Trevor Jackson
GLENCOE V HATHERLEIGH
After a disappointing result in the opening round of Mid South East football last week, Glencoe will look to bounce back in Round 2.
However, they will face an unknown quantity in Hatherleigh, after the Eagles had the bye in Round 1.
The Murphies were comprehensively beaten last week by Port MacDonnell, with only three majors scores recorded.
They did have 13 shots on goal so will need to sharpen their skills on front of the big sticks.
Hatherleigh has lost quite a few players from their grand-final losing side in 2022, but have also managed a couple of handy pick-ups, most notably former Millicent and GWS Giants player Tom Hutchesson.
Returning players also fill the roster, with the depth of the Eagles impressive.
How it all comes together is anyone’s guess, but Glencoe will certainly do well to come close to Hatherleigh, even on their home deck.
KONGORONG V PORT MACDONNELL
Kongorong would be up and about after Round 1, despite suffering a loss at the hands of Kalangadoo.
The Hawks only went down by 17 points to the reigning premiers, which should provide some confidence as the season unfolds.
Plenty of players put their hands up in front of goals, with 16 major scores kicked.
However, this week they face a tough Demons outfit, which dominated Glencoe last week.
After an even first term, the Murphies were never in the contest, kicking just one more major score after the first break.
The Demons shared the spoils in front of goal, with 11 individual goal kickers.
While the reinvigorated Hawks will hope to continue their Round 1 form, the Demons will be too strong and claim a comfortable victory, but not without an early fight.
ROBE V KALANGADOO
In what should be the match of the round, Robe will host Kalangadoo and look to hand the magpies their first loss of the 2023 season.
Both teams come off a win, but the Roosters certainly seemed the better side on the ground.
New coach Nathan Brown shows plenty of class to lead by example and has his players up and about.
They easily accounted for Tantanoola last week, one of the bottom sides from last season.
If Brown can continue that momentum, the Magpies may have a hard time keeping pace.
Kalangadoo had to fight to account for Kongorong last week, with a strong second half getting the job done.
Coach Alex Lyon will need to rally his troops to ensure they do not give the Roosters too much of a head start.
If that happens it will be a tougher prospect to chase down that it was in the opening round.
With plenty of departures and new names in both sides it promises to be a cracker of a game and one well worth the trip up to Robe.
MOUNT BURR V TANTANOOLA
Mount Burr honed its skill in Round 1 against Nangwarry and will come out all guns blazing this weekend.
Tantanoola was on the other end of the scale, defeated comprehensively by Robe.
While this may appear on the surface as a one-sided contest, it is still too early in the season to suggest the Tigers are out of the equation.
Tantanoola struggled in 2022 and will again find it tough to remain in touch with the pointy end of the field.
The Mozzies reached the finals last season and will look to do that again this year, while Tantanoola finished in eighth place.
Some new faces at Tigerland will help boost their prospects, but they have lost a few as well.
Mount Burr has lost little from last season and gained as much, which will show on Saturday on their home deck.
