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The GVFNL League’s best: Seymour’s Elle McDonald is looking for back-toback Wellman Medals in just her second season, while Rochester legend Ash Watson won his first Morrison Medal in 2015 and is set to captain the Tigers for the first time this season.

Photography: Ray Sizer, Julie Mercer, Holly Curtis, Bruce Povey, Geordie Cowan, Luke McManus, Laura Hurley, Oliver Caffrey, Chalpat Sonti, Michael Maskell, Eamonn Tiernan, Robert Henson, Hannah Nichols, Luke Dempsey, Lachlan Cunningham, AAP Editorial design: Brendan Cain Sub-editing: Ashleigh Williamson Advertising inquiries: Jamie Gilbert 5820 3184 Advertising design: Alysha Bathman, Bella Considine, Brendan Cain, Steph Bell Published by Shepparton News Melbourne Rd, Shepparton 5831 2312 www.sheppnews.com.au facebook.com/sheppartonnews twitter.com/sheppartonnews

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elcome to Shepparton News’ annual football and netball magazine.

It might be our 12th edition, but the coverage of the Goulburn Valley, Murray, Kyabram District and Picola District southeast football and netball leagues is more comprehensive than ever. The year’s publication also sees the return of the Picola District north-west football and netball competitions, as we look at those clubs in northern Victoria and southern NSW. Staff from the Shepparton News, Riverine Herald, Kyabram Free Press, Cobram Courier and Deniliquin Pastoral Times have again worked together to produce a bumper 76page edition. At MMG, we are proud to provide some of the best football and netball coverage in regional Victoria through our daily, tri-weekly and weekly publications. A dedicated team of hard-working sports journalists, talented photographers and experienced sub-editors bring the game to you with previews, reviews, regular opinion columns and special features. We reveal each club’s major inclusions and departures, offer our predictions on where your team will finish and provide the platform for coaches to explain why this will be the year for their team. It sure to be a landmark year in country

Contributors: Gregor Mactaggart, Oliver Caffrey, Georgina Cahill, Patrick Phillips, Eamonn Tiernan, Ben Carter, Ewan McRae, Jenna Bishop, Sam Hall, Lachlan Sharp

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Football and Netball 2016

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Tipsters..................................................... 5 Goulburn Valley Football League – an overview............................................... 7 Goulburn Valley Football League – team profiles............................................. 8 Fixtures – GVFL, MFL, KDFL, PDFL... 30 Junior football – SDJFL overview..................................... 33 Shepparton Netball Association – an overview............................................ 36 League Fixtures.....................................38 Kyabram District Football League – overview and team profiles..................... 40 Murray Football League – overview and team profiles..................... 45 Picola District Football League SE – overview and team profiles..................... 60 Picola District Netball League SE...... 65 Kyabram District Netball League ...... 66 Goulburn Valley Netball League......... 67 Murray Netball League ...................... 70 Picola District Netball Leagues – South-East and North-West................... 71 Murray Bushrangers – overview and fixtures.............................. 72 AFL exports........................................... 73 Umpires.................................................. 74

football after AFL Victoria introduced a player points system in a bid to equalise competitions and to address concerns about the cost of player payments. We take a look at TAC Cup clubs Murray Bushrangers and Bendigo Pioneers, which offer the region’s most talented young players an elite pathway to the AFL. The latest batch of AFL hopefuls can take inspiration from Josh Schache and Clayton Oliver, who were taken in the top five in last year’s national draft, joining elite Goulburn Valley products such as Tom Rockliff, Brett Deledio, Tom Hawkins, Ollie Wines and Andrew Walker in the country’s top competition. We take a look at the junior football structure throughout the Goulburn Valley, which encompasses leagues from the border through to Seymour. Junior netball also gets a run, while we again shine the spotlight on our umpires, because without them, games would not take place. The Goulburn Valley is blessed with some of the highest calibre of sport in regional Australia and we look forward to sharing it with you through the pages of the News and each weekend at football grounds and netball courts across the region. OLIVER CAFFREY Shepparton News sports reporter

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TIPSTERS Gregor Mactaggart

Oliver Caffrey

Eamonn Tiernan

Shepparton News sports editor

Shepparton News sports reporter

PREMIERS GVFL: Kyabram MFL: Mulwala KDFL: Nagambie PDFL SE: Tungamah PDFL NW: Deniliquin GVNL: Seymour MNL: Tongala KDNL: Stanhope PDNL SE: Katamatite PDNL NW: Tocumwal Morrison Medal: Brodie Filo (Shepparton United) Wellman Medal: Elle McDonald (Seymour) GVFL Leading goal-kicker: Farran Priest (Benalla)

PREMIERS GVFL: Kyabram MFL: Moama KDFL: Stanhope PDFL SE: Waaia PDFL NW: Deniliquin GVNL: Shepparton MNL: Tongala KDNL: Nagambie PDNL SE: Katandra PDNL NW: Blighty Morrison Medal: Will Martiniello (Benalla) Wellman Medal: Elle McDonald (Seymour) GVFL Leading goal-kicker: Jackson Starcevich (Shepparton United)

PREMIERS GVFL: Rochester MFL: Mulwala KDFL: Nagambie PDFL SE: Waaia PDFL NW: Strathmerton GVNL: Seymour MNL: Tongala KDNL: Nagambie PDNL SE: Dookie United PDNL NW: Tocumwal Morrison Medal: Ash Watson (Rochester) Wellman Medal: Steph Vick (Kyabram) GVFL Leading goal-kicker: Steven Stroobants (Rochester)

Georgina Cahill

Gus Underwood

Ben Carter

Shepparton News sports reporter

Kyabram Free Press sports reporter

Riverine Herald sports reporter

PREMIERS GVFL: Kyabram MFL: Nathalia KDFL: Nagambie PDFL SE: Waaia PDFL NW: Jerilderie GVNL: Seymour MNL: Tongala KDNL: Nagambie PDNL SE: Dookie United PDNL NW: Tocumwal Morrison Medal: Jason Morgan (Kyabram) Wellman Medal: Steph Vick (Kyabram) GVFL Leading goal-kicker: Daniel Willis (Echuca)

PREMIERS GVFL: Kyabram MFL: Barooga KDFL: Nagambie PDFL SE: Tungamah PDFL NW: Picola United GVNL: Echuca MNL: Numurkah KDNL: Nagambie PDNL SE: Katandra PDNL NW: Strathmerton Morrison Medal: Ash Watson (Rochester) Wellman Medal: Ash Mangan (Kyabram) GVFL Leading goal-kicker: Paul Newman (Kyabram)

PREMIERS GVFL: Kyabram MFL: Mulwala KDFL: Nagambie PDFL SE: Tungamah PDFL NW: Jerilderie GVNL: Echuca MNL: Echuca United KDNL: Tallygaroopna PDNL SE: Shepparton East PDNL NW: Strathmerton Morrison Medal: Jason Cole (Seymour) Wellman Medal: Holly Butler (Echuca) GVFL Leading goal-kicker: Billy Burstin (Kyabram)

Ewen McRae

Ron Anderson

Lachlan Sharp

Riverine Herald sports reporter

Shepparton News chief sports sub-editor

Cobram Courier sports reporter

PREMIERS GVFL: Rochester MFL: Nathalia KDFL: Nagambie PDFL SE: Tungamah PDFL NW: Picola United GVNL: Echuca MNL: Echuca United KDNL: Avenel PDNL SE: Katandra PDNL NW: Jerilderie Morrison Medal: Lachie Smith (Kyabram) Wellman Medal: Holly Butler (Echuca) GVFL Leading goal-kicker: Steven Stroobants (Rochester)

PREMIERS GVFL: Kyabram MFL: Barooga PDFL SE: Shepparton East PDFL NW: Picola United KDFL: Murchison GVNL: Seymour MNL: Tongala PDNL SE: Katamatite PDNL NW: Mathoura KDNL: Tallygaroopna Morrison Medal: Brodie Filo (Shepparton United) Wellman Medal: Mia Fallon (Mooroopna) GVFL Leading goal-kicker: Jackson Starcevich (Shepparton United)

PREMIERS GVFL: Rochester MFL: Nathalia KDFL: Nagambie PDFL SE: Katamatite PDFL NW: Picola United GVNL: Kyabram MNL: Tongala KDNL: Avenel PDNL SE: Katamatite PDNL NW: Blighty Morrison Medal: Paul Newman (Kyabram) Wellman Medal: Sarah Hosking (Euroa) GVFL Leading goal-kicker: Paul Newman (Kyabram)

Shepparton News sports reporter

GVFL LADDER PREDICTIONS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Oliver Caffrey

Eamonn Tiernan

Georgina Cahill

Gregor Mactaggart

Gus Underwood

Ben Carter

Ewen McRae

Ron Anderson

Kyabram Rochester Shepparton Swans Benalla Euroa Shepparton United Tatura Echuca Seymour Mansfield Shepparton Mooroopna

Rochester Kyabram Benalla Shepparton United Shepparton Swans Euroa Seymour Tatura Mansfield Echuca Shepparton Mooroopna

Kyabram Euroa Benalla Shepparton United Shepparton Swans Rochester Tatura Echuca Seymour Shepparton Mansfield Mooroopna

Kyabram Rochester Benalla Shepparton Swans Shepparton United Seymour Euroa Mansfield Tatura Echuca Shepparton Mooroopna

Kyabram Rochester Shepparton Swans Benalla Shepparton United Euroa Echuca Mansfield Seymour Tatura Shepparton Mooroopna

Kyabram Rochester Mooroopna Tatura Shepparton United Benalla Shepparton Swans Mansfield Seymour Echuca Euroa Shepparton

Rochester Kyabram Benalla Mooroopna Seymour Shepparton Swans Euroa Shepparton Mansfield Echuca Shepparton United Tatura

Kyabram Rochester Benalla Euroa Shepparton Swans Shepparton United Seymour Mansfield Echuca Shepparton Tatura Mooroopna

Football and Netball 2016 Page 5

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE: PAST 10 PREMIERS:

5 1 0 2 R E I M E PR

2015: Benalla 2014: Shepparton Swans 2013: Kyabram 2012: Tatura 2011: Shepparton United 2010: Shepparton United 2009: Mansfield 2008: Rochester 2007: Seymour 2006: Seymour

PAST MORRISON MEDALLISTS: 2015: Ash Watson (Rochester) 2014: Will Martiniello (Benalla) 2013: Luke Morgan (Benalla) 2012: Mark Blake (Mooroopna) 2011: Guy Campbell (Rochester) 2010: Kristian Height (Echuca) 2009: Brian Durbidge (Swans) 2008: Rowan Priest (Benalla) and Lincoln Withers (Kyabram) 2007: Trent Hotton (Mansfield) 2006: Colin Durie (Echuca)

Shepparton Swans

Will Benalla be a one-hit wonder? T

hat is one of the burning questions heading into this Goulburn Valley Football League season after the Saints ended a 42-year premiership drought in style last year.

After going through the heartbreak of winning every game of the 2014 season, but losing the grand final to Shepparton Swans, Benalla went about its campaign a bit differently last year to lift the Tom Hastie Cup. It was sweet redemption for coach Luke Morgan and his Saints, but as so often happens after going to the top, players leave. It has not been the exodus some expected, but the players that have gone out the door have allowed other teams to close the gap. The one team that has significantly boosted its stocks is Kyabram, led by returning coach Paul Newman after a year playing with his brother Dave at Tongala. The Bombers are the clear flag favourite after a recruiting spree that has had them bring a number of gun players back to the club. However, the biggest signing of all has been plucked from Benalla Showgrounds, with Saints star Lachie Smith switching camps in one of the biggest stories of the off-season. Kyabram played off, some might say unexpectedly, in the grand final last year, but will be a far stronger side this year. Rochester will be challenging again under respected coach James Flaherty, who took the Tigers to the minor

premiership in his first season at the club. The Tigers broke their lean run without a finals win, but still bowed out in the preliminary final, so they will be eager to get into the decider. It is after the big three where things get interesting, with a number of teams vying for places in the lower half of the top six. The 2014 premier Shepparton Swans headline that group after bringing in some star quality and there is some hype around Princess Park that they will challenge again. Euroa should be bullish about its chances, with David Putamorsi returning as coach. Former coach Nathan Gilliland is staying on as a player and the

Magpies look to be a better side than they were last year as they ended an eight-year drought without finals action. Two-time United premiership coach Marc Quarrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return is expected to give the Demons a lift after two seasons without finals action. Quarrell could not have asked to recruit a better midfielder (Brodie Filo) and forward (Jackson Starcevich), with those players adding star quality to the side. Echuca will be fancying its chances of featuring in September, with Andrew Briggs bringing in some quality players, most notably former Collingwood VFL player Tim Allan and GVFL interleague forward

Daniel Willis from Shepparton. At Tatura Park, the Bulldogs will improve as they come off a dire season last year that had them register only a single win. Coach and star player Jamason Daniels might have landed a plum job on the Gold Coast, but under club legend Linc Wellington, the Bulldogs will be in good hands. Seymour produced one of the great runs to the finals last year after looking dead and buried midway through the season. However, Brent Colbert will have his work cut out after a number of key players left Kings Park during the summer. It has been a difficult off-season for Brad Campbell and his Shepparton

side, losing captain Rhys Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan and Willis, but the Bears should still be competitive. Mansfield is a bit of an unknown with Simon Dolling handing over the coaching reins to Cameron Hotton, who will be without George Burbury, with the former AFL player to ply his trade with Sandringham in the VFL. The task in front of Dale Osborne at Mooroopna will be even harder with more than 10 senior players leaving the cattery, including Morrison Medal runner-up Shane McDonald. The Cats will be looking to their youth to get them get through what could be a challenging year. OLIVER CAFFREY

Ladder predictions 1

Kyabram

Rochester

Benalla

Shepparton Swans

Euroa

Shepparton United

Seymour

Echuca

Tatura

Mansfield

Shepparton

Mooroopna Football and Netball 2016 Page 7

GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Benalla Saints

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1896 TO 1946; 1998 TO PRESENT NICKNAME: SAINTS GROUND: BENALLA SHOWGROUNDS COACH: LUKE MORGAN PREMIERSHIPS: 1940, 2015. MORRISON MEDALLISTS: T. PASQUALI (1999), R. PRIEST (2008 JOINT), L. MORGAN (2013), W.MARTINIELLO (2014) 2015 FINISH: PREMIER (17–5) 2015 BEST AND FAIREST: WILL MARTINIELLO 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JOSH MELLINGTON (111)

t was a very different Benalla coach Luke Morgan when reflecting on the 2015 season compared to 12 months earlier.

