Deadly forwards on display in top-of-the-table Murray Football League clash

But less may be more this weekend as all eyes will be locked into a clash between two sides steaming towards premiership favouritism.

Congupna and Cobram.

They are the only two teams to remain undefeated and boast a percentage of more than 200.

The Road and the Tigers have had similar starts to their 2024 campaigns, with their three victories almost perfectly aligning in scores.

While two of Cobram’s wins have come against (expected) bottom three sides, you can only beat what has been put in front of you and the Tigers have looked the real deal in all three matches.

The league is as even as ever this year, as roughly nine sides have the potential to pose a threat in finals.

Saying this match could be a grand final preview is a bit tongue-in-cheek given how early it is into a season that will finish in late September, but there is a high likelihood that at least one of these two sides will feature in the grand final.

Both teams are strong offensively and frugal with their defence and there is no shortage of stars littered across both sides.

None more so than the two goal-kicking machines who are set to battle it out for the league’s leading goal-kicker award, the two off-season recruits, Congupna’s Kyle Mueller and Cobram’s Jackson Trengove.

The two players sit in the top three goal-kickers in the league already, with Mueller in first (22 goals) and Trengove in third (15).

Congupna coach Ben Bingham believes The Road’s strong, rebounding defence is the key to their potent attack.

“They don’t normally get the recognition, the backline, but we have been fairly solid down back,” Bingham said.

“(Last week) Rumbalara started off the game really well and we were able to hold them goalless from the 20-minute mark of the first quarter onwards.

“It’s something that we have been priding ourselves on lately is our defensive side of the game; probably in years gone by we haven’t been the best defensive team.

“Your strong defence can load up a strong attacking game at the end of the day.”

Although both sides have forward lines packed with star power, Bingham said Congupna wouldn’t just focus solely on one Cobram player.

“Trying to work ways around and trying to keep ourselves high scoring, but also obviously, Trengove is up there in the goal-kicking as well, so we will have to have a good match-up for him, which we will.

“One thing is we won’t become fixated on a single player; it’s more they are a quality team.

“It’s going to be interesting as both teams are good defensively and good in attack."

Congupna will host Cobram at home on Saturday afternoon in a battle for first place on the ladder.