Adelaide Footy League: Focus on Furniture Division 2 Round 3 preview

ATHELSTONE has proved that Round 1 was no aberration and sent a clear message to suggest that it will be a serious premiership contender in 2017.

Action from Henley's clash with Old Ignatians in Round 2 of the Adelaide Footy League's Division 2.

ATHELSTONE has proved that Round 1 was no aberration and sent a clear message to suggest that it will be a serious premiership contender in 2017.

This is no ragtag bunch just up from Division 3 finding their feet in a higher level.

The Raggies have set the tone, showing they can match the best in Focus On Furniture Division 2.

They will be out to further highlight those credentials against a real top fancy this season in PHOS Camden after this weekend’s break.

Both are undefeated after two weeks.

Athelstone coach Jade Sheedy and new skipper Luke Rander led from the front in last week’s impressive 43-point victory over seasoned campaigner Gaza.

Jonte Bates and Chris Lodovici are also making an impact at this level.

The Phantoms were merciless in disposing of Scotch OC by 129 points last week, much like their effort in the opening week.

Mark Ruwoldt, Nick Ramsey, Harry Young and Glen Soper are showing that they are a step up on most in this competition.

The Raggies will certainly know their place after playing PHOS Camden.

Scotch OC’s tough start to the season continues with a trip to Henley in Round 3.

The Sharks had control of their contest throughout against Unley Mercedes Jets last Saturday.

Henley is an experienced unit that includes the class of Denis Redden, Travis Lane, Jake Pavlich and Josh Thewlis, all with SANFL exposure among several others around the club.

It will be the first time former Sharks coach Kym Cobb faces his old club as he now mentors Scotch OC towards greater improvement.

The Jets also have another challenging encounter ahead, with the fourth of Division 2’s unbeaten sides in Sacred Heart OC awaiting them.

At least they were more competitive against Henley, only going down by 30 points, and they will simply look to work on their new game plan and structures as the season progresses.

SHOC masterfully managed their performance last week to beat fellow ex-college outfit Old Ignatians by 38 points.

Rupert Peake, Daniel Flavel, Sean Keen and Taylor Angel stood out in the solid win but it is Sacred Heart OC’s overall team effort that could see further success come their way.

Old Iggies would expect to notch their first victory of the season when hosting Broadview next up.

Although they would not want to underestimate the Tigers, who looked much better last week, ensuring Pembroke OS worked hard to open its account for 2017.

The Kings will be at Klemzig Oval after Easter to meet Gaza in what should be a tight match-up, which there haven’t been many of so far in Division 2.

Luke Davey, Mitchell Curnow, Charles Canny and Jaiden Pengelly will again need to be at their best if Pembroke OS is to earn win number two.

It will be these games too that will determine which side adds its name to the top five come finals time.