Will Martiniello

The monkey was thrown off Benalla’s back last October when the Saints buried their 42-year premiership drought by smashing Kyabram in the grand final. It was sweet redemption for Morgan and his Saints after going through the pain of winning every game of the 2014 campaign before losing the decider to Shepparton Swans. While there was a groundswell of relief at Benalla Showgrounds to finally lift that elusive cup, backing up that success could prove to be a tough one. As is the case with many premiership sides, there have been significant departures from Benalla. Take a league leading goal-kicker (Josh Mellington) and one of the competition’s best defenders (Lachie Smith) out of a side and it is going to be a huge blow. Mellington was always likely to depart, but Smith’s move to the team the Saints beat in the grand final hits Benalla hard. Smith is going for reasons outside of just football, with his girlfriend Elle Groves a Kyabram netballer. But with Smith gone, the Saints are robbed of a genuine match winner at both ends of the ground. Benalla has lost a number of depth players, which has been the Saints’ strength in recent seasons.

Fellow premiership players Mitch Exton, Jordan Wolff and Jayden Guppy are gone, as is James Dalton, Andy Polwarth, Cam Symes and Paddy Hide — all guys that have played plenty of senior football in the past. But Morgan said the club still had enough talent in the ranks to cover those departures. “We’ve lost a few and we wish them all the best; they’re moving on for varying reasons, but we hope to see them back at the club in the future,” Morgan said. “Our aim is to be in a position to launch into finals and that’s where we’re headed. “We expect our younger guys to keep coming along, we know there’s quality in the side but we have to be able enable our youth to grow.” The exciting Brody Webster has returned to Benalla after a year at Congupna, while the younger brother of star ruckman Josh Marchbank has arrived. James Marchbank is a tall halfback and has plyed his trade at VFL club Northern Blues and at Eltham. Benalla’s midfield will still be one of the best league with Josh Marchbank giving first-class service to gun midfielders Will Martiniello, Sam Martyn and Morgan. There will be some holes to fill at both ends of the ground, but there is still enough class in the side to challenge for the premiership. OLIVER CAFFREY

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE BENALLA’S SEASON FIXTURE

Farran Priest

“We expect our younger guys to keep coming along, we know there’s quality in the side but we have to be able enable our youth to grow.”

ROUND 1

ROCHESTER (H)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

MANSFIELD (A)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

TATURA (H)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

SEYMOUR (A)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

KYABRAM (A)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

EUROA (H)

MAY 28

ROUND 8

MOOROOPNA (H)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

ECHUCA (A)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

SHEPPARTON (A)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

ROCHESTER (A)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

MANSFIELD (H)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

TATURA (A)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

SEYMOUR (H)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

KYABRAM (H)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

EUROA (A)

AUGUST 27

SEASON PREDICTION: Third: Benalla might have lost some star quality, but our team still expects the Saints to be in the mix come finals time. After going so long without premiership success, Luke Morgan’s side will be determined to not let 2015 be a one-hit wonder.

– Coach Luke Morgan

IN: Brody Webster (Congupna), Nick Abley (East Keilor), James Marchbank (Eltham), Chris Harkins (Finley)

GAME CHANGER: Farran Priest

OUT: Josh Mellington (Albury), Lachie Smith, Cody Crawford (Kyabram), Mitch Exton, Jordan Wolff (Barnawartha), James Dalton, Andy Polwarth, Cam Symes, Paddy Hide (Goorambat), Jayden Guppy (Benalla All Blacks)

Josh Marchbank

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Because of his recovery from a serious knee injury, we only got to see glimpses of Farran Priest at full flight last year. But when we did, it was spectacular. A legendary performance in the preliminary final where he sliced Rochester’s defence to shreds, showed what he is capable of when at full fitness.

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Echuca Murray Bombers FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1909 TO 1942; 1974 TO PRESENT NICKNAME: MURRAY BOMBERS GROUND: VICTORIA PARK OVAL, CROFTON ST, ECHUCA COACH: ANDREW BRIGGS PREMIERSHIPS: 1977, 1979, 2001, 2002 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: S. EISHOLD (1995 JOINT), S. ORR (1997), C. SHOLL (2001), R. ARCHARD (2003 JOINT), C. DURIE (2006), K. HEIGHT (2010) 2015 FINISH: 11TH (3–14–1) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: SIMON BUCKLEY 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LACHIE COLLINS (25)

he only way is up for Echuca this year.

That is the attitude of head coach Andrew Briggs as his side prepares to improve on a lacklustre last year in the Goulburn Valley Football League. After finishing last year in second last on the ladder, Briggs is looking forward to the chance to atone. ‘‘We’re always out to improve, and we’ve put 2015 behind us, so it’s all very positive from here on,’’ Briggs said. ‘‘The playing group has a real drive to achieve more than they have in the past.’’ Echuca has put a recruiting emphasis on the forward line and midfield, with several high quality inclusions to Victoria Park. Joining the Murray Bombers will be Tim Allan (Collingwood VFL), Daniel Willis (Shepparton), Jay Street (St Pauls, Southern Football League), and Luke Buckley (older brother of current Echuca player Simon Buckley). ‘‘Tim’s a really good inclusion, a centre half-forward and a top line player,’’ Briggs said. ‘‘The other guys are all mates with Simon (Buckley), so it was a good opportunity to bring them all together in one go, which is great for them and the club. ‘‘We were looking for some stability in the forward line, and some leaders we can rally around. We’re looking to evolve our game style, aiming to be quicker and attacking quickly, so these guys will all help that. “Having said that, our best recruits will be our young kids, there’s a few

Simon Buckley

CHARTERED AGENT

IN: Tim Allan (Collingwood VFL), Daniel Willis (Shepparton), Jay Street (St Pauls), Scott Betson, Luke Buckley, Lucas Denton, Liam Guinan. OUT: Brock Allsop, Kyle Baker, Jacob Chapman (Echuca United), Ash Carmody (Waaia), Nick Jackson (Moama), Fraser Monahan (Picola United)

of them that are really impressing on the track and raring to go.’’ After a poor last year, Briggs knows that recruits can only do so much, and that improvement across the board is going to be crucial to any rise up the ladder.

‘‘Our expectations are that we improve in every area,’’ he said. ‘‘We need to play a team-first brand of football, if we do that and everyone does their bit, we expect to improve on last season.’’ EWEN MCRAE

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE ECHUCA’S SEASON FIXTURE

‘‘The playing group has a real drive to achieve more than they have in the past.’’ – Head coach Andrew Briggs

SEASON PREDICTION: EIGHTH: It is a make-or-break season for Andrew Briggs’ Echuca. The Murray Bombers have recruited strongly and that should have them improve dramatically on a three-and-a-half win season last year. Echuca will be after a better run with injury so it can get its best side out on the park regularly.

Daniel Willis

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ROUND 1

SHEPPARTON (H)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

ROCHESTER (A)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

MANSFIELD (H)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

TATURA (A)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

SEYMOUR (H)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

KYABRAM (H)

MAY 28

ROUND 8

EUROA (A)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

BENALLA (H)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

MOOROOPNA (H)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

SHEPPARTON (A)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

ROCHESTER (H)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

MANSFIELD (A)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

TATURA (H)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

SEYMOUR (A)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

KYABRAM (A)

AUGUST 27

GAME CHANGER: Tim Allan For a side that finishes near the bottom of the table, one of the clear targets in the off-season is a key forward who can put some goals on the board and give you some power. For Echuca that man is Tim Allan, who comes to Victoria Park from Collingwood’s VFL side and has the potential to have an impact at either end of the ground. A former Sandringham Dragon in the TAC Cup, Allan spent three years with the Pies and had a strong impact as a centre half-forward. As a player with many years of experience at a high level, he will be a valuable addition.

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Euroa Magpies FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1971 NICKNAME: MAGPIES GROUND: MEMORIAL OVAL, SPENCER ST, EUROA COACH: DAVID PUTAMORSI PREMIERSHIPS: 1971, 1990 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: A. BAKER (1998) 2015 FINISH: SIXTH (9-9-1) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ANDREW BELL 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BRAD CUNNINGHAM (34)

uroa broke its finals drought last year and there is no reason why it can’t be in September again.

The Magpies featured in finals action for the first time in eight seasons on the back of a scintillating opening to the season that included a memorable win at home under lights against eventual premier Benalla. Euroa’s season faltered slightly towards the end, but there was plenty to like about the boys from Memorial Oval. Nathan Gilliland stood down as coach after two seasons, with David Putamorsi returning to the helm after six years away. But a major positive for the Magpies is that Gilliland, who filled in for Tim Looby as interleague skipper last year, will go around again and be focused solely on playing. With Euroa keeping most of its list together, along with a number of handy recruits, the campaign is looking bright for Putamorsi. “Hopefully we can make finals again, that’s our goal, so to be able to back up playing finals for the first time in almost a decade, would be a good achievement,” Putamorsi said. “There’s been some fantastic signs there in the last few years, with ‘Gilly’ (Gilliland) doing a fantastic job following on from the good work done by David Gleeson and those guys before him. “With a lot of local boys at the club, I don’t think the points system coming in will affect us too

much, but money is really killing footy, particularly in the metro competitions. “The club’s changed and footy has changed since I last coached, but it’s going to be an exciting challenge with a talented, young group of guys.” It has been a fruitful recruiting campaign by Putamorsi and his team, with a number of players expected to boost the Magpies right up the ladder. Jacob Gleeson is a virtual recruit after only playing for Euroa last year when his VFL commitments allowed him to, but he has signed on as a full-time playing assistant coach. Trent Storer, the son of club legend Kevin, is a tall and agile half-forward who will provide the Magpies with plenty of firepower near goals. Jake Munro is another great inclusion, with TAC Cup experience and some great performances in the VAFA with Richmond Central. Former Wodonga Raiders big man Luke Visser will bolster the Magpies’ ruck stocks, combining with John Ikupu to form a dynamic ruck duo. While the big man stocks have received a huge boost, exciting small forwards James Milne and Brad Cunningham have departed. Milne has headed back to his home club Murchison after one season back in the GVFL, while Cunningham has followed Guy Morphet to Yea. OLIVER CAFFREY

Craig Bamford

SEASON PREDICTION: FIFTH: Euroa has improved its list even further on last year when it achieved a breakthrough finals appearance. The Magpies have the team to play finals and our tipsters believe they will be around the same mark come the end of the season. A side on the rise.

Nathan Gilliland

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE EUROA’S SEASON FIXTURE “Hopefully we can make finals again, that’s our goal, so to be able to back up playing finals for the first time in almost a decade, would be a good achievement.”

ROUND 1

MANSFIELD (H)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

TATURA (A)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

SEYMOUR (H)

APRIL 24

ROUND 4

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

KYABRAM (H)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

MOOROOPNA (A)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

BENALLA (A)

MAY 28

ROUND 8

ECHUCA (H)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

SHEPPARTON (H)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

ROCHESTER (A)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

MANSFIELD (A)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

TATURA (H)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

SEYMOUR (A)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

KYABRAM (A)

AUGUST 13

ROUND 17

MOOROOPNA (H)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

BENALLA (H)

AUGUST 27

– David Putamorsi

GAME CHANGER: Nathan Gilliland After relinquishing the coaching reins, the sky is the limit for Gilliland. He has the ability to dominate the midfield, as well as cause havoc up forward. With more top-class talent around him this year, Gilliland could be allowed to get off the chain and improve even further on his two sensational years since heading back to the GVFL.

IN: Jayden Gleeson (Nagambie), Chris McMahon, Trent Storer (Coburg Districts), Brad McCann (St Kevin’s Old Boys), Jake Munro (Richmond Central), Luke Visser (Wodonga Raiders) OUT: James Milne (Murchison), Brad Cunningham, Ash Hobbs (Yea)

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Kyabram Bombers FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BOMBERS GROUND: KYABRAM RECREATION RESERVE, UNWIN ST, KYABRAM COACH: PAUL NEWMAN PREMIERSHIPS: 1919, 1921, 1922, 1927, 1928, 1948, 1950, 1958, 1975, 1996, 2013 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: W. COX (1934), J. COOPER (1958, 1961), C. STEWART (1963), R. CLAY (1964), P. GITTOS (1987), B. GUGLIOTTI (1993), L. WITHERS (2008 JOINT) 2015 FINISH: SECOND (14–7) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JASON MORGAN 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BILLY BURSTIN (63)

t has been three years since the Bombers last tasted premiership glory.

