By Trevor Jackson
ROUND 2 of Mid South East football kicks off on Saturday, with four interesting contests set down.
MOUNT BURR V KALANGADOO
THE most enticing clash of the round will see Mount Burr host reigning premier Kalangadoo in what promises to be a cracking contest and clearly the match of the round.
The Magpies are looking for that first win to kick their premiership defence off, after going down in the opening round to a fired-up Port MacDonnell roster.
The 29-point defeat was probably not expected by many, except the Demons’ supporters.
For the Magpies, gun goal kicker Michael Krieger was back in black and white, but did not have a huge effect on the scoreboard.
He played further up the ground, but the Demons defensive efforts made the Magpies work hard for inside 50 possession.
The Mozzieshad a training run against Kongorong, with a 68-point win on the road.
At home they should be more comfortable, with the X-factor being coach Clint Gallio.
He has tasted plenty of success at Mount Burr and will want that to continue this season.
He managed to contribute a goal o f his own, but up forward it was Jack Gregory (4) and Dylan Ridley (3) who did most of the damage.
This game could go either way and anyone thinking about heading over to Mount Burr this weekend, do not hesitate.
This contest could go either way.
ROBE V GLENCOE
THE second-placed Robe will host fifth-placed Glencoe in a contest that cannot be taken for granted.
The Roosters were comfortable victors in the opening round against Tantanoola, after holding the Tigers to just 40 points for the game.
Robe managed 14 goals and 12 behinds for its efforts and a big 56-point victory, with Jed Jarrett bagging five major scores.
However, the Tigers have struggled for the last few years and will take a while to get back on track.
Glencoe faced last year’s runner-up in Hatherleigh, with the Eagles emerging victorious, but by just 14 points.
It was a solid effort from the Murphies, who good returns from Patrick Mitchell (5 goals) and Isaac Mulraney (3).
the Roosters will certainly not provide an easy contest on their home deck and are sure to start favourite, but it is one game that could go either way if the Murphies can pull it alltogether.
HATHERLEIGH V KONGORONG
HATHERLEIGH will certainly start as favourite against Kongorong, with the home-ground advantage simply adding to it.
The Eagles fought off a hard-charging Glencoe outfit last week and got over the line by 14 points.
It was not without a fight, but it was the opposite for Kongorong.
The Hawks are still battling towards the bottom of the ladder and will need to pull out all stops on the road to come close to the Eagles.
Against Glencoe last week, Hatherleigh coach Tom Hutchesson banged on six goals to lead by example and more of that can be expected this weekend.
With only two major scores on the board last week, it is hard to see where the contributions will come from the Hawks.
They will need to lift and see if coach Cam Sandercock can come up with something special in front of goals.
Port MacDonnell v Nangwarry
NANGWARRY makes its debut this season after sitting the first round out with a bye.
It will be a tough start for the Saints as they face what appears to be an in-form Demons outfit.
To take on the reigning premiers and claim a comprehensive win, even in the opening round, is not something to take lightly.
The Demons have a point to prove, after being bundled out last year in the finals after a strong season of football.
They showed that desire against Kalangadoo, with big Tim Sullivan banging on six major scores after a day up forward with soreness.
Put the ball near him in the right position and he is tough to stop.
Add Will MacDonald to the ruck to cover the load and the Demons certainly have some solid firepower.
They showed little effect from several losses in the off-season and unfortunately for the Saints, it will show again this weekend.
It will be a matter of how much in this one.
