Kowree, Naracoorte and Tatiara

In a round full of upsets and big scores Keith claimed the biggest scalp of all when they tipped out the unbeaten Bordertown by 16 points. After an even 1st quarter the Crows started to get on top. They booted 4-7 to Bordertown’s solitary goal and hold a 26 point lead at the long break. The Roosters came back strongly with 6 goals to 4 in the 3rd quarter but Keith still had the lead. Brad King around the mid-field had been a star along with defenders Jacob Graetz and Dion Stratford. The gap was 12 points at ¾ time but Bordertown weren’t done with. Frederick at full forward was a danger with 5 goals but Keith had all the answers and recorded a 16 point win. Brad King was best for the Crows and kicked 5 goals, Graetz, Stratford, Andy and Nick Hunt all played well. For the Roosters it wasn’t a bad loss to have and their best were Adrian Stephens around the packs, Hayden Paech, Rory Tink and Frederick.

Kingston exorcised a few demons, Tigers actually, when they had their first win in over a year by pipping Kybybolite by a solitary point. There was never much between the two teams with the lead changing regularly but Kingston were 10 points ahead at the ½ time break.

Jamie Austin in the centre and Ash Stenner had given plenty of drive but Kyby were snapping at their heels. Scott Carberry was always a threat at full forward and Kyby hit the front with a six goal to one third quarter which would have ended Kingston’s challenge in recent times but they found greater resolve this time. They booted 5 last quarter goals to just 2 from Kyby to win by the narrowest of margins.

They had plenty of good players and 10 individual goal-kickers but Austin, Stenner, Matt Higgs at half-back and Josh Gluyas across the mid-field were best. Ruckman Dave Arnold, Billy Laurie around the centre and Scott Carberry with 5 goals played well for Kyby but I think you can still hear the team song being belted out at Kingston.

A big 2nd quarter sealed Padthaway’s win over Kaniva-Leeor. The Lions broke clear with a 9 goal burst to lead by 56 points which proved insurmountable even though KLU pegged it back to 32 by ¾ time.

Lively small man Brad Gunning and recruit Lindsay provided the spark around the goals and booted 6 each whilst on-baller Tom Edwards created many chances, Will Verco in defence and Matt Hoffman at half forward also made big contributions. KLU’s stuttering form continues and finals look out of reach now. Best for KLU were Adlington, James Turner and Steve Stallion.

Naracoorte charged out to a big 1st quarter lead with Sam Logan on fire at full forward and small man Brett Gould mopping up the spoils. Borders were powerless to stop the goal feast as Naracoorte went further ahead by ½ time to lead by 73 points.

The trend continued with another 10 goal burst in the 3rd quarter before Naracoorte eased down in the last. Borders managed 9 face saving goals in the last quarter but still went under by 76 points.

Defender Mitch Hartree was best for Naracoorte, Logan booted 10 goals, Gould, Matt Gill and Rob Jones outclassed their opponents. Jay Zeuner in defence, Brad Vallance with 5 goals and ruckman George McWaters tried hard for Borders. Mundulla and Penola fought a ding-dong battle with the Moots prevailing by just 2 points. It was close all day but Mundulla edged out to a 15 point lead near ½ time but should have been further ahead but for wasteful kicking. Boyd Packer and inter-league star Jake McGrice were in everything for Mundulla but burly Adam Merrett and cunning forward Jon Copping with 5 goals each represented big dangers for Penola.

The Eagles hit back strongly in the 3rd term to hit the front by 5 points. The last quarter was a tense battle with goals hard to get and Mundulla’s 3 to Penola’s 2 enabled the Moots to win by 2 points. Packer, McGrice, on-baller Grady Obst and Heath Thorpe at centre half-back shone out for Mundulla. Penola’s best were Matt Merrett in defence, ruckman Dylan Coxon, Matt Willson and Jon Copping.

Round 9 - June 15, 2013

Kingston	5.5	10.5	11.12	16.15 (111)
Kybybolite	4.4	8.7	14.11	16.14 (110)

Best: Kingston - J. Austin, A. Stenner, M. Higgs, J. Gluyas, R. Cunneen, D. Richardson. Kybybolite - D. Arnold, S. Carberry, B. Laurie, D. Ogilvie, D. Smith, J. Bittner. Goals: Kingston - D. Richardson 3, J. Gould 2, T. Read 2, J. Gluyas 2, R. Cunneen 2, J. Austin 1, T. Baker 1, S. Robertson 1, A. Stenner 1, B. Warner 1. Kyby - S. Carberry 5, D. Smith 4, M. Slotegraaf 2, C. Hanley 2, B. Laurie 1, M. Pannell 1, J. Bittner 1

Keith	5.4	9.11	13.13	17.19 (121)
Bordertown	5.2	6.3	12.7	16.9 (105)

Best: Keith – not av. Bordertown - A. Stephens, H. Paech, R. Tink, N. Frederick, M. Kerr, N. Hewett. Goals: Keith – not av. Bordertown - N. Frederick 5, L. Eats 3, J. Jarrett 1, C. Diment 1, M. Dahlitz 1, A. Stephens 1, J. Searle 1, S. Copestick 1, R. Tink 1, C. Dahlitz 1

Naracoorte	9.3	16.5	26.7	28.9 (177)
Border Dists	1.2	4.4	6.8	15.11 (101)

Best: Naracoorte - M. Hartree, S. Logan, M. Gill, B. Gould, R. Jones, K. Jacobs. Borders - J. Zeuner, B. Vallance, G. Mcwaters, N. Tarca, N. Naylor, T. Crick. Goals: Naracoorte - Sam Logan 10, B. Gould 5, B. Henderson 2, R. Jones 2, S. Henschke 2, M. Parker 2, J. Gilbert 1, C. Mifsud 1, J. Gschwandtner 1, S. Patterson 1, Z. Donnelly 1. Borders - B. Vallance 5, C. Barras 4, M. Ellis 2, R. Adams 1, S. Ferenci 1, T. Crick 1, J. Hirst 1

Padthaway	6.2	15.5	17.8	23.9 (147)
Kaniva Leeor	4.1	6.3	12.6	16.9 (105)

Best: Padthaway - T. Edwards, P. Lindsay, M. Hoffmann, W. Verco, H. Treloar, M. Roscow. Kaniva Leeor - P. Adlington, J. Turner, S. Stallion, C. Sharples, S. Vivian, J. Vivar. Goals: Padthaway - P. Lindsay 6, B. Gunning 6, T. McLennan 3, M. Hoffmann 3, P. Elsden 2, T. Edwards 1, S. Townsend 1, M. Roscow 1. Kaniva Leeor - P. Adlington 3, S. Vivian 2, C. Sharples 2, J. Hicks 2, N. Meyer 2, J. Vivar 1, B. Stallion 1, S. Smith 1, J. Turner 1, D. Hawker 1

Mundulla	4.5	8.12	12.13	15.15 (105)
Penola	4.2	7.3	14.6	16.7 (103)

Best: Mundulla - B. Packer, J. McGrice, G. Obst, C. Obst, H. Thorpe, J. Wiese. Penola - M. Merrrett, D. Coxon, M. Willson, J. Copping, B. Foster, M. Ferguson. Goals: Mundulla - B. Packer 3, S. Luckett 2, G. Obst 2, W. Packer 2, L. Wiese 2, B. Lehmann 2, S. Excell 1, B. Milligan 1. Penola - A. Merrett 5, J. Copping 5, M. Deveraux 3, S. Zadow 1, M. Willson 1, L. Jones 1

PREVIEW OF ROUND 9

by Angus Dearlove,12 July 2013

KNTFL action resumes this weekend after the interleague bye.

Most came out of the game against the RMFL unscathed with only Kybybolite’s Tom Cooper (hamstring) leaving the field early. His side hosts struggling Kingston in a must-win game. The Tigers have had a stop-start season with only a pair of wins against Lucindale and Border Districts. The form of Bill Laurie has been a huge positive for Scott Carberry’s men as the former Kyby junior turned Glenelg player turned Kyby recruit has lit it up for his home club.

Kingston has two points courtesy of a draw with Lucindale, and they pushed 2012 grand finalist Kaniva/Leeor all the way in their last match. It will be a matter of how the Saints travel as they can struggle to put a competitive side together when forced to come inland.

In a similar position to Kyby, Padthaway trek east to Kaniva to tackle the Cougars. A season which promised so much for Padthaway, who were a kick away from competing on that one day in September last year, has failed to get off the ground with wins against Lucindale and Kingston the only highlight.

The Lions will be hoping their recruits, all talented footballers, will gel more in the second half of the year as they look to make a charge to the five. Kaniva/Leeor United have also dropped right back from the highs of 2012 and find themselves in a similar spot to their opponents. It will be a tough game but Padthaway’s talent should see them through if they can get going.

Naracoorte host Border Districts in what should be an elementary win for the home side. They have shown genuine premiership credentials at times this season and will be ready to prove it against a side much lower on the ladder.

The form of Sam Logan up forward has been pleasing for coach Dean Woosnam with the brother of Port Adelaide AFL player Tom Logan high up in the league goalkicking list.Their opponents for the day in Borders will be up and about thanks to an upset win against Mundulla before the bye.

Much of the Eagles’ fortunes will lay on the shoulders of their midfield and ruckman George McWaters, who has a chance to prove himself against a very good ruckman in Craig Beggs.

Penola make the trip to the swamp to do battle with Mundulla. This should be a tight encounter with both sides competing for the top three. Penola has enjoyed a good start of the year with spearhead Adam Merrett feasting on brilliant delivery from a slick and fast midfield brigade. Their opponents have had a week off to think about their loss before the bye and won’t lie down for the Southern Eagles.

In the match of the round, top of the table Bordertown head down the road to a Keith side hot on their tails. Both sides have played excellent footy so far this year with Bordertown’s unbeaten record giving them the rights to favouritism in this match.

KNTFL REVERSE LAST YEARS RESULT AGAINST RMFL

by Terry Willoughby, Sunday 9 June 2013

The KNTFL were looking for a chance to redeem themselves after a comprehensive loss in 2012 at Murray Bridge.

Both teams were confident of victory and the 1st quarter gave no indication of what might prevail. River Murray looked smooth when going forward but lacked a key forward to kick goals. Their teamwork and use of handball had the KNT chasing hard early and the River Murray tackling forced errors as the KNT tried to go forward.

Both teams wasted chances around goal but McGrice and Jones were winning plenty of touches and defenders Jaensch and Clark kept the damage to a minimum.

The KNT maintained a narrow lead throughout the 2nd quarter but River Murray stayed in touch but struggled near goals with a late one narrowing the margin to just 7 points.

In the 3rd term it was the homeside who quickly gained the upper hand with coach Adam Merrett proving more than a handful using his strength and marking to create and kick goals. Billy Laurie was also under notice on the forward line as was James Turner who had moved forward and the River Murray struggled to stay in touch as the KNT piled on 9 goals to two to have a big lead at ¾ time.

Tyson Wait was working hard for River Murray but too many short kicks across half-back kept the ball constantly in the danger zone. The KNT continued to dominate the game and added another 6 goals to none in the last quarter and completely outplay the River Murray to win easily by 84 points.

Better players for KNT, and there were many, were Lachy Jones and Jake McGrice around the mid-field, Ray Jaensch in defence, Adam Merrett with 8 goals and Billy Laurie 5 did lots of damage in the forward line. Others to do well were Nathan Clark, Craig Beggs in the ruck and cameos from Turner and Clayfield. The River Murray were over-run after ½ time but Alex Pfieffer, Josh Coulter, Tyson Wait and Andrew Cheer battled away all game.

KNTFL TOO STRONG IN INTER-LEAGUE AT NARACOORTE

June 8, 2013

KNTFL	3.5	7.6	16.9	22.10 (142)
River Murray	2.4	5.11	7.11	7.16 (58)

Best: KNTFL - L. Jones, J. McGrice, B. Laurie, N. Clark, R. Jaensch, A. Merrett. River Murray - A. Pfeiffer, J. Coulter, T. Wait, A. Cheer, L. DeMichelle. Goals: KNTFL - A. Merrett 8, B. Laurie 5, J. Turner 2, D. Clayfield 2, T. Ware , K. Cuthbertson , N. Clark , J. Bettoncelli , J. Jarrett. River Murray - B. Martin 2, C. Jones 2, S. Margitich , A. Cheer , L. Harrowfield

INTERLEAGUE PREVIEW

by Angus Dearlove, June 6, 2013

INTERLEAGUE footy rolls into town this weekend with the big game between the KNTFL and the River Murray Football League.

After falling to the River Murray Cods last year at Murray Bridge the Knights, under new coach Adam Merrett, will be looking to atone.

Merrett has been happy with the attitude to training of this year’s squad, with 20-plus players at training and a few Adelaide players putting themselves in the mix.“Yeah it hasn’t been too bad,” he said. “It’s been better than the last two years.”

The squad was narrowed down to just over 30 earlier this week and will be finalised tonight after training at Naracoorte.

The new coach has settled well into his role - with years of interleague and zone football experience behind him.

He also helped out behind the scenes with last year’s interleague side, coached by Dean Woosnam, and is an assistant at his own club, Penola.

“It’s almost easier than coaching a league side in my opinion,” Merrett said. “You’re not teaching them how to play the game because they’re already the best players in the league.”

He said the side’s focus would be playing one-on-one football and having a “ding-dong crack” at winning against the RMFL.

The Cods loom as very tough opponents, with former SANFL Magarey Medallists in Mannum pair Jeremy Clayton and Jade Sheedy heading the pack. Merrett has some inside knowledge, having played SANFL footy with Clayton. “I played a little bit of football with him at Port in 2005,” Merrett said. “He’ll be hard to stop.” Sheedy is in the predicted line-up for the Cods but is rumoured to have injured his shoulder earlier this year.

Other notable River Murray players include Mypolonga goalkicker Gene Robinson, Imperials on-baller Tyson Wait and former Padthaway and Border Districts midfielder Andrew Cheer - who now plays at Ramblers.

Former Padthaway footballer Aaron Wanders may also line up. He is one of three Tailem Bend footballers in the training squad.

Merrett is confident of a good KNTFL side lining up. He rates Penola teammate Drew Clayfield as “the best centre half back in country football” and named him as one to watch. Fellow Southern Eagle Ben McIntyre, Kaniva/Leeor’s James Turner, Naracoorte’s Craig Beggs and Mitch Hartree and Keith’s Dion Stratford will also be key players.