Paul Newman

After holding the cup aloft in 2013, the Bombers fell flat in a disappointing September display in 2014, followed by a bitter grand final loss last year. But there will be one major difference at the Bombers this year compared to last year — the return of club champion Paul Newman. With Newman as the club’s newest playing coach, taking the reins from former Brisbane and Western Bulldogs AFL player Justin Sherman, the Bombers have a renewed belief that this year will again deliver premiership success. It is a feeling that has permeated across the league, with players flocking back to Kyabram for a chance at the big time. With most of last year’s team playing on, the club has also welcomed 14 new players to create one of the deepest lists in the GVFL. Included on the list is KDFL McNamara medallists Josh Pell and Steve Thomson, 2013 premiership ruckman Jack Reeves, 2015 overseas absentee Liam Barrett and speedster Ryan Butler, as well as star Benalla premiership defender Lachie Smith and the coach himself. Reflecting on some of the club’s big name recruits, Newman said it was a priority in the off-season to draw back some of the Bombers’ former players, but that even he could not have predicted how many were eager to return. “I can’t really put my finger on why it all fell into place, it just seemed to work that way, everyone we spoke to and

encouraged to come to the club jumped on board,” he said. “I think in all likelihood they wanted the opportunity to play in a good football side and hopefully go deep into finals.” And deep into finals is definitely where Newman is aiming, with the club upping the ante during its pre-season training. Newman said the turnout at trainings across the pre-season had been the most consistent he had seen in years. “The plan is for everyone to enjoy their footy and hopefully that translates to being super competitive and playing finals footy,” he said. “We have been training really hard with Russ Jarrett, our fitness guy, and now all the boys are eager to get into the practice games and the real stuff.” Newman said the focus this year would be on a return to the club’s 2013 premiership winning defensive pressure. “Obviously defence gets you deep in finals,” he said. “We have a super backline with players like Jason Morgan, Lachie Smith, Liam Barrett and others. Our defensive pressure needs to be back to 2013 when we were really flawless with the tackling pressure and so forth. “So the plan is to lock down defensively and set the standard in that area and be confident we have the firepower down forward that we can score when we get good ball use in our 50. “Hopefully we can hurt them both defensively and offensively and go all the way.” PATRICK PHILLIPS

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE KYABRAM’S SEASON FIXTURE

GAME CHANGER: Liam Ogden “He’s probably done his first full pre-season in four or five years. He is also a really good teammate, fun to be around, but gets the job done and we are looking to instill that attitude in the group this year and Liam will really help with that.” — Paul Newman.

“The plan is for everyone to enjoy their footy and hopefully that translates to being super competitive and playing finals footy.” — Paul Newman

ROUND 1

TATURA (H)

APRIL 10

ROUND 2

SEYMOUR (A)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

MOOROOPNA (A)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

EUROA (A)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

BENALLA (H)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

ECHUCA (A)

MAY 28

ROUND 8

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

SHEPPARTON (A)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

ROCHESTER (H)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

MANSFIELD (A)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

TATURA (A)

JULY 3

ROUND 13

SEYMOUR (H)

JULY 10

ROUND 14

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

MOOROOPNA (H)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

EUROA (H)

AUGUST 13

ROUND 17

BENALLA (A)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

ECHUCA (H)

AUGUST 27

SEASON PREDICTION: PREMIER: The Bombers have substantially bolstered their squad after making last year’s grand final. While it was well off the pace in the decider against Benalla, our team believes the return of Paul Newman should result in his legend growing further as a Kyabram premiership coach. Comfortably has the strongest team on paper. IN: Paul Newman, Ryan Butler (Tongala), Kayne Pettifer (Yarrawonga), Lachie Smith, Cody Crawford (Benalla), Steve Thomson (Lancaster), Josh Pell (Merrigum), Nathan Beck (Trinity Beach), Jake Reeves (Maribyrnong Park)

Liam Ogden

OUT: Justin Sherman (Whittlesea)

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Mansfield Eagles FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1998 NICKNAME: EAGLES GROUND: MANSFIELD RECREATION RESERVE COACH: CAMERON HOTTON PREMIERSHIPS: 2004, 2009 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: T. HOTTON (2007) 2015 FINISH: EIGHTH (8–10) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: GEORGE BURBURY 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: GEORGE BURBURY (43)

ast season Mansfield rose from wooden spooners to almost clinching a finals berth on the back of the scintillating form of former Geelong player George Burbury.

However, the club’s leading goalkicker and best-and-fairest winner has headed back south for another crack at the top flight and incoming Eagles coach Cameron Hotton said he would look to harness the youth and experience at his disposal. Hotton, 40, is an Eagles best-andfairest winner and premiership player who last ran out for Mansfield’s seniors in 2007, but has “I think there’s improvement remained in contact with the within the group, we had club and pulled injuries last year to key on a guernsey for two reserves players, so having them game last year. back on the track for longer “Having played periods will give us a better here previously, I know the opportunity to improve.” competition — Coach Cameron Hotton and standard we need to set, it’s just about getting the best out of the players and having them play the way we want,” Hotton said. “I think there’s improvement within the group, we had injuries last year to key players, so having them back on the track for longer periods will give us a better opportunity to improve. “We also want to develop our juniors coming through, we’ve got thirds players who we expect to play senior football as well as local guys coming back from Melbourne and from all reports we’re ahead of where we were last year in terms of fitness.”

Mark Jones

The Eagles will miss Burbury’s efficiency in front of goal, but have secured the services of Steve Tolongs, who kicked 46 goals for Mitiamo last season. While Tolongs may not be a forward cut from the AFL cloth like Burbury, Hotton remains confident the tall addition will get the job done. “Steve is a key forward, so we’ll look for him to fill the Burbury hole, we also have the depth with our recruits, so we’re a bit more even across the ground,” Hotton said. The Eagles rack up more mileage behind the wheel than any other side in the GVFL, but the ever-optimistic Hotton sees the travel as a positive. “We have to travel every second weekend, but the beauty is when teams come to us, it’s further for them and we’re more used to it,” he said. The Eagles have only lost three players, while adding six and Hotton believes if they can avoid injuries his squad has the depth to leave their mark on the competition this season. “Obviously we want to improve on last year’s performances, finishing eighth, and hopefully get into the finals, once you’re in the pointy end, you’re always a chance,” he said. “I’m excited to be back in Mansfield, it’s been eight or nine years, it’s great to be back and feels like I haven’t left, most of the guys around the footy club are the same and I’m just looking forward to round one.” EAMONN TIERNAN

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE MANSFIELDS’S SEASON FIXTURE ROUND 1

EUROA (A)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

BENALLA (H)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

MANSFIELD (A)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

SHEPPARTON (A)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

ROCHESTER (H)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

MOOROOPNA (A)

MAY 28

ROUND 8

TATURA (A)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

SEYMOUR (H)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

KYABRAM (H)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

EUROA (H)

JULY2

ROUND 13

BENALLA (A)

JULY 16

IN: Steve Tolongs (Mittiamo), Ben Ryan, Luke Walsh (Keilor Park), Drew Skilling, Travis Kirkham (Yea), James Herridge (Thornton Elidon), Ben Hedin (Wangaratta Magpies), Jackson Curley (Oakleigh Chargers).

ROUND 14

ECHUCA (H)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

SHEPPARTON (H)

AUGUST 13

ROUND 17

ROCHESTER (A)

AUGUST 20

OUT: George Burbury (Sandringham), George Gavalas (Hutchins), Ben Richmond (Tasmania)

ROUND 18

MOOROOPNA (H)

AUGUST 27

Adam Boshevski

SEASON PREDICTION: TENTH: It’s hard to get a read on Mansfield, but the Eagles probably won’t be as strong as they were last year with the loss of George Burbury and key defender George Gavalas. Depth has been an issue for a few seasons, so a good run with injury might have the Eagles surprise a few teams.

GAME CHANGER: Ben Fagan Mansfield’s “Mr Versatile” Ben Fagan has the height to ruck, strength to defend and the agility to turn on a dime in the midfield. One of the biggest onballers you will see in the GVFL and it’s no coincidence when Fagan is on top of his game, so are the Eagles.

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Football and Netball 2016 Page 17

GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Mooroopna Cats FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: CATS GROUND: MOOROOPNA RECREATION RESERVE COACH: DALE OSBORNE. PREMIERSHIPS: 1894, 1895, 1896, 1907, 1923, 1924, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1985, 1986 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: L. DWYER (1936), B. MCCARTY (1962), R. WILLETT (1965, 1967, 1968), D. BUX (1972, 1973), G. SAUNDERS (1977), B. OUGH (1979), G. COOPER (1983, 1985), M. BLAKE (2012) 2015 FINISH: SEVENTH (8–10) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: SHANE MCDONALD 2014 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BRENT ARHO (37)

tumultuous off-season at Mooroopna has had 12 players leave the Cattery and with Dale Osborne taking the coaching reins from Blake Campbell, a new era dawns.

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Mooroopna finished an underachieving seventh last season and with key players Shane McDonald, Dan Lewis, Brent Arho and Kane Atkinson leaving the club, supporters could be waiting another year for finals football. Osborne fulfils a dream returning to his junior club for the top job, but is not setting specific expectations for his playing group. “It’s a clean slate and fresh start and the players are grabbing that with both hands and running with it,” Osborne said. “The expectations are what the players want to put on themselves. I’ve got ideas of making finals, that’s a goal every coach wants to achieve. “I’m not setting any boundaries for the playing group, we’ll take the year as it comes, everyone is taking the opportunity on and really running with it to see how far we can go.” The first-time GVFL senior coach said he was not feeling any added pressure mentoring at this level, but acknowledged the challenge of inheriting a depleted list. “My focus isn’t on who is left at the club, it’s who is there now and it’s about preparing everyone for round one and making the playing group full of good leaders on and off the ground,” Osborne said. “The boys have been having a crack,

it was a bit of a sluggish start after a disappointing end to last season, but I’ve chucked a different style of coaching at them and they’ve really started to adapt, it’s been really good. “We’ve got a totally different coaching panel, Tom Robinson is my assistant, he’s been a coach over in Tassie and played in Seymour’s threepeat (of premierships), so having him on board is great as he brings a lot of footy experience.” Trent Freer will captain the side in place of the outgoing Atkinson, and with the return of Daniel Johnstone, Todd Smith, Dan Collyer, Liam Cross, Sean Reidy, Jack Stevenson and Sam O’Brien, the coach expects leaders across the park. “Trent has been brilliant so far, the playing group as a whole knows where we’re at and everyone has jumped on board, so we’ll see a lot of leaders on the ground every week,” Osborne said. “There’s plenty of senior heads I’ll be looking at to take that next step, but I think everyone is going to have to step up.” Osborne said more than anything he was excited for the year ahead and to be back at his junior club, where everybody is working towards a common goal. “Billy Wong is chairman of selectors and I’ve had a lot of support from Darren Hall and Geoff Devine, everyone is here for the right reasons and I’m confident the footy club is going in the right direction,” he said. EAMONN TIERNAN

GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE MOOROOPNA’S SEASON FIXTURE

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ROUND 1

TATURA (H)

APRIL 2

ROUND 2

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

APRIL 9

ROUND 3

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

APRIL 16

ROUND 4

SHEPPARTON (A)

APRIL 23

ROUND 5

KYABRAM (H)

APRIL 30

ROUND 6

ROCHESTER (A)

MAY 7

ROUND 7

EUROA (H)

MAY 14

ROUND 8

MANSFIELD (H)

MAY 28

ROUND 9

BENALLA (A)

JUNE 4

ROUND 10

ECHUCA(A)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

SEYMOUR (H)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

SHEPPARTON (H)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

KYABRAM (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

ROCHESTER (H)

AUGUST 13

ROUND 17

EUROA (A)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

MANSFIELD (A)

AUGUST 27

SEASON PREDICTION: TWELTH: A couple of our tipsters believe Mooroopna could be in finals contention, but the reality is it will be a tough year for the Cats. Mooroopna has lost an entire forward line, along with its captain and a guy that almost won the Morrison Medal. It will be more about building for the future at the cattery this year. Dan Collyer IN: Cody Vincitorio, Ben Hicks (Congupna), Ethan Hodgkin (Katunga), Daniel Johnstone (Eaglehawk), Kaleb Hedges, Jack Stevenson (Shepparton Swans), Sam O’Brien (Shepp East), Shannon Hockey, Brayden Hockey, Todd Smith, Dan Collyer, Liam Cross, Sean Reidy. OUT: Shane McDonald (Bonbeach), Daniel Lewis (Tatura), Brent Arho (Tallygaroopna), Kane Atkinson (Rumbalara), Spiro Vourgaslis (Barooga), Kaine Greening, Brenton Campbell (Bonnie Doon), Simon Russell (Moama), Ryan Thomson (Pascoe Vale), Luke Conca (Blackburn), Pat Conca (Melbourne), Dylan Johnstone.

GAME CHANGER: Trent Freer Mooroopna will look to the experienced head of Trent Freer for on-field direction this season, with the tough onballer to skipper the side. If he can inspire those around him to rise to his level, the season may not be as ominous for the Cats as many are predicting.

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Rochester Tigers FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1913–1914 NICKNAME: TIGERS GROUND: MOON OVAL, RESERVE ST, ROCHESTER COACH: JAMES FLAHERTY PREMIERSHIPS: 1914, 1992, 1999, 2008 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: M. KEENAN (1988), P. MORGAN (1994), G. CAMPBELL (2011), A. WATSON (2015) 2015 FINISH: THIRD (16–2) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ASH WATSON 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: STEVEN STROOBANTS (73)

ochester returns this year chomping at the bit and brimming with confidence after a season under first-year coach James Flaherty that exceeded all expectations.

