GRAND FINAL AT MANNUM SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER
Ramblers V Mannum
Two clubs remain with one prize on offer as the curtain has nearly fallen on another RMFL season. The two best performed sides of 2016, Ramblers undefeated on 17 wins oppose Mannum 12 wins (both include finals). Mannum have fronted up each week of the finals, Ramblers only the one appearance to date. Ramblers also have had a lean run since mid-year, striking a series of gaps in the program later in the season. Grand Final Day is different, crowds mill around their tents and trucks, you park your car outside the ground and walk in at times. The weather is generally balmy and the smell of the freshly cut grass and the neatly trimmed surrounds make this a special day. By 5.00pm there will be an overwhelming happiness and the deepest of sadness, depending on how your team went.
The Reds have taken all before them, played a floorless game all season and demolished sides at their leisure. Mannum have been on the end of some of those and may very well tweak their game to combat the might of the Rooster. Ramblers have a solid team of contributors, led by the experience of Liam and Patty O'Neil, Jarad Weyland, Sam Pfieffer, Muffy Kartinyeri and Stuart Green. These guys have been around and know the drill. Notably these guys are positioned around the ground where the spread of leadership is important. If things don't go quite as they should the leaders step up and right the ship. The leaders at Mannum are no slouches. Jake Bowen, Corey Loechel, Mick O'Malley, Danny Walker, and Brad Wakefield mirror the Reds armoury in this area with the added luxury of their coach, Jarrod Kellock. Kellock has the advantage of making any call he needs from the ground as a playing coach and doesn't need a runner to deliver any messages or instructions.
The form of Loechel up forward has been stunning, having much more impact than in his first season last year. He appears to have done a bit more work as he is moving really well and his kicking for goal last week against the Blues was sublime. At the other end of the ground the RMFL leading goal kicker Jake Sutcliffe awaits and won't he love the big deck at Mannum. It will suit him down to the ground. I'm predicting some great aerial acts today if the weather holds up. Sutcliffe, Altmann and The Pfieffers for Ramblers and for Mannum Jake Bowen, Loechel, Wakefield and the Jack in the box Mick O’Malley might present us with a specky or two.
The centre of the ground has belonged to the Reds this year. They rotate a variety of players through the area including their ruckmen. Mannum have relied upon Cook, Kellock and to a lesser extent Williams. The Roos will also be boosted by the inclusions of Damien Williamson(injury) and Josh Dodd(Sturt) who were absent in the second semi-final against Ramblers where they were demolished by 73 points just two weeks ago. Mannum have an X factor, a match winner of RMFL elite standards in Levi Krause. Levi has enjoyed an injury free period where he is making the most of what his body is permitting. He shows a lot of power and strength breaking tackles, twisting and ducking out of traffic and either picking off team mates lace out, snapping goals from range or around the corner and last week there was a couple of party trick dribble goals to satisfy the paying customer.
Speaking of X factors, Simon Newchurch has become a household name. He is uncanny and unassuming but runs 360-degree vision. He is built a bit like a buffalo but moves like a panther. Has lightening quick reflexes and brings team mates into the game. Maybe he could go by the name of Diesel, aka Greg Williams of Carlton/Swans fame. The Rambler running brigade are swift and precise, Nelson Miller, Muffy Kartinyeri, Aaron Pratt, Dale Payne, Alfie Gollan and Clint Walker. Luke Williams played a good game a coulpe of weeks ago and along with Matt Altmann and the Pfieffers they have the big man bases covered.
The game is played on the home ground of the Roos but that won't worry the Reds. The wide open spaces will suit their pace and skill. Mannum will need the young legs of Tyson Schellen, Jordan Hampel, Jake Wiebrecht, and Tom Worthley to carry them the distance to try to thwart any dominance by Ramblers. Blake Tabe has some tricks and has a big stage to show them on today. To pick a winner isn't hard, you just pick the hot favourite in Ramblers. But that is an easy thing to do. Grand Finals are funny and any senior football follower you speak to has a grand final story where the red hot favourite got rolled. Mannum haven't got close to Ramblers since their 1-point loss in round 5 and 18 points down in round 12. I'm tipping Ramblers in a close finish and wouldn't be surprised if Mannum pulled off an upset. Ramblers to put their name on the shield for the 17th time in 85 years by 11-20.
