By Marcus Uhe
With each side getting a taste of what Premier Division football will look like in 2024, the time for action is now.
The cobwebs of summer have been shaken off and left strewn around suburban ovals as the season swings into first gear with a full suite of six matches this weekend.
Barring draws, two sides are guaranteed to fall two 0-2 after two weeks, an unenviable way to open the season in anyone’s books.
It adds extra significance to Berwick Springs’ first-ever clash with Pakenham at Toomuc Reserve, and Officer’s trip into the Hills to face Mt Evelyn.
Both the Titans and Lions will lavish the vast expanses of Toomuc Reserve, and will be eager to get their new respective coaches a maiden win.
Chris Johnson is expected to return for the Titans and will add grunt to the engine room, having missed last week through a personal commitment.
Cam Miller will likely have his hands full with one of Jake Thompson or Jai Rout, both prominent in Narre Warren’s loss in the opening week.
Officer, meanwhile, will be weary of the Rovers, who nearly caused a boilover in round one with a six-point loss to Wandin.
Mt Evelyn plays its home deck oh so well, but Officer will be buoyed after a promising outing in round one against Woori Yallock.
Narre Warren will be eager to rain on Emerald’s 2023 premiership celebrations as they unfurl their Division One premiership flag in front of the red and black faithful at Chandler Reserve.
Narre Warren know the feeling all too well, and as one of the best performed sides in round one, will have its sights set on doing the same thing in 12 months time.
Emerald’s defence was left wanting against Olinda Ferny Creek, and will need to spread far and wide to cover the bounty of option in the Narre Warren forward line.
Gembrook Cockatoo, meanwhile, have the chance to win consecutive matches and continue Michael Firrito’s excellent start as senior coach.
Tips: Emerald v NARRE WARREN, GEMBROOK COCKATOO v Olinda Ferny Creek, Mt Evelyn v OFFICER, PAKENHAM v Berwick Springs, Monbulk v WANDIN, WOORI YALLOCK v Upwey Tecoma.