Flaherty led the Tigers on an unprecedented 12-game winning streak to open their season and a final 16–2 record was more than enough to secure the minor premiership in 2015. However, Rochester’s dream campaign ended on a sour note when Benalla thrashed it in the preliminary final. The players have bought into Flaherty’s team first culture and clearly want to play for the key defender, with only Nick Knight (Colbinabbin) and Brady Green (Melbourne) opting to leave Tigerland, while five prodigal sons return. With the help of 2008 Tigers premiership coach Daniel Schmidt and fellow club stalwart Steve Rasmussen, Flaherty has inspired in his players an unrelenting desire to work for each other and last season transformed a team with few superstars into the competition pacesetters. Flaherty said after the success of last season, he had to set the bar high, and confirmed anything short of a trip to the big dance would mean his side had not fulfilled its potential “To only lose two blokes shows the rest are enjoying their footy, we got close last year, but fell down at the end, everyone wants to keep going and pushing in the same direction,” Flaherty said.

“I’m hopeful we can be around the mark this year and push as deep as we can into finals and I think we’ve got to be pushing for that (grand final),” Flaherty said. “But we’re not thinking too much about it, we’re more focused on what we’re trying to do implementing our game style and getting that under our belt first.”

“I’m hopeful we can be around the mark this year and push as deep as we can into finals and I think we’ve got to be pushing for that (grand final).” — Coach James Flaherty Much of the Tigers’ success last season can also be attributed to the scintillating form of Morrison Medallist Ash Watson and the midfield cohesion of young guns Nick O’Connor, Dillon Williams, Nathan McCarty and Nathan Marrone, as well as a breakout year from Mitch Bright down back. “At training, we’re getting these younger boys having a bit more to say and challenging each other more, all those boys have bit more experience now, so I think they’ll all press on,” Flaherty said. “Nath Marrone really bought in last year, playing up the half-back flank and swapping on-ball he got more

WATER

opportunity and for him to finish second in the best-and-fairest behind ‘Watto’ (Ash Watson) was a pretty good effort.” There will be a changing of the guard in the leadership ranks, with Watson stepping up as captain in place of club favourite Elliot Bowen, while Marrone and Bright will serve as the vice-captains. The only foreseeable weakness for the Tigers remains in the ruck with the club unable to secure the services of a marquee big man in the off season and will instead look to the reliable, but ageing legs of Sam Brennan. If Brennan gets injured, the Tigers will call on developing ruckmen Xavier Hooppell and Jordy Foott, both capable and potential-filled players, but in need of more experience in the position. All signs point to another successful year at Moon Oval and with the Tigers always finding an extra gear against fierce rivals Kyabram, it is well within them to knock off Paul Newman’s heavily fancied Bombers en route to Rochester’s first flag since 2008. EAMONN TIERNAN

OUT: Nick Knight (Colbinabbin), Brady Green (Melbourne) IN: Hamish Hooppell (Lake Boga), Sean Williams (Eaglehawk), Jarod Bacon (Redan), Jesse Cuttriss (Echuca United) and Perry Oliver.

WASTE

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROCHESTER’S SEASON FIXTURE ROUND 1

BENALLA (A)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

ECHUCA (H)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

SHEPPARTON (H)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

MOOROOPNA (H)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

MANSFIELD (A)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

TATURA (H)

MAY 28

ROUND 8

SEYMOUR (A)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

KYABRAM (A)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

EUROA (H)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

BENALLA (H)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

ECHUCA (A)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

SHEPPARTON (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

MOOROOPNA (A)

AUGUST 13

ROUND 17

MANSFIELD (H)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

TATURA (A)

AUGUST 27

SEASON PREDICTION: SECOND: Rochester was the best team during the homeand-away season, but was shown up twice during the finals by eventual premier Benalla. With another season under coach James Flaherty, our experts predict the Tigers to make the big dance and play off against a star-studded Kyabram side.

GAME CHANGER: Ash Watson It can be no other than reigning Morrison medallist Ash Watson. The former North Melbourne on-baller cops a beating everyone week, but picks himself to deliver time and again for the Tigers thanks to his unparalleled ticker and freakish skillset. The type of player opposition coaches lose sleep over.

Nathan Marrone

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Seymour Lions FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1940; 1976 TO PRESENT NICKNAME: LIONS GROUND: KING’S PARK, TALLAROOK ST, SEYMOUR COACH: BRENT COLBERT PREMIERSHIPS: 1976, 1981, 1982, 1991, 2005, 2006, 2007 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: C. FROELICH (1940), G. LIDDELL (1978), J. SOLOMON (1989), S. SCHOTTNER (2004) 2015 FINISH: FOURTH (13–7) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JASON COLE 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: SAAD SAAD (57)

“We finished fourth last year and I think we’re a top four side again, but we’ll need some other guys to step into those key positions for us.” — Coach Brent Colbert

an Seymour back up one of the great runs to September?

It is certainly going to be tough after a challenging off-season that had the Lions lose a large chunk of quality. But the Lions’ back half of last season was right up with the best of them, turning around a campaign that looked dead and buried when they were embarrassed against Shepparton Swans in round nine. Brent Colbert’s side won nine of its last 10 games to charge into the finals and were able to turn the tables on the Swans with a galvanising win in the elimination final. The Lions’ season ended in disappointing fashion, losing to Rochester the following week by 77 points, with Hugh Robertson, who enjoyed a breakout year, injuring his knee in the opening minutes. That injury has ruled Robertson out for this entire season in a massive blow to Seymour’s back half. The Lions will be tested for height this year after forward/ruck Tim Bongetti left after one season at the club, key position Paul Colbert has decided to play in Melbourne after years battling injury troubles and fellow tall Tim O’Keefe will play in the Geelong Football League. Veteran Paul Scanlon has joined his mate Bongetti out the door to play for the Frankston Pines, while Kasey Duncan and Kyle Winter-Irving have gone back to the Kyabram District

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Football League. Brent Colbert said his side would still be hard to beat, despite those departures. “We’re definitely a different-look side this year, we’ve lost a lot of height,” Colbert said. “We finished fourth last year and I think we’re a top four side again, but we’ll need some other guys to step into those key positions for us. “We’re not going to have that height we had last year, but we’re working towards adapting and having a smaller side and I’m still predicting us to be a really competitive outfit.” Club favourite Ben Clifton has returned to Kings Park full-time after an outstanding VFL career at Coburg. The hard-nosed midfielder-forward will be joined at his home club by fellow VFL player Andrew Sturgess, while former Benalla player Alex Hay is back in the GVFL after a stint with the Deniliquin Rams. Colbert, in his third year as coach, said he would be looking towards the club’s depth to keep the Lions competitive. “There were guys last year that deserved to be playing seniors every week, but because we had a fairly full side at times, they weren’t getting a run,” Colbert said. “This year they’ll have a good opportunity to try and cement their spots in the senior side.” OLIVER CAFFREY

GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE SEYMOUR’S SEASON FIXTURE ROUND 1

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

KYABRAM (H)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

EUROA (A)

APRIL 24

ROUND 4

BENALLA (H)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

ECHUCA (A)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

SHEPPARTON (A)

MAY 28

ROUND 8

ROCHESTER (H)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

MANSFIELD (A)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

TATURA (H)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

MOOROOPNA (A)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

KYABRAM (A)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

EUROA (H)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

BENALLA (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

ECHUCA (H)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

SHEPPARTON (H)

AUGUST 27

SEASON PREDICTION: SEVENTH: Seymour is somewhat of an unknown after a number of players left at the end of an extremely positive season. The Lions still have plenty of talent there, but there are doubts about if it will be enough to have them back up last year’s finals appearance.

GAME CHANGER: Ben Clifton Brent Colbert

Jason Cole

IN: Ben Clifton, Andrew Sturgess (Coburg), Alex Hay (Deniliquin Rams), OUT: Paul Scanlon, Tim Bongetti (Frankston Pine), Hugh Robertson (knee injury), Paul Colbert (Old Ivanhoe), Kasey Duncan (Avenel), Tim O’Keefe (Newtown and Chilwell), Kyle Winter-Irving (Nagambie), Will Brock (Lancefield)

Boasting more than 100 games at VFL level, Clifton is exactly what Seymour needs after losing a number of experienced players. Clifton oozes leadership and he played in the Lions’ last grand final appearance in 2012. Not a tall player, but he is the kind of player that has a presence out on the field and he will form a formidable midfield group with Jason Cole and Brett Meredith.

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Shepparton Bears FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BEARS GROUND: DEAKIN RESERVE COACH: BRAD CAMPBELL PREMIERSHIPS: 1899, 1903, 1906, 1908, 1909, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1920, 1925, 1929, 1934, 1952, 1957, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1978, 1993, 1994, 2000 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: E. JAMES (1935–37), J. DALGLEISH (1960), D. CODE (1980–81), G. REESE (1982 JOINT), S. ASH (2000, 2003 JOINT), M. BYERS (2005) 2015 FINISH: NINTH (6–12) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: NICK ALLAN 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DANIEL WILLIS (27)

hepparton will attempt to go again this season.

It has been a tough road back up the ladder for the former GVFL powerhouse, with the Bears not having played finals since 2005. Just when Brad Campbell’s side looked to be making a serious run back to September, the Bears were hit hard with two key players leaving ahead of this season. One (Rhys O’Sullivan) the Bears saw coming, the other (Daniel Willis) caught them off guard. With O’Sullivan heading to Yarrawonga, Shepparton loses its captain and main pillar in defence for the best part of a decade. Willis made the surprising switch to GVFL rival Echuca and the interleague forward, who played sporadically with Essendon’s VFL side last year, will be a big loss in front of goals. Fellow talls Dion Metzner and former Murray Bushranger Kyle Galloway have moved on, so the challenge for the Bears will be to develop more big men across the board. Campbell said it was hard to gauge where his group was at. “We really don’t know yet,” Campbell said. “It’s a difficult one, because if we had the same group and brought in a few other guys around them we’d have a better idea, but with a few guys going, it’s a big unknown for us. “We’re just doing the best we can right now, trying to stay positive and to keep working hard on the track.” In a major relief for the Bears, fourtime best-and-fairest winner Nick

Ash Holland

Allan is sticking around after toying with the idea of switching clubs. He will hold the midfield together and will get some good support from former AFL player David Gallagher, who is coming off a Bendigo league premiership with Strathfieldsaye. Former Murray Bushranger Luke Smith is making his way from Congupna, while fellow young gun Darcy Laffy will provide some spark after playing at Wangaratta last year. Ash Holland has proven himself as one of the best ruckmen in the competition during recent seasons and he will share the captaincy with key position player Ted Lindon. Lindon can be a genuine matchwinner on his day, as he showed last year in his first game for the season when he booted six goals as the Bears smashed Echuca by an incredible 72 points away from home. Seb Walsh was a shining light for Shepparton last year after coming across from Daylesford, playing every game and impressing at both ends of the ground. OLIVER CAFFREY

IN: David Gallagher (Strathfieldsaye), Luke Smith (Congupna), Aaron Egan (Shepparton Swans), Darcy Laffy (Wangaratta), James Wong (Deer Park) OUT: Rhys O’Sullivan (Yarrawonga), Daniel Willis (Echuca), Dion Metzner (Barooga), Xavier Stevenson (St George Dragons), Kyle Galloway (Sydney Swans)

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE SHEPPARTON’S SEASON FIXTURE

“We’re just doing the best we can right now, trying to stay positive and to keep working hard on the track.”

ROUND 1

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

APRIL 2

ROUND 2

ECHUCA (A)

APRIL 9

ROUND 3

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

APRIL 16

ROUND 4

MOOROOPNA (H)

APRIL 23

ROUND 5

ROCHESTER (A)

APRIL 30

ROUND 6

MANSFIELD (H)

MAY 7

ROUND 7

TATURA (A)

MAY 14

ROUND 8

SEYMOUR (H)

MAY 28

ROUND 9

KYABRAM (H)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

EUROA (A)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

BENALLA (H)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

ECHUCA (H)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

MOOROOPNA (A)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

ROCHESTER (H)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

MANSFIELD (A)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

TATURA (H)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

SEYMOUR (A)

AUGUST 27

Mitch Brett

– Coach Brad Campbell Nick Allan

SEASON PREDICTION: ELEVENTH: Unfortunately for Shepparton, it could be taking a few steps back this season. The Bears have failed to replace book-end players Rhys O’Sullivan and Daniel Willis, who left during the off-season. With a young side, it is hard to see the Bears pushing too far up the ladder.

GAME CHANGER: Ash Holland The big man will take on extra responsibility this season after inheriting the co-captaincy. Holland is suddenly one of the older players at the club and his experience in the middle to be able to give his midfield of Nick Allan and David Gallagher first use of the footy will be crucial. He can also go forward and kick a goal when needed.

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Shepparton Swans FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1946 (AS LEMNOS FOOTBALL CLUB) NICKNAME: SWANS GROUND: PRINCESS PARK COACH: HAYDEN BEST PREMIERSHIPS: 1959, 1960, 1970, 2014 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: B. TYQUIN (1949), R. ORRMAN (1951, 1954, 1959), N. SMITH (1975), M. LAMBOURN (1996), ALL AS LEMNOS; J. SUTHERLAND (2002), B. DURBRIDGE (2009) AS SHEPPARTON SWANS 2015 FINISH: FIFTH (12–7) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BJ SQUIRE 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JUSTIN MADDERN (74)

premiership is always a hard act to follow.

And so Shepparton Swans found out, as their first flag success in 2014 was backed up by an elimination final loss last year. There were a number of departures from Princess Park after lifting the Tom Hastie Cup that many thought the Swans might not even play finals last season. But Hayden Best, who succeeded Brett Warburton after the 2014 grand final, was able to get the Swans into the final six. While there were doomsayers last year, there is plenty of buzz around the Swans this pre-season. A solid recruiting campaign, which was done almost entirely before Christmas, helped the Swans rise again as a genuine threat for the premiership.