PRELIMINARY FINAL AT MYPOLONGA SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER
It's hard to believe The Blues are playing a brand of football fit for a berth in the Preliminary Final after winning just 8 minor round matches. Mannum on the other hand have had a sound year locking in the double chance finishing second. On paper the sides look quite even although the Roos are looking under manned after a horror run with injuries last Saturday. Jarrod Kellock appears to have been the most critical with a suspected Achilles strain. Brayden Herrman came off the ground requiring stitches after a nasty head collision with Ramblers’ Alfie Gollan. On top of that Jason Male left the ground with a suspect hamstring and Daniel Thiele and Ben Quinn remain doubtful with bad ankle and shoulder injuries respectively. Kellock appears the most in doubt here.Jacob Bowen will be called upon to deliver for the Roos. Louis DeMichele has now played on him enough, gaining much ground over the past few seasons to match him. Added to that is the fact mobility and youth is on the side of DeMichele as Jake is starting to feel the heat. The Roos will need to rearrange some midfield positions to cover Kellock. Matt Williams and Callum Cook are classy experienced players and will have to do the heavy lifting, assisted by Levi Krause in spurts while playing a forward role. The Blues have hit their best form, winning their last four games including a win over Mannum in the final round, this being a big factor in the psychological battle. Phil Smith and Gareth Williams are in great touch, an important cog in the Imperial wheel. Their experience along with skipper Luke Harrowfield, Daniel Girdham, and Ash Temby compliment the remainder of "The Blueveniles". Jamie Honner pulled out one of his best in several years last week controlling the key forward area with strong overhead marking. James Wundke is also joining in the party with very handy pace for a big man with a booming kick on the run from half back. Levi Krause is a class player and will bring in the likes of Josh Dodd who is expected to return after Sturt's under 18 finals campaign closed last week. Dodd is a clever in and under type who starred in last year’s Grand Final, and no doubt the year in the under 18s competition will have developed his game further. Corey Loechel had to battle last weekst unsuitable conditions for key forwards but he defies physics the way he shifts his bulky frame in places you didn't think he could. He is a very clever type with a footy brain and knows where his team mates are. Blake Tabe has another game to play, as he is a key figure in the Roos under 17s side. Tabe is a clever junior, a credit to the Mannum Footy Club who have found some quality talent living on their doorstep. The Joeys in the side; Ryan Reschke, Jordan Hampel, Tyson Schellen, Jake Wiebrecht, Kyhe Amber, Tom Worthley along with Josh Dodd all have strong futures in the Mannum side. Defensively, Mike O'Malley will most likely go back to playing the sweeper role, and will be hoping The Blues pick him off out of defence. Brad Wakefield will probably take Honner, with O'Malley moving onto Harrowfield. Kyle Daish will get Loechel, Quast perhaps gets Krause. Daish is in scintillating nick, has a long reach and with an anticipation skill but his weapon is his turn of pace. A few weeks ago he did the job on Corey Loechel. The nuggetty duo in Brayden Dalitz and Sam DeMichele are tough match ups being strong both in the air and at ground level. Jacob Rance and Brad Lienert coming out of the back half can place the ball in their favour. Mitch Liebert and Brad Oates also have a turn of speed, Lienert has evasive attributes beyond his years and Oates is a beautiful run and carry player. So the teams appear to have their experienced and their young players with bright futures. The game will come down to who brings their best mental approach. Imperials are in the better form, but have come through the lower part of the draw where Mannum have faced the might of the Rooster. The sole piece of data to separate the two teams is the result in the minor round where Imperials got the job done. This along with the loss of Kellock and possibly one or two others from the Mannum side that day puts the game in the favour of The Blues. Imperials 1-10
RMFL Second-Semi-final Saturday September 4th
Ramblers V Mannum
Only three weeks ago the Roosters had the Roos by the throat and we're counting up the roo steaks. The margin was a whopping 81 points, then they were then towelled up by The Blues in the final round. Last week another Mannum side emerged, the side we have been used to seeing in the finals over the past few years. They were slick, had Meningie in every department and once Jake Bowen helped Brian Fenton from the field it was all over. Mannum unveiled another 16-year-old junior in Blake Tabe who looks like he has a big game. He kicked the goal of the day soccer style in the goal square, grabbing the attention of the punters. Corey Loechel defies physics, moving his big frame about like a toddler and has a sense of nimbleness with 360 degree vision. He gets on the end of some play and finishes well, but he is also a key playmaker, using and linking his team mates like a centre man. Brad Wakefield held down Durdin and looks in really good nick. O Malley was used in a slightly varied role last week, running with Fenton while he was on the park and did have an effect on Brian’s output. Danny Walker played his usual running role and Levi Krause was very threatening across half forward and through the middle. Matt Williams and Callum Cook are there to do the job and are getting it done. But that was all last week and I can't see this side getting close to the Big Red Caboose. Ramblers are a cut above and have stars in every department, they even have the league’s leading doctor who tops the Bridge Clinic leader board in the footy tipping comp. Ramblers third tier players would walk into any A grade side in country SA. Starting with the Stars the leading goal kicker is Jake Sutcliffe and he holds that mantle for a reason, he is a lethal left footer with a leap like a Giselle. The flexibility of the Rambler tall players is a weapon. They can ruck Sam and Ty Pfieffer, Matt Altmann, Alex Button if he is listed, and at a pinch Stuart Green. The engine room has access to The O’Neil’s, Weyland, Pratt, Kartinyeri, Payne and the magician in Simon Newchurch. He has X factor qualities and doesn't look very athletic but don't let that fool you. He has footy awareness and brings in team mates with consummate ease. Sam Pfieffer is rock solid across half back. His experience and poise settles the Reds, not that they've need it to date as coach Fidge's bp hasn't exceeded 100/60! Stuart Green plays a key post in the deep defensive zone and will be a key component in Ramblers finals campaign. Ramblers have one concern, that being only to have played 4 games since July 2nd. It will probably work in their favour as they will be fresh and hungry. Ramblers 41-50
First Semi-Final Sunday September 4th
Meningie V Imperials
