BY NATHAN DOLE
COHUNA Kangas will be aiming to break Kerang’s unbeaten streak in the Central Murray FNL senior footy action this Saturday.
The Kangas and Blues meet in the 15th round of the 3SH-backed competition at Cohuna from 2.30pm.
It’s a rematch of the ’22 grand finalists.
When these clubs last met in round four, Kerang won 96-58 at Riverside Park.
Cohuna is back in action after the bye.
The Tyson Findlay-coached Kangas start the round in fifth place.
A great battle to qualify for the finals involves Lake Boga, Cohuna and Swan Hill all locked on 28 points.
Nyah Nyah West United is a win away in seventh place.
A key to Cohuna’s chances of beating Kerang will be the on-ball and midfield duels.
The Kangas will look to ruckman Chris Anderson, Sam McGlone, Jarrod Findlay and Joel Helman to lead the way.
Targets in Cohuna’s attack include Rhys Free, Dylan Johnstone and Mitch Treacy.
The Troy Coates-coached Blues fought on for a one-point win against Nyah Nyah West United at Kerang last Saturday.
Although it was outscored, 32-16 in the last, Kerang held for an 80-79 victory.
Best in the Blues’ latest win included wingman Hayden Hall, rover Sam Heavyside, Gregor Knight and Josh Hunter in defence.
Players to watch for Kerang include captain Josh Nitschke in the centre, ruckman Nic Lang, Jake and Nathan Hammond, and Bradlee Pay in attack.
Nyah Nyah West United returns to Nyah to take on Swan Hill.
The Demons almost caused the upset of the season last Saturday as Riley and Corey Daniels kicked four and two goals on Kerang’s turf.
Swan Hill maked a 26-point win against Mallee Eagles last round.
It’s another huge match for NNWU as it fights Swan Hill to stay in finals contention.
Previous meeting between these clubs ended in a 32-point win for the Swans.
Among the best for the Demons last round were Ethan Curran, Kayne Davidson, Campbell Everitt and Ethan Saville.
Key forward Hassan Ahmat-Watkins has played some great matches for the Demons.
Ruckman Matt Gibbs will be up against Swans’ star Toby Thoolen.
Other key players for Swan Hill include Leighton Dullard, Jose Miliado, captain Luke Phelan and Matt Wade.
Big test for a Swans’ defence that includes Thomas Corridan, Tom Holdstock, Xavier Moloney and Hamish Robertson.
Tyntynder takes on Lake Boga at Alan Garden Reserve in Swan Hill.
The Tyntynder Bulldogs marked a 17-goal win against Koondrook Barham at Barham last Saturday.
Patrick Blake kicked five goals last round, but was not named for this round.
The Bulldogs will look to Josh Dwyer, Jason Eagle and Wilhelm Hawkins in attack.
Key match-ups for Tyntynder will be Matt Gilbee in the ruck against Jacob Simpson, and Isaiah Bull ruck-roving against Nathaniel Holmes-Brown.
Lake Boga had the bye after a 74-point victory in the 13th round against Mallee Eagles.
In-form players for the Magpies include Lochie Laing, Lincoln Sieben, Matt Taverna and Jake Warren.
Lake Boga’s line-up includes David Gourdis at centre half-forward, Jayden Lonergan and Ricky Wild in attack, and Marty Parsons as a key defender.
Mallee Eagles take on Tooleybuc Manangatang at Lalbert.
In round four the Eagles soared to an eight-goal win at Tooleybuc.
Mallee worked hard in a 49-75 loss at Swan Hill last round.
Best for the Eagles in that contest included Harrison Allen, Wes Bennett, Billy and Zac O’Meara.
Mallee also has Paul Davis at centre half-forward, Angus McKenzie in ruck, Joe Halloran and Harry McGregor as key pillars in defence.
The Saints are back on field after a bye.
In round 13 the Saints were held to a tally of three goals at Kerang.
The Saints will look for big games from the likes of wingman Ryan Domaille, Ethan Goldfinch at half-back, rover Blake Grant and Harrison Maher.
Ben Doolan was named in the ruck for Tooleybuc Manangatang, Tom Carland in the centre, and Rylee Taylor at full-forward.
A red-hot Balranald will be back on home turf at Greenham Park to take on Koondrook Barham.
Last week’s 40-point victory at Woorinen was one of Balranald’s best of the season.
Key players for the Kangaroos include Jaxon Neagle at centre half-back, Jack Salau in a back pocket, and Jack Jones.
An attack that includes Ben Fuller, Drew Lloyd and Nathan Ablett will capitalise on chances created by the likes of Ethan Gant, Colin Andrews, Ryan Middlebrook and Jordan Wilkins.
It’s been a tough run for Koondrook Barham all season.
The River Raiders were outplayed by Tyntynder last round in a contest where Bill Barry, Regan Hamilton, Josh McMahon and Colin McVeigh were among the best for the KB line-up.
This week’s team includes Jordan Bassett and Will Callow as key defenders, Mitch Christensen, Patrick Goble and Jack Thrum.
Woorinen has the bye.
Central Murray FNL senior footy ladder:
Kerang 232 per cent, 52 points; Balranald 176, 44; Woorinen 182, 40; Lake Boga 118, 28; Cohuna 115, 28; Swan Hill 96, 28; Nyah Nyah West United 129, 24; Tyntynder 84, 12; Mallee Eagles 65, 12; Tooleybuc Manangatang 56, 8; Koondrook Barham 28, 0.
Leaders in the goalkicking race:
38 Josh Williams, Tooleybuc Manangatang.
36 Ben Fuller, Balranald.
35 Will Collicoat, Woorinen.
31 Rhys Free, Cohuna.
29 Hassan Ahmat-Watkins, Nyah Nyah West United.
29 Bradlee Pay, Kerang.
27 Brent Macleod, Mallee Eagles.
23 Drew Lloyd, Balranald.
23 Rylee Smith, Kerang.
22 Jydon Neagle, Balranald.
20 Doug Beames, Woorinen.
19 Paul Davis, Mallee Eagles.
19 Lochie Laing, Lake Boga.
18 Danko Bzenic, Woorinen.
18 David Gourdis, Lake Boga.
18 Jose Miliado, Swan Hill.
17 Hayden Hall, Kerang.
17 Joel Helman, Cohuna.
15 Riley Daniels, Nyah Nyah West United.
15 Jason Eagle, Tyntynder.
14 Jye Barry, Woorinen.
14 Charlie Boulton, Nyah Nyah West United.
14 Troy Coates, Kerang.
14 Matt Corney, Tyntynder.
14 Jack Donat, Cohuna.
14 Justin Ellis, Tyntynder.
14 Angus Monfries, Lake Boga.
14 Michael Runciman, Kerang.