ROUND 1 is complete and Imperials sit on top of the ladder with two wins.
Confused? Yep, me too.
Following the standalone opener between Imperials and Robinvale Euston last weekend, there were plenty of follow-up questions for both clubs.
Were Imps able to back up last week’s impressive win again against another formidable opponent in Mildura, and were Robinvale Euston going to be in strife with a potential two-loss start to the season a real possibility with them facing three-peat premiers in Irymple?
On Saturday, both teams were resounding in their response to those questions with healthy wins for both teams.
Imperials look every bit a genuine contender already this season, while Robinvale-Euston came into their game with crucial injuries to Ethan Gill and new recruit Charlie Ford.
Queensland ruckman Dylan Adkins, who I have been critical of in the past, put in a best-on-ground performance in the absence of injured ace Ethan Gill, which is something that he will now need to do on a consistent basis while Gill is on the sideline.
Just on Adkins. He and the Bonza boys at Robinvale Euston and at the other clubs around the league definitely earned their pay by being among their respective clubs’ best players.
Benji Neal, Isaac Corvo and Noah Foster were all named in the best players for the Eagles while at Imps, both Ryley Buntain and Aaron Laskey were named best, and South’s Jonah Licht and Sam Kalbfell were among their better players.
So, what have we learnt from round 1?
If Imps can stay healthy they are a real threat. However, as their reserve side showed Saturday, it’s their depth should injuries come that may test them.
With Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and the Queensland recruits the real deal, get down and watch them as they are creating some excitement in the competition.
Robinvale Euston are also not a great concern.
The opening round seems to be just dusting off the cobwebs, as I believe Mildura were doing too.
The Demons will be fine. I think it was just first-round jitters and they will be stronger next week.
A new coach at Irymple will be interesting, as a new coaching group you always want to stamp your authority with your own style. This will be a watch and see as to how much this happens with new coach Jake Thrum, as the last three years have proven, not much needs to change at the Swallows.
This is exactly why KFC never needed to add a 12th herb or spice whenever they brought in a new CEO. The mix already works and didn’t need changing.
I’m all in on Merbein’s Korey Loechel. He’s an old-school full forward and with a bolstered midfield at the Pies he could be the most dangerous forward in the comp with an eight-goal haul over the Dogs. He’s quick off the mark, strong overhead and near impossible to move.
South will be in for another long season, Red Cliffs will be competitive but may need to get a limo arranged each Saturday to bring Tyson Old back from Keilor, Merbein will be better than last year and Wentworth will be a real smokey as I think they have recruited very well and have snuck under the radar over the summer.
As for Ouyen United, I love the appointment of Andy Jardine. He is definitely the man to lead the club, however he would be very nervous coming up against South next weekend.
One last point I want to make is the progress the SFNL board is clearly making already this season.
The junior transfer permit is a winner and a great initiative to keep kids playing each and every weekend. And even just simple things such as updating their website, becoming active on social media and live-streaming games is a big tick from me.
