Casey Cardinia League match of the day preview – round 1

By Brad Kingsbury
ANTICIPATION of a cracker-jack Casey Cardinia League season is high with a rematch of the 2008 preliminary final between Keysborough and Pakenham highlighting the start of hostilities in 2009.
The result of the corresponding clash at Berwick on 7 September last year was, without doubt, the upset of the season and consigned the Lions to a premature summer of sorrow-drowning after they dominated on-field proceedings over the previous five months, finishing as undefeated minor premiers.
Keysborough also found itself in unfamiliar territory, preparing for an unlikely grand-final tilt at reigning premiers Narre Warren, a quest that ultimately also ended in tears with a 131-point embarrassment on the year’s biggest stage.
However both clubs have dried their eyes and are looking to put last year’s demons behind them.
Only one will.
Under Michael Holland, who returns for a second stint at the helm replacing Dan O’Loughlin, Pakenham has had a blemish-free pre-season. Holland identified the need for more hardness around the stoppages and added former Vermont premiership star Ryan Cassidy to the list as assistant coach.
However that has been balanced by the loss of Beau Miller who returned to Tooradin.
Similarly, third-year Keysborough coach Greg Siwes made his midfield a priority after gun on-baller Shaun Daly departed and recruited several nuggety types from Southern Football League division-one club Clayton, headed by ex-Noble Park centreman Vic Currie.
Clearly both coaches are intent on gaining some grunt in the engine room and it will be down to ruck rivals Shaun Witherden and Jeremy Everett to create the chances for their playmakers.
Witherden won their last clash and Everett will no doubt be keen to level the ledger this weekend.
Both sides are potent in attack with big-marking Lion recruit Jake Matthews potentially among the best pre-season pick-ups in the league.
With the return of Glen Wouters alongside spearhead Daniel Fry, the Lions have a sizeable forward line that will stretch most defences this year, providing they get enough of the ball.
The Burra attack revolves around veteran goal-machine Luke McGuinness and young tyros Tyson King and Matthew Freeman, while Greg Walker could also cause some damage when he reaches full fitness.
Both defences are workmanlike, but will rely on pressure being applied from teammates upfield and it is in this area that Keysborough often dominates on its home deck at the Rowley Allan Reserve.
The smaller confines of the ground suit the Burra and, more importantly, do not suit the Lions free-running style.
While both sides are laden with class and look evenly matched on paper, the home ground advantage will come into play and give Keysborough first blood and the honour of being the first side to beat Pakenham in a home-and-away fixture since 2007. But only just.