By Michael Scalzo

It could have gone so much smoother for Edenhope-Apsley in 2022 – expectations were higher than this at the Saints. 

That said, the Saints are a strong team, with flair and ball skills that can cut up an opposition midfield and defence, as well as a dangerous and flexible forward line. 

They start this finals series from fifth, but have the components and home-and-away results to suggest there is some unpredictability awaiting Jeparit-Rainbow on Saturday. 

Early losses to the Storm in round two, Noradjuha-Quantong in round three, and Kalkee in round four, got the Saints’ win count off to a slow start. 

An 11-point loss to the Storm and four-point loss to Kalkee are standout early-season examples of where the Saints could have been heading into this Saturday had it gone to plan. 

Notable recruits Tim and Ben McIntyre, taken back from Minyip-Murtoa, have elevated the Saints substantially this season – the pair bringing class, power and flexibility to the Saints’ midfield and forward line. 

Matt Butler, recruited from South Australia’s Adelaide Hills league, has also been pretty handy when he has played, kicking 63 goals in eight games.

The Saints leadership made a point of not accepting only two wins in 2021, so tracked down west Wimmera locals with a connection to the club and brought them home for 2022. 

The improvement is stark compared with last season’s results, and the high-level talent has pushed the Saints from second-last to fifth in 12 months. 

After their loss to Kalkee, the Saints were heavy handed with Natimuk United in round five and Pimpinio the following week. 

Butler kicked 20 goals against the Rams that week and glimpses of the Saints’ potential were evident from afar. 

After a slow start against Laharum at Apsley, the Saints kicked into gear and readied themselves for Harrow-Balmoral the week after with a convincing second half of clean and skilful football. 

Playing at Edenhope, the Saints started okay against the reigning premiers but fell away during the second half to lose by 62 points. 

A draw against the Swifts was tough fought, but the Saints can add two costly points lost in their clamber for a top-four spot – ditto a 10-point loss to Jeparit-Rainbow in round 13 during the season’s wettest conditions yet. 

Senior coach Guy Smith had said during pre-season his previous experience coaching inter-club teams would give him an ‘edge’ in turning talented individuals into a champion team, while club president Carolyn Middleton had stipulated the club was aiming for a premiership year. 

The Saints’ 2022 talent is clear to see, and Smith will hope that talent shines through on Saturday as it has at various points throughout the year. 

So, while a premiership 2022 season might be a brave call for a Saints-favoured punter at this stage, there is an ability within the side that will not rule out potential for a combination of game-breaking quarters or a cheeky title tilt.

If the Saints get through the Storm this weekend, they could face Swifts or Harrow-Balmoral – sides they could certainly surprise, but sides they are yet to beat this season. 

With so much red-white-and-black talent, anything could happen if the Saints midfield and forward line get on a roll, and they will need to, especially with the strength of the Southern Roos and Swifts midfield groups. 

It is anyone’s guess how the Saints will fair at this stage. 

 

Players to watch

Daniel Obst

 

Obst came across from Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League to join the Saints in 2022 and is part of a valuable swath of recruits who found a new or familiar home at Edenhope-Apsley. A tap ruckman, Obst can give first use to the Saints midfielders, and on size alone, is hard to beat in the air. He towers over most and should be good value against the Storm this weekend. 

 

Rodney Oliver

 

Oliver usually starts off in the half-back line but can push up dangerously if left unchecked. He is a tall but agile running half-backer who is just as capable in the air against a key position. He has featured in the Saints’ best for most of the year. 

 

Josh Roman

 

A tall utility in every sense, Roman goes where he is needed. Also among the team of new recruits who joined the Saints in the offseason, he has returned the favour with consistency. Roman is good on the ground for a big man and has popped up at times for a spattering of goals. 

 

Ben McIntyre

 

The Saints’ best midfielder and a team game changer. McIntyre competes alongside the league’s premier onballers and will be crucial for any Saints victory this finals series. McIntyre is a goalkicker, too, with 22 for the year, although he often is the player delivering into the 50 with his penetrating right boot. He is a classy mover, inside and out. 

Edenhope-Apsley’s road to the finals

Coach: Guy Smith

 

Round 1: W. 23.23 (161) d Taylors Lake 4.4 (28). Away.

Round 2: L. 11.4 (70) to Jeparit-Rainbow 12.9 (81). Home.

Round 3: L. 10.7 (67) to Noradjuha-Quantong 14.11 (95). Away.

Round 4: L. 12.11 (83) to Kalkee 13.9 (87). Home.

Round 5: W. 31.15 (201) d Natimuk United 7.6 (48). Away.*

Round 6: W. 26.18 (174) d Pimpinio 5.10 (40). Away. 

Round 7: W. 19.15 (129) d Laharum 10.4 (64). Home.

Round 8: L. 6.8 (44) to Harrow-Balmoral 16.10 (106). Home. 

Round 9: W. 27.12 (174) d Kaniva-Leeor United 6.5 (41). Away.

Round 10: D. 9.7 (61) to Swifts 9.7 (61). Away.

Round 11: L. 7.12 (54) to Rupanyup 17.12 (114). Home. 

Round 12: W. 19.18 (132) d Taylors Lake 4.6 (30). Home. 

Round 13: L. 4.6 (30) to Jeparit-Rainbow. 5.10 (40). Away.**

Round 14: W. 19.9 (123) d Kaniva-Leeor United 7.7 (49). Home.

Round 15: W. 18.9 (117) d Laharum 4.8 (32). Away.

Round 16: W. 14.14 (98) d Natimuk United 8.11 (59). Home.

 

* Highest score. ** Lowest score.

 

Total: Won 9. Lost 6. For 1718. Against 975. Points 38. Percentage 176.21.

 

Leading goal-kickers 

 

Matthew Butler 63, Tim McIntyre 37.

The entire August 17, 2022 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!