Great Flinders Football League – Round 2, 2025 Preview

Umpire Appreciation Round

Round 2 of the 2025 Great Flinders Football League promises another thrilling weekend of local footy, with three fascinating matchups on the card and a special focus on celebrating the unsung heroes of the game – the umpires. As part of Umpire Appreciation Round, all clubs and supporters are encouraged to acknowledge the vital role umpires play in ensuring fair, safe and spirited competition across all grades. Without their commitment, the game simply wouldn’t happen – so here’s to the whistle-blowers in green!

Tumby Bay vs Cummins Ramblers (Saturday Night – Tumby Bay Oval)

The headline clash of the round is a Saturday night spectacle at Tumby Bay Oval, where the Blues host Cummins Ramblers under lights in what shapes as an early season blockbuster. Tumby Bay impressed in Round 1 with a convincing win, showcasing their trademark pace and forward pressure. Led by veteran campaigners like Mitch Lawrie and Lachy Gale, the Blues are always tough to beat at home.

Cummins Ramblers, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back after a Round 1 draw. Their midfield brigade, headlined by ruckman Lachlan Treloar, will need to fire if they’re to control the game’s tempo and give their forwards clean looks. Expect a physical contest, with both sides eager to lay down a marker early in the season. The crowd should be strong and vocal for this marquee matchup.

Tumby Bay:

Ins - Joe Walker (C), Matt Hartwig (VC), Nigel James

Outs - Grant McLeod, Alby McDonald, Rylan Jefferson

Cummins Rambler:

Ins - Blair Buchanan

Outs - Kade Wait

Elliston Districts vs Eyre United (Saturday – Elliston Oval)

Elliston Districts have their season opener on their home turf, where they will be looking for slick ball movement and strong marking forwards to give them an edge. The Roosters will be aiming to make a statement against Eyre United, who are still finding their rhythm after a challenging start to the season. Players like Fraser Smith are vital to Elliston District’s structure, and with the home crowd behind them, they’ll be hard to stop.

Eyre United, though, can’t be discounted. They will look to senior leaders like Jonno & Tom Forrest to steady the ship. If they can tighten up defensively and limit Elliston District’s scoring runs, they could push the Roosters all the way.

Elliston Districts:

debuts - Boyd McCurry, Logan Elliott, Jack Ramage, Mitch Gum

Eyre United:

Ins - Max Baldissera, Nathan Peters

Outs - Declan Phillis

Cummins Kapinnie vs Lock (Saturday – Cummins Oval)

In what is arguably the most intriguing matchup of the round, Cummins Kapinnie host Lock in a clash between two sides expected to be right in the mix for finals. The Cougars will be looking to put together four strong quarters after an inconsistent showing last week. With playmakers like Harry Ford and Jack Green in form, they have the tools to trouble any opponent.

Lock, fresh off a gritty loss, will be looking to bounce back. Their midfield group, including workhorse Guy Morton and classy ball user Macaulay Glover, will need to stand up again against the athletic Cougars outfit. Expect a seesawing contest with plenty of physicality and a few fireworks.

Cummins Kapinnie:

Ins - Dylan Wandner, Billy Mahoney

Outs - Josh Horgan, Mitch Blacker

Lock:

Ins - Travis Beard, Declan Allen

Outs - Luke Durdin, Tim Boehm

As we celebrate Umpire Appreciation Round, let’s remember to show respect for those in charge of the game. Whether it’s a senior umpire calling the shots in A grade or a junior learning the ropes, their dedication keeps country footy alive and well.