Trevor Jackson
Kalangadoo v Hatherleigh
The final minor round of Mid South East football throws up a couple of interesting contest, despite finals berths being set.
The most anticipated is the Kalangadoo v Hatherleigh contest, with the two top sides to face off prior to their next clash in the post season.
Any result will not change the structure of the top four, with the Magpies clearly the benchmark at the top of the ladder.
Hatherleigh sits a couple of games behind in second but the last time the two sides met the Eagles came away victorious.
That was back in Round 9 when the Eagles were out to an eight-goal to one behind first term to set up the 42-point victory.
It was the only loss for the Magpies so far through the minor rounds and sets up an intriguing clash on Saturday.
Both sides appear to be at or near full strength, with no excuses and none implied by either coach.
Magpies coach Kevin Stark is keen to show the strength of his side as the finals loom and it is a similar scenario with Eagles coach Jake Dowdy.
Neither is taking this game for granted, with confidence and momentum the main outcome of a victory.
The Magpies have claimed huge wins in all other games this season, while the Eagles have experienced mixed results, still with only three losses.
A key for a Hatherleigh victory would be to curb the influence of Magpies spearhead Michael Krieger, who has amassed 80 goals so far from 14 games.
Krieger has no influence on the scoreboard in the Round 9 clash, which suggests to keep him quiet will go a long way for a Hatherleigh victory.
Of course the Magpies boast a long list of contributors on the scoreboard, as do the Eagles.
For Hatherleigh it will be about remaining composed in front of goal when the chance to score is on offer.
Kalangadoo holds the home-ground advantage and it is hard to tip against the Magpies juggernaut in its current form.
Hatherleigh will fight it out to the end but the Magpies will head to the post season with the psychological advantage after a hard-fought victory.
Port MacDonnell v Glencoe
At the time of going to print a venue for the Port MacDonnell v Glencoe clash had not been finalised.
Due to the state of the Demons’ home ground, Tantanoola has been suggested as an alternative.
Either way this is set to be another cracking contest.
While Glencoe is out of contention for finals, the Murphies recent form suggests they will be a real chance against the reigning premiers.
The Demons will want to carry as much momentum as possible to the finals series in the hope to replicate last season’s success.
When the two sides last faced off it was a big win to the Demons but the Murphies have come a long way since then.
However, with the finals around the corner, the Demons should be able to take care of business and run out a close victor.
Mount Burr v Tantanoola
Again this game will have no bearing on the finals structure, Mount Burr has the most to gain from a solid performance.
Tantanoola will want to finish its season on a high but the Mozzies want momentum as the finals kick off next week.
Back in Round 9 the Mozzies claimed the win over the Tigers but by just five points.
Since then Mount Burr has hardly put a foot wrong, apart from a loss to top side Kalangadoo.
The Mozzies have managed to grind out a couple of tight wins to show they are up for the fight.
Going on recent form, this game should go the way of Mount Burr comfortably and provide some real confidence heading into the finals series.
Nangwarry v Robe
Nangwarry will go into its last game of the season with the hopes of upsetting Robe.
The home-ground advantage will certainly help the Saints but they will need to be at their best to claim the points.
Nangwarry broke its losing streak this season and would have hoped for a couple more wins but that was not to be.
However, Robe has not been in the best form in the back end of the season but did push Mount Burr to the final siren last round.
The Saints cannot move off the bottom of the ladder and the Roosters cannot make the finals.
It places little importance on the contest apart from a bit of pride to round out the season.
While Nangwarry will push hard, Robe should claim the points in a tight contest.