“James Kroussoratis we’re very excited about and we think he can play a good role for us...” – Coach Hayden Best Out goes premiership forward Justin Maddern and star midfielder Tyson Sidebottom, but the Swans would have to like who is coming in. Northern Football League leading goal-kicker James Kroussoratis is a huge inclusion and could take the league by storm if up and going. The midfield will be bolstered significantly with premiership captain

Jessie Finnen

HSA FORKLIFTS • • • •

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Jessie Finnen returning after a season away. He will be joined in the engine room by Rumbalara’s Nathan Terlich, Chris Cullinan and Brad Ridings, while star Murchison ruckman Tim Ewart will test himself again in the GVFL and will be a great understudy to Swans big man Mitch Bell, who took his game to another level last year. Best said he believed the recruits had made the Swans even stronger in certain areas. “James Kroussoratis we’re very excited about and we think he can play a good role for us and he’s actually a bit different from Maddern and we’ve been training for that in the pre-season,” Best said. “Our midfield is already batting pretty deep and to throw Brad Ridings, Chris Cullinan, Jessie Finnen and Nath Terlich into the mix, with BJ Squire, Quade Johnstone and Sam Gemmill, that’s something we’re really looking forward to seeing.” With Maddern and Sidebottom they lose two experienced guns, while premiership player Alex Overs, who has struggled with injuries, has left for Katamatite. Last year’s co-captain Brady Childs was never going to play after tragically injuring his knee in the finals last year, but has returned to coach his home club South Bendigo. The draw looks to have gone in the Swans’ favour, with a great opening to the season and they also avoid playing grand finalists Benalla and Kyabram twice. OLIVER CAFFREY

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE SHEPP SWANS’ SEASON FIXTURE ROUND 1

MOOROOPNA (H)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

SHEPPARTON (A)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

ROCHESTER (H)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

MANSFIELD (A)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

TATURA (H)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

SEYMOUR (A)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

MAY 28

ROUND 8

KYABRAM (A)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

EUROA (H)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

BENALLA (A)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

ECHUCA (H)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

MOOROOPNA (A)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

SHEPPARTON (H)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

ROCHESTER (A)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

MANSFIELD (H)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

TATURA (A)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

SEYMOUR (H)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

AUGUST 27

SEASON PREDICTION: FOURTH: The consensus is that the boys at Princess Park will challenge for another premiership this year. After bowing out of the finals in straight sets last year as reigning premier, the Swans have added nicely to their team in Hayden Best’s second year and should have enough firepower to push far into September.

GAME CHANGER: James Kroussoratis

Mitch Bell IN: Jessie Finnen (East Malvern), Nathan Terlich (Rumbalara), Chris Cullinan (Heidelberg), James Kroussoratis (Eltham), Tim Ewart (Murchison), Brad Ridings (Queenscliff) OUT: Tyson Sidebottom, Justin Maddern (Mitiamo), Brady Childs (South Bendigo), Ryan Keys (Banyule), Alex Overs (Katamatite), Ian Fry (Picola United)

Key forwards are hard to come by, but the Swans have replaced a quality one in Justin Maddern with another that will be hard for opposition defenders to handle. Still only in his early 20s, Kroussoratis is coming off an exceptional season in the Northern Football League and should become one of the stars of this competition.

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Shepparton United Demons FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1950 NICKNAME: DEMONS GROUND: DEAKIN RESERVE, SKENE ST, SHEPPARTON COACH: MARC QUARRELL PREMIERSHIPS: 1954, 1955, 1956, 1962, 1967, 1974, 1980, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2010, 2011 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: J. WILLIAMS (1984), P. FOOTT (1992) 2015 FINISH: TENTH (5–11–2) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: SHANE NEAVES 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TIM LOOBY (34)

wo-time Shepparton United premiership coach Marc Quarrell is back and he wants to play finals.

“We haven’t featured in finals for a couple of years now, so there’s no doubt we’ll be aiming for finals and anything less than that will be a disappointment.”

Since Quarrell left the club after the 2013 grand final loss to Kyabram, the Demons have not been in September action. There has been something missing at Deakin Reserve, with a terrible year having them become almost irrelevant by the end of last season. When Quarrell was first announced to be ending his two-year break from coaching, he was to be sharing the duties with good mate and former United skipper Sam Dawes. But Quarrell will be riding solo, with Dawes relinquishing his duties because of a busy life outside of football. Quarell said United was a proud club and did not want to be where it had been the past two years. “We haven’t featured in finals for a couple of years now, so there’s no doubt we’ll be aiming for finals and anything less than that will be a disappointment,” Quarrell said. “I think we’ve got a lot of classy young players coming through, particularly from that under-16 and under-18 group from last year. “But we’re certainly not getting carried away with what we’ve got, it will be small steps.” Loyal clubmen Matt Rendina and Shannon Campbell have departed to Shepparton East, while youngster Beau Caia departs after playing 17 senior games last year. Key position player Jesse McInneny

— Coach Marc Quarrell

Shane Neaves

has left due to work commitments, but the inclusions far outweigh those going out. Former AFL prospect Jackson Starcevich, son of Collingwood premiership player Craig, and reigning Bendigo league best-andfairest Brodie Filo should form a formidable forward-midfield combination. Starcevich is the power forward United has been crying out for since Jason Eagle left, while Filo is a classy midfielder that has played great footy everywhere he has gone. Two-time premiership big man Clint Edwards returns from a stint in Melbourne, while Daniel Bowles and Tate Mifka are great pick-ups from Congupna. Edwards should complement reigning best-and-fairest winner Shane Neaves, who dominated in the ruck in his first year at United, but did not have enough support from his midfield. “Tate Mifka and Daniel Bowles from Congupna, they haven’t missed a beat over the pre-season and a lot of boys been really working hard,” Quarrell said. Interleague star Tim Looby, free of coaching duties, should be able to find more of a permanent role after being forced to plug gaps anywhere he could during the past two years. Looby still played some terrific football, but the problem United had was it had needed more players like him. OLIVER CAFFREY

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE UNITED’S SEASON FIXTURE

IN: Brodie Filo (Eaglehawk), Jackson Starcevich (Redland), Daniel Bowles, Tate Mifka (Congupna), Clint Edwards (Fitzroy Stars), Luke McCluskey (Undera) OUT: Matt Rendina, Shannon Campbell, Joey Perkovic, Daniel Campbell (Shepparton East), Jesse McInneny (Sunbury), Beau Caia (Chelsea), Jayden Goodwin, Kane Handley, Tim Karolidis (Tallygaroopna), Rhys Healey

Ryan Butler

ROUND 1

SHEPPARTON (H)

APRIL 2

ROUND 2

SEYMOUR (H)

APRIL 9

ROUND 3

MOOROOPNA (A)

APRIL 16

ROUND 4

KYABRAM (A)

APRIL 23

ROUND 5

EUROA (H)

APRIL 30

ROUND 6

BENALLA (A)

MAY 7

ROUND 7

ECHUCA (H)

MAY 14

ROUND 8

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

MAY 28

ROUND 9

ROCHESTER (A)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

MANSFIELD (H)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

TATURA (A)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

SEYMOUR (A)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

MOOROOPNA (H)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

KYABRAM (H)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

EUROA (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

BENALLA (H)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

ECHUCA (A)

AUGUST 13

ROUND 18

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

AUGUST 27

SEASON PREDICTION: SIXTH: Shepparton United is a club that demands success and our tipsters believe the Demons can deliver September action again. United made the 2013 grand final under Marc Quarrell, but it has been slim pickings since. Expect United to be a relevant force again under the master coach.

GAME CHANGER: Jackson Starcevich Key forwards are hard to come by, but United looks to have picked up a beauty. Standing at almost 200 cm and still only 22 years old, Starcevich was once considered an AFL prospect. A strong body and a good kick at goal, Starcevich has the potential to transform the Demons’ forward line this year and give opposition defenders nightmares.

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Tatura Bulldogs FAST FACTS >>: JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BULLDOGS GROUND: TATURA SHOWGROUNDS COACH: LINC WELLINGTON PREMIERSHIPS: 1898, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1904, 1905, 1952, 1953, 1995, 1998, 2003, 2012 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: W. PRITCHARD (1947), J. GREENWOOD (1969, 1970), N. SMITH (1974), T. ESLER (1995 JOINT) 2015 FINISH: BOTTOM (1–17) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JAMASON DANIELS AND BILLY LOVEL 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: PAUL KIRBY (17)

lot can change in two months, let alone 12.

Just ask Tatura. The Bulldogs endured a difficult 2015 season, winning their sole game in the final round of the home-andaway season. There were better times ahead when Jamason Daniels stayed on as playing coach for another year and brought back a number of players back to the club. However, Daniels was made an offer too good to refuse and he has made the move to the Gold Coast after accepting a development coaching role at the Suns and will captain their NEAFL side. While the Bulldogs will miss him as a coach and a star midfielder, things are looking much brighter at the kennel this year. Club legend Linc Wellington was swiftly brought back from Kyabram District club Merrigum in January to coach the side and Tatura has retained all of its off-season recruits, apart from Tom Durward, who has stayed in the KDFL with Stanhope. Wellington said there was a great feel around the club heading into the season. “The transition has been good since Jamo left, it’s been very smooth and the club is heading in the right direction,” Wellington said. “I’ve gone away and experienced something a bit different at Merrigum, but it’s great to be back here again because I love the club. “We’re not putting anything out there in terms of expectations, if we

Linc Wellington

win eight games or 15, we just don’t really know. “We’ll just keep assessing throughout the year and keep building with what we’ve got.” After an exodus out of Tatura at the end of 2014, the Bulldogs have focused on bringing a number of ex-players back to bolster the young group. Wellington is joined by former Tatura players Michael Roberts, Leigh Owen, Robbie Montgomery and James Sullivan, while Mooroopna forward Daniel Lewis has arrived in controversial circumstances after first signing with Picola District league club Waaia. James Wall and Rian McGough are virtual recruits, too, after playing only 12 games between them last year when their VFL commitments allowed. Although James Sullivan is back at Tatura, he might be in a similar position to what Wall and McGough were in last season, as he has signed on with VFL club Box Hill. Wellington has not ruled out Daniels flying down from Queensland and playing for the Bulldogs when he has a spare weekend with the Suns. “There’s a lot to work on and we’re just working on this year, we’re not worrying about last year’s results,” Wellington said. “Jamo put in a lot of positive work and it’s up to us to build on that with a lot of different players and go from there.” OLIVER CAFFREY

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GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE TATURA’S SEASON FIXTURE

James Wall

“There’s a lot to work on and we’re just working on this year, we’re not worrying about last year’s results.”

ROUND 1

MOOROOPNA (A)

APRIL 2

ROUND 2

KYABRAM (A)

APRIL 10

ROUND 3

EUROA (H)

APRIL 16

ROUND 4

BENALLA (H)

APRIL 23

ROUND 5

ECHUCA (H)

APRIL 30

ROUND 6

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

MAY 7

ROUND 7

SHEPPARTON (H)

MAY 14

ROUND 8

ROCHESTER (A)

MAY 28

ROUND 9

MANSFIELD (H)

JUNE 4

ROUND 10

SEYMOUR (A)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

KYABRAM (H)

JULY 3

ROUND 13

EUROA (A)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

BENALLA (H)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

ECHUCA (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

SHEPPARTON (A)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

ROCHESTER (H)

AUGUST 27

SEASON PREDICTION: NINTH: Tatura is coming off a difficult season, but there are better days ahead for. With coach Jamason Daniels the Bulldogs’ only loss, combined with a strong recruiting campaign, they will be a stronger threat than they were last season. It would not surprise to see them in finals contention.

— Coach Linc Wellington

IN: Linc Wellington (Merrigum), Daniel Lewis (Mooroopna), Robbie Montgomery (Numurkah), Leigh Owen (Avondale Heights), Ned Mabon (Hay), James Sullivan (Golden Square), Michael Roberts (Maroochydore)

GAME CHANGER: James Wall

OUT: Jamason Daniels (Gold Coast Suns NEAFL)

He only played four games last year and Tatura was competitive in all of them. With Wall not playing in the VFL this year, he will be free to dominate for the Bulldogs. A tall and versatile player, Wall can play anywhere from the ruck to defence and up forward. He’s exactly what the young Bulldogs need.

Daniel Lewis

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Football and Netball 2016 Page 31

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JUNIOR FOOTBALL

Junior football is continuing to grow A

FL Goulburn Murray takes care of Shepparton District Junior Football League, Seymour District Junior Football League, Goulburn Campaspe Junior Football League and 49 AusKick centres, along with the Youth Girls competition.

There has been a change this year, with the primary school competition being merged in with the SDJFL after an extensive review. The primary school division will be renamed as the SDJFL junior division, while the under-14 and under-16 competitions will be called the SDJFL Youth Division. AFL Goulburn Murray general manager Martin Gleeson said the merger had made it better for clubs and players alike. “It’s been all about getting that pathway better and making it easier for clubs to recruit and retain juniors,” Gleeson said. “I think there are lots of positives about combining the primary school competition in with the SDJFL and hopefully we will see those positives come about in the next few seasons. “We’ve already had a strong response following the alignment with teams from Katunga, Murchison and Toolamba looking to join, so the expectation is that will only continue to grow.” Nathalia-based Northern Angels enjoyed a positive debut season in the Youth Girls competition and Gleeson said numbers were up on last year and expected them to improve. “We’re a few years into the Youth Girls competition now, so we’re seeing an increase in playing standards for the league,” Gleeson said. “Numbers are up and with the Youth Girls academies in place, we think that will only continue to grow, especially with the creation of the National Women’s League next year.” A home-and-away season is played in the SDJFL, as well as a final series, which proved to be as exciting as the last with some excellent grand finals taking place at Deakin Reserve.

