Heavyweights Kerang and Swan Hill come face to face in Central Murray

SWAN HILL coach Xavier Moloney says this weekend’s clash with Kerang will be a big test.

Central Murray FL. Grand Final. Swan Hill v Kerang, at Swan Hill. Xavier Moloney, 2 , Swan Hill, (maroon, white) & Ryan Gillingham, 3 , Kerang, (navy, white)

SWAN HILL coach Xavier Moloney says this weekend’s clash with reigning premier Kerang will provide a gauge of his side’s improvement this year.

The two sides are undefeated heading into their blockbuster Central Murray Football League clash at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve and Moloney said his side was looking forward to the challenge.

“We have made some big progress this year, but Kerang will no doubt be our biggest test,” Moloney said.

“Their small to mid-sized players have provided a real spread of goal kickers for them, which will make it an interesting match-up when they come up against our taller key backs.”

The Swans have missed the finals the past two years, but Moloney pointed to the club’s improved depth as the reason for their rise up the ladder this season.

Former players Josh Gaylor, Tobias Thoolen, Josh Templeton, Declan Foott and Leighton and Thomas Dullard have all returned to Swan Hill.

“Swan Hill has always put an emphasis on recruiting people rather than players,” Moloney said. “That’s what we have focused on this year, and now it’s about putting them in an environment where they play their best football.”

Maryborough Castlemaine is the only other league with two undefeated clubs in its competition, with Navarre and Newstead yet to be beaten.