The Bears were a little bit star struck last week as Mannum came out smoking. Brian Fenton didn't appear as fit as we are used to seeing, and after last week's collision with Jake Bowen. It won't be surprising to see him omitted or playing in a lesser role up the ground as it was a pretty hefty knock. Meningie had a few who could put up their hands last week but they will need more to fire. Todd McKay is going to have to pick up from Brian Fenton in the work rate. McKay is a quality player and alongside Warmington hold the key to forward thrusts for the Lakesiders. Jed Durdin was well held last week and will have another tough day on Ben Quast. To assist Jed, local Rhys Smart can play. He has a great build for a footballer and has to pull out his best game for his club. He will likely line up on James Wundke who is tall and mobile with a raking kick. The Meningie smalls in Niven, Green and Biddle have a busy job trying to add some scoreboard pressure on the Blues. Peter Nelson would have been disappointed in his game last week. While he finished with a goal his output around the ground was down. Loui DeMichele is a competitor with a range of qualities. He can run, jump, kick long and straight, plays in the ruck, key defence and attack. This will challenge big Nelson. The Blue midfield have saved their best for the major round. Gareth Williams and Phil Smith are sizzling and Mason Merritt is seizing the opportunity. Craig SOL Pearson (Son of Leanne) has found his way into the 21 due to his good form and is delivering the goods. It's been a long road for him and he is reaping some reward for sticking at his game. James McLaren is a swing man who can play a key midfield and tall if needed. The old firm of Luke Harrowfield and Daniel Girdham are rallying the troops, and will leave nothing on the park. Bradley Lienert stunned everyone at LeMessurier oval with an 8 goal performance from his wing. Sticks found the sticks alright! The Colonel Sanders along with George and Will Angus are going to need to be tight down back for The Bears. Sam DeMichele and Brayden Dalitz are slick at ground level and Big Jim Honner keeps them both grounded. James Lawson will give all for his club, much of the same can be said for Brodie Van den Brink. Kane Mason, another local junior product has a great future with the Bears and shows key signs of having a great career. Imperials have a classy ball user in Jacob Rance. Rance rarely wastes a ball and has one of the best legs in the competition. Then there is Brad Oates. Oates is a run and carry player, is evasive and has genuine leg speed. This game has a lot of home grown talent, which is promising for our football league. This result can go either way, as both sides have had patches of inconsistency this season. The way The Blues went about things last week compared to The Bears I am swaying that way ever so slightly. Imperials 11-20
QUALIFYING FINAL SATURDAY AUGUST 27TH
Mannum V Meningie
The form of both sides is questionable. Meningie, at home just held on for a 4-point win against Mypolonga. It has been well documented that the Tigers have played most of the season highly undermanned and last week they nearly pinched a win over the Bears. On the other hand, Mannum, who started the season with an absolute belting over Imperials in round 1 were clearly beaten by that same side last week. The Roos didn't appear to have that same venom as we have become accustomed to over the past few years. The loss of Chris Hall has been enormous. The quality team work and linking up isn't quite the same. Jake Bowen got amongst the goals late in the game while up forward but he appears a bit down at the moment. His duel with Peter Nelson will be a highlight. In the all-important centre clearance, I'm favouring Meningie. They appear a class above Mannum in this department. Fenton is a machine and will run all day until the job is done. Warmington and McKay share what Brian misses out on. Biddle, Niven, Millar and co have to position themselves at third in the chain at times when the Bears surge. Durdin is the finisher. Rhys Smart, Kane Mason and James Lawson all have a role to play while the backs are held together by Sam "Colonel" Sanders. Mannum have the firepower to counter punch through Krause and Loechel but will miss Quinn who left the field last week with shoulder injury. Williams, Cook and Williamson are the playmakers who need to back the playing coach Kellock. O’Malley needs more support in defence otherwise Meningie will put them to the sword. Daniel Thiele will need a lift as his past fortnight hasn't been what he would like. Brad Wakefield turned back the clock last week playing a key man’s role, a presence he was once renowned for. Danny Walker is another experienced clever small who provides carry and skill, a key component in today's game. The bigger ground of Johnstone Park will hold no fears for the Roos as they enjoy the wide spaces of Mannum Oval. That said, the game starts in the middle and if you can win the centre you win the game and Meningie are better in this space and will win the game. Meningie 21-30
Elimination Final - Sunday August 28th
Imperials V Jervois
Imperials go in to the match with consecutive wins, the valuable scalp of Mannum only last week. Jervois fell to the Roosters by plenty last week, then again who hasn't? The Bluds did a job on the Blues last start at Johnstone Park and the Blues will be aware of that. Jervois are no slouches. They compete until the final siren, even after it! The big man Tony Gibson will give Imperials a lot of grief, particularly when it comes to first use. He is a good palmer of the ball and will be putting it down the throat of Byron Sumner and Josh Noye. Brad Wright is a young up and coming player for the Blues but came off the ground last week a little bit ginger with a knock. He has a fantastic leap, solid tackle and is very athletic and once he becomes more accustomed to being a ruckman he will be invaluable. He calls on the support of James Wundke who turned in a fair game last week until sidelined. He is exceptionally quick for a big guy and can roost the ball a long way. The real sting at Imperials comes from the youngsters in Brayden Dalitz, Sam DeMichele, Mitchell Lienert, Kyle Daish, Brad Lienert, Jacob Rance and Lachy Marsh. Brad Oats is a Rolls Royce and carries the footy with class and speed. Jervois have their own home grown division who can do the job. The year has been great for Brad Gable, a break out season. Mitch Noye, Ben Puckridge, Zac Makins, Harry Barnett, Henry Moroney and Tim Hartman are the future and will follow the Jervois ethos of not leaving anything on the park. Peter Zarantonello returned to the club in round 6, returning 31 goals in 12 games since. It is no coincidence that when he returned there was a spike in the performance of Jervois. Jackson Kluske is rock solid and enjoys leaning on the heavier opponents. The Blues may change this up so The Bluds might be faced with some tweaking during the game. Harrowfield, Temby, Girdham, Smith and Williams are the senior leaders at Imperials and have played in many finals. They will be called upon by the younger players for some direction. Jervois will be in a similar position, where Sumner brothers, Owie Love and Casey Robbins will lead. The experience of Ty Burkett cannot be under estimated as his trophy cabinet is fairly complete. This is a tougher game to predict the winner but lean slightly toward the Blues after their recent form revival. Imperials to win 11-20.
