RMFL preview: Imperials look to bounce back against Mannum

River Murray Football League commentator Shane Snell previews round five of the 2023 season.

Imperials will aim to rebound from a loss to Southern Mallee last Saturday. Photo: Julie Wright/Imperial Football Club.

Four weeks into the new-look River Murray football season, it’s clear that none of the former Mallee clubs will be pushovers after all.

The Cats, Storm and Suns all had wins against more established RMFL sides last week, and commentator Shane Snell said that was good for the competition.

“We want those clubs to get off to a good start so they can embed themselves in the competition and make themselves attractive for players to want to come in,” he said.

So far, so good.

Here’s the expert’s tips ahead of round five this Saturday.

Imperials v Mannum

Imps might be the ladder-leaders, but they got done last week, plain and simple.

“I think they were shell-shocked,” Snell said of the Blues’ 45-point loss to the Suns.

“They were blitzed from start to finish, by all reports: shown up for speed and ball movement.”

He didn’t think that would happen again this week – not with veteran Luke Harrowfield leading from the front, Nathan Daish providing support in a lock-down role and Clint Diment in good form.

“I think they’ll go to work, they’ll bounce back,” he said.

“(Last week) will sting them a little bit.”

Mannum, meanwhile, sit in fifth on the ladder after failing to keep pace with Jervois last week.

“Mitchell Smith, he’s the one I’ll be looking out for,” Snell said.

“He might be a job for Daish.”

Mitch Heward was in good form too, and Dylan Ribbons knew where the goals were, but Snell predicted Imps would get up by 20-30 points.

• Shane’s tip: Imperials

• Watch the game: Visit www.facebook.com/rivermurrayfl from 2pm on Saturday.

Mallee v Mypolonga