Eastern zone carnival preview: RMFL’s best prepare to take on the Hills
River Murray footy will be on hold this weekend as the league’s stars head to the Summit Sports Park at Mount Barker.
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The River Murray’s best footballers will pause their rivalries this Saturday for a greater good: beating the all-stars from the Hills Football League.
Mount Barker’s flash new Summit Sports Park will be the venue for Saturday’s eastern zone carnival.
RMFL commentator Shane Snell expected the Murray Cods would have their work cut out for them.
“They haven’t beaten (the Hills) in … I can’t remember when we did beat them last,” he said.
“On Thursday, after training, it’ll be a bit clearer.
“I’m looking forward to a good match.”
The league named a long list of 53 players for its representative squad on May 29.
As usual, Snell expected a few players to miss the clash due to other commitments or the opportunity to give their bodies a rest for a week.
But was willing to predict some of the names selectors Lynton Barrett and Matt Lindner might have on the whiteboard as they picked the final 22, plus a handful of emergencies, on Thursday night.
“In the forward line we could safely say you’d see Ben Moroney from the Suns, Peter Zarantonello from Jervois and a supporting resting ruckman – Matt Hartman, or Riley Bowles we think could ruck for us,” he said.
“Across half-forward and through the wings we’ve got guys like Jacob Trevorrow and Zane Barry.
“In the midfield and on the ball we’ve got Josh Smithson from the Suns, Jack Penfold from Imperials; Alex Pfeiffer could play a key utility role up forward or in defence; Keynan Harradine would be in the mix as well for a mid-forward role.
“In defence we’re looking at the likes of Daniel Perks – he played state country last year – from Tailem Bend; and Brodie Edwards and Aidan Coakley are a couple of really good kids from Tailem Bend.
“For height, Hartman, Bowles; Louis DeMichele, sadly, I don’t think will come up, he’s got a soft tissue problem; Stephen Mills from Mypo will probably be a withdrawal as well.
“For a key defender, Kye Roberts from Ramblers has been playing well.
“Bailey Boughen and Mitch Heward are in really good form for Mannum, too, so I expect him to have a game.”
The players who make the cut will have an opportunity to achieve more than just prove they’re among the best in the River Murray league.
The best eastern zone players will go on to the South Australian Country Championships, in the Barossa Valley in July; and from there could be chosen for the state country side that will play Western Australia’s best country footballers at Optus Stadium, in Perth.
“It’s a real honour (to play inter-league footy),” Snell said.
“It’s a great opportunity for someone if they want to represent their state.”
