Who’s hot and who’s not at the halfway point of the SFNL seniors’ footy season? Reporter MATT TAYLOR gives his mid-season report card on each of the nine clubs.
WENTWORTH (1st, 8-0)
Under the guidance of Wade Hancock, the Roos have been ultra-impressive in their unbeaten run. Hancock has been leading by example as the competition’s leading goal kicker, slotting 41 majors in eight games.
There’s been a strong support cast, though, with defensive general Andy Wall, Nick Cottrell, ruckman Nick Jensen and 14-year-old Sam Cumming consistently delivering the goods.
Timing is everything in a sporting season, and the key for Hancock’s men will be maintaining their high standards as they become the league’s hunted side.
Predicted finish: 1st
IRYMPLE (2nd, 7-1)
There is an ingrained quality about the 2019 premiers, who know what it takes to get the job done in September.
They’ve had a run of injuries recently to key players such as midfield dynamo Dan Coghlan. But if they can finish in the top two after round 18 with their full crew back on deck, they’ll give the flag an almighty shake come finals time with their penetrating, slingshot brand of footy.
Predicted finish: 3rd
OUYEN UNITED (3rd, 6-2)
The Kangas are running into strong form on the back of five convincing wins in a row. Their Adelaide-based duo, Dallas Willsmore and Kaine Stevens, are trump cards in a side that is playing with greater cohesion as their young guns come along for the ride under Brad Vallance and Scott Grigg’s tutelage.
The next month will be crucial in the Kangas’ hopes of a top-two finish, as they come up against the high-flying Roos (round 11, away), Merbein (round 12, home), Irymple (round 13, away) and Imperials (round 14).
If they can knock off either the Roos or Swallows, and win the other two games, they’ll be well placed for the finals.
Predicted finish: 2nd
ROBINVALE (4th, 4-4)
The fast-improving Eagles’ barnstorming clash with the Roos last week was worthy of a finals encounter. They fell short by nine points, but if they bring that quality and intensity to the contest each week, they will be a finals dark horse.
However, as playing coach Andrew Richardson conceded post-game, the team has to start converting these good performances into wins.
The Eagles have three other teams snapping at their heels for fourth spot, so the equation is simple for them heading into second half of the season: beat the teams placed below them on the ladder, and try to pick up a win or two against the big three.
Predicted finish: 4th
MERBEIN (5th, 4-4)
Under co-coaches Joe Cavallo and Vinny Rodi, the Magpies have shown they are as good as anyone on their day. They gave the top-placed Roos a run for their money earlier this season, before dropping off late in the game.
The next month will be telling on whether the Magpies make the finals in 2022, starting with the visit to John James Oval today to play a team they are level with on wins.
They’ll be strong favoured to beat Mildura next week, before facing consecutive crunch games against Ouyen United, Wentworth and Irymple.
Predicted finish: 5th
IMPERIALS (6th, 3-5)
The Green Machine has been inconsistent this season, putting in a bold, polished display one week, before going missing the next.
Coach Mark Wheatley’s great expectations need to be regularly met if Imps are going to make a run for the finals.
They need to beat the Tigers today and the Bulldogs next week to build some confidence before they travel to Robinvale for a crucial clash the following week.
Old marvel Brad Hards is still leading the way for his beloved club, as is Mackenzie Mayne, David Hankin and Ben Galbraith.
However, it’s hard to see one of the league’s most successful clubs of the modern era making the finals this year.
Predicted finish: 7th
RED CLIFFS (7th, 3-5)
When the Tigers won their opening two games of the season, it looked as though they had the potential to go from the cellar to the penthouse in the space of a season.
However, they haven’t been up to the mark against clubs with more depth since their promising start.
Games like today’s against Imps are mini-finals for the Tigers. They need to win to keep their faint finals hopes alive, ahead of having the bye next week.
They will then need to get the four points against South Mildura in round 12 and Mildura in round 14, before a hectic run to the finals with games against all of the big guns.
Predicted finish: 6th
MILDURA (8th, 1-7)
A lack of attacking firepower, following the retirements of key forward Ant Matthews and Josh Martin, has meant the Dees are, for the most part, not kicking a winning score.
Their only win this season came against the bottom-placed Bulldogs, who nearly ran over the top of the Dees in round 6.
Mildura is a great, proud club. However, they are falling well off the pace being set by the league’s heavyweights following the departure of two-thirds of their senior team since 2020.
The Dees have been a powerhouse in the juniors, especially the under 18s, over the past decade. But this dominance is not being translated into the seniors.
Predicted finish: 9th
SOUTH MILDURA (0-8)
The Bulldogs have been playing with a lot of heart this season, but just not running out games. They’ve been in most contests, but they’ve lacked the polish and four-quarter drive to secure a win, which is not far away.
Big man Tyler Curtis is starting to run into good form after battling a knee injury earlier in the year. Dom Scullino, Jackson McEwen and Mason Fitzgerald are also having good seasons.
The focus for Ben Dalton’s team for the second half of the season is beating the likes of the Dees and Tigers, and perhaps springing an upset against a final-four contender, to avoid the wooden spoon.
Predicted finish: 8th