U-16 Division 2 grand final Kyabram

Echuca’s Oscar Reid has a grip of Mooroopna opponent Anthony Walker

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U-16 Division 1 grand final Shepp United

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SHEPPARTON NETBALL ASSOCIATION

New courts give season flying start

Kallahrney Turner

en netball courts have been redeveloped in time for the start of the season as part of the Greater Shepparton Regional Sports Precinct.

The almost $1.4 million development, funded by Greater Shepparton City Council, Shepparton Netball Association and the Federal Government, ensures the Brauman St precinct’s 10 back courts are fully compliant. While eight courts were initially planned for the project, a new $90 000 contribution from Shepparton Netball Association, alongside its

Shepparton Netball Association action will return next month with freshly redeveloped courts.

previous $50 000, has ensured two additional courts. Senior and junior competition begins on Saturday, April 16, with the format to play out as it did last season. The association will also run an Access All Abilities program, providing independence, fitness and most of all enjoyment to male and female players from a broad spectrum of disabilities, ages and cultural backgrounds. Association president Tanya Phillips said

the Zaidee’s Rainbow Day round would again be organised this year, and was likely to be on the same weekend as the biggest day on the association’s calendar — its annual tournament — on Sunday, May 22. The tournament attracts players from across the region and the state and also acts as SNA’s biggest fundraiser for the year. It is also set to be a blockbuster year for the association’s representative sides. Phillips said sides were picked last year and

had been busy training during the warmer months. Two under-13 and two under-15 teams will contest Netball Victoria’s Association Championships at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Sunday, June 26, as well as various tournaments across the state. Jo Moroney is head coach of the 18-player under-15 squad, alongside assistant Elisha Fiddes. Stacey Cole is in charge of the under-13 squad and will be assisted by Michelle Barzen.

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LEAGUE FIXTURESLEAGUE FIXTURES

GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE Round 1

April 2

Shepp United v Shepparton Mooroopna v Tatura April 9 Shepp Swans v Mooroopna Benalla v Rochester Euroa v Mansfield Shepp United v Seymour Echuca v Shepparton April 10 Kyabram v Tatura

Round 2

April 16

Shepparton v Shepp Swans Rochester v Echuca Mansfield v Benalla Tatura v Euroa Seymour v Kyabram Mooroopna v Shepp United

Round 3

April 23

Shepp Swans v Rochester Echuca v Mansfield Benalla v Tatura Kyabram v Shepp United Shepparton v Mooroopna April 24 Euroa v Seymour

Round 4

April 30 Mansfield v Shepp Swans Tatura v Echuca Seymour v Benalla Shepp United v Euroa Mooroopna v Kyabram Rochester v Shepparton

Round 5 May 7

Round 7

May 28 Shepp Swans v Shepp United Echuca v Kyabram Benalla v Euroa Shepparton v Seymour Rochester v Tatura Mooroopna v Mansfield

Round 8

June 4

Shepp Swans v Tatura Echuca v Seymour Benalla v Shepp United Euroa v Kyabram Shepparton v Mansfield Rochester v Mooroopna

Kyabram v Shepp Swans Euroa v Echuca Benalla v Mooroopna Seymour v Rochester Tatura v Mansfield

Round 6

June 11

May 14 Seymour v Shepp Swans Shepp United v Echuca Kyabram v Benalla Mooroopna v Euroa Tatura v Shepparton Mansfield v Rochester INTERLEAGUE GAME May 21

Essendon District FL v Goulburn Valley FL

Round 9

Shepp Swans v Euroa Echuca v Benalla Shepparton v Kyabram Rochester v Shepp United Mansfield v Seymour

Round 10

June 18

Benalla v Shepp Swans Echuca v Mooroopna Euroa v Shepparton Kyabram v Rochester

Shepp United v Mansfield Seymour v Tatura

Round 11

June 25

Shepp Swans v Echuca Shepparton v Benalla Rochester v Euroa Mansfield v Kyabram Tatura v Shepp United Mooroopna v Seymour

Round 12

July 2

Mooroopna v Shepp Swans Shepparton v Echuca Rochester v Benalla Mansfield v Euroa Seymour v Shepp United July 3 Tatura v Kyabram

Round 13

July 16

Shepp Swans v Shepparton Echuca v Rochester Benalla v Mansfield Euroa v Tatura Kyabram v Seymour Shepp United v Mooroopna

Round 14

July 23

Rochester v Shepparton Swans Mansfield v Echuca Tatura v Benalla Seymour v Euroa Shepp United v Kyabram Mooroopna v Shepparton

Round 15

July 30

Shepp Swans v Mansfield Echuca v Tatura Benalla v Seymour Euroa v Shepp United Kyabram v Mooroopna Shepparton v Rochester

Echuca v Shepp United Benalla v Kyabram Euroa v Mooroopna Shepparton v Tatura Rochester v Mansfield

Round 18

August 27

Shepp United v Shepp Swans Kyabram v Echuca Euroa v Benalla Seymour v Shepparton Tatura v Rochester Mansfield v Mooroopna

Finals

Tatura v Shepp Swans Seymour v Echuca Shepp United v Benalla August 13 Mooroopna v Rochester Kyabram v Euroa Mansfield v Shepparton

Qualifying and elimination finals

Round 17

August 20

Shepp Swans v Seymour

September 3–4 Semi-finals September 10–11 Preliminary Final September 18 Grand Final September 25

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE Round 1

April 2

Nagambie v Lancaster Ardmona v Undera Longwood v Tallygaroopna Merrigum v Murchison Violet Town v Rushworth Stanhope v Avenel Girgarre bye

Round 2

April 9 Undera v Girgarre Tallygaroopna v Ardmona Murchison v Longwood Rushworth v Merrigum Avenel v Violet Town Lancaster v Stanhope Nagambie bye

Round 3

April 16

Nagambie v Undera Girgarre v Tallygaroopna Ardmona v Murchison Longwood v Rushworth Merrigum v Avenel Violet Town v Stanhope Lancaster bye

Round 4

April 23

Tallygaroopna v Nagambie Murchison v Girgarre Rushworth v Ardmona Avenel v Longwood Stanhope v Merrigum

Lancaster v Violet Town Undera bye

Round 5

April 30 Nagambie v Murchison Girgarre v Rushworth Longwood v Stanhope Undera v Lancaster Ardmona, Avenel, Merrigum, Violet Town, Tallygaroopna bye

Round 6

May 7 Rushworth v Nagambie Avenel v Girgarre Stanhope v Ardmona Violet Town v Longwood Lancaster v Merrigum Tallygaroopna v Undera Murchison bye

Round 7 May 14

Nagambie v Avenel Girgarre v Stanhope Ardmona v Violet Town Longwood v Merrigum Undera v Murchison Lancaster v Tallygaroopna Rushworth bye INTERLEAGUE GAME May 21

Kyabram District FL v Golden Rivers FL

Round 8 May 28

Stanhope v Nagambie Violet Town v Girgarre Merrigum v Ardmona Longwood v Lancaster Rushworth v Undera Murchison v Tallygaroopna Avenel bye

Round 9

June 4

Nagambie v Violet Town Girgarre v Merrigum Ardmona v Longwood Undera v Avenel Tallygaroopna v Rushworth Lancaster v Murchison Stanhope bye

Round 10

June 11

Merrigum v Nagambie Longwood v Girgarre Ardmona v Lancaster Stanhope v Undera Avenel v Tallygaroopna Rushworth v Murchison Violet Town bye

Round 11

June 18

Nagambie v Longwood Girgarre v Ardmona Undera v Violet Town Tallygaroopna v Stanhope Murchison v Avenel

Round 1

April 2

Rennie v Waaia Katunga v Tungamah Dookie United v Katandra Shepparton East v Katamatite

Round 2

April 9

Katandra v Rennie Katamatite v Katunga Shepparton East v Tungamah Waaia v Dookie United

Round 3

Round 16

August 6

PICOLA DISTR

April 16

Rennie v Shepparton East Waaia v Katamatite Dookie United v Katunga Tungamah v Katamatite

Round 4

April 23

Katunga v Shepparton East Katandra v Waaia Dookie United v Rennie Tungamah v Katamatite

PICOLA DISTR Lancaster v Rushworth Merrigum bye

Round 12

June 25 Ardmona v Nagambie Girgarre v Lancaster Merrigum v Undera Violet Town v Tallygaroopna Stanhope v Murchison Avenel v Rushworth Longwood bye

Round 13

July 2

Nagambie v Girgarre Undera v Longwood Tallygaroopna v Merrigum Murchison v Violet Town Rushworth v Stanhope Lancaster v Avenel Ardmona bye

Round 14

July 9

Lancaster v Nagambie Undera v Ardmona Tallygaroopna v Longwood Murchison v Merrigum Rushworth v Violet Town Avenel v Stanhope Girgarre bye

Round 15

July 16

Girgarre v Undera Ardmona v Tallygaroopna Longwood v Murchison

Merrigum v Rushworth Violet Town v Avenel Stanhope v Lancaster Nagambie bye

Round 16

July 23

Undera v Nagambie Tallygaroopna v Girgarre Murchison v Ardmona Rushworth v Longwood Avenel v Merrigum Stanhope v Violet Town Lancaster bye

Round 17

Girgarre v Avenel Ardmona v Stanhope Longwood v Violet Town Merrigum v Lancaster Undera v Tallygaroopna Murchison bye

Round 20

August 20

Avenel v Nagambie Stanhope v Girgarre Violet Town v Ardmona Merrigum v Longwood Murchison v Undera Tallygaroopna v Lancaster

July 30

Nagambie v Tallygaroopna Girgarre v Murchison Ardmona v Rushworth Longwood v Avenel Merrigum v Stanhope Violet Town v Lancaster Undera bye Murchison v Nagambie Rushworth v Girgarre Avenel v Ardmona Violet Town v Merrigum Lancaster v Undera Stanhope, Longwood, Tallygaroopna bye

Round 19

August 13

Nagambie v Rushworth

March 25 Tocumwal v Berrigan April 2 Deniliquin Rovers v Yarroweyah Mathoura v Blighty Strathmerton v Picola United Jerilderie bye

Round 2

April 9

Blighty v Deniliquin Rovers Jerilderie v Strathmerton Picola United v Mathoura Yarroweyah v Tocumwal Berrigan bye

Round 3

April 16

Round 18

August 6

Round 1

Finals Elimination finals August 27–28 Semi-finals September 3–4 Preliminary Final September 10 Grand Final September 17

Berrigan v Yarroweyah Deniliquin Rovers v Picola United Mathoura v Jerilderie Tocumwal v Blighty Strathmerton bye

Round 4

April 23

Blighty v Berrigan Jerilderie v Deniliquin Rovers Picola United v Tocumwal Strathmerton v Mathoura Yarroweyah bye

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LEAGUE FIXTURESLEAGUE FIXTURES

RICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE — SOUTH-EAST Round 5

April 30

Rennie v Katunga Katamatite v Katandra Shepparton East v Dookie United Waaia v Tungamah

Round 6 May 7

Katandra v Shepparton East Katamatite v Dookie United Waaia v Katunga Tungamah v Rennie

Round 7 May 14

Rennie v Katamatite Katunga v Katandra Shepparton East v Waaia Dookie United v Tungamah INTERLEAGUE GAME May 21

Round 8

May 28 Waaia v Rennie Tungamah v Katunga

Katandra v Dookie United Katamatite v Shepparton East

Round 9

June 4

Rennie v Katandra Katunga v Katamatite Tungamah v Shepparton East Dookie United v Waaia

Round 10

Tungamah v Waaia

Round 13

July 9

Shepparton East v Katandra Dookie United v Katamatite Katunga v Waaia Rennie v Tungamah

Round 14

July 16

Shepparton East v Rennie Katamatite v Waaia Katunga v Dookie Katandra v Tungamah

Katamatite v Rennie Katandra v Katunga Waaia v Shepparton East Tungamah v Dookie United

June 18

July 23

June 11

Round 11

Shepparton East v Katunga Waaia v Katandra Rennie v Dookie United Katamatite v Tungamah

Round 12

June 25

Katunga v Rennie Katandra v Katamatite Dookie United v Shepparton East

Round 15

Rennie v Waaia Katunga v Tungamah Dookie v Katandra Shepparton East v Katamatite

Round 16

July 30

Katandra v Rennie Katamatite v Katunga Shepparton East v

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE Tungamah Waaia v Dookie United

Round 17

August 6

Rennie v Shepparton East Waaia v Katamatite Dookie United v Katunga Tungamah v Katandra

Round 18

August 13 Katunga v Shepparton East Katandra v Waaia Katamatite v Rennie Tungamah v Dookie United

Finals Elimination and Qualifying Final s

August 20–21 Semi-finals August 27–28 Preliminary Final September 3 Grand Final September 10

RICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE — NORTH-WEST Round 5

Round 9

April 30 Berrigan v Picola United Deniliquin Rovers v Strathmerton Tocumwal v Jerilderie Yarroweyah v Blighty Mathoura bye

Berrigan v Deniliquin Rovers Blighty v Strathmerton Picola United v Jerilderie Yarroweyah v Mathoura Tocumwal bye

May 7

June 11

Round 6

Jerilderie v Berrigan Mathoura v Deniliquin Rovers Picola United v Yarroweyah Strathmerton v Tocumwal Blighty bye

Round 7

May 14 Berrigan v Strathmerton Blighty v Picola United Tocumwal v Mathoura Yarroweyah v Jerilderie Deniliquin Rovers bye INTERLEAGUE GAME May 21