Merrett himself has been in sterling form up forward for Penola in recent weeks with a couple of bags of 10 to his name. But he is not sure yet whether he will play.“I’m still not 100 per cent sure yet - will see how I pull up after training,” he said. “I’m about 50/50 at the moment.”

There will also be an under 17 game before the senior match on Saturday.On Sunday there is the Glenelg junior carnival at Naracoorte oval.

WRAP OF ROUND 8

TOP FIVE TEAMS TAKE A HIT - by Terry Willoughby, Sunday 2 June 2013

Bordertown dented Naracoorte’s premiership credentials with a solid 22 point win. A goal-less first quarter had Naracoorte playing catch-up football for the rest of the game and they never managed to quite get on terms with the ladder leaders. Inaccuracy in front of goal was another factor but more praise should go the Rooster defenders in Cuthbertson, Michael Kerr and Angus Diment who reduced the goal kicking power of Naracoorte to just six for the day.

Naracoorte edged closer in the 3rd term through quality players Matt Gill and Nathan Smith on the ball and Mitch Hartree across half-back but Bordertown still held a 7 point lead. The Roosters finished the stronger and remain undefeated.

Border Districts showed a reversal of form after last weeks belting and came out on top over Mundulla. The Moots went to an early lead at ¼ time but went to sleep in the 2nd quarter when Borders booted five goals to a solitary point and hold a 25 point lead at the long break.

Mid-fielders Tarca and Vallance had plenty of touches and constantly had Borders in attack but former coach Heath Thorpe and on-baller Grady Obst lifted in the 3rd quarter as Mundulla surged again after restricting Borders prime movers and hit the front by 6 points with a quarter to play.

Borders refused to give up and again hit the front in the last quarter whilst holding Mundulla to just one last quarter goal to win by 9 points. Clint Robinson, Nick Tarca and Brad Vallance were best for Borders who remain in touch with the top 5. Obst, Thorpe and Craig Weise were best for Mundulla.

Lucindale suffered another heavy defeat, this time against second placed Keith. The Crows had too much talent for Lucindale, who rarely entered their forward zone, only poor finishing stopped the lead from being greater.

A 10 goal 3rd quarter sealed Lucindale’s fate as Keith bolted to a 116 point lead by ¾ time. The last quarter was a formality as Keith eased down to win by 131 points. Jason Snajdar returned to his best with 8 goals whilst Brad King in the centre and Dion Stratford also starred.

Kaniva-Leeor held out a battling Kingston to win by 18 points, the win also keeping them in the hunt for a top five spot. The weather played its part in the game where goals were hard to get. KLU led at every change but Kingston were never far away. James Turner and Jono Hicks both booted four goals for KLU whilst Kingston didn’t have a multiple scorer for the game.

Penola shattered Kyby’s one game winning streak when they charged to a 56 point lead by ½ time. Adam Merrett and Brodie Foster were irresistible around goal for Penola and Kyby were powerless to stop them. Ruckman Dave Arnold was trying valiantly for Kyby and on-baller Billy Laurie worked hard but Penola had many more good players. Kyby outscored them in the 3rd quarter with 7 goals to four but were over-run in the last when the Eagles rammed through 10 goals to win easily by 84points. Merrett and Foster booted 10 and 7 goals respectively and Matt Merrett shone out along with Ben McIntyre for Penola. Only Arnold, Laurie and Tom Cooper showed much fight for Kyby.

Round 8 - June 1, 2013

Bordertown	3.6	5.9	6.11	10.11 (71)
Naracoorte	0.4	2.9	5.10	6.13 (49)

Best: Bordertown - K. Cuthbertson, M. Kerr, J. Jarrett, C. Diment, H. Paech, C. Dahlitz. Naracoorte - M. Gill, M. Hartree, R. Jones, N. Smith, K. Jacobs, C. Gill. Goals: Bordertown - N. Frederick 4, J. Searle 2, C. Dahlitz 1, T. Harkness 1, S. Copestick 1, A. Stephens 1. Naracoorte - C. Gill 2, J. Cother 1, M. Parker 1, C. Beggs 1, K. Jacobs 1

Penola	6.4	13.12	17.15	27.18 (180)
Kybybolite	4.2	5.4	12.10	14.12 (96)

Best: Penola - B. Foster, M. Merrrett, B. Mcintyre, L. Jones, D. Coxon, A. Merrett. Kyby - D. Arnold, B. Laurie, T. Cooper, J. Bittner, S. Munn, B. Kurtzer. Goals: Penola - A. Merrett 10, B. Foster 7, J. Copping 2, M. Willson 2, B. Mcintyre 1, M. Deveraux 1, L. Jones 1, K. Ransom 1, B. Merrett 1, B. Maney 1. Kyby - S. Carberry 5, T. Cooper 3, D. Munn 2, B. Laurie 2, M. Slotegraaf 1, M. Pannell 1

Kaniva Leeor	3.4	6.8	7.10	11.11 (77)
Kingston	2.4	4.6	5.11	8.11 (59)

Best: Kaniva Leeor - J. Turner, B. Lenthall, P. Adlington, J. Hicks, D. Hawker, S. Dodson. Kingston - J. Hyland, R. Clarke, J. Gluyas, D. Richardson, B. Warner, A. Stenner. Goals: Kaniva Leeor - J. Turner 4, J. Hicks 4, C. Sharples 2, S. Vivian 1. Kingston - C. Watson 1, B. Warner 1, S. Braidwood 1, T. Mcgovern 1, T. Baker 1, T. Borrillo 1, D. Richardson 1, J. Gould 1

Border Dists	2.2	7.7	8.8	11.14 (80)
Mundulla	3.5	3.6	9.8	10.11 (71)

Best: Border Dists - C. Robinson, N. Tarca, B. Vallance, G. Mcwaters, M. Lemon, T. Wilson. Mundulla - G. Obst, H. Thorpe, C. Wiese, S. Excell, L. Duell, Z. Digby. Goals: Border Dists - S. Ferenci 2, J. Derrington 2, J. Barras 2, J. Zeuner 1, M. Lemon 1, C. Robinson 1, J. Hirst 1, B. Vallance 1. Mundulla - Z. Digby 2, J. McGrice 2, L. Wiese 2, G. Obst 1, S. Excell 1, W. Packer 1, B. Packer 1

Keith	6.8	8.14	18.17	22.22 (154)
Lucindale	0.1	1.3	1.5	3.5 (23)

Best: Keith -- B. King, P. Makin, J. Snajdar, D. Stratford, M. Telfer, A. Hunt. Lucindale - A. Smart, P. Baker, M. Snowball, T. Ware, J. McRae, D. McCarthy. Goals: Keith - J. Snajdar 8, P. Makin 3, B. King 3, A. Hunt 3, H. Drogemuller 2, A. Bowley 1,

S. McMurray 1, J. McEntee 1. Lucindale - M. Kelsh 1, S. Mcgurk 1, T. Menz 1

ROUND 8 PREVIEW

with Angus Dearlove, May 30 2013

A TOP of the table clash between Bordertown and Naracoorte is this week's match of the round.
Bordertown are flying in pole position, undefeated and looking like a good chance to defend their 2012 flag.
They overcame their old rivals Mundulla on the weekend away from home, now looking to defend their patch against Dean Woosnam's Demons.
Naracoorte won easily against a depleted Lucindale on the weekend, revving their engine nicely to the tune of 185 points.
If they are on then Naracoorte will take it right up to the Roosters.
However at times they have lapsed, with so-so performances against Keith and Mundulla and a slow first half against Kybybolite.
Much centres on their firepower up forward with Simon Cox and Sam Logan both able to score in bulk.
This match could easily be a preview of the big dance in September.
Fellow top three aspirant Keith, coming off a bye, travel to the venue of the 2013 grand final to scout out the ground.
Their opponent Lucindale are at very long odds to be taking the field in September as they battle against the dreaded lack of numbers.
After handing out many thrashings in recent years the Roos have slid down to the bottom and are now feeling the other end of the stick.
Captain Travis Ware reportedly played through injury last weekend - his side will need him fit to play if they are going to mount a challenge to the Crows.
Big ruckman Mark Snowball is another key player for the home side but will have his work cut out for him.
Goroke is the destination for the Mundulla crowd this week as they look to keep in touch with the top three against Border Districts.
After an encouraging couple of wins against Kingston and Padthaway the Eagles have faltered but more often than not they step up at their second home.
Despite this, Mundulla should be too strong on the road.
Kaniva/Leeor have the seaside trip to face another struggler in Kingston.
On paper they have the better side although Kingston at home might find an extra level against the travelling Cougars.
Padthaway has the bye.

BORDERTOWN TRIUMPH IN KNTFL DERBY - ROUND 7 REPORT

By Terry Willoughby, May 27 2013

Arch rivals Bordertown and Mundulla fought a tight battle for 3 quarters before the reigning premiers, Bordertown kicked away. The Roosters had the better of the 1st quarter when they led by 17 points. Key forwards Nathan Fredericks and Tim Harkness were a constant threat and mid-fielder Clint Diment picked up many kicks for Bordertown. Mundulla surged back into the game with 6 goals in the 2nd term and reach the lead by 4 points at ½ time. On-ballers Grady Obst and Jake McGrice lifted with ruckman Jason Milligan’s dominance at the stoppages. The Roosters defenders restricted Mundulla’s scoring in the 3rd term and whilst they also found goals hard to get they managed three to hold an 8 point lead at the last change. They were stronger at the finish, keeping Mundulla to a solitary goal whilst adding another 4 to win by 27 points and remain on top of the ladder. Bordertown’s best were Clint Diment, Harkness, Adrian Stephens and Paech.

Kybybolite showed their bets form in ages when they blitzed neighbouring Border Districts by 93 points. Borders recent form was quite good but Kyby went to the lead early with many contributing goals. They built on a 15 point lead at quarter-time and Borders were unable to keep with them.

The 2nd half was all Kyby and they piled on 15 goals to 4 against a dispirited Borders. Tom Cooper with 6 goals headed a list of 14 goal-kickers and Ogilvie, ruckman Dave Arnold, Billy Laurie starred for Kyby. Penola saw of an early challenge by Kaniva-Leeor to win by 47 points. A nine goal burst in the 2nd quarter took Penola to a 20 point lead at ½ time and they were never in danger from there-on.

Another 9 goals in the 3rd term put the game beyond KLU’s reach. Both sides booted 4 goals in the last term but KLU were never able to contain Penola’s many goal-kickers, five of them getting 3 or more.

Better players for Penola were Matt Willson, wily veteran Jon Copping, ruckman Dylan Coxon and Kane Ransom. Jonno Hicks played a fine capointains game for KLU, Jesse Vivar and Shane Vivian also did well.

It was Naracoorte’s turn to inflict more pain on Lucindale which they did in unmerciful fashion by 185 points. Any signs of a contest were over early with Naracoorte on top all over the ground. Ruckman Craig Beggs was best on ground for Naracoorte ahead of Mitch Hartree and Rob Jones whilst Simon Cox showed out with 7 goals.

Padthaway had trouble shaking off a determined Kingston but slowly extended their lead form ½ time onwards. Sam Braidwood and Watson made the most of their chances to boot 5 goals each and keep Kingston in the game but Padthaway had many more contributors with Tom McLennan and newcomer Lindsay booting 5 and 6 goals respectively.

Inaccuracy hindered Padthaway but they had too much depth for Kingston and won comfortably by 49 points. Key forward Mick Hoffman and Lindsay were best for the Lions along with Ben Gunning, Jarrod Dolling and Sam Brown. For Kingston, Clarke, Watson and reliable Ben Warner stood out.

Round 7 - May 25, 2013

Kybybolite	5.2	10.6	17.10	25.11 (161)
Border Districts	2.5	5.9	7.11	9.14 (68)

Best: Kyby - D. Ogilvie, D. Arnold, B. Laurie, T. Cooper, R. Jaensch, J. Jaensch. Border Districts: C. Burr, T. Wilson, J. Zeuner, J. Barras, P. Light, T. Crick. Goals: Kyby - T. Cooper 6, S. Munn 3, W. Miles 2, J. Bittner 2, B. Laurie 2, J. Fitzgerald 2, S. Carberry 1, R. Shepherd 1, D. Ogilvie 1, B. Munn 1, J. Lange 1, B. Nikkerud 1, B. Kurtzer 1, B. Arundell 1. Borders - S. Ferenci 3, C. Barras 3, J. Barras 2, M. Ellis 1

Penola	2.7	11.10	20.12	24.13 (157)
Kaniva Leeor	5.2	9.2	13.5	17.8 (110)

Best: Penola - M. Willson, J. Copping, D. Coxon, O. March, K. Ransom, L. Jones. Kaniva Leeor - J. Hicks, J. Vivar, S. Vivian, S. Stallion, C. Sharples, J. Turner. Goals: Penola - B. McIntyre 4, J. Copping 3, K. Ransom 3, A. Merrett 3, B. Foster 3, M. Willson 2, S. Zadow 2, M. Deveraux 2, L. Jones 1, B. Maney 1. Kaniva Leeor - J. Turner 4, K. Ross 3, S. Stallion 3, D. Stimson 2, B. Bartholomew 2, J. Vivar 1, T. Lannin 1, J. Brown 1

Padthaway	4.6	8.12	13.20	19.22 (136)
Kingston	3.2	8.3	10.5	13.9 (87)

Best: Padthaway - M. Hoffmann, P. Lindsay, B. Gunning, J. Dolling, S. Brown, S. Edwards. Kingston - R. Clarke, C. Watson, B. Warner, R. Cunneen, T. Read, D. Richardson. Goals: Padthaway - P. Lindsay 6, T. McLennan 5, C. Marshall 2, B. Gunning 2, J. Dolling 2, D. Boyanton 1, J. Dicker 1. Kingston - C. Watson 5, S. Braidwood 5, B. Warner 2, T. Borrillo 1

Bordertown	5.4	8.4	11.6	15.11 (101)
Mundulla	2.5	8.8	9.10	10.14 (74)

Best: Bordertown - C. Diment, T. Harkness, A. Stephens, H. Paech, T. Devitt, N. Hewett. Mundulla - L. Duell, J. McGrice, G. Obst, J. Milligan, L. Wiese, J. Mock. Goals: Bordertown - N. Frederick 5, T. Harkness 4, M. Kerr 2, C. Diment 2, C. Dahlitz 1, N. Hewett 1. Mundulla - L. Wiese 3, J. Mock 3, G. Obst 1, W. Packer 1, B. Lehmann 1, B. Packer 1

Naracoorte	8.5	15.9	24.11	32.18 (210)
Lucindale	0.3	1.3	3.6	3.7 (25)

Best: Naracoorte - C. Beggs, M. Hartree, R. Jones, J. Cother, J. Bettoncelli, J. Gilbert. Lucindale - M. Snowball, D. McCarthy, P. Baker, T. Ware, T. Menz, S. Freeman. Goals: Naracoorte - S. Cox 7, S. Logan 4, B. Henderson 3, M. Gill 3, M. Parker 3, R. Jones 3, J. Gilbert 2, N. Smith 2, L. Munro 1, B. Borg 1, M. Hartree 1, J. Gschwandtner 1, J. Cother 1. Lucindale - P. Baker 1, D. McCarthy 1, S. Freeman 1

PREVIEW OF ROUND 7

by Angus Dearlove of the Naracoorte Herald, 23 May 2013

THIS week’s KNTFL round will have plenty of feeling in it with some big rivalries set to resume.