RMFL round 19 preview
Mannum V Imperials
After taking a beating by Ramblers recently, both sides are looking for a boost of confidence. Imperials got back in the winner’s circle with a comfortable win over the Tigers where Sam DeMichele bagged 7 majors. That won't happen this week at Mannum. The Roos are just waning a little and don't appear to be the steely team of 2015. They have missed Chris Hall this year. This game becomes more interesting as previously Mannum have disposed of the Blues with consummate ease. The drop in form of the Roos against Imperials best game if they bring it, all of a sudden the game becomes a real contest. Imps will miss James Clarke through a knee injury last week. Jimmy Honner played his best game of the year, using his bulk around the packs and driving forward at every opportunity. This can be a weapon which might expose the Roos. Luke Harrowfield and Daniel Girdham can influence the younger Blues with fearless attack on the ball. Ben Quast is a quality defender along with Lou DeMichele. Collo throw the magnets around last week and came up with some good results. Mannum will be looking for a good game to revive their confidence. Jake Bowen will ruck all day and look to hand first use to Kellock, Williams, Cook and Walker. Loechel is the go to and Levi Krause the X factor. Mick O Malley and Daniel Thiele lead the defence along with Brad Wakefield. The Roos will be smarting after last week's touch up and come away with the points, but not all that convincing. Mannum 31-40
Jervois V Ramblers
Jervois have had a week off and the same can be said for Ramblers every week going by the way they are disposing of their opponents these days. The Bluds have had a reasonable season and have jumped onto the back of the great ruck work by Tony Gibson. They will have some September action for the first time in a number of years. Byron and Daniel Sumner have been very handy and have had an influence on the confidence of the younger players. The Noye brothers have been handy, Owen Love is always a threat with his bulky frame bursting tackles and roosting long bombs. Casey Robbins has been able to set up the charges in an onfield coaching role and this has been evident in the sides improvement. Peter Zarantonello has straightened up the bluds as a key forward and his return has been most welcome. Brad Gable has had a breakout season and Jervois will be happy with his game this year. As for Ramblers, they bat right down to number 21 with quality. They have depth like no other club right now. The star is Jake Sutcliffe. He has a ripping leap and lethal left foot and that is why he leads the goal kicking, and expect his tally to be north of 80 by the end of the day. Simon Newchurch is something else. His ball skills and 360 awareness allow him use the ball with maximum efficiency. The spine of the Reds is all quality with Stuart Green, Sam Pfieffer, Matt Altmann playing key posts. Clint Walker has been a handy pickup and has fitted in nicely. The regulars in Patty O'Neil, Jarrad Weyland, Merve Kartinyeri will cut a swathe of damage through the Bloods defence. Dale Payne has been a handy inclusion in 2016. The rampaging Reds will need a solid hit out as they have a week off next week so one would expect a massive margin. Ramblers 100+
Meningie V Mypolonga
The Bears get to fine tune their game in readiness for September. Unfortunately for Mypolonga their season is over at 5.00 today. At the end of end of season review a key impact has been injury, no question. The recruitment of Ben Gogel was a success. He has given the Tigers a solid return. As for their list, it is good enough if everyone is healthy. They may look to top up one or two players and it is unsure if the coach Billy Neely is going to be around in 2017. Brian Fenton will ask the Bears to put the foot on the gas. They have the league’s best midfield and they will naturally draw the remainder of the team to a higher level. One thing that you always expect from Meningie is effort across the park. Peter Nelson will provide the first opportunity to the likes of Biddle, McKay, Warmington and the coach himself. Jed Durdin is the finisher. Sam Sanders will marshal the likes of the Gus brothers in the back half. Niven, Miller, the two Rigneys, Green and Camac are the link players. They would also be happy at the lakeside with Kane Masons season. For Mypo, James Moss is a very good overhead mark and a quality finisher. Russell Tucker is another who can finish well for the Tigers. Liam Altchswager is coming along nicely in the ruck. Lachy Butler is a running player who has the ability and games under his belt to become one of the league’s best in this area. Then there are the solid junior products of Howson, Ansell, Lewis and Norris. Everything is not that bad at Tigerland as they have a young core group to carry them through. Unfortunately, they will be put to the sword today as Meningie will up the ante in readiness for the Finals. Meningie 81-90.
