Port Lincoln football
Lincoln South v Boston, Centenary Oval, Sunday, 2.40pm
BOTH clubs are more than hopeful of their expectations being filled this season after a productive pre-season training and recruiting drive.
The Lincoln South Eagles have signed 18 players and retained almost all of their playing list from last season, and have several under 17 players with great potential. They also look to have a strong reserves list that will ensure a healthy competition within their ranks to play in the league side.
The same can be said of the Boston Tigers who have increased their depth with several notable signings.
The Tigers and the Eagles finished as the cellar dwellers last season and the expectations are that both clubs will challenge strongly to finish in the top four and play finals football.
The Eagles have a good mix with their tall players, look good up forward with plenty of leg speed in the midfield and a strong back half.
Players to watch
Lincoln South
Jessie Kemp, when in the ruck, stood out in the Eagles' pre-season final win and is a player who reads the game and has the ability to drop back and be at the drop of the ball; he will give his team every chance of first use at the stoppages.
Andrew Jericho, an early top pick for the Mail Medal, will again lead the back half and with captain Sam Kidney and Antoine Papazoglov, will give the Eagles three players that can create plenty of run out of defence.
Up forward the trio of Darryl Marshall leading out of the goal square with their roving forward Dennis Males and the high flying Andrew North will be a big test for any defence in the competition.
In the midfield Jamie Kidney, along with leadership players Anton Story and Kyron Cocks, showed plenty of leg speed in their win over Mallee Park in the pre-season final.
The new players in Ben Green, Aaron Castley, Dustin Treasure, Cody Pauhi, Dale King and Dale Rayson will give supporters plenty to cheer about.
The Eagles' young brigade in Jay Williams, who loves to tackle and compete for the hard ball, the class of Dylan Bellenger, the efficient Nathan McEvoy and the possibility of the Hill brothers, Cayden and Tynan, will see a new look Eagles take the field this Sunday.
Dylan Dunn will in all probability will not be considered due to a recent illness and Tristian James, a dual B grade medallist with the Great Flinders League, are just two of the players that will put pressure on the selected team in future games.
Boston
Leigh Watherston has been appointed captain and will lead with his known determination, and with the signings of Scott Blacker, a key player in the midfield, and Shannon Rynne will see the Tigers get good quick ball going forward and the gifted duo of Kaden Hull and Adam Hywood will give the Tiger supporters plenty to cheer about.
Another new signing, Shannon Minard, with the trusted Reece Marsh, Jack Arbon, and hopefully one of the best in SA country football, Brett Watherston, a great organiser, will help make the roar in the Tigers' den.
Tip: first up games are tough and fitness is the big player here. The Eagles' five goal last quarter against Mallee Park shows they are up to the tough grind and are selected to win.
n By Bluey Dunn
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