Daniel Menzel, Brodie Martin to spearhead Coorong flag contention in River Murray

Two former AFL stars produced a dominant performance over the weekend to lead one of SA country footy’s newest sides to a win which could kickstart a premiership push in season 2024.

One of SA country footy’s newest clubs looks set to compete for silverware this season after dominant displays by two former AFL guns.

Former Geelong, Sydney and Woodville-West Torrens forward Daniel Menzel was unstoppable during his first performance as playing-coach of River Murray FL club Coorong over the weekend, booting six goals mainly from the middle to lead the Cats to a 16.15 (111) to 4.4 (28) win over Ramblers.

The local star was well-supported by former Adelaide Crow Brodie Martin through the midfield as well as former St Peter’s OC and Yankalilla onballer James Hargreaves.

Menzel believed the win was the perfect start for Coorong as it aims to compete for a flag during its second year in the competition after the amalgamation of Meningie and Border Downs Tintinara in late 2022.

“We’re in a really nice spot,” he said.

“I probably thought it would take a few weeks for us to hit our straps, and look it still might, but we’re starting to understand the system and play some really good footy, and we’re pretty fit at the moment too.”

Former Geelong gun Daniel Menzel has pulled on the blue and white hoops for Coorong this season. Picture: Michael Klein

The Cats acquired Menzel from Padthaway after he retired from the SANFL and played a handful of games for the South East club.

One of the most skilled forwards in the local game, some may have been surprised to see the 32-year-old play the majority of the clash through the middle.

He said it was an option he may often look to throughout the 2024 season.

“I think I’ll continue to play that role in the middle while also moving up front at stages but at the same time I’ll see what we need as a team and go from there.

“We’ve got a great mixture of guys across all positions at the moment and the recruits we’ve brought in such as Angus Weir, James Hargreaves and Rory Lehmann have had some really good moments.”

Former Crows and Meningie midfielder Brodie Martin has been one of the Cats’ top players. Picture: Tait Schmaal

The Cats could quickly become the early premiership favourites in the River Murray Football League but will face tough competition from a number of sides including Imperials, Mypolonga and reigning premier Jervois.

Menzel said his team was looking forward to the challenge of going against the competition’s best.

“It’s a good competition that is only going to get better and better.

“We know there will be more than a few sides who will be around the mark and I think just about anyone can compete at full strength and on their day.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what we’ve got against the best sides and continuing to gel along the way.”

Coorong will take on Tailem Bend away this weekend.