Eagles should win first outing

ROUND 1 of this year's Southern Football League competition kicks off this Saturday, April 6, with reigning premier New Norfolk meeting the Claremont Magpies at Abbotsfield Park at 2pm. Both sides will be keen for the first points of the season. Football continues to evolve in Tasmania and the recent decision of the Central Hawks to withdraw sees a new 10-team competition in the seniors and reserves and eight teams in the Under 18 competition.

After exiting the competition in week one of the 2012 finals, Claremont has recruited some handy players under coach Kim Excell and you would expect an improved and disciplined performance. They have had a big pre-season, with plenty of numbers, and they should be very fit first up.

New Norfolk has an outstanding record at Abbotsfield Park and this ground will hold no fears. The Eagles should continue to be the pacesetter this season under first-year coach Jon Murray. New Norfolk’s younger players would be expected to start sharing the load to ensure that the likes of Roger Belcher, Brad Carver and 2012 William Leitch medallist and leading goal kicker Michael Thompson don’t have to be the match winners.

This should be a close encounter for most of the day but perhaps the reigning premiers may prove a little too strong towards the end of the game.