RMFL preview: Mannum must regroup against Mypolonga

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A third of the River Murray football season is in the books, and a clear top three has started to emerge.

But there’s still plenty of time for things to go awry for the Suns, Blues and Bluds; and for the other six clubs to catch up.

Will this be the week things start to change?

Here’s what commentator Shane Snell reckons.

Mannum v Mypolonga

The Tigers have got their tails up at the moment after a close one against the league leaders last week.

Jack Zadow is in good form after overcoming last season’s injury, Jordan Hein has been a stand-out, Patty Davies is doing a job in the midfield, and Stephen Mills gives the side height and structure.

“I’m expecting a solid game from them,” Snell said.

“They’re a better team than what they’ve shown this year.”

Will it be enough to get past the Roos at Mannum Oval?

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Having former Mail Medallist Blake Tabe back will help the home side’s cause – he was named best player in their four-point loss to Ramblers last week.

But Snell suggested this was still a club lacking in confidence.

“They’ve got the nucleus of a good side,” he said.

“They just need to put it all together.”

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

Southern Mallee v Mallee

Does this all-Mallee showdown have a name yet?

The Mallee Maul, Snell suggested – or how about the Mallee Melee?

Unfortunately for the Storm, they look likely to be on the receiving end this time around.

“They’ve got a really solid ruck in Riley Bowles, he’ll take it up to the Suns; Lachie Paddick gives them a bit of drive; the full-forward, Michael Leonard, is always good for a couple of goals,” Snell said.

“But the Suns will have too much firepower for them.”

Thank the usual names for that – O’Driscoll, Keough – as well as Ben Moroney, who’s starting to find the goals, and the likes of George Heintze, Oscar Barrett and Brett Pedersen.

The one thing the Storm will have going for them?

Unlike the older River Murray clubs, they won’t be surprised by the unique shape of the ground at Pinnaroo – that’s something, at least.

• Shane’s tip: Southern Mallee

Imperials v Tailem Bend

Imperials can sometimes tend not to respect less-renowned opponents, Snell says.

As a result, they were nearly shown up by the Cats last week; and they could be surprised by the Eagles this Saturday.

“Tailem brought some good, solid play to Jervois before Jervois kicked away in the last quarter,” he said.

“Tailem lack a key forward to kick goals, but everywhere else around the ground they’ve got winners.”

He singled out Aidan Coakley – “he played one of the best games I’ve seen this season” – as well as Brodie Edwards and player-coach Nathan Stark.

The off-season loss of Nick Westhoff still hurt, but the Eagles were sure to make Imps work.

However, Ryan Farnham and Luke Harrowfield were likely to dominate in Imps’ back 50; Harley Montgomery, Jack Penfold and Louis DeMichele were in form; and Kyle Dalitz played a good one last week.

“I think the Blues will get up in this one, but I don’t think there’ll be much in it,” Snell said.

“It’ll be an arm-wrestle for three quarters.”

• Shane’s tip: Imperials

Ramblers v Coorong

The Coorong Cats let their opponents get away from them last week – they only kicked 1.7 in the second half.

They’ll be looking for a more consistent effort when they come to Le Messurier on Saturday.

“The Cats have been disappointing,” Snell said.

“They’re a better side than what they’re bringing.”

Alex Stidiford gives them some bite on the ball, Sam Sanders and Jack Holliday can chip in a couple of goals, and Charlie Fisher can take an overhead mark.

The gradually improving Ramblers should be better than they have been.

Alex Pfeiffer’s sterling play has continued, Kye Roberts was best-on last week, and Lual Kelei and Mack Wenske are really coming along.

But Snell expected the Cats to come out and make a statement.

• Shane’s tip: Coorong