Two of the busiest Picola District Football League sides in terms of summer recruiting sprees will clash at Katunga Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
The Swans welcomed Dylan and Mitch Sidebottom into the fold — among a number of other stars — and the brothers were in fine form to start the season despite a loss to Picola United.
The Bulldogs had the likes of Lance Oswald, Shankus Ryan, Shannon Emmett and Travis Down in their best players list last week in a big win against Blighty, and if that quartet can fire again the squad should have too much firepower for Katunga.
Dale Boswell and Scott Sutton will be important cogs for the home side once more.
Mathoura v Katamatite
The Timbercutters have been sharpening their axes a bit longer than other Picola District Football League sides after having the bye in round one.
Coach Darcy Robinson will have his troops fit and firing before taking on Katamatite, with a number of inclusions over summer set to debut in his side.
The Tigers were impressive last week in a hard-fought win against Jerilderie, with Pat Horsburgh (three goals) standing out as a huge addition to Jedd Wright’s line-up.
Wright also booted three majors, while Pat Riordan was on fire to start the year and will be crucial again to Katamatite’s drive out of the middle of the ground and into attack.
Tocumwal v Rennie
Tocumwal is still searching for its first points of the season — despite defeating Yarroweyah in round one.
The Bloods had their points stripped for playing an unregistered player, but will appeal the decision — meaning the matter is ongoing.
On the field, Dion Metzner (four goals), Mitch Bell and Tim Arklay (both three) stood out in a great performance.
Tackling Rennie will be tough though, especially with the likes of premiership heroes Chase Strawhorn (three goals) and Joel O’Dwyer warming up nicely for the Grasshoppers last week.
Rennie had seven individual goal-kickers in its score of 9.11 — highlighting the spread of its attacking ability.
Jerilderie v Picola United
Jerilderie will take plenty of confidence out of last week’s performance against Katamatite, but will have to step up again if it has any chance of defeating Picola United on Saturday.
The Blues had the better of a close contest against Katunga, with the likes of Dylan Cunningham (seven goals), Marcus Walsh, Reagan Hamilton and Tim Scadden standing tall.
For the Demons, Cameron McFadyen (three goals), Marc Shaw (two) and Peter Cochrane (two) all proved their worth in front of goal against the Tigers.
Grant Smith and David Gregory were also impressive and will look to lead Jerilderie to a win this weekend.
Berrigan v Waaia
The Saints went marching in to a win last week — but can they do it again when facing premiership favourite Waaia?
Berrigan’s 35-point victory against Deniliquin announced it as a genuine contender in the Picola District Football League this season, with Mark McQualter (five goals) and Harley Middleton (three) leading the way in attack.
The Bombers were too good for Rennie in a replay of last year’s heartbreaking preliminary final loss, with Connor Brown (five goals) and Daniel Clarke (three) hitting the scoreboard regularly throughout the 31-point victory.
Jesse Webster and Mitch Cleeland will also be important for Waaia this weekend.
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