The best do battle

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST: The South East’s three football leagues will battle for superiority in the South East Zone Interleague Carnival at McDonald Park on Saturday.

MCDONALD Park will host the pinnacle competition on the region’s football calendar on Saturday when Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara, Western Border and Mid South East battle for superiority in the fourth consecutive South East Zone Interleague Carnival.

The region’s best footballers will represent their respective leagues in a bid to further their football careers and claim bragging rights.

The carnival hosts both an Under 17 and Senior competition, with the latter having a chance to be selected in the Murray South East Zone squad based on individual performances.

Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara claimed top honours in the senior competition last year at Naracoorte, defeating Mid South East by a solitary goal and will hope to go back-to-back.

However, Western Border Football League’s 2016 performance was beyond disappointing and as a result coach Steve Duldig will seek redemption.

Murray South East regional football director Scott Duncan said he looked forward to the competition, which will showcase the best the region has to offer.

“It gives each of our leagues an opportunity to show off their venues and also the talent that is on display,” he said.

“It also allows players to represent their leagues.

“From the carnival on the weekend we select a team to play in the South Australian Country Championships, which we include the River Murray Football League.

“So it is a great pathway for those that want to better their football.”

Duncan expects the competition at both Senior and Under 17 level to keep the crowd entertained.

“Each of the senior finals have been within basically a goal since we have started,” he said.

“The competition has been really tight and everyone really supports the concept so I think it has been a big plus.”

While not every player can take part in the carnival due to other commitments or injury, Duncan said he was pleased with the strength of each side hitting the park.

“I think each league gets their best players out there,” he said.

“Yes, there are some injuries and with a couple of league’s having travelling players, it makes a little bit hard for them.

“But if you look at the standard of football that is played on the day, there are not too many good players that miss out.”

Each year the carnival has improved, with 2016 competition having a coloured budget.

Duncan said organisers are always looking to step things up to ensure the carnival continues to grow.

With all three leagues putting forward teams full of talent, Duncan expects this year’s competition to live up to expectations.

“I think Western Border are certainly looking to improve a lot of last year,” he said.

“They will be very competitive.

“History tells us the KNTFL have played in every grand final, so I am expecting them to be really strong.

“And Mid South East last year weren’t that far off winning it, so each league has its opportunities.

“But if I was to pick one I think the host league will go fairly close.”

The action will begin at 9.50am tomorrow morning with the first Under 17 match between host league Western Border and Mid South East.