James Murphy
TANTANOOLA v HATHERLEIGH
It is difficult to mount a case for the Tigers when they host an in-form Hatherleigh for Round 16 of Mid South Eastern football.
Despite a solid first quarter against ladder leader Port MacDonnell last week, Tantanoola was otherwise left wanting and succumbed to “the Bay” by 111 points.
Another tough outing awaits this Saturday and although the Tigers enjoy the comforts of home, the Eagles will be no less forgiving.
They have dominated the second half of the season and enter the match with six consecutive wins.
Last week Nangwarry felt the sting of their form and Jack Skeer was a standout in an eight-goal performance.
Hatherleigh currently sits in third position, but with only percentage separating second to fourth the prize of a top-two finish remains up for grabs.
Michael Telford was another highlight last round and his impact around the ground will be something to watch for again.
Tom Hutchesson has strung some solid performances together of late and the future Eagles coach can always be relied on with his clutch skills.
William Chay is another regular in their best players, while every member of the squad has had their moments.
Tantanoola has been well served by coach Jack Dawe, while the likes of Jordan and Troy Hatt, Braydn Reilly and Brandon Pitts have also been solid.
Last time the Tigers played at home they put in a valiant effort against second-placed Kalangadoo.
Besides the second quarter the home team matched it with the reigning premiers, but ultimately went down by 37 points.
They will look for a similar performance this week, although it will be no easy task to clip the Eagles’ wings.
After the disappointment of losing last year’s decider, Hatherleigh will have its sights set on the ultimate prize in 2023.
Saturday will move it one step closer to that goal with what will be a valuable percentage boost heading into the final minor rounds.
