James Murphy
ROUND 1 of Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara football is upon us, with the first games of the season played this Saturday.
Border Districts enters the A Grade competition as reigning premier and will have a target on its back against its early round opponents.
None more so than Mundulla, who finished 2023 as minor premiers but was unable to seal the deal in finals.
Kingston finished an impressive runner-up from fifth position and will be another side to watch closely.
However, with plenty of changes from clubs across the board there could certainly be some surprise packages within the competition’s ranks.
Last season was full of big moments, not exclusive to Border Districts turning a sixth-placed team into premiers within the space of a year.
Another highlight from the season was a history-making three-way tie in the league medal count.
That saw three Virgo Mail Medalists crowned, being Keith’s Daniel Bibby, Naracoorte’s Josh Gregg and Border Districts’ Zac Richards.
Receiving the Edwards Medal for runner-up best and fairest was Border Districts’ Mark Quinn just a single vote behind the trio.
Heading into the opening round there are always unknowns.
All eyes will be on Border Districts when the reigning champions host Kingston at Frances for a grand final rematch to open the year.
Their contest will provide an insight into how the teams have spent their off-seasons and promises to be a quality match-up.
Keith will have a point to prove when the Crows travel to Bordertown.
Keith finished 2023 in second after the minor rounds, but bowed out of finals in straight sets to the eventual premier and runner-up respectively.
Bordertown on the other hand finished just shy of finals contention in sixth place, albeit three wins below the Saints.
The Crow will be eager to start their campaign with a win and should be off to another strong start.
Two teams which will also be out to improve on last year are Kybybolite and Lucindale.
After finishing the season 10th and ninth respectively, the chance for a first-round win will not be taken lightly.
Kyby concluded the 2023 season with the wooden spoon, winning just two matches, while Lucindale was unlucky to slot into ninth due to a poor percentage, level on four wins with both Padthaway and Penola.
Looking at Padthaway and it will host Naracoorte for a tough opener to the season.
The Lions only played the Demons once last year and it was a 26-point win to the latter.
Naracoorte will be another club out for redemption this season after falling out of finals in the first match.
The Demons should start their year with a win and work towards another pointy-end placing.
Penola will also face a challenge straight off the bat when hosting last year’s minor premier Mundulla.
The Eagles will be under the guidance of incoming coach Jayden Eldridge, who has taken the reins after joining the club in 2023, where he impressed in his debut year to be named Penola’s best and fairest.
A few handy recruits could have them move up the ranks, but Mundulla will likely be a tough nut to crack again this season.