Round 8 May 28

Deniliquin Rovers v Tocumwal Jerilderie v Blighty Mathoura v Berrigan Strathmerton v Yarroweyah Picola United bye

June 4

Round 10

Berrigan v Tocumwal Blighty v Mathoura Picola United v Strathmerton Yarroweyah v Deniliquin Rovers Jerilderie bye

Round 11

June 18

Deniliquin Rovers v Blighty Mathoura v Picola United Strathmerton v Jerilderie Tocumwal v Yarroweyah Berrigan bye

Round 12

June 25

Blighty v Tocumwal Jerilderie v Mathoura Picola United v Deniliquin Rovers Yarroweyah v Berrigan Strathmerton bye

Round 13

July 2

Berrigan v Blighty Deniliquin Rovers v Jerilderie Mathoura v Strathmerton Tocumwal v Picola United Yarroweyah bye

Round 14

July 9

Blighty v Yarroweyah Jerilderie v Tocumwal Picola United v Berrigan Strathmerton v Deniliquin Rovers Mathoura bye

Round 17

July 30

Berrigan v Mathoura Blighty v Jerilderie Tocumwal v Deniliquin Rovers Yarroweyah v Strathmerton Picola United bye

Round 18

August 6

Strathmerton v Blighty Deniliquin Rovers v Berrigan Jerilderie v Picola United Mathoura v Yarroweyah Tocumwal bye

July 23

Jerilderie v Yarroweyah Mathoura v Tocumwal Picola United v Blighty Strathmerton v Berrigan Deniliquin Rovers bye

Barooga v Cobram Echuca United v Moama Mulwala v Congupna Rumbalara v Numurkah Nathalia v Tongala March 26 Finley v Deniliquin Rams

Round 9

Round 2 April 2

Deniliquin Rams v Echuca United Congupna v Rumbalara Moama v Nathalia Cobram v Mulwala Tongala v Barooga Numurkah v Finley Barooga v Numurkah Finley v Echuca United Deniliquin Rams v Moama Rumbalara v Cobram Nathalia v Mulwala Tongala v Congupna

June 11

Round 18

Round 11 June 18

Round 4 April 16

Echuca United v Rumbalara Mulwala v Barooga Finley v Cobram April 17 Numurkah v Nathalia April 23 Congupna v Deniliquin Rams Moama v Tongala

Round 5 April 30

Finley v Barooga Deniliquin Rams v Mulwala Nathalia v Echuca United Numurkah v Congupna Cobram v Moama Tongala v Rumbalara

Round 6 May 7

Deniliquin Rams v Rumbalara Moama v Congupna Nathalia v Barooga Numurkah v Echuca United Cobram v Tongala Finley v Mulwala

Echuca United v Barooga Finley v Nathalia Deniliquin Rams v Tongala Congupna v Cobram Rumbalara v Mulwala Numurkah v Moama

April 9

Barooga v Congupna Mulwala v Echuca United Moama v Finley Nathalia v Rumbalara Cobram v Deniliquin Rams Tongala v Numurkah

Round 12

Deniliquin Rams v Finley Congupna v Mulwala Moama v Echuca United Numurkah v Rumbalara Cobram v Barooga Tongala v Nathalia

INTERLEAGUE GAME May 21

Grand Final

Round 8

Semi-finals August 20–21

August 27

September 3

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Murray FL v South East FL May 28

Barooga v Moama

Elimination and qualifying finals

August 27–28

September 3–4 Preliminary Final

September 10 Grand Final

September 17

Barooga v Tongala Echuca United v Deniliquin Rams Finley v Numurkah Mulwala v Cobram Rumbalara v Congupna Nathalia v Moama

Preliminary Final

August 13–14

Finals

July 2

Deniliquin Rams v Congupna Rumbalara v Echuca United Cobram v Finley Tongala v Moama July 24 Barooga v Mulwala Nathalia v Numurkah

Elimination and Qualifying Final s

Finley v Tongala Deniliquin Rams v Barooga Moama v Rumbalara Nathalia v Congupna Numurkah v Mulwala Cobram v Echuca United

Barooga v Deniliquin Rams Echuca United v Cobram Mulwala v Numurkah Rumbalara v Moama Congupna v Nathalia Tongala v Finley

Round 13

Round 15

Finals

August 20

Semi-finals

June 25

May 14

Round 7

Round 17

Deniliquin Rams v Nathalia Congupna v Finley Rumbalara v Barooga Moama v Mulwala Cobram v Numurkah Tongala v Echuca United

Round 10

Round 3

Congupna v Numurkah Moama v Cobram August 6 Echuca United v Nathalia Rumbalara v Tongala August 13

June 4

Round 14

Round 15

Round 16

Echuca United v Congupna Finley v Rumbalara Mulwala v Tongala Nathalia v Cobram Numurkah v Deniliquin Rams

March 25

Barooga v Nathalia Echuca United v Numurkah Mulwala v Finley Congupna v Moama Rumbalara v Deniliquin Rams Tongala v Cobram

July 16

Berrigan v Jerilderie Deniliquin Rovers v Mathoura Tocumwal v Strathmerton Yarroweyah v Picola United Blighty bye

Round 1

July 16

Echuca United v Finley Mulwala v Nathalia Congupna v Tongala Moama v Deniliquin Rams Numurkah v Barooga Cobram v Rumbalara July 23

Round 16 July 30

Barooga v Finley Mulwala v Deniliquin Rams

WEBSITE WWW.RURALGROUP.COM.AU Football and Netball 2016 Page 39

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Who wants to pick a winner? T

here are five genuine contenders for this year’s Kyabram District Football League premiership.

It would be a brave person to count out a number of other teams, too, with most clubs looking to have significantly boosted their squads during the off-season. After getting so close in 2014, Merrigum ended its 25-year premiership drought with a (fitting) 25-point win against Stanhope in the grand final. As is usually the case when a team finally lifts the premiership cup, there are a few departures. The Bulldogs have lost experience and genuine match-winners in Ramadan Yze, Linc Wellington, Josh Pell, Tom Durward and Tom Sullivan, who played one of the great grand

finals with more than 40 possessions. But expect Christian Barnett’s side to be in contention come finals. Stanhope, spurred on by a second grand final defeat in three years, has staked its claim for redemption by recruiting well. The Lions should have one of the most imposing forward lines in the competition with Matt Forys to be assisted by fellow power forwards Eric Edwards and Justin Williams. Nagambie is always challenging for the flag and expect Linc Sullivan’s side to be breathing fire after a painful straight-sets exit from the finals last year. Murchison could be the real bolter, with Brent Chapman doing a power of work to lure

back a number of 2013 premiership stars. Avenel has made the last six for the past two seasons, but has been just a little off the pace as a genuine contender, but under new coach and reigning McNamara medallist Don Stirling, the Swans should not be taken lightly. The first challenge for the Swans will be to finally break their nine-year hoodoo against arch-rival Nagambie. There are a number of teams in the finals mix, with a young Violet Town team defying expectations last year to finish inside the top six. Tallygaroopna coach Chris Earles believes his side is good enough to play finals after a sensational recruiting drive.

Lancaster might have lost a few key players, but the Wombats are a competition powerhouse and have a habit of contending every year. Girgarre should improve considerably under second-year coach Todd Woodfine, while Rushworth will be far stronger than it was last year, which proved to be a horror season. Longwood is somewhat of an unknown, but new coach Nick Brown looks to have put a competitive squad together in the short time he has been in charge. Ardmona has lost a number of players, but new coach Jason Castle is a respected figure at the club and is sure to get the best out of his group.

Ladder predictions

KYABRAM AND DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE PAST PREMIERS: 2015: Merrigum 2014: Nagambie 2013: Murchison 2012: Violet Town 2011: Lancaster

2010: Nagambie 2009: Undera 2008: Stanhope 2007: Stanhope 2006: Ardmona

PAST McNAMARA MEDALLISTS: 2015: Don Stirling (Avenel) 2014: Mick Shiels (Nagambie) 2013: Josh Pell (Merrigum) 2012: Russell Lee (Violet Town) 2011: Steve Thomson (Lancaster) 2010: Troy Snelson (Girgarre) 2009: Paul Burnett (Lancaster) 2008: Mark Young (Ardmona) and Chris Eddy (Lancaster) 2007: Mick Shiels (Nagambie) 2006: Adam Molisak (Tallygaroopna)

5 1 0 2 R E I M E PR

Merrigum

Stanhope

Murchison

Nagambie

Merrigum

Avenel

Tallygaroopna

Lancaster

Violet Town

Rushworth

Girgarre

Undera

Longwood

Ardmona

MERRIGUM

FAST FACTS >> COACH: CHRISTIAN BARNETT 2015 FINISH: PREMIERS (17–3) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JOSH PELL 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RAMADAN YZE (54) GROUND: MERRIGUM RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BULLDOGS

Bob Knowles, coach Christian Barnett, co-captain Jon Barnett IN: Brett Maher (YCW), Charlie Lowe (Tongala), Michael Donaldson (Kyabram), Austin Bizzotto (Lancaster) OUT: Ramadan Yze (Katandra), Linc Wellington (Tatura), Josh Pell (Kyabram), Tom Sullivan (Heidelberg), Chris Younger (Port Melbourne Colts) Page 40 Football and Netball 2016

he drought has been broken, but Merrigum is not content to stop there.

The Bulldogs won their first premiership since 1990 when they defeated Stanhope in last year’s grand final, making up for the bitter disappointment of losing to Nagambie 12 months earlier. As is this case when a team gets to the top of the mountain, there are a few departures the following year. Leading goal-kicker Ramadan Yze is off to cocoach Katandra, while best-and-fairest winner Josh Pell heads back to Kyabram. Linc Wellington was an unexpected loss, going back to his home club of Tatura in January to coach after Jamason Daniels left for the Gold Coast, while best-on-ground in the grand final, Tom Sullivan is playing in Melbourne. Despite those major losses, coach Christian

Barnett said his side would again be in contention for the ultimate prize. “This is my first time coaching coming off a premiership the year before, but we’ve just got to go about it with the same intensity as we did last year and try to improve,” Barnett said. “Our expectation is to get ourselves into finals in the best shape as possible and see how much damage we can do from there. “If we can be in good nick come finals, then there are no limits on what you can do.” While the inclusions are probably not at the quality of those leaving the club, there are still reasons for Bulldogs fans to be excited. Brett Maher makes his way from Loddon Valley club YCW, Charlie Lowe is a promising young player from Tongala, while Michael Donaldson and Austin Bizzotto will add some spark. OLIVER CAFFREY

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

ARDMONA

AVENEL

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JASON CASTLE 2015 FINISH: 11TH (4–14) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: KLAE ROWAN 2015 LEADING GOALKICKER: JUSTIN WILLIAMS (18) GROUND: ARDMONA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: CATS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: DON STIRLING 2015 FINISH: FOURTH (14-6) 2015 BESTAND-FAIREST: ASH NEVILLE 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: CAEL MCCARTHY (42) GROUND: ANDERSON ST, AVENEL NICKNAME: SWANS

t all begins again for Ardmona.

It has been tough going in the past year for the Cats, with financial difficulties leading to five star players pursuing opportunities elsewhere in the middle of last season just when the team looked to be going somewhere. That bitter blow resulted in some big losses towards the end of the season, with Tom Durward, Luke Trevena, Nick Airs, Scott Lambden and Dylan Moncur the players to depart. Club favourite Jason Castle is the man in charge this year, stepping into the job when reigning Mooroopna reserves coach Peter Goggin pulled out of the job because of personal reasons. Castle said he did not have high expectations for the year after a difficult period, but hoped to work with the talented youth at the club, with the under-18 side having played in the past two grand finals. “It’s going to be a long haul, so we can’t expect to be playing finals or anything this year, but if we can pull off a win or two and see some improvement, that’s all we can ask for,” Castle said. “The juniors are your future, so you’ve got to try and stick with them as they come through

eigning league best-and-fairest winner Don Stirling will lead Avenel this year as the Swans look to solidify their premiership credentials.

Ashton Cashion IN: Nil OUT: Justin Williams, Klae Rowan, Stuart Trevena, Sam Woodward, Ray Young (Stanhope)

and keep them around.” Former coach Justin Williams has returned to Stanhope, as has young forward Sam Woodward, reigning best-and-fairest winner Klae Rowan, Stuart Trevena and Ray Young. With Castle appointed so late it was hard for the Cats to recruit players, but it will be youth that leads the Cats forward. OLIVER CAFFREY

GIRGARRE

Cameron Gillett did an outstanding job in his two years in charge to get Avenel back playing finals after a decade-long absence. However, the Swans have been slightly off the pace of the top few teams, which is highlighted by not having beaten arch-rival and league powerhouse Nagambie for nine years. While the Swans bowed out in the semifinals to eventual grand finalist Stanhope, there was a lot to like for Stirling, who is taking on his first coaching job. “We’re looking to improve even further on last year’s results,” Stirling said. “It was the first time the club had won a final in a long time, so that was really good, but we want to go further up the ladder and beat those better sides.” The only major losses for the Swans during the off-season have been Josh McDonald and Mitchell Berry, while they have picked up a number of players. Powerful ruckman Anthony Dickinson makes his way up from VAFA club Old

IN: Kasey Duncan (Seymour), Anthony Dickinson (Old Xaverians), Michael Dundon (Pyramid Hill), Nick Goodwin (Wallan), Ryan Kliemt (Hillston Swans), Michael Berry (Broadford) OUT: Josh McDonald (Tongala), Cameron Muir (Seymour), Mitchell Berry (Longwood)

Xaverians, while Nick Goodwin returns from a stint with Wallan. Michael Berry joins from Broadford, while Ryan Kliemt is back at Avenel after two years playing elsewhere. OLIVER CAFFREY

LANCASTER

FAST FACTS >> COACH: TODD WOODFINE 2015 FINISH: NINTH (5–13) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: RYAN JONES 2015 LEADING GOALKICKER: RYAN JONES (34) GROUND: GIRGARRE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: KANGAROOS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: NICK BERTOLI 2015 FINISH: FIFTH (12–7) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: RUSSELL LEE 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: HEATH BARNETT (83) GROUND: LANCASTER RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: WOMBATS

few players out, but plenty coming in.

here was a lot to like about Girgarre last year.

