BY NATHAN DOLE
THE ladder-leading Nyah Nyah West United treks to Lake Boga for Saturday’s second round of senior footy in the Central Murray Football Netball League.
A showdown between first and fourth starts at 2.30pm at Lake Boga Sports Club.
The NNWU Demons and the Magpies both marked impressive victories on the opening day of the 3SH-backed competition.
Nyah Nyah West United dominated on home turf to score a 132-18 victory against Koondrook Barham.
Best for the Demons included Charlie Boulton in attack, Michael Bowden and Joel Walsh across half-back, and ruckman Nicholas O’Neill.
In the battle of the Eagles and Magpies it was Lake Boga which soared to a 69-37 win against Mallee at Lalbert.
A talented Lake Boga team includes former Essendon and Port Adelaide forward Angus Monfries, as well as David Gourdis, Jayden Lonergan, Matt Taverna and Ricky Wild.
The Magpies best against the Eagles were Matthew Payne, Jacob Simpson and Tyle Williams.
Kerang will unfurl the 2022 premiership flag before it tackles Mallee Eagles at Riverside Park.
The Troy Coates-coached Kerang was too strong on Tooleybuc Manangatang’s turf at Tooleybuc last Saturday.
Players to watch for the Blues include former Kangaroo Flat captain and gun ruckman Nic Lang, Ryan Gillingham, Martin Kelly, Michael Dalrymple and captain Josh Nitschke.
It will be a difficult task for Mallee Eagles.
The play of Joe Halloran at full-back, Harrison Allen in the centre, Liam Drummond and Andrew McDonald in attack; Brent Macleod and Billy O’Meara in and around the packs will be keys to Mallee’s chances.
After a big win at Cohuna on Good Friday by 45 points, Woorinen is at home to take on Tyntynder.
The Tigers will start favourite to record a two-nil start to the season.
Key players in the Woorinen line-up include Jye Barry, Danko Bzenic, Josh Demaille, Lachlan and Matthew Gardner.
Tyntynder will strive to hit back from a 28-point loss to Balranald.
The Bulldogs’ best against the Swans at Swan Hill’s Alan Garden Reserve were Tate Hulland, Elliot Broad, Roy George and Brock Storer.
Koondrook Barham is at Barham to tackle Cohuna.
The River Raiders and Kangas are both on the rebound from defeat.
Koondrook Barham’s best in round one were Chester Gardner, Jacob Barrington, Mitch Christensen and Scott Wood.
The Tyson Findlay-coached Cohuna was outplayed by Woorinen on Good Friday.
The Kangas will look for plenty of attacks to be set up by the likes of Joel Helman, Sam McGlone and Jarrod Findlay, and for more contests to be won in the forward 50m arc by Rhys Free, Riley Hird and Jack Donat.
After a first-round bye, Swan Hill is at home against Tooleybuc Manangatang at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve.
Key players for Swan Hill include captain Luke Phelan in the centre; ruckman and former Collingwood VFL player Toby Thoolen; Zach Mihocek and Angus Monk in attack; and ruck-rover Brandon Houlihan.
Best for the Saints from Tooleybuc Manangatang in round one were rover Blake Grant, forward Ethan Goldfinch, David Kennedy on a wing; and ruck-rover Mitch Grant.
Balranald has the bye.
Central Murray FL senior footy ladder:
Nyah Nyah West United 733 per cent, 4 points; Kerang 377, 4; Woorinen 295, 4; Lake Boga 186, 4; Balranald 180, 4; Tyntynder 55, 0; Mallee Eagles 53, 0; Cohuna 33, 0; Tooleybuc Manangatang 26, 0; Koondrook Barham 13, 0; Swan Hill 0, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
6 Charlie Boulton, NNWU.
5 Liam White, NNWU.
3 Danko Bzenic, W; Drew Lloyd, B
2 Bill Barry, KB; Paul Davis, ME; Ben Fuller, B; Ethan Gant, B; David Gourdis, LB; Tyle Williams, LB.