RMFL PREVIEW ROUND 18
Ramblers V Mannum
The match of the round 1 v 2. After the demolition of the Blues, Ramblers are looking Red hot favourites for the 2016 prize. Sutcliffe is in scintillating touch, finishing with seven majors against Imperials last week. Expect Daniel Thiele to pick him up, but if things get ugly "The Cleaner” in Mike O’Malley will be thrust into the role. It worked last week when called upon to dampen the effect of James Moss who was getting on top. Loechel rounded out his tally with seven majors himself. It won't be that easy this week with Ramblers having a cast of quality defenders, namely Sam Pfieffer and Stuart Green. Their defence is miserly, conceding just 2goals and 2 behinds after the first quarter the last week. The midfield will be a key to the game as they are fairly even. Only Meningie rival these two in this department and probably rate higher. That said Jake Bowen is a key and is showing some signs of not having the same impact as we are accustomed to. Sam and Ty Pfieffer are handy ruckman and will give Jake some grief around the ground. Simon Newchurch is the Levi Krause equivalent. They both have the X factor about their games. Newchurch is so unassuming with clean ball skills, 360 degree vision and 100% ball efficiency. Krause has turn of speed, a great two sided player and can finish the play. This will be Mannum's opportunity to knock the Reds down a peg or two at LeMessurier Stadium. I think it will be close, but the class right down to the 21st player at Ramblers will be too good. Ramblers 31-40
Imperials v Mypolonga
This is a critical game in regards to shaping the final five. If the Blues get up they will seal the fate of the Tigers for 2016. On the other hand, Mypo win and follow up with another against Meningie in the final round they will almost certainly limp in towards the finals. Jervois are relying on Mypolonga loosing at least one of their final two minor round games. Mypolonga were tracking well last week at the halfway mark against a league benchmark in Mannum. Moss came away with 6 majors and is in good form. The Blues shifted Wundke into defence last week, will he get the gig on him or the ever reliable Loui Demichele? Some of the Blues were well down last week and will be called upon by Collo for a response. Unfortunately for Imps they themselves have had some injuries, but nowhere near the impact the Tigers have experienced. Imps leading goal kickers are Jim Honner and James Wundke each on 17. This is far from the level required by any side with finals aspirations. In fairness, Honner has only played 8 games while Wundke has rucked, and played CHF and CHB also. Mypo will miss Joel Eckermann, who appears to have sustained a knee injury. The Eckermann boys must have run over the black cat in the same car, such bad luck for two very good players. Liam Altschwager has a nice leap and is learning the rucking craft with each outing. He is a young lad and the Tigers will be hoping he plays out a career in the gold sash. Ben Gogel hasn't had the success he was looking for after coming across from LeMessurier Oval. He has a chance with his new club should they win their last two matches. Imperials will be stung from their effort last week and should respond, but not convincingly. Imperials 21-30
Meningie v Tailem Bend
The Eagles season comes to a close so Dylan Hogarth can focus on writing football in the finals instead of chasing it! That he has done all year along with the band of lads having a crack. The Bears are safely into the double chance game of the finals and will welcome back Brian Fenton, Peter Nelson and Myles Warmington from State Country duties. They were sorely missed a couple of weeks ago against Imperials. Todd McKaye has held up the side and compliments the comps best midfield. Sam Sanders plays a mature game down back. Pitchford has probably been disappointing for the Eagles, not being able to exert much influence on the side. Steve Clay will be pushing Dylan Hogarth for the club champion award, it may come down to today's votes for the winner! Leigh Ryan has chipped in with one or two goals a game and has had limited ball inside 50. Meningie will be looking to its second tier players to up the ante in the lead up to the major round. Kane Mason, Josh Niven, Liam Rigney, Kyale Rigney, Troy Miller and Scott Biddle are the future and are A Graders. Jed Durdin should get plenty of ball today and finish off with a bag. Tailem hang up the boots after today and review their season on Monday. They will have given a lot of juniors some exposure and wish to continue with that plan. Meningie will be too strong and get the chance to tweak things in readiness for a September campaign. Meningie 100+
RMFL PREVIEW ROUND 14
MYPOLONGA. v. TAILEM BEND.
Mypolonga haven't played for three weeks and have got most of their players back from injury, and Tailem Bend will see this as their best chance of getting a win for the year and will be putting everything into it.
Tailem Bend have struggled to kick enough goals all year and Leigh Ryan needs to have a big day in front of goals, if they are to have a chance.
Michael Sumner is a chance to play, he's got a good goal sense, but he's been injured for several weeks and if he plays, it gives them another scoring option.
Tailem’s midfield is led by Dylan Hogarth, Daniel Perks and Steve Clay, and all of these players need to fire. Jarryd Linde battles hard in defence and is supported by Nathan Hansen, Nick Westhoff and Ben Franks. James Dawson and Jack Smedley are promising youngsters for the Eagles
The Tigers appear to have a bit more strike power up forward with Captain James Moss, last years leading goalkicker, as well as Ben Gogel who is capable of a bag of goals.
Joel Eckermann has played up forward since returning from injury and Simon Norris has also been playing up forward with some success.
Coach Billy Neely is back after injury playing some time in the midfield with Jake Altman, Luke Kluske, Sam Elliot and Locky Butler also rotating through the middle.
Corey Jones is back after a bit of time away from the game to lead the Mypo defence, and he is supported by Josh Hein, Cruise Pengilly and Mitchell Lewis.
Mypolonga, with more goalscoring potential and a better defence, should record a narrow win to keep their slim finals chances alive.
IMPERIALS. v. JERVOIS.
Jervois are coming off of a good win in their last game against Mannum and will be full of confidence, whereas Imperials got a ten goal hiding at the hands of their archrival Ramblers. This game has a lot riding on it, as Jervois are trying to consolidate a finals berth.
For Jervois, Peter Zarantonello has been a good target up forward and kicking goals in recent weeks, while Owen Love is used up forward in bursts. Byron and Daniel Sumner with Josh Noye, drift down from the midfield and kick a few goals, Tim Hartman can also be dangerous around the goals and Trent Wingard gives them another forward option, as does Ryan MaKaye. Ty Burkett who has had his injury problems over last couple of years, played his best game for a couple of seasons in his last game.
