FOOTBALL starts the 2009 season this Saturday with game at Karkoo, Ungarra and Cummins.

United Yeelanna v Tumby Bay

The Eagles are at home for the season opener and with Kade Dufek missing and the army getting some recruits in June, new coach Murnane may have some work to do.

With young players off for schooling also they may struggle against the Blues, who are still smarting at losing the unlosable grand final.

Habner, the Skinner brothers and the Jollys will have to play well to counter the old firm for Tumby who have Great Flinders and Eyre Peninsula experience.

Tip: Tumby Bay by four goals.

Eyre United v Cougars

Two new coaches feature for these clubs for the game at Ungarra.

The return of Tom Baldissera and Martin Baillie from the River Murray league may cover a bit for Mark Fraser and Aaron Castley for the Saints.

Cougars have some new faces also and maybe C. Howell from the Magpies in Adelaide can cover Ben Green's loss.

Tip: Cougars seem to have their best team at the start of the season and should win by two goals.

Ramblers v Lock

A big loss for Ramblers is Scott Blacker, a play maker who had a major part in the Great Flinders premiership win, but with the return of George Pedler this may be well covered as with Pedler, the Fitzgeralds, Minhard and Mickan they still have the base for a very good team.

Lock have lost Griffiths, the Mail Medal runner-up and Craig Wheare, with a long-term knee injury, but gain Zac Tiller, and Brad Agars from Elliston so the Roos will again be around the mark.

They need to set the ball quickly to Glover at the goal front through the likes of Britza, Halman, new coach Hetzel and Northcott.

Tip: Ramblers at home by a couple.