By Trevor Jackson
IT will be a busy week for the Mid South Eastern Football League, as finals kick off tomorrow and the league awards are handed out on Sunday.
As for the finals, all the usual COVID-19 measures will be in place to ensure a seamless day of football and netball.
It is a far cry from last year’s competition, which was cancelled prior to the original season kick off date.
There were suggestions back then the coronavirus pandemic could have a lasting effect on football in the region, with some players expected to find other things to do with their time.
However, for the MSEFL it appears there has been little fall out, with good numbers across the various teams, along with healthy crowds in attendance.
League president Peter Mitchell appeared excited about the weeks ahead when speaking to The Border Watch earlier this week, suggesting some tight games as teams chase that elusive premiership flag.
This weekend sees Hatherleigh and Robe go head-to-head in the A Grade football semi-final to advance one step closer to the ultimate glory, which Mitchell said would be an interesting contest.
“Robe was sitting second for most of the year and have played pretty good footy,” he said.
“Hatherleigh had a number of injuries earlier but have a lot of players coming back now.
“They beat Robe a couple of weeks ago but I would think the small ground at Mount Burr would probably suit Robe better.”
Mitchell said with Hatherleigh enjoying its returning stars from injury, the Eagles could well claim the honours and move on in the post season.
But he was also quick to suggest the excitement would continue the following week, despite Kalangadoo’s dominance of the competition this season.
“Next week Port Mac and Kalangadoo will clash which is not clear cut either,” Mitchell said.
“Kalangadoo have been leaders all year, but I believe their full forward is out.
“I expect that to be a tight contest too.”
Mitchell has spent a lifetime around football in the region and to pick his brains regarding the best and fairest Mail Medal chances did not slip by.
“There are a number of players across the different teams who should poll well,” he said.
“A lot of the guys who played in interleague have had pretty good years.”
Obviously Kalangadoo would be high on the list of players able to claim the ultimate honour.
Names such as Andrew Stone, Lachy Jones and Mitch Lowe are just a few.
“Andrew Stone and Mitch Lowe went to the zone, are both pretty decent footballers and have had good years,” Mitchell said.
“Lachy Jones is another one who played interleague and has had a good year.”
Port MacDonnell will be a mixed bag, with Daron McElroy out of the running due to suspension.
But other names such as Ben McGregor and Tim Sullivan would surely be in the running.
Robe is a side which has experienced injury concerns to some of the big-name players, such as Billy Laurie, but the likes of Jack Kelly and Jack Sneath cannot be discounted.
Likewise Hatherleigh’s Joe Ferguson-Lane and Will Chay would be up in the votes.
Mount Burr has a number of handy footballers, with the Wallis boys high on the list, along with Nathan Muhovics.
Other sides further down the ladder may struggle to remain relevant throughout the count, but the likes of Glencoe’s Dylan Childs and Patrick Mitchell are always in the mix.
Kongorong has struggled this season, but Matt Weistra and Matt Cordy have helped fly the flag, Chris Oliver and Hayden Brown have represented Tantanoola well and for Nangwarry, Luke Thomson and George McWaters have provided plenty of excitement.
All in all the medal count promises to be as exciting as the upcoming finals, which is sure to keep supporters happy this weekend and moving forward towards grand final day.
