It's hard to read into pre-season form, given how much teams rest and rotate players through the summer in order to have them ready for the opening rounds.
With movements in team’s ranks and the addition of new recruits round one provided football followers with a taste of the season to come.
For some the opening round showed that there is plenty of improvement to be made throughout the season, with last week’s bye in the fixture providing teams with an opportunity to refine facets of their game plan as they look to gain the winning edge.
The stage is set for a quality battle between BOISDALE and ROSEDALE, with both sides keen to take the points after failing in their quest for first round victories.
The Blues capitulated in the final term to drop the points by a kick against Glengarry, while the Bombers were convincingly outclassed against the damaging Tigers.
Having experienced great success over past seasons at Boisdale, the Blues know what it will take to open their season ledger.
Rosedale’s midfield is set to play a pivotal role in closing down the Bombers drive into the forward line, while providing their sides imposing forwards Brad Caldwell and Andrew Flanagan with first bite of the cherry.
The Bombers will be looking for redemption after their disappointing showing, but know too well that the sides home turf hasn’t been a happy hunting ground in past seasons.
Expect Boisdale to hit the ground running in a tight physical contest which may see them overcome their home ground voodoo.
STRATFORD will have no greater task then when the side hosts reigning premier HEYFIELD, who will be eager to shake off talk of a ‘grand final hangover’ after its round one loss to Churchill.
Putting in a gallant effort against Cowwarr, the Swans showed continued improvement with the side matching the Saints on the scoreboard in a gallant third quarter effort.
Hosting Heyfield at anytime of fixture is a tough assignment let along a rebounding Kangaroo out fit.
The task is enormous for the Swans, but given Heyfield's traditional sluggish starts to the season the red and white brigade may have a chance to cause one of the biggest upsets.
While the unveiling of the premiership flag was cause for celebration, the was little else for the Kangaroos to celebrate the sides midfield was depleted and suffered a further blow losing coach Stuart Anderson through injury while the forward line was well contained as they failed to have an impact on the scoreboard.
Although failing to find their rhythm in the season opener expect Heyfield to run into some solid form to record a comfortable victory.
Aiming to bounce back from their first up defeat, WOODSIDE will host COWWARR as the Wildcats look to emulate last week’s first half efforts.
Cowwarr sent a clear warning to other clubs with a nine goal second quarter against Stratford which set the stage for the Saints stirring victory.
The Wildcats appeared poised for victory before conceding a winning lead at half time, the Wildcats losing their legs against a sharp looking Bomber lineup.
This week will be no less a challenge with Cowwarr showing that they have plenty of leg speed in the engine room and a damaging forward line which will be sure to test the home side.
Needing to get their season off to a solid start before a hard month on the fixture which will see the Wildcats meet three of last years finalists, Woodside will need to be at their best to come away with the four points.
Watching from the sidelines in round one SALE CITY will make their season debut against a sharp looking TTU outfit who overpowered Woodside with a 15 goal to five second half.
The Bombers flew home to post a 58 point win in one of their strongest showings in years and have the chance to start the season 2-0.
Lacking consistency in past seasons the Bombers were ruthless in their four quarter effort and will need to deliver another consistent performance to overcome the Dogs on their home turf.
There has been plenty of talk surrounding the Dogs recruitment over the off season. While talk has been rife, the players will have to let their game do the talking and will be hopeful that the side’s recruits play a major role in what is tipped to be a tough first up assignment.
First round winners CHURCHILL and GORMANDALE will take centre stage when they clash in
Sunday’s blockbuster.
Churchill sent a clear message to the remainder of the competition in the opening round as they brushed aside premiers Heyfield in the Grand Final replay.
Looking sharp the Cougars were destructive in their attack on Heyfield, placing immense pressure on their opponent as they dominated play from the onset.
Gormandale, who also established themselves as a force in the opening round, will face their first tough encounter against quality opposition in Churchill.
The Tigers got good mileage from their new additions against Boisdale, Lee Stockdale making his mark in front of goals booting seven, David Downes slotted in well to the lineup and the return of Daniel Trease added another dimension to the forward line.
Flexing their muscle last week the Cougars defence will need to be at their best to shut down the Tigers many avenues to goal, Gormandale boasting five multiple goal kickers in their 111 point victory.
The Tigers will have their own concerns ahead of the big clash; the visitors needing to ensure that they get their match ups right against Dean Jenkins, midfielder Brandon Mahoney and last weeks forward dynamite Nic Campbell the trio single handedly tearing apart the Kangaroos.
GLENGARRY has the BYE
Last Modified on 05/04/2010 14:10