by Rob Popplestone
Hill End will go into its round two clash with Boolarra as white-hot favourites, and rightly so.
The team’s performance to win away from home against a quality opposition in Foster last week was full of merit for several reasons.
Firstly, coach Mike Santo deliberately played just the one practice match leading into the season proper. Secondly, the Rovers still have a handful of first choice players still on the sideline. And, finally, the blustery conditions did not give Hill End the chance to showcase its silky skills and ball use.
Boolarra, on the other hand, did what it has done for several seasons now - teased supporters with a quarter or two of competitive footy before raising the white flag far too early.
The Demons have some talent, make no mistake about it. But, unless coupled with a real will to win, not much will change this season from the last.
Hill End will certainly be prepared for a fight of some sort from its visitors on the weekend, knowing as the game unfolds it will claim more and more control until totally dominating and racing to a comfortable victory.
The Rovers have an abundance of talent but also have the depth required. The Demons, however, cannot wield the axe for average performances, so unfortunately that’s what they get stuck with.
MDU v Thorpdale
In what will be just the second clash between an original Mid Gippsland and former Alberton club, MDU will be keen to “own” its home ground against the visiting Blues.
The Demons pleased coach Peter Harris with their pressure around the footy in their first up match against Toora, some fierce tackling a feature. However, Thorpdale coach Ray Pickering was equally as pleased with his team’s performance.
The difference between the two being that MDU did it for four quarters, the Blues for just three, and that’s the difference between winning and losing.
It seems the Blues have a game plan and the players understand what is required, with fitness in the first round a major obstacle in them giving 100 per cent for the entirety of the match. Whether one round has them where they need to be is doubtful, but any improvement with be pleasing for the Blues faithful who have not seen a win since 2018 - and that was before COVID!
MDU will win this game, but it might not be so obvious until the second half when Thorpdale start to cough and splutter under the constant pressure. However, even a small step forward can be considered a win at this stage for the Blues.
Mirboo North v Newborough
Mirboo North has its sights set on far greater goals than Newborough in round two of the season. But for where it wants to go, winning this one is another important step.
The Tigers were the only club to stop former premiers Yallourn-Yallourn North from winning every game in season 2019 when they held the premiership Bombers to a draw.
That said, they failed to make the last dance at all; a failure they are keen to address this season.
Coach Josh Taylor is happy to lead his side on the field and has surrounded himself with carefully selected talent he believes will help take them all the way to the last game of the year.
That might seem like a long way off now, but good sides started those plans many months ago.
The Bulldogs were overrun by a better side last week and unfortunately that is expected to be the scenario once more. The visitors are likely to be competitive early before their lack of depth is exposed by a formidable team.
There will be no shame in a loss, only in a performance that falls below coach Peter Ainsworth’s expectations.
Morwell East v Yinnar
The only match featuring two first up winners, these teams will be keen to keep their winning record intact.
Morwell East got it done against Newborough but took a while to shake the Bulldogs off.
Yinnar got it done against Thorpdale but took its time stamping authority on the game.
The Hawks at home will be keen to make the environment as “uncomfortable” as possible for the Magpies, both on and off the field. A strong local crowd is anticipated for the first home game of the year.
Yinnar was tested with limited rotations last week after losing a couple of soldiers early on. A full artillery is needed this week.
Hawks coach Devon Soutar has the advantage of a couple of seasons under his belt learning and teaching his squad, while Yinnar coach Daniel Taylor is still familiarising himself with what he has at hand. That may well be the difference at the end of the day.
Tarwin v Stony Creek
It would be expected Stony Creek used its round one bye as an opportunity to forward scout what Tarwin had to offer ahead of this weekend’s match.
The Lions have lost a few from the 2019 grand final loss, but that has paved the way for some local talent to seize their opportunity. Coach Jay Acardi is aware the first handful of rounds will give him an indication of just what he has to work with, and what fortunes might lay ahead for the club.
Tarwin coach Mark Garnham would have been disappointed in the Sharks first up effort against Fish Creek; his midfield comprehensively beaten in the loss.
The question is, can it be turned around in the space of seven days?
Looking for positives, Tarwin has a game under the belt and is on its home ground for the second week in a row.
However, Stony Creek do have the advantage of seeing what, if any, resistance they may offer whilst giving up very little, if anything, of themselves.
Stony Creek is expected winners of this match. Tarwin also has the huge task of facing Foster in round three, with the Tigers to be reeling from a loss and a week off in that time.
It’s a tough start to the year for Tarwin.
Toora v Fish Creek
Fish Creek flexed its muscle in the opening round with the easiest of wins over Tarwin and it’s expected Toora might well receive the same treatment this week.
The Roos were relentless, winning much of the ball from the middle and giving their forwards plenty of opportunities.
Toora understand where they sit and improvement needed after a loss to MDU. But that improvement will need to be fast tracked by coach Luke Manders if the Magpies are going to taste victory more times than not.
It seems that the MGFNL is to provide many challenges for all teams involved than in the past, and the quest to make finals will be more difficult inside a 13-team competition.
As a result, early season wins are like gold with a view they can be cashed when the business end of the year arrives.
Fish Creek will put another win in the bank this week, while Toora will be made to wait in line for a little longer.
Bye: Foster