NARACOORTE host LUCINDALE with both sides coming off a loss last week. It was the Demons’ first loss for the year at Keith last week and they will be keen to atone against the struggling Roos. Sam Logan has been in decent goalkicking form this season and will be a stretch for the Lucindale defence to contain.

BORDER DISTRICTS travel down to KYBYBOLITE on Saturday to compete for the Barney Mueller Cup, which the Eagles currently hold.Borders are on two wins, three losses while Kyby have only one win to their name. Both sides will be sweating on missing players returning to bolster their sides for this match.

PADTHAWAY welcome KINGSTON to the den in a must-win game. The Lions will start heavy favourites against the winless Saints and really need the four points to keep in touch with the top five. Kingston had a bye last weekend so will be fresh, but Padthaway look stronger on every line and if they play to their potential it should be an easy win.

PENOLA have the long road trip across the border to face KANIVA/LEEOR UNITED. With Adam “Hoggett” Merrett coming off a bag of 10 they’ll be red-hot and raring to have a crack at the stop-start Cougars. Looking far from the side which blitzed the home and away season last year, the Cougars are coming off a narrow win at Frances, only their second of the year.

Rounding out the rivalry is the old duel between BORDERTOWN and MUNDULLA. The Moots have had the upper hand in recent years but the Roosters broke the hoodoo last season and have been the better side this year so far. Sitting pretty on top of the ladder the Roosters will be looking forward to travelling out to the swamp and trying to get some breathing space against another contender.

KEITH TURNOVER NARACOORTE - Sunday 19 May 2013

Round 6 report with Terry Willoughby

Keith caused a boilover with a narrow but convincing 14 point win over Naracoorte. Naracoorte led by just 2 points at ¼ time but the Crows lifted their work-rate in the 2nd term but wasted many chances with poor kicking for goal. They led by 12 points at the main break but hadn’t put Naracoorte away and the Demons hit back strongly to trail but just a point at ¾ time. Craig Beggs was on top in the ruck and Brett Gould and Rob Jones lifted around the packs.

Keith’s poor kicking continued but with mid-fielders Tom Geyer and Cal McMurray winning across the centre and half-backs Wilson and Graetz defending strongly the Crows outscored Naracoorte in the last quarter to win by 14 points but it should have been more. Geyer, McMurray, Wilson and Graetz were best for Keith and McEntee booted 5 goals. Mitch Hartree, Beggs, Gould and Gschwantner played well for Naracoorte.

Bordertown remain on top of the ladder after easily accounting for Kybybolite by 104 points. The Roosters led by 24 points at ¼ time and went further ahead at every break. They had more power through the midfield and in the forward line where Nathan Fredericks booted 7 goals and Tim Harkness 3. Kyby barely made any impact after ½ time as Bordertown piled on 12 goals to two.

Better players for the Roosters were Adrian Stephens and Tim Harkness at half forward and Hayden Paech and Clint Diment around the centre but many made a contribution. Billy Laurie on the ball and Brayden Kurtzer in defence tried hard for a disappointing Kyby. Border Districts raced to a 39 point lead by ¼ time and looked set for a big win but Kaniva-Leeor slowly worked their way back into the match with 7 goals to four in the 2nd quarter and reduce the margin to 19 points.

Borders now had a battle on their hands as KLU slowly whittled away at the lead. Ex-Sturt player Charlie Sharples was starring for KLU with James Turner and Steve Stallion providing valuable support. Josh Barras, on the ball, was trying everything to keep Borders ahead and his goal-kicking brother Clint bagged 6 as the Eagles lead shrank to just 3 points at the last change.

In a low scoring last quarter KLU reached the lead and held on to win by 3 points. Sharples was best on ground for KLU ahead of Turner, Stallion and Paul Adlington. Best for Borders were the Barras boys, Nick Tarca at centre and Tim Crick at half-back.

Only deadly accuracy gave Lucindale respectability against Mundulla. The Moots restricted Lucindale to just one goal in the 1st half and led by 66 points.

Luke Wiese was in good touch at full forward and booted 8 goals whilst small men Boyd and Wade Packer chipped in with 3 a piece. Lucindale’s moment of glory came when they booted 6 goals to two in the 3rd term but Mundulla raced away in the last to win by 72 points. Jake McGrice dominated around the mid-field for the Moots as did Lachan Duell, Sam Excell shut out any Lucindale forward moves and Wiese was too strong at full forward. Mark Snowball again headed Lucindale’s better players ahead of Henry Legoe and Pat Baker.

Penola shot to an early lead against a competitive Padthaway but the Lions surged back in the 2nd quarter to trail by just 8 points. Adam Merrett was too powerful for all opponents at full forward for Penola who again kicked away in the 3rd quarter to lead by 30 points. The last quarter became a shootout with both teams booting 7 goals for Penola to win by 37 points. Merrett finished with 10 goals for Penola but captain Matt Merrett was named as best along with Brodie Foster and Dylan Coxon. For the Lions, lively on-baller Ben Gunning with 5 goals, Will Verco in defence, Tom Edwards and Tom McLennan were best.

Round 6 - May 18, 2013

Keith	4.1	7.10	9.16	14.20 (104)
Naracoorte	4.3	5.5	10.9	13.12 (90)

Best: Keith - T. Geyer, C. McMurray, A. Hunt, A. Wilson, J. Graetz, H. Drogemuller. Naracoorte - M. Hartree, C. Beggs, B. Gould, J. Gschwandtner, R. Jones. Goals: Keith - J. McEntee 5, P. Makin 2, B. King 2, J. Snajdar 2, A. Bowley 1, A. Hunt 1, H. Drogemuller 1. Naracoorte - S. Logan 3, S. Cox 3, J. Cother 2, M. Parker 2, B. Gould 1, R. Jones 1, M. Childs 1

Bordertown	7.3	12.5	21.9	24.15 (159)
Kybybolite	3.3	6.5	7.5	8.7 (55)

Best: Bordertown - A. Stephens, A. Diment, H. Paech, T. Devitt, T. Harkness, C. Diment. Kyby - B. Laurie, B. Kurtzer, T. Cooper, S. Munn, D. Arnold, J. Jaensch. Goals: Bordertown - N. Frederick 7, C. Diment 4, T. Harkness 3, O. Butler 2, A. Stephens 2, N. Hewett 1, S. Devitt 1, J. Searle 1, S. Copestick 1, K. Cuthbertson 1, L. Eats 1. Kyby - D. Munn 2, B. Laurie 1, D. Arnold 1, B. Munn 1, J. Fitzgerald 1, S. Carberry 1, T. Cooper 1

Kaniva Leeor	2.0	9.3	14.8	16.10 (106)
Border Dists	8.3	12.4	15.5	16.7 (103)

Best: Kaniva Leeor - C. Sharples, J. Turner, S. Stallion, P. Adlington, J. Larocca, S. Willersdorf. Borders - J. Barras, N. Tarca, T. Crick, C. Burr, T. Wilson, C. Barras. Goals: Kaniva Leeor - S. Vivian 3, K. Ross 2, P. Adlington 2, J. Vivar 2, C. Sharples 1, J. Salt 1, B. Lenthall 1, J. Wagg 1, A. Carlile 1, C. Chaston 1, B. Bartholomew 1. Border Dists - C. Barras 6, R. Adams 4, T. Crick 3, J. Zeuner 1, C. Burr 1, J. Barras 1

Penola	6.5	9.6	15.6	22.8 (140)
Padthaway	2.2	8.4	9.6	16.7 (103)

Best: Penola - M. Merrrett, B. Foster, A. Merrett, D. Coxon, M. Willson, D. Clayfield. Padthaway - W. Verco, A. Dillon, T. Edwards, P. Lindsay, B. Gunning, T. McLennan. Goals: Penola – Adam Merrett 10, B. Mcintyre 2, M. Willson 2, B. Foster 2, J. Copping 2, B. Maney 1, O. March 1, L. Jones 1, S. Jackman 1. Padthaway - B. Gunning 5, T. McLennan 4, A. Dillon 3, M. Roscow 2, P. Featherston 1, P. Lindsay 1

Mundulla	6.4	11.7	13.9	20.13 (133)
Lucindale	0.1	1.1	7.1	10.1 (61)

Best: Mundulla - J. McGrice, S. Excell, L. Wiese, L. Duell, S. Luckett, T. Ballinger. Lucindale - M. Snowball, H. Legoe, P. Baker, A. Smart, S. Freeman, P. Marshall. Goals: Mundulla - L. Wiese 8, W. Packer 3, B. Packer 3, J. Milligan 2, L. Duell 2, S. Luckett 1, J. Mock 1. Lucindale - S. Menz 4, S. Freeman 2, B. Hocking 1, R. Handbury 1, M. Snowball 1, A. Smart 1

ROUND SIX PREVIEW

by Angus Dearlove of The Naracoorte Herald, Thursday 16 May 2013

ROUND six of the KNTFL sees all sides with at least two points on the board. Kingston (which has the bye) sits just above Lucindale (which hosts Mundulla) at the foot of the ladder.

Bordertown vs Kybybolite

The Tigers, fresh off their first win for the season, trek up to Bordertown to face the undefeated Roosters. Despite injury concerns last week Scott Carberry kicked five for the Tigers in their win and will again be a key player if the Tigers want to topple the Roosters.

Border Districts vs K/L United

Sixth play seventh with Borders hosting Kaniva/Leeor - looking to make it three on the trot with a win over the Cougars. Clint Barras has shown no signs of ageing with hauls of seven, 12 and six in the past three games, looming as a danger man for the 2012 grand finalists.

Penola vs Padthaway

Fourth-placed Penola host a battling Padthaway as they attempt to remain in touch with the top three. Adam Merrett (nine goals) was on fire against Kingston and will be looking forward to testing the Padthaway defence who struggled to contain good forwards last week.

Lucindale vs Mundulla

Still winless Lucindale host the in-form Moots as they try to get some respectability into their season.Mundulla were hot last week against Keith and should be too tough for Nathan Clarke’s men.

Keith vs Naracoorte

Fresh off a bye, Naracoorte make the long hike up the Riddoch Hwy to face the Crows.This is the match of the round with both teams showing they can score heavily in the opening rounds - with Naracoorte particularly imposing.

MUNDULLA UPSET THE KEITH CROWS

Sunday 13 May 2013 - by Terry Willoughby

In a game that was always in the balance Mundulla who had led narrowly at every change held on to win by 12 points. Keith with key forward James McEntee a constant threat went to an early lead before Mundulla through defenders Tim Ballinger and Matt Staude steadied to reach the lead in the 2nd quarter. Small forward Boyd Packer was lively near goal, on-ballers Luke Wiese and Sam Luckett were also playing well.

The Moots held an 11 point lead at the main change and withstood a 3rd quarter challenge from Keith where Craig Statham and running defender Dion Stratford stood out. McEntee still represented a big danger to Mundulla but the Moots had more players doing well around the mid-field and they matched all Keith could throw at them to win by 12 points.

Ballinger, Luckett, Staude and Wiese were best for Mundulla. Statham, McEntee (7 goals) and Jon Wilson were good for Keith.

After an even 1st quarter Bordertown ran all over Kaniva-Leeor to win easily by 64 points. It should have been much more but inaccuracy kept the margin down. Tim Harkness and Nathan Frederick both kicked 5 goals for the Roosters whilst mid-fielders Nick Hewett and Clint Diment starred. Butler in the ruck gave Bordertown first use of the ball and Steve Copestick used it well. KLU struggled without star rover Jarred Greenbank who is seeking a clearance. Their best were James Turner, Willersdorf and Shane Vivian.

Penola survived at 2nd half fightback by Kingston after leading by 48 points. They looked set for huge win after dominating most of the 1st half with Adam Merrett too powerful at full forward and Drew Clayfield stopping everything in defence. Dylan Coxon starred in the ruck and Penola went forward easily.

Kingston bounced back strongly in the 3rd quarter with 7 goals through Ben Warner and Tom Borrillo with Clarke rebounding strongly from the backline. They reduced Penola’s lead to 30 points at ¾ time. Penola booted 7 goals in the last quarter to see off the challenge but Kingston also booted goals with remarkable accuracy to finish with a score that would win most games.

Merrett finished with 9 goals for Penola. Drew Clayfield, Coxon and Brodie Foster were their best. Warner with 5 goals, Borrillo 3, Clarke and Tenaman did well for Kingston.

Kybybolite were too strong for a player ravaged Lucindale and won easily by 51 points. Mid-fielders Billy Laurie and Sean Munn led the way and Ray Jaensch at half-back closed down Lucindales’ road to goal. Lucindale again relied on too few with same old faces of Ware, Snowball and Smart as better players.

The lead changed hands constantly as first Padthaway and then Border Districts looked like winners. The Lions jumped to a 33 point lead at ¼ time only to see Borders respond with 7 goal 2nd term and hit the front with deadeye Clint Barras and recruit Stuart Ferenci causing havoc near goal. Padthaway again surged in the 3rd quarter and appeared to have Borders measure with 17 point lead going into the final term.

