By Trevor Jackson
TANTNOOLA v NANGWARRY
MID South East football kicks off this weekend, with Tantanoola to host Nangwarry after a change to the draw.
Nangwarry is still to have its new clubrooms completed and as such preferred an away game.
The Saints have recruited over the off-season, keen to return from the wilderness to the winner’s circle.
Tantanoola would relish a home game first up to put its young roster to the test in front of the loyal supporters.
While the Saints finished bottom of the ladder last season without a win, the Tigers were just one spot above, chalking up just three victories for the season.
Both sides have plenty to prove and will head into the contest keen to kick off the season on a high.
Nangwarry coach Luke Thomson said his new recruits, along with those from last season and the usual suspects should all combine to give the Saints a chance at victory early in the season.
He said all involved are confident they can break the losing streak and the Tigers are first to taste the new belief at Nangwarry.
However, over at Tiger land coach Jak Ryan is equally as confident of a better performance in season 2022.
His focus in the off-season has been on gaining and retaining local players, with a strong belief in the youth of the club coming up through the ranks.
There may be more on the line for the Saints but the Tigers will not want to be the first club to suffer at the hands of Nangwarry.
Regardless of the final result, this should be an entertaining clash, with Tantanoola to claim the points at home.
MOUNT BURR v HATHERLEIGH
MOUNT Burr always puts on a good show on their home deck and the opening round of Mid South East football should be no different.
After a lack-lustre 2021, the Mozzies will want to return to the halcyon days and taste a little more success this year.
However, first up they face Hatherleigh, who would want to atone for their departure from the post-season in 2021 in the preliminary final at the hands of Kalangadoo.
Eagles coach jake Dowdy said the club was disappointed with the preliminary final result and have their sights set on another tilt at a flag this year.
With a new ruckman in place, along with a couple of handy recruits, all looks in place to again be at the pointy end of the competition.
Injury problems hampered the Mozzies somewhat last season and coach Reece Duncan is confident those issues are behind them.
With several players returning from injury, along with the usual recruitment process in the off-season, Mount Burr is certainly on track to chalk up a few more wins this year.
Whether they can achieve that against the Eagles remains to be seen.
Hatherleigh should claim the points in this one, despite a tough challenge from the Mozzies on their home deck.
KALANGADOO v GLENCOE
LAST season appeared to be the year of the Magpie but Kalangadoo stumbled at the final hurdle, defeated in the Mid South East football grand final by Port MacDonnell.
The loss of spear-head goal kicker Michael Kreiger had a huge impact on the Magpies ability to score, after relying on his prowess in front of goal for the majority of the season.
That is now in the past and the Magpies will be keen to atone for the loss, which could cost the Murphies in the opening round.
While Kalangadoo coach Kevin Stark expects the usual tough hit-out between the two sides, all rumours suggest the Magpies will be tough to beat in 2022.
For Glencoe, fresh and returning faces will see a renewed focus on climbing up the ladder.
Coach Tom Edwards said he has an abundance of depth this season which all bodes well for the Murphies.
A solid pre-season and a focus on fast football has Edwards confident of a stronger 2021.
However, the Magpies will surely be on the hunt for a win to kick their season off and will be tough to beat at home.
KONGORONG v PORT MACDONNELL
KONGORONG faces the unenviable task of taking on the reigning premiers first up in the 2022 Mid South East football season.
The Demons will clearly have a target on their backs, especially early in the season as other clubs look to gauge their own performance against the 2022 benchmark.
The Demons have lost a few big names from their premiership-winning roster, which could change the pointy end of the ladder.
However, last year the Hawks could manage just five wins from 16 outings and will need a big boost if they are to seriously challenge the Demons.
Port MacDonnell has also struggled through pre-season, with its ground under reconstruction, having to utilise other locations to keep their fitness levels up to scratch.
That could cause a few issues early and the Hawks will want to take advantage, after a solid pre-season.
A horror run with injuries last year caused plenty of issues for Kongorong, but with players returning and a focus on youth, some who come off a recent premiership, coach Will Whitty will hope for a more competitive season.
Demons coach Simon Merrett is confident in his season plan, with the idea to peak at the right time of the year, as they did last season.
Whether that opens up an opportunity for the Hawks in the opening round remains to be seen.
Port MacDonnell should win this one but not without a challenge.
