-up happens as named, Swans half-forward Sonny Beasy will play a crucial role in trying to stop the run and superb disposal of former Essendon and Port Adelaide player Angus Monfries.

A talented line-up from Lake Boga includes Tyle Williams in the centre, David Gourdis and Jayden Lonergan in attack, ruckman Jacob Simpson, rover Darby Hayes, and Marty Parsons at full-back.

The Demons from Nyah Nyah West United will aim to keep the heat on the top five by beating Balranald.

It’s a huge task for the sixth-placed NNWU up against the second-placed Balranald.

In last week’s play, Hassan Ahmat-Watkins kicked nine goals in the Demons win against Tyntynder at Swan Hill’s Alan Garden Reserve.

Players to watch in the red and blue include Charlie Boulton at half-forward, rover Jarrod Stokes, Riley Daniels in the centre, Ethan Curran on a wing, Joel Campbell and Joel Walsh in defence.

It’s been a terrific run by the Balranald Kangaroos whose only defeat was to the unbeaten Kerang.

A key match-up for the Roos will be at full-back where Josh Hodgson was named.

A talented Balranald team includes Jason, Jydon and Matt Neagle, Ethan Gant, ruckman Jordan Wilkins, Nathan Ablett and Ben Fuller.

The Saints and River Raiders will eye a great chance to break their winless run.

Tooleybuc Manangatang has not won since a 114-43 triumph on Swan Hill’s turf in round two.

A highlight of this match will be in the ruck where Tim Auckland is up against Koondrook Barham gun recruit Mitch Christensen.

Key players for the Saints include Ryan Domaille, Blake Grant, Jack Mazzarella, Alex Powell and John Wardle.

Koondrook Barham will look to centreman Chester Gardner, Colin McVeigh, Eli Boyd, Jordan and Ryan Bassett to lead the way to a long-awaited victory.

Cohuna Kangas are at home to take on Tyntynder.

The Tyson Findlay-coached Kangas may have too much attacking power for Tyntynder to hold.

Cohuna’s forward line includes Brenton Conforti, Jarrod Findlay and Rhys Free.

A strong on-ball division includes Joel Helman as ruck-rover and Sam McGlone as rover.

Other key players for the Kangas are Tom Metherell and Will Thrum off the half-back line.

Tyntynder will look to compete strongly at stoppages through Hugh Broad in the ruck, and Patrick Crowe, Mick Dedini and Zac Denham at ground level.

The Bulldogs have Wilhelm Hawkins, Elia Ware and Liam Whelan in attack.

Mallee Eagles are at home at Lalbert to take on Woorinen.

Massive test for the ninth-placed Mallee against the third-placed Tigers.

An Eagles’ defence that includes Joe Halloran, Clinton Cummins, Zac O’Meara and Shaun Harrison is up against Will Collicoat, Doug Beames, Thomas Isma and Matt Gardner.

Mallee’s chances will rest greatly on the play of on-ballers Angus McKenzie, Beau Bennett and Darcy McGregor.

A strong Woorinen line-up includes Josh Domaille, Robbie Miller, Jye Barry and Mitchell Uhlhorn.

Kerang has the bye.