Tom Edwards in the centre, small forward Darcy Boyanton, probably talking his head off, and Matt Roscow were in most forward moves. Borders again lifted and finished strongly as the Lions faded. They booted 5 goals to 2 from Padthaway to win an entertaining game by 4 points. Ferenci was best for Borders ahead of Crick, Hirst in defence, Josh Barras, Brad Vallance and Clint barras with 6 goals. For the Lions it was Edwards, Roscow, Boyanton and Tom McLennan.

Round 5 - May 11, 2013

Kybybolite	3.9	7.13	11.15	16.21 (117)
Lucindale	0.2	3.6	8.11	9.12 (66)

Best: Kyby - B. Laurie, S. Munn, R. Jaensch, J. Steer, J. Lange, B. Munn. Lucindale: P. Baker, T. Ware, M. Snowball, A. Smart, H. Legoe, S. Menz. Goals: Kyby - S. Carberry 5, D. Munn 3, B. Laurie 3, T. Cooper 2, J. Steer 1, S. Craig 1, M. Slotegraaf 1. Lucindale - P. Marshall 2, M. Snowball 2, S. Menz 2, T. Ware 1, J. Wheaton 1, J. McRae 1

Border Dists	2.3	9.7	11.11	16.16 (112)
Padthaway	7.6	7.11	13.16	15.18 (108)

Best: Borders - S. Ferenci, T. Crick, J. Hirst, J. Barras, B. Vallance, P. Light. Padthaway - T. Edwards, M. Roscow, D. Boyanton, T. McLennan, P. Featherston, J. Dicker. Goals: Borders - C. Barras 6, S. Ferenci 4, R. Adams 3, B. Vallance 2, T. Crick 1. Padthaway - T. McLennan 4, M. Roscow 4, T. Edwards 3, D. Boyanton 1, B. Gunning 1, D. Scott-Collings 1,

A. Dillon 1

Bordertown	3.8	10.13	16.19	19.24 (138)
Kaniva Leeor	3.2	6.3	8.5	11.8 (74)

Best: Bordertown - N. Hewett, C. Diment, S. Devitt, O. Butler, S. Copestick, T. Harkness. Kaniva Leeor - J. Turner, S. Willersdorf, S. Vivian, B. Bartholomew, J. Larocca, C. Sharples. Goals: Bordertown - T. Harkness 5, N. Frederick 5, S. Copestick 2, J. Searle 2, K. Cuthbertson 1, M. Hayes 1, R. Tink 1, A. Stephens 1, C. Diment 1. Kaniva Leeor - J. Turner 3, J. Wagg 1, J. Larocca 1, K. Ross 1, C. Sharples 1, D. Stimson 1, S. Vivian 1, B. Bartholomew 1, S. Stallion 1

Penola	6.7	11.13	15.15	22.20 (152)
Kingston	2.2	4.7	11.9	18.9 (117)

Best: Penola - D. Clayfield, D. Coxon, B. Mcintyre, B. Foster, O. March, M. Willson. Kingston - B. Warner, T. Borrillo, R. Clarke, M. Trenaman, J. Gould, A. Stenner. Goals: Penola - A. Merrett 9, M. Willson 3, B. Foster 3, B. Mcintyre 2, K. Ransom 2, B. Maney 1, M. Deveraux 1, L. Jones 1. Kingston -B. Warner 5, C. Watson 3, T. Borrillo 3, J. Brown 2, T. Read 2, M. Higgs 1, T. Mcgovern 1, J. Austin 1

Mundulla	3.3	7.9	10.11	15.14 (104)
Keith	4.4	6.4	10.6	14.8 (92)

Best: Mundulla - T. Ballinger, S. Luckett, M. Staude, L. Wiese, B. Packer, G. Obst. Keith - J. Wilson, C. Statham, J. McEntee, B. King, D. Stratford, P. Makin. Goals: Mundulla - B. Packer 4, L. Wiese 4, J. McGrice 2, T. Perry 1, S. Luckett 1, W. Packer 1, L. Duell 1, J. Mock 1. Keith - J. McEntee 7, B. King 2, A. Hunt 2, P. Makin 1, J. Wilson 1, D. Stratford 1

PREVIEW OF ROUND 4

from Angus Dearlove The Naracoorte Herald, 9 May 2013

THE KNTFL ladder has already started to take shape ahead of round five this weekend.Keith, Naracoorte and Bordertown all sit on the maximum 16 points - eight points clear of fourth-placed Penola.

At the other end Kyby remain the only team on zero, courtesy of a draw between Kingston and Lucindale who sit above them. The Tigers will be hoping to break their duck this weekend when they host Lucindale. Both sides have struggled with lack of personnel and not much depth but will both fight hard to get their win column started this year.

Kyby will be missing Brad Redding, who stepped up to A grade last week and unfortunately injured his knee. Playing coach Scott Carberry is also in doubt - possibly robbing Kyby of a genuine big target up forward.

Border Districts make the trip across to Padthaway, looking to continue their good form from last weekend. They come up against the Lions who were well-beaten by Bordertown on the weekend.

Padthaway had the better of Borders last year with a percentage boosting win but 2013 is a new year. The ruck battle will be interesting with man-mountain Pete Featherston coming up against the more athletic George McWaters. The Eagles will be hoping their man gets on top so they can continue feeding the ball to the red-hot Clint Barras - who has kicked 19 goals in the past two weeks. On the other side of the coin Tom Edwards has slotted back in nicely at Padthaway, providing plenty of class for the blue and gold side.Padthaway start favourites in this game but it should be a good tussle.

Penola pack their swimming trunks and beach towels for a trip to the seaside to face the embattled Kingston Saints. Fresh off a bye, the Southern Eagles are breathing down the neck of the top three and should find this match easy pickings. The class of Ransom, McIntyre, Willson, Copping and the Merrett boys will be a tough ask for their hosts.

In the other games, Mundulla host Keith in a top of the table clash. Both teams are currently in good form, continuing the trend from last year which saw four of the top five come from the old Tatiara Football League.

Bordertown sneak across the border to Kaniva to battle the Cougars in a grand final rematch. Both have lost personnel from last season, with Kaniva/Leeor seemingly the worst hit. They opened their season last weekend with a big win against Lucindale but otherwise have struggled.

On the other hand Bordertown’s losses appear to be well covered - their ins have done the job nicely along with the already strong local contingent.

Naracoorte have the bye.

Round Four report - BIG MARGINS A WORRYING TREND

By Terry Willoughby, Sunday 5 May 2013

Border Districts reduced the number of winless teams in the KNTFL when the defeated Kingston by 90 points. Borders charged to a big lead with ten first quarter goals that left Kingston well in arrears. Clint Barras was the star on the forward line and Brad Vallance was an able accomplice as the Northern Eagles went further ahead with another 7 goals before ½ time to lead by 78 points.

The 2nd half was almost even in terms of goals but Kingston were never likely to threaten Borders who coasted home. Barras with 12 goals was best a-field ahead of Vallance, Josh Barras and George McWaters. Kingston at least stuck to the task after a disastrous first half. Tom Borrillo, Jamie Austin in the centre, Matt Higgs and Ben Warner were better players for the Seasiders.

Bordertown, with better teamwork, more contributors in the mid-field and rucks accounted for Padthaway by 62 points. Clint Diment, back from Glenelg, and Nick Hewitt controlled play across the centre and Jarrett and Nathan Frederick provided strong targets in the key forward posts.

Bordertown led by 26 points at ½ time and went further ahead as the game went on. Padthaway battled hard but were no match. Owen Butler headed Bordertown’s best from Hewitt, Frederick with 7 goals and Diment. Padthaway’s best were Tom Edwards, Nash Stark, Darcy Boyanton and Will Verco.

Keith completely demolished a very disappointing Kybybolite by 166 points. The game was one-sided from the 1st bounce. Keith’s forwards had a picnic with Hugo Drogemuller dominating the rucks and around the ground and fellow on-ballers Dion Stratford and Andrew Wilson just kept pumping the ball forward. McEntee 7 goals, Snajdar 5 and Drogemuller 5 were far too good for a succession of opponents. Keith heaped further pain on Kyby with an 11 goal burst in the last quarter to a solitary point.

Kaniva-Leeor also had a huge win at the expense of struggling Lucindale. KLU held an 18 point lead at quarter-time but the signs were already showing. Lucindale only managed one scoring shot in the middle quarters while KLU slotted through 15 goals to lead by 115 points at ¾ time. Another 10 goal burst by KLU sank Lucindale and sent the margin out to 165 points.

Anthony Carlile, brother of the Power’s Alipate, booted 6 goals in a list of twelve goal-kickers. Jarred Grennbank dominated around the stoppages, Paul Adlington and Steve Stallion won heaps of kicks to be KLU’s best.

Naracoorte had a tough battle against Mundulla and finally got away to win by 16 points. Mundulla‘s straighter kicking kept them in touch most of the day but Naracoorte with class players in Nathan Smith, Rob Jones and Mitch Hartree leeding the way. Recruit Jacob Gschwantner continues to impress for the Demons. The lead was never more than 2 goals for three quarters with Naracoorte ahead by 9 points at the last change. Former coach Heath Thorpe and mid-fielder Grady Obst gave plenty of chances for Keith but the Naracoorte defenders blanketed the key forwards. Sam Logan whilst not as prolific as previous games still managed 5 goals as Naracoorte slowly kicked away in the last quarter.

Round 4 scores - May 4, 2013

Naracoorte	4.5	6.10	9.13	12.16 (88)
Mundulla	3.0	6.4	9.4	11.6 (72)

Best: Naracoorte - N. Smith, R. Jones, M. Hartree, J. Gschwandtner, B. Henderson. Mundulla - H. Thorpe, G. Obst, S. Excell, L. Duell, B. Lehmann. Goals: Naracoorte - S. Logan 5, J. Cother 1, J. Gschwandtner 1, B. Gould 1, M. Hartree 1, C. Mifsud 1,

R. Jones 1, S. Cox 1. Mundulla - B. Packer 4, W. Packer 3, G. Obst 2, J. Mock 2

Keith	7.3	15.8	18.16	29.25 (199)
Kybybolite	1.2	2.2	5.2	5.3 (33)

Best: Keith - H. Drogemuller, D. Stratford, J. Wilson, A. Wilson, P. Makin, R. Menz. Kyby - J. Bittner, J. Fitzgerald, D. Ogilvie, J. Lange, B. Laurie, B. Kurtzer. Goals: Keith - J. McEntee 7, H. Drogemuller 5, J. Snajdar 5, P. Makin 4, B. Gericke 3, B. King 2,

J. Wilson 2, A. Hunt 1. Kyby - B. Laurie 2, J. Jaensch 2, J. Fitzgerald 1

Kaniva Leeor	5.8	14.12	20.16	30.19 (199)
Lucindale	3.2	3.2	3.3	5.4 (34)

Best: Kaniva Leeor - J. Greenbank, J. Turner, P. Adlington, S. Vivian, S. Stallion, C. Sharples. Lucindale - A. Smart, M. Snowball, P. Mulquiny, T. Menz, T. Ware, B. Maloney. Goals: Kaniva Leeor - A. Carlile 6, S. Vivian 4, S. Stallion 3, N. Meyer 3, J. Hicks 3, J. Greenbank 2, J. Turner 2, K. Ross 2, P. Adlington 2, J. Vivar 1, C. Sharples 1, B. Lenthall 1. Lucindale - P. Mulquiny 2, T. Menz 1, M. Snowball 1, A. Smart 1

Bordertown	5.2	9.8	14.9	20.12 (132)
Padthaway	1.1	5.6	7.8	10.10 (70)

Best: Bordertown - O. Butler, N. Hewett, N. Frederick, A. Stephens, C. Diment, J. Jarrett. Padthaway - T. Edwards, N. Stark, D. Boyanton, W. Verco, P. Featherston, J. Dicker. Goals: Bordertown - N. Frederick 7, C. Dahlitz 3, T. Harkness 3, C. Diment 2, J. Jarrett 2, O. Butler 1, A. Stephens 1, J. Tink 1. Padthaway - D. Boyanton 3, T. McLennan 2, P. Featherston 1, B. Gunning 1, M. Roscow 1, J. Dicker 1, A. Dillon 1

Border Districts	10.6	17.8	22.13	27.17 (179)
Kingston	2.3	4.8	8.10	13.11 (89)

Best: Borders - C. Barras, B. Vallance, J. Barras, G. Mcwaters, N. Tarca, T. Wilson. Kingston - T. Borrillo, J. Austin, M. Higgs, B. Warner, A. Stenner, C. Cooper. Goals: Borders - C. Barras 12, R. Adams 4, B. Vallance 4, J. Derrington 3, M. Lemon 1, C. Robinson 1, J. Hirst 1, J. Saunderson 1. Kingston - C. Watson 2, M. Higgs 2, S. Braidwood 2, T. Mcgovern 2, J. Hyland 2, T. Read 2,

T. Baker 1

PREVIEW OF ROUND 4

from the Naracoorte Herald, 2 May 2013

THERE seems to be a gap widening in the KNTFL between the good sides and not so good.

None of the matches on the weekend just gone were close - Keith’s 36 point win over Kaniva/Leeor United was the closest.

Kybybolite, Lucindale and Border Districts all lost by more than 100 points while Kingston didn't go too much better with a margin in the 90s. These teams will be looking to turn it around this weekend and regain some ground on the rest of the league.

Kybybolite travel to Keith to take on the Crows. They were within touching distance at half-time on Anzac Day but were blown out of the water in the second half and went down by 121 points to Naracoorte.

Young guns Billy Laurie and Darcy Munn have played well for the Tigers and will need to continue their form against the undefeated Keith.

Lucindale host K/L United with both sides still looking to get their 2013 win column off the zero mark. Lucindale drew with Kingston in round two, which gave them their only points. Kaniva/Leeor United are desperately out of form and missing some key personnel from last year where they made the grand final. Padthaway head up to Bordertown in an enticing encounter. Both teams won big on the weekend.

For Padthaway McLennan has been in good touch up forward, kicking four on the weekend. Cody Marshall had a great game against Lucindale that day too and the pair will be looking to emulate that against a stronger side. On their home patch the Roosters should be a little too strong.

