BY NATHAN DOLE
Swans try to break run against Demons
SEARCHING for its first win, Swan Hill is at home to take on the ladder-leading Nyah Nyah West United in Saturday’s fifth round of senior footy in the Central Murray.
Players and fans will mark Community Umpiring Round and the crucial role umpires at all levels play in the game.
The Swans had the bye last round following a 23-point loss at Lalbert in the Radio 3SH-backed competition.
Huge plus for Swan Hill in the clash with the Eagles was the play of former Melbourne and Port Adelaide forward Jimmy Toumpas, and key defender Ned McKeown.
At selection, Toumpas was named on a wing and McKeown at centre half-forward to take on the Demons.
The Michael Herlihy-coached Swans will look for big games from ruckman Toby Thoolen, ruck-rover Jose Miliado, centreman Thomas Isma, and captain Luke Phelan.
Massive test for Swan Hill’s defence led by Anthony Lewin, Thomas Corridan, Bodhi Kelly and Ben Parkes against Demons’ stars Brandyn Grenfell, Joel Walsh, Riley and Corey Daniels.
The Demons best in the win against Mallee included Dominic Gallo, Darcy Butler, co-coach Nick O’Neill and Lucas Iudica.
Mallee Eagles and Cohuna Kangas will be desperate for the points in their match at Lalbert.
The Eagles were beaten, 95-71, by a red-hot Nyah Nyah West United Demons at Nyah last round.
Key players in the Mallee line-up include ruckman Kieren Bourke, ruck-rover Harrison Allen, Darcy Hourigan and Jayden Post in attack, and a defence led by Paul Davis, Joe Halloran and Zac O’Meara.
The Jack Geary-coached Kangas will be just as determined to bounce back from their defeat to Tooleybuc Manangatang.
Expect the likes of Jarrod Findlay, Brenton Conforti, Jack Donat, Joel Helman and Rhys Thrum to lead the way.
Other players to watch for the Kangas include Dylan Johnstone, Will Lee, Sam McGlone and Daniel Coates.
Woorinen Tigers are back at home to take on Lake Boga.
The Tigers will start favourite.
Best for Woorinen in a 20-point loss at Kerang’s Riverside Park were Henry Thompson, Regan Vesty, Matt Gardner and Otto Conlan.
Number one ruckman Arnold Kirby is in top form.
The Tigers will look for big games from the likes of former Melbourne and Carlton player Brock McLean in the centre, and Will Collicoat and Lachlan Gardner in attack.
Woorinen’s defence is led by Doug Beames and Mitch Uhlhorn.
Lake Boga has sights on consecutive wins following an 80-39 victory at home against Koondrook Barham.
Best in the Magpies’ first win of the season were Josh Wills, Will Doquile, Koben Ryan, Kadek Irvan, Kai Everett and Zac Warne.
Ruckman Taylor Johnstone has a huge role to play for Lake Boga, along with Aaron Lonergan, David Gourdis and centreman Brodie Tonkin.
Koondrook Barham faces a big test against Balranald at Barham.
The River Raiders worked hard in an 80-39 loss at Lake Boga.
Players to watch in the KB line-up include co-captains Jack Shannon and Patrick Goble in the centre and as rover, Kye Attwell at half-forward, and ruckman Mitch Christensen.
Huge challenge for River Raiders’ defenders Nathan Hura, Jack Thrum, Tom Amor and Jack Thrum.
A powerful Balranald attack includes Colin Andrews, Drew Lloyd, Rory Fitzgerald and Jydon Neagle.
Best in the Kangaroos latest win included Cruz Jolliffe, Jaxon Neagle and Jordan Wilkins.
Kerang, Tooleybuc Manangatang, and Tyntynder have the bye.
Central Murray senior footy ladder:
Nyah Nyah West United 161 per cent, 16 points; Balranald 167, 12; Kerang 140, 12; Tooleybuc Manangatang 113, 12; Woorinen 108, 8; Tyntynder 84, 8; Cohuna Kangas 104, 4; Mallee Eagles 85, 4; Lake Boga 71, 4; Swan Hill 65, 0; Koondrook Barham 42, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
21 Brandyn Grenfell, Nyah Nyah West United.
13 Colin Andrews, Balranald.
12 Darcy Hourigan, Mallee Eagles.
10 Drew Lloyd, Balranald.
10 Clayton McCartney, Woorinen.
10 Nick O’Neill, Nyah Nyah West United.
9 Jason Eagle, Tyntynder.
9 Jydon Neagle, Balranald.
9 Josh Williams, Tooleybuc Manangatang.
8 Joel Helman, Cohuna Kangas.
8 Dylan Johnstone, Cohuna Kangas.
7 Charlie Boulton, Nyah Nyah West United.
7 Archer Dibsdale, Kerang.
7 Lachlan Gardner, Woorinen.
7 David Gourdis, Lake Boga.
7 Kai Kearns, Tooleybuc Manangatang.
7 Johnathan Marsden, Tooleybuc Manangatang.
7 Jordan McNeil, Kerang.
7 Connor Nutting, Tooleybuc Manangatang.