Sunraysia football: South Mildura’s Matt Spencely, Merbein’s Josh Carmichael, Irymple’s Paddy Power

A former Adelaide Crows reserves player was among the weekend standouts. Find out who made the list.

South Mildura midfielder Matt Spencely during the match against Ouyen United in the Sunraysia league. Picture: Michael DiFabrizio

After some close finishes in recent weeks, Round 5 of Sunraysia football presented some of the league’s contenders an opportunity to flex their muscles.

The top four sides on the ladder going in – made up of reigning grand finalists Imperials and Irymple, plus emerging sides Merbein and South Mildura – all registered healthy wins.

Find out who the standout players were.

Matt Spencely (South Mildura)

South Mildura continued their hot start, moving to a 4-1 record with an 80-point home win against Ouyen United.

A notable part of the Bulldogs’ resurgence has been their Riverland recruits Matt Min and Matt Spencely.

The former is second in the league’s goal kicking tally, while the latter is demonstrating his talents as a midfielder who rests forward.

Against the Kangas, Spencely may have been stretching the definition of “rest” given he booted five goals.

Bulldogs co-coach Ben Dalton said Spencely, a former Adelaide Crows reserves player, was fit and good at working up and down the ground.

“In the midfield he seems to find the football and he’s very creative,” Dalton said.

“He’s very quick and agile, so he’s very dangerous around goal.”

Min kicked four on Saturday, as did Kevin McDonald – with three of those in the first quarter as South were establishing their lead.

Josh Carmichael (Merbein)

Time playing in Darwin and a pre-season with SANFL club West Adelaide seem to have pushed Josh Carmichael’s game even further.

The talented 21-year-old is based in Adelaide for study while returning to his junior club on weekends.

His contributions have played a role in Merbein’s undefeated start to the year, which continued with a 47-point win away to Wentworth.

Carmichael kicked four goals against the Roos and was again among the Magpies’ best players.

Merbein co-coach Pat Irwin said Carmichael was “a super talent”.

“He’s going to uni, concentrating on his school and coming home to play some footy mates,” Irwin said.

“We’re very fortunate to have him back and he just loves it, he loves the club.”

Paddy Power (Irymple)

Reigning premiers Irymple continue to unearth young talent and Paddy Power is another to show his stuff after being given an opportunity at senior level.

The midfielder, called up from the under 18s, played six senior games in 2019 – including the Swallows’ grand final win.

In the weekend’s monster 93-point win at home to Robinvale Euston, Power played his best game of 2021, earning best afield honours.

Luke Hickey (Imperials)

The biggest goal kicking haul of the weekend belonged to versatile tall Luke Hickey.

One of Imperials’ emerging players, Hickey kicked seven majors in the 71-point win over Brian Weightman Oval cotenants Mildura.

Dave Hankin wasn’t far behind in six goals.

Tyler Curtis (South Mildura)

South Mildura ruckman Tyler Curtis during his side's Sunraysia football clash with Ouyen United. Picture: Michael DiFabrizio

Ruckman Tyler Curtis was again solid for South Mildura, giving his side first use and also getting forward for two goals.

Dalton said Curtis was “dominant” in the ruck.

Defenders Deklan Loveridge and Nathan Nolan also earned praise for their efforts.

Dalton said it was the group’s best game so far in terms of ball movement and skill.

“It’s the first time we’ve really been able to put some scoreboard pressure on early in the game, so it was good to be able to capitalise on that,” he said.

A blockbuster looms in a fortnight’s time after the interleague break, with South travelling to Kenny Park to face the undefeated Merbein.

Vinnie Tassone (Merbein)

Vinnie Tassone was fantastic in the midfield during Merbein’s win, according to Irwin.

“He’s just a workhorse in and under and he really stood out,” Irwin said.

“His hunt around the stoppages and his clearance work was a treat.”

Irwin said former coach Jarrod Buckley “probably wound the clock back a bit” with his efforts and current playing coach Daniel Tung also impressed.

The Magpies responded after the Roos got off to a strong start, overcoming a two-goal deficit at quarter time.

Wentworth’s rotations were also limited by injuries as the game went on.

Irwin said the second quarter was a highlight for his side, coming out with pressure on the opposition and better ball use.

“When an opponent comes out and challenged us early, I thought we didn’t panic too much, I thought we responded well,” Irwin said.

“I still think we are an emerging side – Imperials and Irymple and South Mildura, they seem to be right up there.

“Just for us to have a challenge and respond, I thought that was a real positive.”

Mitch Roads (Irymple)

Part of Irymple’s multi-pronged forward attack, Mitch Roads kicked four goals against Robinvale Euston and was named among his team’s best.

The Swallows kicked 20 for the afternoon, ensuring there was plenty to go around.

Goal sneak Nick Pezzaniti was again active, adding five more to his league-leading season tally, while key forward Jason Eagle also booted five.

Alex Douglas (Imperials)

Named best for Imps in their big win, Alex Douglas is in a strong run of form, having also played a key role in recent victories over Robinvale Euston and Red Cliffs.

Fellow standouts from recent weeks Doug Arnold and Bryce Hards again played well against Mildura.

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