Kingston strap on the long-range fuel tanks and hike across the border to sleepy little Goroke.Their hosts, Border Districts, will be stinging after a big loss to Penola and will come out firing, especiallg given they lost to Kingston last year. Both sides will fancy themselves a real shot here.

Borders injury list is growing but their top-end talent should help them over the line against a young Kingston.

Naracoorte host Mundulla and will look to continue on their merry way. The Demons have looked the team to beat early on and would have to be the early flag favourite.Mundulla have also played well but this is a game which Naracoorte will be fairly confident in.

One person the Moots will be looking to negate is Sam Logan. The burly forward has kicked an amazing 22 goals in two weeks, setting his sights on the ton early.

NARACOORTE AND BORDERTOWN LEAD THE WAY

Round Three report with Terry Willoughby, April 29 2013

Two games were on display on Anzac day but patrons saw lop-sided contests in both. Naracoorte blitzed Kybybolite after ½ time with Sam Logan, more slab than six-pack, booting 11 goals for the 2nd time in two games to star in Naracoorte’s 121 point win, 27-21 (183) to Kyby’s 8-14 (62).

Kyby hardly gave a yelp after ½ time as Naracoorte piled on the goals. Matt Gill with 4 goals, Mitch Hartree and Nathan Smith around the mid-field ran amok for Naracoorte as Kyby folded.

Penola were far too good for Border Districts from the start and romped in by 101 points, 25-17(167) to 11.0 (66). Adam Merrett was too strong for the Borders defence and just brushed them aside to boot 7 goals, Brad Merrett and Brodie Foster also booted 4.

Kane Ransom was best along with the Merrett’s, Drew Clayfield and ruckman Dylan Coxon. Clint Barras booted 7 goals on a solo effort for Borders.

In Saturday’s games Nathan Frederick booted 10 goals for Bordertown as they thrashed Kingston by 96 points 26-13 169 to 11-7 73. The Seasiders matched Bordertown for most of the 1st half with Jamie Austin doing well in the centre and Sam Braidwood kicking goals at full forward.

Bordertown slowly upped the stakes in the 3rd quarter and held Kingston goal-less to lead by 41 pointss. In the last term Bordertown really exploded away with 13 goals to 4 and bolt in by 96 points.

Rover Steve Copestick was dominant around the stoppages, Nick Hewett on the wing and Frederick all starred for the Roosters. Kingston’s best were Austin, Ben Warner and Braidwood who kicked 5 goals.

Lucindale endured their biggest defeat in sometime when Padthaway demolished them by 111 points. The Lions were in complete control for the last 3 quarters after defenders Matt Roscow and Keiron Hicks shut out Lucindale’s forwards. Lively Cody Marshall was best afield for the Lions, Archie Longbottom and Darcy Boyanton also played well. Padthaway roared in 21-11 137 to Lucindales paltry 3-8 26.

Keith had a tough battle against last year’s glamour team Kaniva-Leeor United but finished strongly to win by 36 points. Scores were level at ¼ time and Keith led by only 5 points at the main break. Veteran Paul Makin was good at half-forward and hard running Dion Stratford effective on the ball. The Keith Crows started to gain the upper hand after ½ time and led by 18 points with a term to go. KLU struggled to finish the game off and Keith added 5 goals to 2 to have a comfortable win.

Round 3 - April 27, 2013

Padthaway	3.0	10.4	16.7	21.11 (137)
Lucindale	1.0	1.3	2.7	3.8 (26)

Best: Padthaway - C. Marshall, M. Roscow, K. Hicks, A. Longbottom, D. Boyanton, D. Scott-Collings. Lucindale - T. Ware, H. Legoe, T. Menz, M. Snowball, A. Smart, P. Mulquiny. Goals: Padthaway - T. McLennan 4, M. Hoffmann 4, A. Dillon 4, B. Gunning 3, D. Boyanton 2, M. Roscow 2, T. Edwards 1, D. Scott-Collings 1. Lucindale - P. Baker 2, J. Zohs 1

Keith	4.3	5.9	11.12	16.16 (112)
Kaniva Leeor	4.3	5.4	9.6	11.10 (76)

Best: Keith - P. Makin, D. Stratford, B. King, J. Wilson, R. Menz, M. Telfer. Kaniva Leeor - S. Stallion, J. Turner, C. Sharples, J. Hicks, S. Dodson, K. Ross. Goals: Keith - A. Hunt 4, P. Makin 3, J. McEntee 3, D. Stratford 2, J. Wilson 2, H. Drogemuller 1, L. Mitchell 1. Kaniva Leeor - K. Ross 2, J. Greenbank 2, S. Stallion 2, P. Adlington 1, A. Brown 1, J. Lyon 1, J. Brown 1, S. Vivian 1

Bordertown	5.5	89	13.11	26.13 (169)
Kingston	4.1	7.2	7.6	11.7 (73)

Best: Bordertown - S. Copestick, N. Frederick, N. Hewett, R. Frick, C. Dahlitz, D. Feder. Kingston - J. Austin, B. Warner, S. Braidwood, T. Borrillo, A. Stenner, T. Gardner. Goals: Bordertown - Nathan Frederick 10, A. Stephens 4, T. Harkness 4, C. Diment 2, H. Paech 1, T. Devitt 1, S. Copestick 1, M. Hayes 1, C. Dahlitz 1, J. Tink 1. Kingston - S. Braidwood 5, T. Read 3, B. Warner 1, T. Mcgovern 1, T. Borrillo 1

Round 3 - ANZAC DAY MATCHES

Naracoorte	4.4	9.11	19.18	27.21 (183)
Kybybolite	4.4	6.9	8.12	8.14 (62)

Best: Naracoorte - M. Gill, M. Hartree, N. Smith, S. Logan, B. Gould. Kyby - B. Laurie, D. Brodie, R. Jaensch, S. Munn, W. Miles, D. Ogilvie. Goals: Naracoorte - Sam Logan 11, M. Gill 4, S. Cox 2, C. Mifsud 2, Z. Donnelly 1, B. Borg 1, M. Childs 1, B. Gould 1, C. Beggs 1, J. Gschwandtner 1, J. Cother 1, N. Boon 1. Kyby - D. Arnold 2, D. Munn 1, B. Nikkerud 1, B. Laurie 1, B. Munn 1, J. Fitzgerald 1, J. Bittner 1

Penola	9.3	13.9	19.12	25.17 (167)
Border Dists	2.0	5.0	8.0	11.0 (66)

Best: Penola - K. Ransom, B. Merrett, M. Merrrett, D. Clayfield, B. Mcintyre, D. Coxon. Borders - C. Barras, B. Vallance, J. Barras, G. Mcwaters, J. Hirst, N. Tarca. Goals: Penola - A. Merrett 7, B. Foster 4, B. Merrett 4, B. Mcintyre 3, K. Ransom 2, J. Copping 2, M. Willson 1, J. Galpin 1, M. Merrrett 1. Border Districts: C. Barras 7, C. Robinson 2, J. Richardson 1, B. Vallance 1

PREVIEW OF ROUND 3

from the Naracoorte Herald, 25 April 2013

TODAY marks ANZAC Day, one of the most significant days on the Australian calendar.

Australians young and old gather together to remember the heroes of days gone by who fought for their country.

It is a tenuous link but today four KNTFL teams go into a battle of their own.

Out at Kybybolite the Tigers host an ominous-looking Naracoorte.

Kyby played well for no result last week, at times looking like they were going to nab the Tiger cup before falling short by three goals.

Naracoorte meanwhile are two wins and after knocking off preliminary finalists Padthaway in round one and grand finalists K/L United in round two.

Jacob Gschwandtner has been an inspired pickup for the Dees, showing his value in the first couple of rounds and providing headaches for opposition coaches and club scribes alike. Naracoorte are the stronger of the two sides and should be too strong for the young Tigers, but given the history between the two it could swing the other way.

In the day’s other match the southern Eagles host their northern counterparts Border Districts. Penola were all over Bordertown last week but were overrun when it mattered.

Meanwhile Borders had the bye last round but were thumped by Bordertown in round one. The two sides split their 2012 encounters one apiece and have both added quality in the off-season.

Penola’s Jon Copping and Dylan Coxon especially have been good pickups, offering hardened bodies to protect the contingent of young players Tony Porter has at his disposal.

Big Borders recruit Stuart Ferenci looked good in his first KNTFL hitout and will be called upon to provide a big presence up forward and around the ground for his side. It should be a good battle between two young sides but Penola at home may be too tough an ask for Stevie Pretlove’s boys.

Lucindale trek up to Padthaway on Saturday with both sides searching for their first win of the season. Lucindale battled away against Kingston last weekend and were unlucky not to win as the match resulted in a draw.

They showed great fight and desperation and deserved the full points but unfortunately couldn’t finish.

Padthaway on the other hand have been outplayed in the first two rounds. They went down heavily to Naracoorte first up and didn't fare any better against Keith on the weekend.

Lucindale looks on paper to be an easier task but nothing is ever assured in footy and to write off any side at this stage of the season is not a smart move.

K/L United look to have fallen from grace with a couple of poor showings first up, meanwhile their opponents Keith are in good form.

Given current results the Crows should win but the Cougar at home might turn things around.

Reigning premiers Bordertown have the seaside trip to Kingston to round out the weekend’s action. The Roosters are still a strong unit and look to be one of the benchmarks of the competition while Kingston managed to get their season account open with a draw on the weekend against Lucindale.

Bordertown should win easily if reputations are anything to go by, but again the match isn’t played on paper.

ROUND 2 REVIEW

by Terry Willoughby, April 22, 2013

Mundulla made a good start against Kybybolite but surrendered a quarter time lead of 10 points when Kyby booted 6 goals to take control in the 2nd term and lead by 13 points at the long break. Ray Jaensch was strong in defence for Kyby and Carberry was threatening at full forward. Recruits Billy Laurie and Darcy Munn were also creating chances through the mid-field.

Kyby continued to hold the lead but Mundulla wasted opportunities with wayward goal-kicking in the 3rd quarter. Kyby took a 14 point lead into the last term but Mundulla finished over the top of them with Jake McGrice winning plenty of kicks and experienced Nicky Davis playing well, Sam Luckett and Jason Milligan also contributed strongly as Mundulla added six goals to Kyby’s one and win by 17 points.

Better players for Kyby were Laurie, Jaensch and Munn but many faded at the finish.

Naracoorte dominated the 2nd half against Kaniva-Leeor after a tight battle in the opening quarters where the lead changed hands several times. Sam Logan was the star forward on the ground and KLU could not contain him as he booted 11 goals. Naracoorte booted 13 goals to one in the 2nd half to win easily by 82 points.

Jake Gilbert, Logan and Brett Gould were Naracoorte’s best. Turner, Adlington and Lyons tried hard for KLU.

Last year’s wooden-spooner Kingston got their first premiership points in over a season when they drew with Lucindale. The Saints held the lead for over 3 quarters before Lucindale leveled the scores near the finish. Sam Braidwood and Tom Borrillo were lively around goal for Kingston and Ben Warner and Jake Hyland provided plenty of drive as the Saints charged to a 31 point lead at 1/2time.

Both sides went goal for goal in the 3rd term but Lucindale narrowed the gap to 22 points. Bigman Mark Snowball was working tirelessly for Lucindale as they slowly closed in on Kingston. Lucindale had most of the play but Kingston held on and both teams finished on 90 points. Padthaway showed their best form so far and although they trailed Keith at every change they were well in the game at ¾ time when Keith led by just 11 points.

The Crows turned on the afterburners in the last quarter and slammed on 11 goals to one and win impressively by 66 points. Bradley 6 goals and 4 each to Andrew Hunt and McEntee was too much for the Lions when Keith took control. Hunt, Craig Statham and veteran Paul Makin were best for Keith. Peter Featherston , Will Verco, Matt Roscow and Archie Longbottom were best for padthaway.

Penola, the big improver looked likely to cause a big upset against reigning premier Bordertown when they started brilliantly to lead by 29 points at quarter-time with Drew Clayfield and Matt Merrett starring. The Roosters fought back in the 2nd quarter but Penola still held a 15 point lead at ½ time.

Penola again controlled play in the 3rd quarter with ruckman Dylan Coxon and clever Jon Copping having an influence as the Eagles got out to a 32 point lead and appear likely winners. It was here that Bordertown remembered who were the top team. They kept Penola to a solitary point in the last quarter and dominated play everywhere to add 9 goals and win by 24 points.

Adrian Stephens and forwards Nathan Frederick 6 goals and Tim Harkness 5 exploded into action for Bordertown, Nathan Clark and on-baller Maddy Hayes played well. Matt Merrett, Drew Clayfield, Kane Ransom and Jon Copping were Penola’s best mostly before ¾ time.

