By JARROD POTTER
THE PANTHERS pantheon is set to clash once again as Devon Meadows and Peacedale battle it out for the Larnarch Cup.
The rivalry ramped back up in 2013 when Devon Meadows left Casey Cardinia Football League (now defunct) to join the Nepean Football League and get a fresh start.
On the Panther duo’s Nepean battles, currently the ledger sits at two-wins apiece ahead of this weekend’s Nepean season opener.
The cup resides at Glover Reserve for now following Devon Meadows’ 70-point win over Pearcedale in Round 12 last year.
In the Panther-on-Panther clash, Pearcedale coach Jamie Merchan will have his Panthers up and about with new recruits Brendan Neville, Callum Searle, Michael Williams and Dan Heijden alongside Brent Timmins and three VFL listed players, including former Dandenong Stingrays’ defender Daylan Kempster, who will be available when VFL duties aren’t calling.
Pearcedale coach Jamie Merchan thought the lead up to the season had been positive for the Panthers.
“We played Langwarrin and Seaford – pretty competitive against both clubs and it’s all been about educating the guys over the preseason about how we want to play,” Merchan said.
“We’ve lost some quality players, but we’d like to think we’ve replaced them with players that are just as good.
“Really tried to recruit good quality players around that 24-26 mark… got some good quality kids as well.”
Taking a win over their City of Casey rivals would be the perfect start to the Nepean season according to Merchan, but he is not expecting anything less than a hard-fought battle.
“Kicking off the season with a win is super important for us,” Merchan said.
“I think certainly we like the guys to be rewarded for the effort and commitment.
“Devon is a hard and tough side – they got us last year, so I’m expecting a brutal contest and hopefully we can walk away with the victory.”
When the Stingrays have byes, Pearcedale will also get the services of centre-half-forward/ruck Harrison Prior.
Devon Meadows will also have a few new Panthers to pick from as incoming playing-coach Glenn Michie (Newborough) has his choice from the likes of Sam Purdon (Wantirna South), Ryan Talbot (Ferntree Gully) and a swathe of junior recruits.
Devon Meadows also has a pair of juniors in the Stingrays program with Kyle Beveridge and Phil Raso in line for a TAC Cup debut this season.
First bounce is 2pm on Saturday at Devon Meadows’ home ground – Glover Reserve.
