BY NATHAN DOLE
REIGNING premier in the Central Murray, Kerang treks to Nyah for Saturday’s third round of senior footy action.
Match of the day in the 3SH-backed competition between NNWU and the Blues starts at 2.30pm.
Nyah Nyah West United is on the rebound from a 64-65 loss to Lake Boga.
The Demons added 3.2 to six behinds in a dramatic finish to the contest in the Magpies’ nest.
Players to watch for the Demons include Charlie Boulton at full-forward, rover Kayne Davidson, Corey Daniels, and half-forward Zack Threadgold.
There will be plenty of crucial match-ups for the Demons against the Blues.
Bradlee Pay and Michael Runciman kicked seven and four goals in Kerang’s win against Mallee Eagles.
Recruited from Kangaroo Flat, experienced ruckman Nic Lang is one of Kerang’s most important players.
Lang will be opposed by Blake Larkings.
Kerang coach Troy Coates is capable of doing plenty of damage through the midfield or in attack, while Ryan Gillingham, Martin Kelly and Josh Nitschke are among the league’s best.
Cohuna is at home against Lake Boga.
The Kangas bounced back from a Good Friday loss to Woorinen to beat Koondrook Barham by 73 points at Barham.
A strong attack for the Tyson Findlay-coached Cohuna includes Jack Donat, Rhys Free and Riley Hird.
The Kangas also have the experience of Tom Metherell across half-back, Jarrod Findlay and Joel Helman.
Back at Cohuna after a stint with Golden Square, Will Thrum was among the best against the River Raiders.
Important match-ups for the Kangas will be in defence against former Essendon and Port Adelaide forward Angus Monfries, and David Gourdis.
The Magpies had Jake Warren, ruckman Jacob Simpson, Lochie Laing, Ryan Fox and Fraser Colville star against the NNWU team.
After a bye, Balranald is at home to take on Woorinen at Greenham Park.
The Kangaroos kicked off their season with a 28-point win against Tyntynder at Swan Hill’s Alan Garden Reserve.
Balranald’s best in that clash were Ethan Gant, Matt Neagle and Josh Hodgson.
The Kangaroos also have Jaxon and Jydon Neagle across half-back, Kobe Lloyd in the centre, and Ben Fuller in attack.
The Tigers followed up their first-round win at Cohuna by scoring a 113-point victory against Tyntynder.
Will Collicoat and Danko Bzenic led Woorinen’s attack on six and four goals.
Players to watch in the yellow and black include Jye Barry, Angus Butterfield, Lachlan Gardner and Henry Thompson.
Tyntynder tackles Koondrook Barham at Alan Garden Reserve in Swan Hill.
The Bulldogs will be keen to bite back after a big loss to Woorinen.
Key players for Tyntynder include Isaiah Bull at half-back, Elliot and Hugh Broad, Zac Denham at half-forward and Liam Whelan.
Koondrook-Barham’s best in round two were Mitch Christensen, Scott Wood, Will Lake, Domenico Cirillo, Jack Thrum and Harley Burmeister-Lyons.
It’s the battle of the Eagles and Swans at Lalbert as Mallee takes on Swan Hill.
Both teams are on the rebound from defeat.
The Eagles’ best in round two included centreman Harrison Allen, and Beau Bennett on a wing, and Billy O’Meara.
Mallee will look to Mardy McDonald to play well in the ruck against the experienced Toby Thoolen.
Swan Hill will look for big games from the likes of ruck-rover Brandon Houlihan, Xavier Moloney at half-back, and rover Matthew Wade.
A Swans’ team captained by Luke Phelan includes Sonny Beasy, Tom Holdstock and Zach Mihocek.
Tooleybuc Manangatang has the bye.
Central Murray FNL senior footy ladder:
Kerang 591 per cent, 8 points; Woorinen 350, 8; Lake Boga 132, 8; Nyah Nyah West United 236, 4; Balranald 180, 4; Cohuna Kangas 125, 4; Tooleybuc Manangatang 97, 4; Swan Hill 37, 0; Tyntynder 34, 0; Koondrook Barham 24, 0; Mallee Eagles 23, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
8 Charlie Boulton, NNWU; Josh Williams, TM.
7 Danko Bzenic, W; William Collicoat, W; Bradlee Pay, K.
5 Jack Donat, C; Liam White, NNWU.
4 Luke Conca, C; David Gourdis, LB; Michael Runciman, K.