Round 2 - April 20, 2013

Mundulla	4.2	5.6	7.13	13.16 (94)
Kybybolite	2.4	8.7	10.9	11.11 (77)

Best: Mundulla - J. McGrice, N. Davis, S. Luckett, T. Ballinger, J. Milligan, L. Wiese. Kybybolite: B. Laurie, R. Jaensch, D. Munn, J. Steer, B. Kurtzer, B. Munn. Goals: Mundulla - R. Williams 3, J. Milligan 2, W. Packer 2, J. McGrice 2, B. Packer 2, J. Wiese 1, J. Mock 1. Kybybolite: S. Carberry 4, B. Laurie 2, J. Steer 1, D. Munn 1, B. Nikkerud 1, B. Munn 1,J. Bittner 1

Naracoorte	3.3	8.4	14.6	21.7 (133)
Kaniva Leeor	4.3	6.8	6.8	7.9 (51)

Best: Naracoorte - J. Gilbert, S. Logan, B. Gould, R. Jones, J. Gschwandtner, K. Jacobs. Kaniva Leeor - J. Turner, P. Adlington, J. Lyon, J. Larocca, S. Dodson. Goals: Naracoorte - S. Logan 11, B. Gould 3, M. Parker 2, J. Cother 1, M. Gill 1, N. Smith 1, M. Childs 1, C. Gill 1. Kaniva Leeor - S. Dodson 2, N. Meyer 1, P. Adlington 1, S. Smith 1, S. Vivian 1, B. Bartholomew 1

Keith	6.1	10.4	11.8	21.11 (137)
Padthaway	4.1	7.2	10.3	11.5 (71)

Best: Keith - A. Hunt, C. Statham, P. Makin, A. Wilson, R. Menz, A. Bradley. Padthaway - P. Featherston, W. Verco, M. Roscow, A. Longbottom, B. Ettridge, K. Hicks. Goals: Keith - A. Bradley 6, A. Hunt 4, J. McEntee 4, P. Makin 3, A. Wilson 1, B. Gericke 1, H. Drogemuller 1, D. Stratford 1. Padthaway - T. McLennan 3, B. Gunning 2, T. Edwards 1, P. Featherston 1, D. Boyanton 1, A. Longbottom 1, C. Marshall 1, J. Dicker 1

Lucindale	2.1	4.2	8.7	13.12 (90)
Kingston	5.2	9.3	12.5	14.6 (90)

Best: Lucindale - M. Snowball, T. Menz, A. Smart, D. McCarthy, P. Marshall, B. Hocking. Kingston - B. Warner, J. Hyland, J. Brown, T. Borrillo, H. Rothall, R. Cunneen. Goals: Lucindale - P. Baker 3, S. McGurk 2, T. Ware 2, D. McCarthy 2, T. Menz 1, M. Snowball 1, K. Agnew 1, A. Smart 1. Kingston - S. Braidwood 5, T. Borrillo 3, J. Gould 3, T. Mcgovern 1, J. Brown 1, R. Cunneen 1

Bordertown	2.1	6.5	9.7	18.10 (108)
Penola	6.6	8.8	14.9	14.10 (94)

Best: Bordertown - A. Stephens, T. Harkness, N. Clark, M. Hayes, N. Hewett, A. Diment. Penola: M. Merrrett, D. Clayfield, K. Ransom, J. Copping, D. Coxon, M. Willson. Goals: Bordertown - N. Frederick 6, T. Harkness 5, C. Dahlitz 2, M. Hayes 1, J. Searle 1, A. Stephens 1, C. Diment 1, J. Jarrett 1. Penola: B. Merrett 3, B. Mcintyre 2, A. Merrett 2, J. Copping 2, B. Kelly 1, L. Jones 1, D. Wenham 1, D. Coxon 1, N. Clayfield 1

ROUND TWO PREVIEW

Friday 19 April, 2013

ROUND two of the KNTFL kicks off this weekend after a round of blowouts last weekend.

NARACOORTE face K/L UNITED at home after winning big in round one. The Demons look to have recruited well, with the talented Jacob Gschwandtner playing very well in the middle, complemented by Naracoorte’s already strong local brigade.

Their opponents the Cougars went down at home to Mundulla last weekend. They appeared to miss the dominant presence of big ruckman Seb Guilhaus but still have plenty of class - including mail medallist Jared Greenbank. Shutting him down will go a long way to a Naracoorte win.

LUCINDALE host KINGSTON in a good rivalry clash. Both sides were comprehensively beaten last weekend and will be looking to bounce back.The Roos are undermanned this season but will still fancy themselves a good chance against a slowly improving but still developing Kingston outfit. It will be up to big ruckman Mark Snowball and dangerous goalkicker Travis Ware to lead the way for Nathan Clarke’s men.

PADTHAWAY trek up the Riddoch Hwy to face their northern rivals KEITH.

After a stinging loss to Naracoorte last week, the Lions will be roaring but come up against against a talented Keith outfit who had the opposite result. Negating Keith’s dangerous forwards and getting the ball into the hands of their class movers will be the aim for Padthaway, who showed last year they can score quickly if given space to. It’s a tough game to pick but the ledger is slightly leaning towards Keith based on round one form.

KYBYBOLITE travel to the swamp after a round one bye. Their opponents MUNDULLA come off a win against last year’s grand finalists and will be a tough ask for Carberry and his men.

Much rides on how their returning players gel in the side.

Mundulla looked good last week and will be thereabouts again this year, so may give Kyby a bit of a tough start to 2013.

PENOLA take on BORDERTOWN with both sides coming off big wins. The Eagles recruits were a standout for their side and will play a big part in shaping the fortunes of Penola, starting this weekend against the reigning premiers. Border Districts have the bye.

SEASON PREVIEW - LUCINDALE

BATTLING against adversity is the state of play at Lucindale for this KNTFL season.

After losing so many players who last year would have been among the best in the league, the Roos have been forced to rebuild.

Names like former coach Todd Price (Yorke Peninsula Football League), 2012 league footballer of the year Tim Walsh, 2012 interleague squad members Ryan McInerney, Kane McCarthy (injured) and Kyle Press (Darwin) as well as Ant Laurencic and Josh Walker all departed the 2011 premiers.

Walsh and McInerney have been picked up by SANFL side Glenelg.Returning coach Nathan Clarke, who last had the job in 2010, has settled back into coaching but said the club has struggled over the pre-season with personnel.

“We’ve had limited numbers,” he told the Herald. “We just haven’t got the depth anymore.“We’ve had so many changes with these guys leaving and Graetzy (Sam Graetz) and Pitty (Andrew Pitt) in the last couple of years.”

There is also trouble in the junior ranks, with only seven senior colts at the club thanks to kids moving out of the district for schooling.

It hasn’t been all one way out of Lucindale though, with some players coming back in.Haydn Cox, a speedy midfielder from Port in the Spencer Gulf Football League, has returned.

Cox last played for the club in 2010 and young tall Patrick Baker has come back from Glenelg.Big forward Ben Mcleod has come into the club as well - he last played for Langhorne Creek in the Great Southern Football League but is formerly from Robe.

A couple more midfield pickups have the coach feeling positive.“We’ve picked up Pat Mulquiney who is working locally,” Clarke said. “He’s a pretty handy footballer.”

Rob Hardy also joins the Roos, coming into the area from Tasmania.They will be good support for club leaders Travis Ware and Tristan Manz.

Ware played interleague last season and made the team of the year as well as winning Lucindale’s most consistent award. He was also his club’s leading goalkicker.

“They’ve both been good throughout the preseason,” Clarke said about the pair. Last weekend was tough for Lucindale as they traveled down to Penola, who are looking to be one of the top sides this year.

Their A grade went down by 149 points and the reserves - who only just filled a side - suffered a similar fate, going down by 159.“There was sort of enough players but we had the bare minimum,” Clarke said. “The first quarter or so was good (in the A grade) but after that we dropped off.”

Clarke is hoping his side can compete for the rest of the season, starting with their home game against Kingston this weekend.“All we really want to do is be competitive,” he said. “And win a few games.”

ROUND ONE REPORT

from Terry Willoughby, Sunday 14 April 2013

NARACOORTE STARTS WITH MAULING

Naracoorte started the new season with a big win after missing last year’s finals. The 1st quarter was quite even with Padthaway fluffing some chances near goal to trail by 9 points. Naracoorte swung into gear quickly in the 2nd term and slammed on 9 goals with danger forwards Sam Logan and Simon Cox proving a handful. Experienced on-ballers Nathan Smith and Rob Jones won plenty of the ball and recruit Jacob Gschwandtner was impressive. Naracoorte extended their lead and starved the Lions forwards of opportunities although returnee Tom Edwards was trying hard to lift his team-mates. Naracoorte finished strongly and kept Padthaway to a solitary goal in the last term and ran out easy winners by 107 points. Cox and Logan finished with 5 goals each but the best players were Gschwandtner, Jones, Smith, Michael Childs and Brodie Borg. The Lions better players were Edwards, Nash Stark, Will Verco and Matt Roscow.

Keith charged to a big quarter time lead over Kingston with key forward James McEntee starring. They kept up the pressure in the 2nd term and led by 52 points at the main break. Kingston made a bold bid to get on terms and outscored Keith with 6 goals in the 3rd quarter with Jake Hyland and Jacob Brown getting plenty of touches. Keith took control again in the last quarter and booted 8 goals to two and ran out easy winners by 78 points. McEntee was a stand-out with 10 goals and recruits Brad King and Hugo Drogemuller showed good form along with former Kingston player Craig Statham. Hyland, Brown and Matt Austin tried hard for an improved Kingston.

Kaniva-Leeor lost many good players in the off-season but made Mundulla work hard. The Moots led throughout but never by enough to be in control. Local products under-lined Mundulla’s win with Grady and Callan Obst featuring all game. The strong team ethic of Mundulla was evident with many forwards contributing goals to make KLU’s task a bit harder and although they narrowed the ½ time margin of 19 points back to 14 at the finish they never had enough good players to catch the Moots. Best for Mundulla were the Obst’s, McGrice, Jason Milligan and Matt Staude. James Turner, newcomer Steve Stallion, veteran Shane Dodson and Jared Greenbank kept KLU in the game most of the time.

Bordertown saw off a battling Border Districts after ½ time to win easily by 82 points. Last years premiers were scratchy early as Borders battled hard. Newcomer Stuart Ferenci was impressive but needed more team-mates to step up as Bordertown led by 17 points at ½ time. The Roosters form improved in the 2nd half and they added 13 goals to three and run over Borders who faded badly. No best players were available from the winners but Ferenci, Clint Robinson, Fraser Adams and George McWaters battled hard for Borders.

While Penola had a great start to season, dishing out a 149 point flogging to Lucindale. Western Border recruits dominated with Dylan Coxon best and Jon Copping kicking six goals.

Round 1 - April 13, 2013

Bordertown	4.5	7.9	13.11	20.16 (136)
Border Dists	2.2	5.4	6.6	8.6 (54)

Best: Bordertown - N. Hewett, J. Searle, J. Jarrett, K. Cuthbertson, M. Dahlitz, S. Copestick. Border Dists - S. Ferenci, C. Robinson, F. Adams, G. Mcwaters, G. Hamilton, T. Crick. Goals: Bordertown - T. Harkness 5, J. Searle 5, N. Frederick 5, O. Butler , M. Hayes , A. Diment , M. Dahlitz , J. Jarrett. Border Dists - G. McWaters 3, C. Barras 3, S. Ferenci , B. Vallance

Mundulla	4.2	9.5	13.14	15.15 (105)
Kaniva Leeor	2.2	6.4	10.5	14.7 (91)

Best: Mundulla - G. Obst, J. Milligan, M. Staude, C. Obst, B. Lehmann, J. McGrice. Kaniva Leeor - J. Turner, S. Stallion, S. Dodson, J. Greenbank, J. Lyon, J. Hicks. Goals: Mundulla - G. Obst 2, J. Wiese 2, W. Packer 2, B. Packer 2, B. Lehmann 2, J. Mock 2, J. McGrice, T. Ballinger , H. Thorpe. Kaniva Leeor - D. Stimson 4, E. Maddern 2, J. Turner 2, J. Greenbank 2, S. Stallion 2, C. Chaston , B. Hawker

Keith	8.6	12.9	16.12	24.16 (160)
Kingston	2.2	4.5	10.7	12.10 (82)

Best: Keith - B. King, J. McEntee, H. Drogemuller, J. Wilson, C. Statham, D. Stratford. Kingston - J. Hyland, J. Brown, M. Austin, M. Higgs, R. Cunneen, J. Curkpatrick. Goals: Keith - James McEntee 10, A. Hunt 3, B. King 2, L. Mitchell 2, J. Wilson 2, A. Bradley 2, T. Geyer , H. Drogemuller , D. Stratford. Kingston - S. Braidwood 3, T. Borrillo 3, H. Rothall , T. Mcgovern , M. Austin , J. Hyland , D. Richardson , J. Gluyas

Naracoorte	4.1	13.4	18.12	26.14 (170)
Padthaway	2.4	3.7	7.8	8.15 (63)

Best: Naracoorte - J. Gschwandtner, N. Smith, B. Borg, M. Childs, R. Jones, D. Myall. Padthaway - T. Edwards, N. Stark, W. Verco, M. Roscow, P. Featherston, T. Leehane. Goals: Naracoorte - S. Logan 5, S. Cox 5, J. Cother 2, J. Gschwandtner 2, B. Gould 2, N. Smith 2, M. Childs 2, C. Gill , L. Munro , R. Jones , M. Parker , M. Gill , R. Pinkerton. Padthaway - B. Gunning 2, M. Roscow 2, M. Hoffmann 2, T. Edwards , A. Dillon

Penola	3.8	9.10	19.16	29.17 (191)
Lucindale	2.0	3.1	5.3	6.6 (42)

Best: Penola - D. Coxon, B. Mcintyre, M. Willson, J. Copping, A. Merrett, L. Jones. Lucindale - T. Ware, M. Snowball, T. Menz, P. Mulquiny, H. Legoe, P. Baker. Goals: Penola - J. Copping 6, B. Mcintyre 5, A. Merrett 4, J. Galpin 4, M. Willson 3, N. Clayfield 3, L. Jones 2, B. Foster , K. Ransom. Lucindale - M. Snowball 3, T. Smith , T. Ware , J. Wheaton

ROUND ONE PREVIEW

ROUND one of the KNTFL kicks off this weekend with clubs looking to start the year in style.

Returning ex-locals are the flavour of the month around the old Kowree-Naracoorte region with Kybybolite, Padthaway, Naracoorte, Penola and Border Districts welcoming some former players to their ranks.

Tatiara teams Bordertown, Keith and Kaniva/Leeor have stocked up on travelling recruits from the city in an effort to remain as strong as they were last year where they all finished high on the ladder.

Padthaway vs Naracoorte

The Demons travel up the highway to take on the Lions.

After comfortably winning last time Naracoorte will be confident as they have strengthened their side since with some big names back at the club.

Padthaway were undermanned on that day and have recruited some “new” players of their own with the Edwards brothers Tom and Sam among the ins.

Border Districts vs Bordertown

Facing the reigning premiers first up will prove a massive test for the home side Border Districts in this game - to be played at Frances.

Borders have recruited well with Brad Vallance (who won footballer of the year for the league while at Bordertown in 2010) starring in the pre-season while ex-locals Tim Crick and Jon Derrington will also be on display for the Eagles.

The Roosters have lost a few from their premiership side but have also gained some talent and should be too strong for the Eagles.

Penola vs Lucindale

Penola host the Roos in this game and will be unveiling a host of new and old faces.

The Southern Eagles have gone out and recruited well with Jon Copping and Drew Clayfield returning, Matt Willson and Ben McIntyre enticed south.Lucindale’s out list from last year reads like a who’s who of KNTFL talent and the Roos will be hard pressed to replace players such as Price, Walsh, McInerney and McCarthy.

