By Trevor Jackson
THE Mid South East Football League is gearing up for its clash with its Limestone Coast counterpart in an interleague clash which should provide plenty of entertainment on Saturday.
Played at Blue Lake Sports Park, it promises to be one clash not to miss.
With so much talk about change to football in the region, both leagues will want to put their best foot forward and the MSEFL will certainly look for a win to showcase its strength.
Coach Clint Gallio said he looked forward to the clash, with a strong squad as the day fast approaches.
“We picked a large squad because some people aren’t available and injuries happen,” he said.
“We had training last week with 30 blokes there and six apologies, so they are pretty decent numbers.
“We put a bit of a side together with emergencies and it looks like quite a strong side.
“I think we can be very competitive.”
Interleague football is not everyone’s piece of cake, with many players choosing not to participate and have a well-deserved weekend off.
However, Gallio said he is pleased with the squad and the players who have made themselves available.
“I am passionate about this kind of footy, but I understand some people want their weekend off and that is fine,” he said.
“We did the squad based around what we wanted and a handful we would love to have decided they wanted to have their weekend off.
“But we are really happy with those who have put their hands up.”
The LCFNL will certainly want to chalk up a win in the first season of the newly-developed league.
Likewise the MSEFL would want to showcase what it has and hold strong to its roots.
Historically the former Western Border league has been the stronger of the two, but the MSEFL showed in recent years it can take the game right up to whoever it faces.
For Gallio it is simply about working hard on the ground and the team gelling.
“At this level both teams have some really good players across the ground,” he said.
“People talk about the difference in footy, but at this level I don’t think it matters too much.
“The team that can gel and settle the most, get into a bit of a rhythm early, get the ball moving how they want to do will be held in good stead.”
Gallio said his backline should be strong enough to force the LCFNL to work hard for scores, while it should be a strong battle through the mid-field.
He said it is shaping up to be a quality contest, the importance of which should not be underestimated.
“I have been a big lover of interleague for many years now … I just enjoy on it,” he said.
“It is also good for the young fellows because you never know who is in the crowd watching these games.
“Someone might spot them and like them and who knows what will happen from there.”
Gallio also noted the importance to the MSEFL.
“We have some really good players floating around in this league,” he said.
“Whether we win or lose, I don’t know if it will factor in what happens in the future of the league with teams moving or anything.
“To win on the day is all we are concerned about.”
The senior game will be played over four 20-minute quarters after the juniors have been completed.
