James Murphy
Glencoe v Tantanoola
Glencoe has built some solid momentum over recent weeks and will enter its Round 14 Mid South East football clash against Tantanoola favoured to take the points.
The Murphies will take confidence from big wins in their previous two outings, while bolstered by the home-ground advantage.
There will also be some added incentive, as the club holds its annual premiership reunions celebration.
This year nine premierships will be acknowledged, with the most recent the 2007 A Grade title.
That match was fittingly played and won against Tantanoola, with bragging rights on the line against the Tigers again – albeit with less at stake this time.
Last round’s upset over Robe saw coach Tom Edwards lead the midfield group of Dylan Childs, Patrick Mitchell and Zacc Cocks as they took control of the game from the inside.
Henry Smith was a reliable target in the forward line and he will be looked to again, while at the other end of the ground Sam Giersch was impenetrable off half-back.
After a close opening half, Glencoe broke the game open in the third quarter in an impressive display over the seasiders.
If the Murphies can shake off some accuracy issues early in the match, Tantanoola could be in trouble.
Finals hopes may be a stretch this year, but with eyes on the future Glencoe intends to finish the minor rounds on a high.
Tantanoola is in a similar situation as it sits two places below the Murphies in eighth on the ladder with three wins for the season.
They will take confidence from the last meeting between the sides, where they trumped Glencoe by three goals.
Jack Dawe and Braydn Reilly were best for Tantanoola in that clash, while Marc Roberts led an even contribution in front of goals.
More recently the Tigers were stung by Hatherleigh last round to the tune of 131 points and after a week off to dwell on the loss, they will be eager to bounce back this week.
Troy and Jordan Hatt were the Tigers’ best in that game and they will look to back up their efforts.
However, it will be a tough task and if the Murphies uphold their current form, they should be untroubled on their home deck.