In other games, Keith travel to Kingston and should be too strong for the Saints, Kaniva/Leeor host Mundulla and if their recruits fire up will be too much of a task for the Moots.

Kybybolite has the bye.

2013 CLUB PREVIEW - PENOLA

SECOND year blues are hopefully not going to be a problem at Penola with senior coach Tony Porter settling in after a tough debut year.

“I’m feeling a little bit more comfortable than last year,” the non-playing mentor told the Herald.

“It’s always challenging but it (Penola) is a great place to be.

“We’re looking forward to an exciting season.”Heath Mitchell, a former division one SA amateurs player, will coach the Southern Eagles’ reserves side and has been a “massive help” to Porter.

The club has been training hard in the pre-season and Porter is impressed with their dedication as they aim for a place in September action.

"We’re tracking pretty well - we’ve had quality numbers on the track,” he said. “The players have taken ownership of where they are at, which has impressed me.

“I’m really impressed with the way they’ve approached their footy and the standard they’ve set.

”The club has lost a few players, notably ex-captain Luke Duncan - who will be coaching South Gambier, Jarrod Ryan and gun young pair Nick Clayfield and Corey Gray.

Gray will spend a lot of his football season with the State under 18s as he looks to further his career in the sport.

Clayfield will trade his footy boots for a cricket bat as he works his way towards maybe one day a baggy green.

“Nick’s solid with his cricket at the moment,” Porter said. “We encourage the boys to go as far as they can.”

Coming back to the Southern Eagles are a couple of handy recruits. Nick’s brother Drew Clayfield returns after the past few seasons at Glenelg and Western Border league medal winner and premiership coach Jon Copping comes back from South Gambier.

Porter - a former Eagles premiership player himself - said Copping’s experience and presence on the field would be very valuable and Clayfield’s size and talent was an added bonus as he’ll look to switch between centre half forward and back.

“He (Clayfield) is a good size and that is something we’ve been lacking,” he said.

This will work in well with Brodie Foster, another recruit moving up from the Mount who is also a key position player.

Rounding out the big men stocks coming in to the club is Dylan Coxon, an athletic ruckman from Robe.

Matt Willson and Ben McIntyre - former rising stars at Naracoorte - will also pull on the blue and white, adding a good bit of outside run to the side.

The club has had trial games against Glencoe, North Gambier and East Gambier - the results pleasing the coach.

The younger players coming up from the colts such as Damien Wenham and Brad Merrett performed well along with fellow youngster Lachie Jones and Coxon.

“We had a stronger squad in against North and did well,” Porter said about the trials.

“They were good hitouts - better than I expected.”

Putting more faith in youth, 20 year old Matt Merrett will captain the side this year in a joint role with the incumbent Phil Lambert. Kane Ransom is vice-captain.Penola opens its season against Lucindale at Penola on Saturday.

2013 CLUB PREVIEW - PADTHAWAY

from Angus Dearlove of The Naracoorte Herald

Padthaway midfielder Will Verco looks to fire out a handball in the Lions’ recent trial against Lucindale at Padthaway with teammate Matt Roscow in support. Verco will be a key player for his side this year as they look to build on a good 2012.

A NEW year has brought renewed hope for Padthaway after narrowly missing out on a KNTFL preliminary final berth last season.

The Lions were just a kick away from facing Keith in the penultimate game of the season with a five-point loss to eventual premiers Bordertown.

Second year coach Tim Leehane believes his side has stepped up and will be primed to make an assault on the top three.

“I’d be very disappointed if that (making the top three) didn’t happen,” he told the Herald. “We’re a better side than what we were last year.”

A focus on match simulation and some boxing has the Lions looking stronger, especially the kids who will be stepping up to senior roles during the year.

“Everyone’s looking fitter and stronger,” Leehane said. “The young lads are a lot stronger than they were last year.”

As new players step up, older players leave.

One of those older players is club stalwart Mark Edwards, who has retired.

Leehane said the team will miss Edwards’ leadership as much as his presence on the field.

“Eddy’s got a lot of experience, great talent and leadership - he’ll be sadly missed,” he remarked.

“You’re always going to miss those kinds of blokes.”

But the coach expects new leaders to step up.

Also not pulling on the boots for the club this season are Aaron Wanders and Jason Degabriele.

The two high-profile midfielders will be playing at Tailem Bend this year.

Coming in to the club are the returning Glenelg player Tom Edwards, his brother Sam and Kieron Hicks.

Tim’s nephew Tom Leehane and former Lions junior Archie Longbottom have also made their way to Padthaway.

These players stood out in the club’s recent trial games against Jervois and Lucindale, along with young gun Cody Marshall and Will Verco.

Leehane said he was impressed with the effort of the younger players in the trial games and signalled the Lions would have a deeper playing list this year.

“It’s looking like we have really good depth this year,” he said. “It’s been 20 years since the club’s A grade flag and the reserves made the grand final that year too... I’m not sure if they’ve played finals since.

“The As and ressies are looking to be in the finals this year.”

As with last year, Padthaway has a strong base of Adelaide players who train together under Malcolm Pohlner and travel out to the SE on weekends.

They have joined with other country football clubs CMS Crows (Yorke Peninsula Football League) and Jervois (River Murray Football League).

Their coach is hugely impressed with their work ethic.

“We took a busload of guys up to Adelaide and had a training together,” Leehane said. “It was some of the best training I’ve seen.”

The Lions have a home game grudge match against Naracoorte in round one.“They beat us pretty convincingly last year when we had players out,” the coach said.

That match and the fallout from it has Padthaway hungry to exact some revenge on the Demons.

“The blokes who played that day will remember it, that sticks in your head,” Leehane said. “Everyone wants to start the year off well with a win.”

Summing up what he wants to do with the team, Leehane said he wanted the club to play a brand of football that would get people excited about football in the small town.

“We want to play good, hard, honest footy - looking to bring people through the gate,” he said.

“As a club we’re moving forward and we’re always looking to improve - you’ll attract people to the club when it becomes successful.

“There’s exciting times ahead at the Padthaway Football Club.” .

2013 CLUB PREVIEW - KYBYBOLITE

Billy Laurie - a former Kyby junior who spent last season with Glenelg - is expected to be a key midfield recruit for Kybybolite this season. He’s pictured trying to track down Nangwarry opponent Jake McKeon in a trial game on March 16, with Nangwarry’s Ricky Lindner and Kyby’s Matt Drury not far from the action.
BUILDING for the long term future is a big focus at Kybybolite Football Club this year.Playing coach Scott Carberry, now in his fourth year at the helm, said he was aiming to build and keep a strong base of locals at the club and gradually top that up with recruits from outside the league.“We’ll look to recruit a few each year on top of that local base,” he told the Herald. “Instead of falling into the trap of recruiting a big bunch at a time.”

The Tigers have brought back some young ex-locals in Billy Laurie (Glenelg) and Darcy Munn (West Adelaide) as well as James Lange (Murrayville) and a friend of Munn’s from West Adelaide - Brayden Kurtzer.

“We’re looking to bring our younger kids back to the area,” Carberry said. “Rather than getting recruits we don’t know much about.”

Carberry, who will again himself be a key figure as a strong-marking forward, said he wanted to build an environment at the club where people want to be and to give younger players a bigger opportunity to impress at senior level.

One of these younger players is former Border Districts player Brodie Arundell. Arundell played some A grade games for the Eagles last year and Carberry expects him to feature at league level for his new club along with other promising juniors Joe FitzGerald, Bill Munn and Isaac Noles.

The coach said another five or six top age colts could get a little bit of experience in the A grade, while Heath Nankivell, Stuart Shepherd, Michael Pannell and Mark Slotegraaf are expected to return to the side after missing all or most of last year.

They’ll need to replace some quality. Brothers Caolan and Ciaran Buckley, Kelvin Cook, Nick Jenkin and Carl Slape - who all came from Mount Gambier - and former junior Steve Craig will not pull on the yellow and black this year.

The latter two will be pulling on similar guernseys as they try to break in for games at Glenelg.

On the track Carberry has been impressed with the steady numbers fronting up to pre-season training. Under new fitness coach Paul Arundell - Brodie’s father - they have been working hard.

“A different voice and new ideas has been good,” Carberry said.Carberry said he was looking for the Tigers to tidy up their skills and cut down their turnovers this year.

“We seemed to kick big scores last year no problem,” he said. “But we let it slip at the other end.”

The Tigers took a depleted side down to Nangwarry on March 16 and came away with a comfortable win.

They will play another trial at Kyby under lights on April 5 against Casterton.

Kyby have a bye in the first KNTFL round but then travel to Mundulla to open its season in round two.Carberry said the club was disappointed in its eighth place last season and was looking to better that this year.“Things didn’t go right for us last year,” he said. “We’re hoping to sneak into the five...to make finals and see what happens.”

2013 CLUB PREVIEW - NARACOORTE

Naracoorte coach Dean Woosnam (front) is expecting finals for his Demons outfit this season. Captain Nathan Smith (left), Robert Jones, Michael Parker, Sid Patterson, Matt Gill and Mitch Hartree will look to lead the side up the ladder. Naracoorte has welcomed back a host of familiar names to the club to complement an already strong core of senior players.

AFTER missing the finals last season, the Naracoorte Demons are primed for an assault on the top five in 2013. Coach Dean Woosnam said he expected the side to be playing finals footy.

“I’d be disappointed if we didn’t make the five,” he said. “We’re aiming for top three and the double chance.”

Helping Woosnam out will be non-playing assistant coach Tony Atkins and new playing assistant coach Josh Cother.

Cother has returned to the SE from Queensland after previously playing for Border Districts.

Familiar faces are the order of the day at Demonland, with Cother and Adelaide Hills recruit Jacob Gschwandtner the only players not to have experience in the Naracoorte system.

Rob Jones, Matt Gill, Ross Pinkerton, Michael Parker, Luke Munro and Brad Henderson all return to the club.Woosnam says their experience will be valuable - especially as they have played in finals and numerous premierships for the Demons.

“They know what expectations I put on them,” he said. “And what standard the club expects of them.”

Woosnam also praised his club’s good core of older players such as Brett Gould, Simon Cox, Sam Logan, Nic Boon and others who have been around for a long time and are the leaders of the club.

Despite having a solid group of older players and some key recruits, Naracoorte still expect big things from their talented youth.

With players away last year some younger kids stepped up to senior footy and Woosnam expects them to be around the mark again.

“We are looking for a big year from a few of of our kids who played seniors last year,” he said.Names like Drew Myall, Keenan Jacobs, Jamie Bettoncelli, Sid Patterson, Jake Gilbert, Sam Willson, Todd Hindmarsh, Brodie Foster and Jamie McDonald have been training well and will push for regular spots in the seniors.

The main focus during the pre-season for the red and blue has been fitness and ball movement.

“We’ve been conentrating on quick movement and getting the ball forward quickly,” Woosnam said.

“Because if you kick more goals in footy you’ll win games...our aim is to win the inside ball and control the corridor, but most coaches say that.”

He was impressed with the club’s first hitout for the year against Edenhope Apsley recently.

With 10 regular senior players out Woosnam put a lot of responsibility on the younger brigade.

“The kids showed a lot of potential,” he said. “It was exciting for the fans who came out and watched.”Equally pleasing was the form of big ex-AFL forward Cox, who had an injury-interrupted 2012.

Cox, who is also Naracoorte’s reserves coach this year, kicked six goals and looked to turn back the clock and make his mark as the premier big forward of the competition.

Naracoorte’s next trial match is this weekend at Naracoorte against South Gambier, starting around 12.30pm.

Next week: Kybybolite

CLUB PREVIEW - BORDER DISTRICTS

from The Naracoorte Herald's Angus Dearlove

Border's Coach Steve Pretlove (centre) with assistant coaches Clint Barras and Tim Crick

FOR new coach Steve Pretlove, there’s no other footy club he’d rather be at than Border Districts.

Since first pulling on the maroon and gold as a six-year-old, Pretlove has never left the club that his family’s name has been a part of throughout its history.

“For me it’s home,” he said about the club. “The club’s got a lot of history, great family values, great supporters and great people around it.”

Pretlove joked he would be on the outer if he parted ways with the club.

“Dad (club life member Noel Pretlove) said I’d be ‘up the track’ if I ever went anywhere,” he laughed.

Pretlove takes over the coaching role from Andrew Michelmore, after previously being assistant coach a couple of years ago.

Before that he also coached the club’s under 17s.

On the field Pretlove has built his reputation being a tough and fearless competitor, always going for the hard ball and looking out for his teammates.

Now he is coaching he is not sure about where his playing days are at but is focused on taking the club forward.

“I just want to get my head around the football,” Pretlove said. “I want to succeed.”

He has some good help with lively forward Clint Barras and the returning Tim Crick taking on assistant coaching roles.

Crick last played for Harrow Balmoral in the Horsham and District Football League after also spending time at Burra-Booborowie-Hallett in the North Eastern Football League (SA).

“It’ll help me (having them around),” Pretlove said. “Cricky’s played in a couple of leagues now so he’s had experience and ‘Boomer’ (Barras) is just ‘Boomer’.”

The club will be looking to turn around a disastrous 2012 where injuries played a big part in their struggles.

Topping the list, key backman Jarrad Hirst returns to the Eagles after injuring his shoulder in round one last season and missing the rest of the year.

The club has managed to retain most of its players from last year and has attracted some in.

Joining their brother at the club are three more Barras boys - Josh and Trent (who have been playing in Murray Bridge) and Sam (Bordertown).

Another returning player, John Derrington, also finds himself back at Borders after spending time playing in Adelaide.

Borders have also secured the services of big ruckman Jack Jennings from Brighton in the Southern Football League.

Brad Vallance, who while at Bordertown in 2010 was the KNTFL player of the year, will also ply his trade at Frances after coming across from Ouyen United in Victoria’s Mallee Football League.

The focus this pre-season on the track for the Eagles has been fitness as well as building a solid team ethos.

“The focus is on fitness, teammanship and mateship,” Pretlove said. “So far I’ve been happy with numbers and commitment from players.”

Border Districts open their 2013 season at home with a big test against reigning premiers Bordertown.

