by Rob Popplestone
Winning form is almost always good form. But just how that form stacks up will be tested to the fullest in round two this weekend when Boolarra face one of the toughest trips in the league, Hill End on its home turf.
Make no mistake, Boolarra did the job well a fortnight ago, accounting for MDU reasonably comfortably. However, the bar has been lifted this week, taking on the pre-season premiership favourite Hill End after they also kicked off the season in impressive fashion against a more highly respected opponent in Mirboo North.
Boolarra coach Tony Giardina says it's going to be a tough game against the benchmark in Hill End up there, "but hopefully the boys are up for the challenge".
It is only early days and both sides are sure to improve significantly.
Hill End coach Mike Santo said he was looking forward to continued improvement and getting some more guys back in the coming weeks.
Amongst several goals the Demons have for 2022, is to push some of the best sides in the competition. There is little doubt the Rovers are exactly that, so Boolarra will be under no illusions as to where they sit after this weekend.
Thorpdale v MDU
Two sides coming off first round defeats is always a recipe for a lift in intensity, desperation and commitment to secure premiership points.
Blues coach Ray Pickering isn't hitting the panic button by any means, in fact he remains quite bullish.
"We had some undisciplined acts last game, but we have some positives to take out of the first half also that we can take into MDU," Pickering said.
The Demons find themselves on the road again after defeat at the hands of Boolarra just a fortnight ago, but they too remain positive about their chances this weekend.
MDU coach Peter Harris says "we controlled a lot of the footy in the first half of round one. Our round two clash is a big game for the boys now who are keen to bounce back strong."
Both the Blues and Demons have put together pleasing pre-seasons but the reward for effort is yet to be achieved for either.
For the winner, a chance on which to progress even further. For the loser, a zero and two start to a season and the hill to be climbed just gets that little higher.
Sometimes this game is played above the head and the mindset can be greatly improved after a win. Picking who that winner might be, however, is very very difficult.
Fish Creek v Toora
Fish Creek wouldn't like to be in anywhere near the position they found themselves in round one - at three-quarter time facing a three-goal deficit against a reputable opponent in fierce rival Foster.
On that occasion, the Kangaroos somehow managed to manufacture an impressive victory and also an impressive platform from which to build their season.
Their opposition in round two will still be hurting, maybe even embarrassed, over the bigger than 100-point defeat at the hands of Newborough.
Toora coach Matt Ponton will be looking for improvement in work rate and competitive spirit.
That is all you can ask for a team, to be honest and competitive and to learn from losses. But even with all of that, I get the feeling Fish Creek might still have to much firepower.
John Danckert said Fish Creek was looking forward to getting back on its home deck after a week off.
You can expect the Power to trouble some sides as the season evolves, but it won't be this week against the Kangaroos.
Newborough v Mirboo North
After a power of work in the months prior to the season, Newborough's round one performance was a super impressive 101-point win over Toora.
Throughout the club, both on the field and off the field, the plan was to build the Bulldogs back to the powerhouse they once were. The indications of improvement were right there on the scoreboard.
That being said, it wasn't expected the Power were any Mirboo North, not yet at least. The Tigers will be a completely different proposition even on the Bulldogs' home deck.
"We were happy for a week off before taking on Mirboo North, which will be compounded by them coming off a loss," said Newborough coach Craig Skinner. "Not many sides are going to experience the Tigers on the rebound."
That preparation will be tested this Saturday, against a team aware and respectful of their opponent and 2022 improvements.
"Looking forward to playing Newborough, who have got away to a flyer to start their year," said Mirboo North coach Josh Taylor. "It is a huge game for our season."
Round two and it's a huge game for your season, such is the competitiveness of this year's MGFNL competition.
Stony Creek v Tarwin
Both of these two teams are buzzing after respective wins in round one.
Stony Creek ran away in the second half of the game against Thorpdale, whilst Tarwin was tough under pressure against a Yinnar side which very rarely lose at home.
The Lions will see this as a winnable game. The chance to make it two in a row to start their season will be enough enough to have them throw everything at their Shark opponents.
Equally, Tarwin has sights set on finals action, so a stumble at this early stage will damage those plans no end.
Tarwin coach Troy Hemming is looking forward to the challenge of the Lions on their home deck.
That challenge I suspect will be there for a quarter, maybe even two, before the visitors flex their muscle and start to apply the pressure. It is likely the home side will be on the back foot before three-quarter time.
"We know it will be a tough assignment," says Stony Creek coach Jai Acardi.
Tough, but far from impossible. AFL followers will know that upsets are happening on a weekly basis. Whether the Lions side can conjure up one of these this week is unlikely.
Yinnar v Morwell East
Morwell East finally get the opportunity to showcase its team after an impressive recruiting and pre-season block of work starting many months ago.
Hawks coach Devon Soutar had an extra fortnight to prepare his team after the unfortunate scheduling of a round one bye followed by the Easter break.
"We must be prepared to bring our best," he said. "The competition looks too tight for even the smallest of lapses. At this point of the year, everyone is feeling each other out, but we know Yinnar well and they do us, so we're expecting another epic encounter."
There is no question, even at this stage, as many as eight or even nine sides might be vying for five positions available come finals time. For Yinnar, especially, coming off the first round loss, the bar has been lifted.
"I was proud of our fightback a fortnight ago, but we have a big game now against the East," said Magpies coach Daniel Taylor. "By all reports they have recruited well and have had a solid pre-season, so we will have to be at our best to get the result."
Morwell East has indeed recruited well, securing a handful of very talented players, probably none more so than ruckman Isaac Abas from the Gippsland League. His presence is sure to cause problems for every big man in the MGFNL competition.
But it will take more than one man to defeat Yinnar, so the Hawks will need to be prepared to bring their best.
This clash is one of many that will be exciting to watch.
Bye: Foster