Imperials have a capable forward in Jamie Honner who got amongst the goals in his last outing, and Luke Harrowfield who is also a dangerous forward. Daniel Girdham, Gareth Williams, Nathan Daish, Jacob Rance , Brad Oats and Mitchell Lienert and the possible return of Mail Medallist Phil Smith, will all rotate through the midfield.
In defence for the blues, James Clarke will be missing with a hamstring injury he will be a big loss. Louis DeMichele can hold down a key defensive spot and is also used in the ruck when needed. Ben Quast, Sam De Michele and Brayden Dalitz along with Dylan Hollitt are also capable young defenders.
For Jervois, Tom Kluske suffered a broken hand in his last game and he will be missed as he has been in good form down back, but his brother Jackson and Rick Fisher along with Lewis Aunger and Casey Robins, will try and keep the Imperials forwards quiet. Owen Love is also used in defence at times and is a beautiful long penetrating kick who sets up attack from defence.
Jervois ruckman Tony Gibson is fast becoming one of the leagues better ruckman. He will be up against Imperials youngsters Brad Wright and Brad Lienert, Louis DeMichele is also used in the ruck when needed.
Nat Wright and Kyle Daish for Imperials, along with Brad Gabell and Andrew Smith at Jervois are promising youngsters for their respective clubs .
Imperials are struggling a bit this year, and while their best is good enough, they just don't produce it enough. Jervois have been challenging the top sides all year but haven't been able to go the distance, but last game they got a big scalp in Mannum and are playing better footy as the season goes on. A win to Jervois will just about guarantee them play finals football. and that is a big incentive. Jervois are playing better footy at the moment and will upset the blues on the home ground.
MANNUM. v. MENINGIE.
This will be the match of the round Meningie have moved to second on the ladder and Mannum have dropped down to third.
Up forward for the Bears Jed Durdin and Rhys Smart are having good seasons and they have that all conquering midfield that drift forward and kick goals in Brian Fenton, Myles Warmington and Todd McKay while Josh Niven is also a handy forward.
For the Roos, Korey Loechel kicked six goals in the last game which was his best for the year. Jack Woollard has kicked over 90 goes in the under 17.5 s and, is also a dangerous forward.
Ben Quinn is another proven small forward, Levi Krause is another midfielder who kicks goals.
The midfield battle will be crucial in the outcome of this game with Meningies Brian Fenton, Myles Warmington both making the team of the carnival in last weeks at the S.A.country championships in Port Lincoln, add to that Todd Mackay and they make one to the best midfields going around in country football.
The Roo’s Coach, Jarrod Kellogg, is in good form as is Matt Williams and Callem Cook.
The ruck contest between Peter Nelson and Jake Bowen will be worth the admission fee. They are the two best ruckman in the League, going head-to-head, whoever can get on top and feed their respective midfields the ball, will go along way to winning the match.
The Bears defence consist of Sam Sanders, William and George Angus, Tyson Schmid, Corey McDonald and Brody Vandenbrink, while James Lawson who is under an injury cloud.
Mannum’s Michael O’Malley is their key defender where he rarely gets beaten, while Paul Adlington and Damien Williamson are both very capable defenders who can also go forward.
Rhys Bullard and Brad Wakefield are defenders as are Ben Wiblin and Brayden Hermann add to them Daniel Thiele, and Mannum have a good back line, capable of standing up to Meningie’s forwards.
This should be a high-quality game of football and well worth going to see. Mannum are always hard to beat on their big homeground, but they have been down a bit in recent weeks and will be keen to get back on the winners board. Meningie beat Mannum at Meningie in round one, in an upset and are playing pretty good footy at the moment and I think Peter Nelson who had the better of Jake Bowen in their last encounter can get on top and feed the strong Bears midfield and Meningie can beat Mannum and consolidate their second spot on the ladder.
RMFL Budget Round 6 Preview
Imperials V Ramblers
The battle of "The Bridge" to see who wins the Cawte/Norrish Cup at Johnstone Park promises to be a ripper. The Reds come off a terrific win over the competition pacesetters in Mannum, while The Blues are chugging along nicely. This will be a great showcase of young local talent as Ramblers and Imperials play around 14 locally produced players of their respective lists of 21. The Blues fielded two 16 year olds in Khian Rigney-Smith who was last week called in to replace Jacob Rance for his first game of senior football, while Nathan Daish played solidly and looks like cementing a regular position with the Blues. Ramblers have evergreen Muffy Kartinyeri in flying form, he must have 500 games up with the RMFL at least! The Imperial key defenders in Lui Demichele and James Clarke will need to control the imposing Rambler talls Altmann and Sutcliffe. Payne in the ruck against Wundke could be a crucial area to gain ascendency as both teams have strong midfield players. Weyland, ONeil, Kartinyeri and the Gollans for Ramblers against the likes of Williams, Girdham, Smith and Harrowfield of The Blues. Jamie Honner shouldn't be far off from bolstering the forwards where The Blues do have a rich spread of talent with Lieth Marston, Brad Lienert and Nick Wundke, but Sam Pfieffer may have other ideas. Shaun O Brien also gives the group some zip and spring to the Blue forward half. I think this will be closer than the form may suggest after The Reds big win last week, but beating The Roos is good enough form to have them in front at the final siren. Ramblers 21-30.