Next week the Naracoorte Demons

AN EARLY LOOK AT THE 2013 SEASON

with thanks to the Naracoorte Herald's Angus Dearlove

APRIL and the start of the local footy season may be a few months away but

KNTFL clubs are already preparing for the upcoming season.Ex-locals returning to the region seems to be a theme among the clubs.

BORDER DISTRICTS have appointed club stalwart Stevie Pretlove as senior coach for 2013, taking over from Andrew Michelmore.Small forward Clint Barras and returning player Tim Crick will be assistants to Pretlove.The Eagles finished second to bottom last season, winning only two games, and are looking forward to putting that behind them.New president Wayne Hawkins leads a host of new faces running the club.On the field there will be a few changes to Borders, who were hit hard with injuries at bad times last year.Hawkins hinted a number of ex-players, starting with Crick, would be returning to don the maroon and gold while the recruiters have also been busy looking abroad.

NARACOORTE has welcomed back some star players to the Demons’ list.Premiership players Rob Jones and Michael Parker head the ins, with the possibility of more ex-locals returning on the cards.Club president David Collins said the club was excited about the prospects of its senior colts brigade stepping up to senior footy.Drew Myall, Brodie Foster and Keenan Jacobs have been training well and look set to make an impact at A grade level.The Demons have lost Matt Willson to Penola but are hopeful of retaining much the same list as last year.The signs are good at

PADTHAWAY with ex-locals returning to the area.Glenelg’s Tom Edwards, his brother Sam, Woodville-West Torrens’ Archie Longbottom, Kieron Hicks and Tom Leehane will be wearing the blue and gold this season.Gun midfielders Aaron Wanders and Jason Degabriele are at this stage the Lions’ only losses.Coach Tim Leehane was excited about the prospects of his young list and is ready to get stuck into serious pre-season training.“We’re pretty happy with where we are at,” he said. “We’ve just got to do the hard yards on the training track.”

LUCINDALE has lost the services of 2012 KNTFL footballer of the year Tim Walsh and star midfielder Ryan McInerney, both signing with SANFL side Glenelg. Playing coach Todd Price also departs for Adelaide and will play for his home club Paskeville in the Yorke Peninsula Football League. Defender Ant Laurencic will also not be returning, opting to stay in the city. Josh Walker is travelling overseas and young rising star Kyle Press has moved to Darwin, robbing the Roos of their services.Defender Nathan Clarke, who previously coached the side before Price, will return to the top job to lead the 2011 premiers, and further on the plus side, the Roos should have the services of Robe goalkicker Ben McLeod.

KYBYBOLITE has been getting good numbers for pre-season trainings at Naracoorte’s Wortley Oval in the past fortnight.The Tigers endured a tough season in 2012 but have reappointed key forward Scott Carberry to the senior coaching role.Carl Slape (Glenelg) and Kelvin Cook (retired) will not return to the club this season and Mount Gambier-based brothers Ciaran and Caolan Buckley are unlikely.PENOLA has reappointed Tony Porter as senior coach after a good first-up showing leading a young side in 2012.The side is only getting younger with at least three senior colts coming through who are “genuine starters” according to Porter.He named 2012 senior colts captain Damien Wenham, leading goalkicker Brad Merrett and Tom Williams as senior colts ready to step up to A grade football.Former medallist Luke Duncan has left the club to coach South Gambier this season and Jarrod Ryan has gone back to West Gambier.

KNTFL 2012 best under 21 player Matt Willson has moved south from Naracoorte to play for Penola. Former South Gambier playing coach and ex-Penola star and premiership coach Jon Copping has returned to the club.“His experience will be vital,” Porter said.

KINGSTON, KEITH, MUNDULLA and BORDERTOWN have all retained their 2012 coaches with Tim Richards, Brad Richardson, Alan Milligan and Simon Fidge - all non-playing coaches - continuing.

KANIVA/LEEOR UNITED has a new coach from Nhill, Trevor Albrecht, with Alan Bennett not returning to coach the side he took to the 2012 grand final as a non-playing leader.The Cougars are rumoured to have lost a number of their high-profile travelling recruits from last season.

YM HEBBERMANN TO STEP DOWN AS PRESIDENT

from Angus Dearlove of The Naracoorte Herald - October 17, 2012

AFTER nine years of presiding over the KNTFL, Kym Hebberman is set to step down from his role as league president.

On grand final day he told the Herald of his plans to step down at the league’s annual meeting next month.

He annointed former Penola president Michael Mourbey as the man to step into the league’s top job.

“Michael is very keen, he’ll do a good job,” Hebberman remarked.

“You need a fair bit of keenness, there’s quite a few after hours jobs to do.”

Hebberman has been involved in the league since in various roles as a player, coach and administrator.

He took over the league presidency in 2004 and has seen many highlights in his time in the league.

The KNTFL’s incredibly strong interleague performances have been a source of much pleasure - he took over interleague in 2000 and the league has performed well since then.

“Our interleague performances have been second to none, it’s been quite a privilege to be involved in that, people want to play us,” he said.

But Hebberman didn’t take all the credit.

“I’ve been privileged to have some great coaches in Daniel Clark, Jon Copping, Nigel Fiegert and those sort of guys, Dean Woosnam as well,” he said. “We just had a great nucleus of people.”

But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the president.

“Some of the highlights that have caused me a few headaches were the merger of Edenhope and Apsley and then them deciding to leave,” he remembered.

“No league likes to lose teams - we tried pretty hard to persuade them to stay in the KNTFL.”

This season the injury to Kingston player Trent Rothall, the drama surrounding Penola player Luke Duncan’s suspension and the impending southern border review have also been big issues to tackle.

Four years ago Hebberman was responsible for the appointment of a CEO of the league, something that has held the league in great stead.

“The appointment of a CEO has been great - that was one great innovation and has put the league in good order and in good stead for the future.”

Aside from an increased skill level, Hebberman said football hadn’t changed much over the years.

“Everybody always says it gets quicker (but) the game hasn’t changed that much, it’s still a game of kick and catch basically,” he said.

The arrival of more Adelaide recruits over recent years has been a major talking point.

“Rightly or wrongly we do recruit a lot of high profile guys from Adelaide and that keeps the standard of the league pretty high,” Hebberman said. “Our locals benefit from having that increased competition.”

He said the spending of money on players by clubs may be neccessary for smaller clubs to keep their football teams going.

“It might just be a necessary evil - how long they can keep doing it for I’m not sure,” he said.

“It’s more about keeping the community going - if you look at the numbers of people in some of these towns they just don’t have enough players to fill so occasionally you need to get somebody to help out.

“It’s about the community, it’s about that Saturday afternoon gathering of the community.

“It’s about Saturday and in the end win, lose or draw it’ll happen again next Saturday.”

When asked about which team has been the most dominant in the time he’s been involved in the league, Hebberman didn’t even need to think.

“It’s a pretty easy one - you can’t go past Mundulla,” he told the Herald.

“Their set-up and the amount of premierships they’ve won during the 90s are second to none, if you look at the statistics most teams have managed to be at the top and down the bottom and Mundulla have always been up the top or in the middle.”

And a favourite son of the Penola Football Club rates as the greatest footballer he has seen in the league.

“Another very easy one - I think for me Jon Copping, he never won a medal in the KNTFL but did pretty well down the WBFL,” he said.

He described Naracoorte’s Dean Woosnam as the best coach he has seen.

Now that he’s stepping down, Hebberman said he will remain a neutral figure in the league.

“I came down here in 1989, I coached Borders, I coached Apsley - who are not here anymore, I had a son who played for Naracoorte, Lucindale and Kingston,” he listed.

“Dare I say I have a fair spattering of allegiances if you can call them that, yes I live in the Naracoorte area but I’m also 10km from Kyby - I think I’ll just stay neutral.”

And he signalled his non-commitment to a single team may remain handy.

“Within the league’s structure I think there is a role for someone that’s neutral - there’s still a role for someone who can maintain some neutral views.”

BORDERTOWN ROOSTERS RULE THE ROOST IN BIG UPSET

By Terry Willoughby - September 17, 2012

With two new teams in the KNTFL Grand Final a very different was result was promised. Kaniva-Leeor United with only one loss for the season were red-hot favorites especially after Bordertown’s tough finals campaign.

The Roosters were the first into stride which surprised the KLU faithful. Seb Guilhaus was strong in the ruck for KLU but Bordertown’s half-backs were playing closely and kept their opponents under control whilst providing chances up forward as Bordertown gained a break of 21 points at quarter time.

The Roosters maintained their lead and kept KLU on the back foot with many of the KLU big guns being forced into error. A couple of late goals to KLU closed the margin to 11 points and they looked more threatening. They had more entries into their forward line but Brewer, Devitt and Cuthbertson continued to defend strongly for Bordertown.

KLU again challenged strongly in the 3rd tem but Bordertown with better forward options in Tim Harkness, Steve Pollock and Nathan Frederick and Ryan Frick in the mid-field edged away late in the term to lead by 19 points. KLU needed a big lift but with Nathan Reeve being their only effective forward it was hard to see where it would come from. The tight Bordertown defence had continually harassed and forced errors which caused turnovers on the KLU forward line.

KLU mounted a last quarter challenge and outscored Bordertown in the finish but the Roosters were resolute and with one hand firmly on the premiership trophy weren’t about to let go and kept the pressure on to keep their noses in front and record their 1st Premiership win since the KNTFL came into being in 1994. The Roosters who don’t have a particularly good record in Grand Finals had caused a huge boilover by 7 points.

Best players for Bordertown in an excellent team effort were Tim Harkness, Sam Devitt, Ryan Frick, Nic Brewer, Luke Exton and Kane Cuthbertson who played a fine capointain’s game in defence. For KLU it was a case of the what if’s. Seb Guilhaus starred in the ruck and around the ground for KLU, Nathan Reeve booted 5 goals, Greenbank and Dylan Williams were useful but not as productive as usual.

GRAND FINAL at KINGSTON, September 15, 2012

Bordertown	5.5	8.6	11.10	13.13 (91)
Kaniva Leeor	2.2	6.7	8.9	12.12 (84)

Best: Bordertown - T. Harkness, S. Devitt, R. Frick, N. Brewer, L. Exton, K. Cuthbertson. K L United :

S. Guilhaus, J. Turner, S. Vivian, P. Fiacchi, D. Williams, T. Lannin. Goals: Bordertown - S. Pollock 3, N. Frederick 3, R. Frick 2, M. Hayes 2, T. Harkness 2, J. Jarrett 1. K L United: N. Reeve 5, D. Williams 2, A. Baxter 1, L. Oconner 1, J. Greenbank 1, M. Skrypek 1, S. Vivian 1

2013 PROGRAM

Round 1 April 13

K/L United v Mundulla

Padthaway v Naracoorte

Kingston v Keith

Penola v Lucindale

B/Districts v Bordertown

Bye Kybybolite

Round 2 April 20

Mundulla v Kybybolite

Naracoorte v K/L United

Keith v Padthaway

Lucindale v Kingston

Bordertown v Penola

Bye B/ Districts

Round 3 April 25

Kybybolite v Naracoorte

Penola v B/Districts

April 27

K/L United v Keith

Padthaway v Lucindale

Kingston v Bordertown

Bye Mundulla

Round 4 May 4

Keith v Kybybolite

Lucindale v K/L United

Bordertown v Padthaway

B/Districts (G) v Kingston

Naracoorte v Mundulla

Bye Penola

Round 5 May 11

Kybybolite v Lucindale

K/L United v Bordertown

Padthaway v B/Districts

Kingston v Penola

Mundulla v Keith

Bye Naracoorte

Round 6 May 18

Bordertown v Kybybolite

B/Districts v K/L United

Penola v Padthaway

Lucindale v Mundulla

Keith v Naracoorte

Bye Kingston

Round 7 May 25

Kybybolite v B/Districts

K/L United v Penola

Padthaway v Kingston

Mundulla v Bordertown

Naracoorte v Lucindale

Bye Keith

Round 8 June 1

Penola v Kybybolite

Kingston v K/L United

B/Districts (G) v Mundulla

Bordertown v Naracoorte

Lucindale v Keith

Bye Padthaway

INTERLEAGUE: June 8

KNT Knights v River Murray at Naracoorte

Round 9 June 15

Kybybolite c Kingston

K/L United v Padthaway

Mundulla v Penola

Naracoorte v B/Districts

Keith v Bordertown

Bye Lucindale

Round 10 June 22

Padthaway v Kybybolite

Kingston v Mundulla

Penola v Naracoorte

B/Districts v keith

Bordertown v Lucindale

Bye K/L United

Round 11 June 29

Kybybolite v K/L United

Mundulla v padthaway

Naracoorte v Kingston

Keith v Penola

Lucindale v B/Districts

Bye Bordertown

Round 12 July 6

Naracoorte v Kybybolite

Keith v K/L United

Bordertown v Kingston

B/Districts v Penola

Bye Mundulla, Lucindale, Padthaway

Round 13 July 13

Kybybolite v Mundulla

K/L United v Naracoorte

Padthaway v Keith

Kingston v Lucindale

Penola v Bordertown

Bye B/Districts

Round 14 July 20

Mundulla v K/L United

Naracoorte v padthaway

Keith v Kingston

Lucindale v Penola

Bordertown v B/Districts

Bye Kybybolite

Round 15 July 27

Kybybolite v Keith

K/L United v Lucindale

Padthaway v Bordertown

Kingston v B/Districts

Mundulla v Naracoorte

Bye Penola

Round 16 August 3

Lucindale v Kybybolite

B/Districts (G) v Padthaway

Penola v Kingston

Keith v Mundulla

Bye Bordertown, K/L United, Naracoorte

Round 17 August 10

Kybybolite v Bordertown

K/L United v B/Districts

Padthaway v Penola

Mundulla v Lucindale

Naracoorte v keith

Bye Kingston

Round 18 August 17

B/Dstricts v Kybybolite

Penola v K/L United

Kingston v Padthaway

Bordertown v Mundulla

Lucindale v Naracoorte

Bye Keith

(G) = Goroke games

KNTFL Junior Medal Count - Sunday August 18

KNTFL Senior Medal Count - Wednesday August 28.

Finals

Qualifying Final August 24

Elimination Final August 25

2nd Semi Final August 31

1st Semi Final September 1

Preliminary Final September 7

GRAND FINAL September 14 at Lucindale.