BY NATHAN DOLE
PREMIERS of the past two seasons, Birchip Watchem and Sea Lake Nandaly clash in Saturday’s second round of the Goldacres North Central FL’s senior footy action.
It will be another big clash for the Tigers and Bulls at Sea Lake from 2.30pm.
Both clubs met in the 2019 grand final which SLN won by 19 points.
Last September it was the Trevor Ryan-coached Birchip Watchem which marked grand final glory.
It was a contrasting start to the 2023 season for the Tigers and Bulls last Saturday.
Sea Lake Nandaly won a hard-fought contest under the Boort Park lights.
Earlier in the day, Birchip Watchem was outgunned by Nullawil by 41 points.
It was a unique start as Birchip Watchem and Nullawil had won premierships in ’22 – the Bulls in the North Central FNL, and Nullawil in the Golden Rivers league.
This year it’s Billy McInnes and Bryce Delmenico who have teamed up to coach Sea Lake Nandaly.
Best for the Tigers at Boort were Matt Farrelly, Ryan O’Sullivan, Delmenico and Luke Martin.
The yellow and black also has Trent and Wade Donnan, Will Simpson, John Summerhayes and Brodie Adcock able to win many contests.
The Bulls will be fired up after being outscored in all but one quarter of the clash with Nullawil.
Birchip Watchem fans can expect a strong response.
The Bulls’ squad includes ruckman Lochlan Sirett, Dale Hinkley, Lachy Foott, Nathan Gordon, and Sam Simmons.
Another big match will be at Wycheproof where the Demons take on Wedderburn.
Wycheproof Narraport and Wedderburn started the season in style.
The Boe Bish-coached Demons capped the trip to Donald by scoring a 13-point win against last season’s runner-up.
A Demons’ attack that includes Cody Green, Rick Allan and Aaron Bateson will test the Redbacks.
Wycheproof-Narraport’s best against Donald were Damien Horbury in defence, Jack McHuthison on a wing, and Dane McLennan.
Wedderburn marked a home-ground victory at Donaldson Park as it beat Charlton by 71 points.
The Redbacks were rapt to have coach Sam Barnes back on field as he booted three goals.
Tom Campbell led the way on five goals and is part of a powerful attack that includes Danny Benaim and the Holt trio of Isaac, Louis and Luke.
Wedderburn’s line-up includes Jordan Hargreaves, Jaran McKay and Jordan Rosengren.
After a stunning victory on Birchip Watchem’s turf, Nullawil is back home to take on St Arnaud.
Players to watch for the Brett Barker-coached Nullawil include Lucas and Zach Caccaviello, Dean Putt, captain Jordan Humphreys, Adam and Mark Thomson.
St Arnaud has a new coach in A.J. Bourke and several recruits.
The Saints will look to captain Kurtis Torney, Daniel Gifford, Thomas and William Bertalli, Bailey Durward and Brad Organ to lead the way to victory.
It’s the Navies up against the Magpies as Charlton and Boort clash at Charlton Park.
The Andy Nisbet-coached Charlton has the experience of Daniel Thiesz, Tim Hill, Anthony Judd, Ricky Welch, and recruits Travis Baird and Jaydon Cowling.
A second-quarter fadeout in which it was held scoreless as Sea Lake Nandaly added 3.4 made it tough for the Dale Cameron-coached Boort.
Best for the Magpies against the Tigers were Tom Potter, Levi Moss, Jarrod Fitzpatrick and Matthew Hodoras.
Boort has co-captains in Jack Smith and Keiren Wilson this season.
Donald has the bye.
North Central FL senior footy ladder:
Wedderburn 291 per cent, 4 points; Nullawil 197, 4; Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 192, 4; Wycheproof-Narraport 136, 4; Donald 73, 0; Boort 51, 0; Birchip-Watchem 50, 0; Charlton 34, 0; St Arnaud 0, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
5 Tom Campbell, W’burn.
3 Sam Barnes, W’burn; Sam Dunstan, D; Ben Edwards, BW; Mitch Farmer, N; Cody Green, WN; Adam Thomson, N.