Mannum V Jervois
Mannum will re-group and not be too concerned with last week’s loss, things are still on track as it is not a real concern going down to Ramblers. Jervois toil away and while on using locals, Jervois are also a club with a high majority of junior product. Jervois awaited a nervous outcome at the tribunal last Tuesday as a cloud hung over the availability of Ray Love. He is a key player for the Bloods, along with the Sumner and Noye Brothers. The Roos will respond as their group won't be too proud of last week’s loss where they played with a full contingent. The goals were spread around which isn't a bad thing. Mick O'Malley will play the back stop role and thwart many Jervois attacks. Up forward for Mannum there is a spread of potency through Korey Loechel, Levi Krause, Ben Quinn and Chris Hall if he plays. Jackson Kluske, Rick Fischer, Brad Gable, Lewis Aunger and Nick Maczkowiack will have a tough day keeping some form of resistance. It all starts in the middle and the quality of Mannum should see them have a fair share of the ball and win comfortably. Mannum 61-70.
Tailem V Meningie
Meningie Travel just up the road to Jaensch Park to tackle Tailem Bend today. Tailem come off a tough run but could cause some problems for The Bears. If The Eagles can win their share of ball they are capable of kicking a score against the Bears defence which is light on since the loss of Peter Riechelt. Peter Nelson pulled out a big game on Anzac Day, and will be a tough opponent in the ruck for James Pitchford. Meningie do have a quality midfield, ably lead by coach Brian Fenton and Todd McKay where The Eagles Steve Clay and Dylan Hogarth have a battle on their hands. Nick Westhoff picked up a couple of goals last week and will need a big spike in output for the Eagles to be any form of show. He will need the likes of Corey Parker and Jack Smedley in support who have sound form to chip in with the scoring duties. Jarryd Linde and Nathan Hansen have the job down back for the Eagles where the likes of Jed Durdin and Myles Warmington do their best work for the Bears. This is the biggest area of concern for Tailem and I think Meningie will do it too well. Meningie 71-80.
RMFL Budget Round 5
Imperials v Tailem Bend
The Blues commemorate 50 years of playing at Johnstone Park against the Eagles, the inaugural winners on the ground in 1966. Tailem come off a fair hiding at the mercy of Mannum last week while Imps had the week off. Their previous game against Meningie showed some improvements in their game as Ruckman James Wundke came out of his shell. His toil with the former Echunga big fellow James Pitchford will be interesting. Tailem have some bite in the middle with Dylan Hogarth and Steve Clay. They find themselves pitted against Gareth Williams, Daniel Girdham, Phil Smith and a revived James McLaren. McLaren's versatility has him now playing in the centre, as he has found some consistency using his strong frame in the contest. Nick Westhoff and Jarryd Linde should be pretty busy at back half for the Eagles. Jacob Rance has stepped up his game and continues to provide quality delivery to his team mates, while James Clark has displayed some terrific marking and tough defence. Michael Sumner will play his usual game for the Eagles and create some problems for The Blues. Imperials 51-60
Ramblers v Mannum
The match of the round at LeMessurier oval and what a game it promises to be. The Roos appear to be the competition yardstick at this early stage of the season. Chris Hall lined up again last week and one would expect he plays again today, given his commitments with Sturt are tomorrow. Ramblers had a day out last week, and so did Jake Sutcliffe, bagging 11 majors against Jervois. I don't think Mannum will be too concerned as they do have some quality defenders. They won't commit "The Cleaner" in O'Malley to him as his role of playing third man up is more valuable to his team so you might find Daniel Thiele given the job. Thiele will sacrifice and nullify which is what the coach will ask for. Ramblers goals can come from a spread of small forwards and mids. Bowen v Payne, and I think Payne will find out how to ruck today. The current Standard Medallist is still playing as well as he has become accustomed and will give first use of the pill to Kellock, Herrmann, Cook and Williams. It will be interesting to see who gets Loechel, most likely Sam Pfieffer who knows the craft well and steady's the Rambler backs. Mannum will start favourites and I expect them to prevail but not without a battle. Mannum 21-30
Jervois v Mypolonga
Another game which could be close. It appears Mypo are struggling with consistency. One week they are champions, the next they are way off the boil. Jervois can put up some form of defence and if the they play "Jervois" football, will be a tough opponent. “Jervois” football is physical, tight and at times not pretty but stifling. Robbins may get Moss who can dominate the Tiger forward space. If he is contained they then have Gogel to contend with. Sumner in the middle will need the Gibson/Aunger combination to be on their game for Jervois to have a chance. Does Corey Jones get the job on Owie Love? Brother Ray Love bobbed up with a couple last week so maybe Todd Howson goes to him. Mypolonga can gain ascendency through the likes of Joel Eckermann, Lachlan Butler, Jack Freestone and Alex Bolt. Sam Elliot, although only pint sized goes well, and the Tiger faithful would be optimistic about his future. Cruise Pengilly, Simon Norris, Simon Lehmann and Daniel Fegan are in form and if the weather is fine should prevail. If it were a wet day, the tables may be turned. Mypolonga 31-40
RMFL Budget Round 4
Mannum V Tailem Bend
