Marble Range v Mallee Park, Friday, 2.40pm, Centenary Oval

THE pre-season build up strongly suggests the two clubs will both name teams with several young and exciting players of the future with a good blend of experienced players.

The Rangers will look for four of the big names in Port Lincoln football, Hayden Parker, Carl Semler, Scott Charman and Jason O’Brien to lead the way.

Ranger coach Glyn Owen will no doubt be prepared to give several of his young list their big chance to make their mark.

Tipped to play are Jake Sampson in the forwards, and Logan Dennis, Boyd West and Peter Baldock - all back half players that can rotate though out the action on the ball.

Landon Gregory up forward and Callum Skinner down the back half will add to the Rangers’ new look.

Mallee Park, coached by David Dudley, will see several past stars returning with Barry Johncock adding to the Peckers’ scoring power up forward; Joel Tessman, who will put his body over the ball; Jason Burgoyne, skilful with great leg speed; and the elusive Jeremy Jackamarra - four important and needed inclusions to last year’s list.

The Peckers have signed another ruckman in Clement Larson from Broome, and with the most improved tall player in the league last season, Ky Miller, he will add to the Peckers’ ability to win first use at the stoppages, which could turn out to be the Rangers’ biggest problem.

The Peckers also have several young guns ready to fire.

Tip: the first challenge of the three games between these two clubs will be a feature of the season, and could well decide who will be the minor premiers.

At this stage, and with the Peckers having one of their best pre-seasons on the track, their leg speed may be the difference in this Anzac Day clash, so I’m going for the Peckers in a close one over the Rangers.