RMFL preview: Imperials prepare for a ‘danger game’ against the Cats

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You might think the River Murray Football League would be getting predictable by this stage of the season – but you might be wrong.

Commentators Shane Snell and Matt Hood have found themselves tipping against each other in two of this week’s four matches.

Round 15 will also be Domestic Violence Awareness Round, as the league aims to take a stand and foster conversations about protecting everyone in local communities.

Here’s what’s on the slate.

• Get help: Call the Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 800 098, or Murray Mallee Adelaide Hills Domestic Violence Service on 8215 6320; visit the Haven at The Square Community Centre between 9am and 4pm on weekdays, or the DVINA Centre on Standen Street between 10am and 4pm Monday to Saturday; or, in an emergency, dial 000.

Imperials v Coorong

The Blues will host the Cats at Johnstone Park this Saturday in a match that will help to shape the top five ahead of finals.

Imps will start favourites in most people’s books, since they come in with a 10-3 record and Johnny Boras starting to fire.

But most people aren’t Matt Hood, who was willing to believe in the Cats after they came within a whisker of knocking off undefeated Jervois last week.

“There were only about 10 seconds to go when Josh Scott kicked a goal to put Jervois in front,” he said.

“I think Imps would have been a bit more relaxed about this game, but last week’s result would have changed their attitude.

“(Alex) Stidiford played a ripper of a game for the Cats, (Albert) Dunstan too, and young, lanky Henry Turner, the centre half-back, is finding form.

“This is a danger game for Imps.”

• Matt’s tip: Coorong
• Shane’s tip: Imperials
• Watch the game: Visit www.facebook.com/rivermurrayfl from 2.15pm on Saturday.

Jervois v Tailem Bend

The Lokan Cup won’t officially be on the line, but whenever these two sides get together, they give their best.

The problem for the Eagles is that Jervois’ best is on another level right now.

A week off would have done Tailem’s players some good, Snell said, but the side was still undermanned.

“They bring the contest and have a crack, even with no real superstars in the side … but Jervois are just too good,” Hood agreed.

“Taite Silverlock was in the best players again last week; Zane Barry is the Mail Medal favourite; small forward Peter Zarantonello, he’s going alright, too.

“This will be a 40 to 50-point win to Jervois, in my eyes.”

• Matt’s tip: Jervois
• Shane’s tip: Jervois

Southern Mallee v Mypolonga

The Tigers impressed last week, coming close to a double ton against the unfortunate Mallee Storm by kicking 30.18.

If they really want to turn heads, though, they’ll need to beat the top team on the RMFL ladder – and Snell reckons they could do it.

After all, Southern Mallee only prevailed by seven points the last time these two teams met, and Mypo was missing Jack Kluske at the time.

“Jack Kluske has really settled into the team now, he and Patty Davies work really well together, and Stevie Mills kicking eight last week puts them in a good position,” he said.

“This will be a good litmus test for Mypo.

“They’re a bit of a smoky for finals; if they play their best game, they could surprise a few.”

Hood agreed that Kluske was all class, but to his mind, the Suns had too many guns and too much depth for Mypo to overcome.

“Their bottom 10 is as good as any bottom 10 going around,” he said.

“Suns by 30 points.”

• Matt’s tip: Southern Mallee
• Shane’s tip: Mypolonga

Mannum v Ramblers

Regrettably, this game won’t have either finals implications or a lot of star power.

“Both sides have been hit pretty hard with some bad luck throughout the season,” Snell observed.

“Mannum fell away early compared to how we thought they were going to go; some of their recruits didn’t come off.

“It has been the regulars – Jake Keller, Dylan Ribbons, Mitch Heward, Jacob Stagg – who have played well.”

The return of Kye Roberts and Alex Pfeiffer made a difference to Ramblers last week, even as they went down to the powerhouse Suns.

The likes of Riley Vanson, Keynan Harradine and Jacob Trevorrow were workhorses.

But our tipsters didn’t think they would be able to get the job done away on Saturday.

• Matt’s tip: Mannum
• Shane’s tip: Mannum