The Eagles showed some promising signs last week, and their supporters will be buoyed by the effort in taking the game up to the Roosters. Unfortunately, Tailem lost key forward Leigh Ryan to injury last week, so the heavy lifting may again be left to Michael Sumner. The Roos will springboard their attack from "The Cleaner" Michael O'Malley, "Mooga" Male and Daniel Thiele. Dylan Hogarth and Steve Clay will need to have their intensity at 100% to go with the likes of Kellock, Krause, Schellen and Herrmann. On top of that Jake Bowen directs the footy wherever they ask for it, as well as asserting his dominance all over the park. The Roos have the quality target in Loechel, who moves well for a big fella and is supported by Williamson, Quinn, Smith and Cook. Last week Chris Hall made a cameo slipping in with some goals and with Sturt's commitments last night he may back again today. Nick Westhoff and Jarryd Linde will be busy boys, showing Nathan Hansen and co the ropes. While the Eagles appeared to improve under Gary Peach last week I think today will need to be a couple of gears higher in the scale. Mannum 61-70
Ramblers V Jervois
At Le Messurier Oval the Roosters do Battle with the Bluds, and there is certainly no love lost between these two clubs. Coming off the bye, Jervois will be chomping at the bit to get their piece of flesh, and it appears Ramblers might have a dropped off a peg. Last week Matt Altmann went without kicking a major and Jake Sutcliffe just the three. The rest of the goals were spread around which isn't a bad thing, but they were restricted more than expected. Jervois have Owen Love to kick their goals along with Byron Sumner pressing forward. Casey Robbins continues to guide the young group from the back half, ably supported by Josh Noye and Jackson Kluske. The ruck duel will be contested by Payne of Ramblers and Gibson of Jervois. These will nullify each other so it will be won and lost at ground level for the centre clearance contest. The Sumners will provide the drive, and cause some problems for the likes of Weyland, Pratt and co. Sam Pfieffer is in great form and will steady the ship for Ramblers. It's pleasing to see Ramblers using so many junior products, and in particular Michael Wegener, who has resumed from a serious knee injury, missing most of last year. Jervois will be upbeat from their first two performances, and coming off a spell will take it up to Ramblers. At home, Ramblers appear stronger across the field and should sneak home.
Ramblers 31-40.
Mypo V Meningie
Both clubs come off a loss with Mypolonga the biggest concern. From defeating the Blues in convincing fashion to copping a beating at the hands of Mannum, their form has ebbed and flowed. Meningie ran with the Blues for most of the game last week but lacked the depth needed to get the points. Coach Fenton gives it everything, Todd McKay, Myles Warmington, Jed Durdin and Peter Nelson will need to step up and make this a contest. Tiger forward Gogel is getting his few each week and will need close attention, along with Moss who is an exceptional mark and kicks goals from long range. Lachie Butler can slip in and assist while Jack Freestone, Simon Lehmann and Simon Norris are showing signs of good form. The Bears backline will miss Peter Reichelt, and the future rests with the Gus Bothers, Will and George Angus, guided by a not so senior in Sam Sanders, still relatively young himself. Although the "Tigers" form has been spasmodic, they will get the job done over the "Bears" providing they win their share of the centre clearances, an area which Meningie can control. Mypolonga 21-30
RMFL Budget Round 2
Imperials V Mypolonga
Both of these sides copped thumpings last week. It will be interesting to see who bounces back. Word on the street was that the Roosters were pretty sharp and took a lot of confidence away from the Tigers. Coach Billy Neely will need to have them up as Shane Collins wasn't a happy Chappy after the Blues put the cue in the rack at half time last week against Mannum. A positive for Collo was the performance of the younger players and at times they had a dip. Mannum had all the answers and will be a key player in September, make no mistake. My mail had Ben Gogel kicking a half the Tigers score against the Reds last week but he didn't look threatening. His team mates will need to lift it a cog and are capable through their experienced players in the Eckerman brothers, James Moss and Corey Jones. On paper, Mypo look strong and the future looks promising with the majority of the side made up of locals under the age of 24. The same could be said for the Blues who are pretty keen to amend black Sunday from last week. This might be a close one but I'm tipping the Blues at home by 11-20
Ramblers V Meningie
The Roosters are up and about. Doc Altman has cancelled his holidays on the French Riviera he had booked for September. Son Matt is back after some years on the long term injury list and is looking ominous. Jake Sutcliffe was a key player last week and took the mark of the round according the punters on the boundary. The Bears got the job done as well but weren't too convincing against an improved Jervois. At LeMessurier Oval the Bears will be keen to test their depth. One feels the Rambler list is a tad more even, but Meningie stars have a but more class about them. This contest will be interesting. Bran Fenton and Todd McKay controlled the centre last week but have tougher against Ramblers. Jed Durdin and Miles Warmington will put the Roosters defence to the test, with the same happening at the other end where Altman and Sutcliffe will be creating problems. Bears to win 11-20
Jervois V Tailem Bend
The Lokan Cup brings out the best in the battle of the Ferry. When you read the history and influence the name Lokan has had on these two clubs it is quite obvious why the Lokan Cup was named. The Eagles unveil their side for the first time this year and appear to have recruited soundly. Their prize pickup being their coach in Gary Peach who has had success at the club some years ago. They have also grabbed a couple new players from Port Districts amount others. Jervois have Byron Sumner in the midfield, defence lead by Casey Robins, Tony Gibson in ruck and Ray Love up forward, and this does straighten the bloods up. Robbins was reported to be an asset in defence last week and being the on field coach he can see first hand the areas in need. The question is how much influence will the new faces at the Eagles have? They have played a couple trial games and a pre-season together but one feels they may need a bit more time to settle in. Based on Jervois performance away from home last week against a top three side you would have to select them, but not by much. Bluds 21-30.