The Kangaroos moved up the ladder under new coach Todd Woodfine as they scored some impressive wins along the way. Woodfine is sticking around for a second season and he hoped his side would continue to build. “We’re hoping to win a lot more games than last year — that’s the first aim,” Woodfine said. “We’ve kept the majority of our senior players and most of them committed before the end of last season, which is a massive positive. “The culture is really developing to the point now where everyone is pushing to get on the track at training, because if they don’t, they won’t be guaranteed a game.” Woodfine’s Echuca United connection has paid dividends, with the blockbuster recruitment of Eagles gun Ash Kirchhofer. His signing comes on top of securing Jake Hyland from the Bendigo league, where he was a regular senior player for Kyneton. Ash Hughes is back after a year in Queensland, while Hayden Smith heads over

Don Stirling

Ryan Jones from Heathcote. Josh Molluso and Russell Eden are the only two core senior players from last year to depart, with Brad Giorgianni also leaving, but he managed only three games for the Kangaroos. “There’s a really good feel around the club and we’re not going to put a limit on what we can achieve this year,” Woodfine said. OLIVER CAFFREY

IN: Hayden Smith (Heathcote), Jake Hyland (Kyneton), Ash Kirchhofer (Echuca United), Ash Hughes (Queensland), Tom Walsh, Brendan McGrath (Tongala) OUT: Russell Eden (Katandra), Brad Giorgianni, Josh Molluso (Echuca United)

That is the story of Lancaster’s offseason after last year’s co-coach Nick Bertoli took sole responsibility of the Wombats after Melbourne-based Russell Lee’s departure. There is real reason for optimism at Lancaster, despite the loss of Lee and star midfielder Steve Thomson to Kyabram, along with fellow key players David Rigney, Chris Taylor, Chris Varsamakis and Brad Perry. Instead of focusing on players from Melbourne, Bertoli has looked far closer to home for talent. An extraordinary 10 players are making the short journey down the road from Kyabram Recreation Reserve to front-up at Wombat land this season. Logan Demasi is a huge get, with the youngster playing 11 senior GVFL games last year, while the other nine have been on the fringe in a powerful Kyabram Bombers side that has only got stronger. “I suppose the expectations are to play finals, when you start a season you want to play finals and Lancaster has traditionally been right up there,” Bertoli said. “We’ve got a new cluster of players coming in and there is a real excitement in the group with really good numbers at training, compared to last year when a lot of the guys were in Melbourne.

Heath Barnett IN: Logan Demasi, Josh Berry, Beau Joyce, Brent Roberts, Besim Besim, Sam Spedding, Jack Donnell, Nick Denham, Jayden Mitchell, Aron Goode (Kyabram), Will Jarrett (Townsville), Jase Casey (Aberfeldie), Colin Sanbrook, Andrew Pettigrove (Mangoplah Cookardinia United Eastlakes), Andrew Pride, Austin Stokes (returning) OUT: Russell Lee, David Rigney, Chris Taylor, Chris Varsamakis (Banyule), Brad Perry (Diamond Creek), Daniel Sunitsch (Elmore), Steve Thomson (Kyabram), Austin Bizzotto (Merrigum)

“There’s no limit on how high we’re going to go, but there’s definitely a good feeling around the club.” OLIVER CAFFREY

Football and Netball 2016 Page 41

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

LONGWOOD

MURCHISON

FAST FACTS >> COACH: BRENT CHAPMAN 2015 FINISH: SEVENTH (10–8) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: TIM EWART 2015 LEADING GOALKICKER: BRENT CHAPMAN (100) GROUND: MURCHISON RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: NICK BROWN 2015 FINISH: LAST (0–18) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MITCH MCGRATH 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DANIEL SACCO (23) GROUND: LONGWOOD RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: REDLEGS

ongwood is coming off a tough year.

The Redlegs went through winless and concerns about the club’s future became serious towards the end of the season. But the people of Longwood decided to keep the club going and under new coach Nick Brown should be more competitive on the field. Brown coached Ovens and King club Benalla All Blacks last year — another side that went without a win. He has brought a number of players with him from Benalla, while journeymen Matthew Hodgetts and Daniel Freeman have also jumped on board. Brown said he learned a great deal under trying circumstances at the All Blacks. “I probably would’ve recruited differently if I had my time again at the All Blacks, but your first job is always the hardest and I believe we’re on the right path here at Longwood,” Brown said. “It will be about changing the culture and

urchison was not far off the pace last year, but expects to be one of the teams setting it this season.

Daniel Freeman that losing culture the club it has had in recent years because it would make such a big difference to the community to get a few wins on the board. “All the hard work will be done in the next two to three years to gradually get us back to showing on the scoreboard.” Marc Baker will be a good pick-up, but the Redlegs were dealt a blow when reigning bestand-fairest winner Mitch McGrath decided to stay in Melbourne. OLIVER CAFFREY

IN: Daniel Freeman, Dayne Webber, Matthew Hodgetts (Goorambat), Josh Brown, Nick Brown, Ricky Ahearn, Nathan Watson, Jarrod Winzer (Benalla All Blacks), Marc Baker (Wallan), Tom Tobin (Euroa) OUT: Mitch McGrath (Melbourne)

NAGAMBIE

FAST FACTS >> COACH: LINC SULLIVAN 2015 FINISH: THIRD (17–1) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: DAVID PRICE 2015 LEADING GOALKICKER: PAT RATTRAY (86) GROUND: NAGAMBIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LAKERS

Kyle Winter-Irving

IN: James Milne (Euroa), Jake Rennie (Quambatook), Jake Ewart (Beaufort), Brayden Cecchin, Luke Cecchin (Shepparton East), Chris Oliver (Buninyong) OUT: Tim Ewart (Shepparton Swans), Stephen Burns (Shepparton East)

especially with the player points system coming in, that makes it even more important,” Chapman said. “We’ve got five blokes that played a key role in that 2013 premiership, so that’s a great result. “Tim Ewart leaves a massive hole, but I spoke to Chris Oliver and he was keen to come back up this way to play. “Just missing finals last year was disappointing, but we’re aiming to make finals to begin with now and then see what we can do from there.” OLIVER CAFFREY

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JASON HUCKER 2015 FINISH: 12TH (1-17) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: JASON HUCKER 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: MICHAEL TELFORD (24) GROUND: IRONBARK STADIUM NICKNAME: TIGERS

he hunger is back at Nagambie.

Page 42 Football and Netball 2016

Jake Ewart

RUSHWORTH

The Lakers were the standout team for most of last season as they looked on track for back-to-back premierships. However, they were beaten when it matters, getting bounced out in straights sets by eventual premier Merrigum and other grand finalist Stanhope. Premiership coach Linc Sullivan is going around again and he believed the pain of finals defeat would spur his side on. “After going out like we did, it’s definitely re-ignited us,” Sullivan said. “We’ve changed a few things around, a little bit of a different game style that will hopefully see some improved results.” The Lakers, who already have some of the best depth in the competition, have managed to keep a good core of their list together, but there have been some major departures. David Price is a loss as big as they come, with the best-and-fairest winner and premiership star off to Elmore with Josh Comi, while Jayden Gleeson heads to Euroa. Veteran forward Pat Rattray, who still managed to kick 86 goals last season, has moved to Golden Rivers Football League club Quambatook. But there are some handy inclusions as Kyle Winter-Irving returns after a breakout GVFL season with Seymour, while key positon player

Brent Chapman, heading into his second year as the Grasshoppers’ coach, has had one of the most productive off-seasons of any KDFL club. Murchison has focused heavily on recruiting former stars back to the club and it has succeeded. Premiership players in 2013 Jake Rennie, Jake Ewart and Brayden Cecchin are back, as is the man who captained that droughtbreaking flag, Luke Cecchin. The return of James Milne is a major coup, with the former best-and-fairest winner at the Grasshoppers enjoying a successful season in the GVFL last year with Euroa. Tim Ewart, who has proved himself as the premier ruckman in the KDFL during the last few seasons, is a massive loss as he tries his hand at Shepparton Swans, but former St Kilda big man Chris Oliver is an excellent replacement. Chapman said the club had high ambitions for the new season. “We set out with the aim to get as much local talent back to the club as we can,

IN: Kyle Winter-Irving (Seymour), Marty Shadbolt (Bridgewater), Daine Lowry (YCW), Willie Tranter (returning) OUT: David Price, Josh Comi (Elmore), Jayden Gleeson (Euroa), Pat Rattray (Quambatook)

Marty Shadbolt and solid midfielder Daine Lowry will top off the Lakers nicely. “We’ve been pretty fortunate to have retained most of our blokes and the player points system won’t really affect us considering we’ve got a dual league medallist (Michael Shiels) worth one point,” Sullivan said. Expect the Lakers to be right in the mix for the flag. OLIVER CAFFREY

hings can only go up for Rushworth.

The Tigers are coming off a horror year that had them win one game and be plagued by rumours the club was on the verge of folding. But with star player Jason Hucker taking on the coaching reins, there are better days ahead. “I think things are a hell of a lot better,” Hucker said. “Last year was just one of those calamitous sort of seasons that clubs go through from time to time for whatever reason. “We’ve recruited really well and we focused on a bit of a Merrigum model where you get your good local boys back on deck and build from there. “It’s not going to be a one or two-year fix, but we’re looking substantially better than this time last year.” Young goal-kicker Troy Damon is back after a year away, while Adam Harrap returns from a stint with Nagambie. Dillan van der Donk will be better for the experience in the GVFL with Shepparton United, while Adam Vick will bolster the Tigers significantly. Big man Daniel Lambden will give the Tigers a presence, while Shaun Young is a good pick up from Bendigo. Matt Thomas, Andrew Gelsi and James Turner are big losses after playing well last

Daniel Lambden IN: Troy Damon (Waaia), Adam Harrap (Nagambie), Brett Anderson (Stanhope), Daniel Lambden (Glenroy), Shaun Young (Golden Square), Dillan van der Donk (Shepparton United), Adam Vick (Kyabram) OUT: Andrew Gelsi (Mooroopna), Matt Thomas (North Bendigo), James Turner (Westmeadows)

season, but the Tigers’ recruits should rectify those departures. OLIVER CAFFREY

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

STANHOPE

TALLYGAROOPNA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: CHRIS EARLES 2015 FINISH: 10TH (5–13) 2015 BESTAND-FAIREST: DOUG WREN 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RUSSELL SHERIFF (37) GROUND: TALLYGAROOPNA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: REDLEGS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: BRENTON GRAY 2015 FINISH: SECOND (16–5) 2015 BESTAND-FAIREST: MATT FORYS 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: MATT FORYS (133) GROUND: GILL COCHRANE OVAL NICKNAME: LIONS

t almost all came together for Stanhope.

After a 2014 season crucified by injury, last year looked to be heading down the same path. But the Lions were able to get a healthy squad together in the back half of the season and mounted a serious run come finals time. Brenton Gray’s side was well beaten on grand final day by Merrigum, with the coach being forced to lead his charges from the sidelines. However, with plenty of inclusions and only a few departures, Stanhope should fancy its chances of going one better this year. Lachie Whiting, Alex O’Reilly and Jayden Exell will be missed, but star ruckman Klint Wagstaff’s absence will be the one felt the most. Superstar forward Matt Forys is going around again after kicking 133 goals last year and he will form a powerful front half of the ground with Eric Edwards and Justin Williams returning. Merrigum premiership player Tom Durward will join up with a number of former Ardmona teammates, while Simon Collis is fresh off a grand final appearance for Mitiamo in the Loddon Valley league. Gray said his side was hopeful of having a squad fit enough to contend come finals time. “We’re hoping to be in the big dance again

et ready for finals action.

Matt Forys IN: Justin Williams, Sam Woodward, Stuart Trevena, Klae Rowan, Ray Young (Ardmona), Tom Durward (Merrigum), Eric Edwards (Rumbalara), Simon Collis (Mitiamo), Blake Coyle (Heathcote), Ben Condell (Alvie) OUT: Lachie Whiting (Barwon Heads), Alex O’Reilly, Jayden Exell (Avondale Heights), Klint Wagstaff

and be able to go one better,” Gray said. “I think we’re putting an even better squad together than we had last year, but you need plenty of luck to go far in finals.” OLIVER CAFFREY

UNDERA

That is the ambitious message from Tallygaroopna coach Chris Earles after the Redlegs’ most productive off-season in years. After a number of mediocre seasons, Tallygaroopna has ramped up its bid to again feature in finals with some inspired recruiting. No less than 10 quality players have landed at Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve, headlined by power forward Brent Arho. The former Mooroopna goal-kicker booted 123 goals for the Redlegs during his last season at the club in 2012. Former best-and-fairest winner Kane Handley is back after a trying his hand in the Goulburn Valley Football League, while recruits such as Tim Karolidis, Jayden Goodwin, Sean Arnold, Tristan Wilson and Tom Hanning should help Earles’ side improve considerably. “We had a chat as a club and presented what our intention was as a club going forward,” Earles said. “We always seem to be in the development stage, but we’ve gone out and recruited strongly, mainly targeting good players who have been at the club before. “We’re not shying away that our aspirations are to play finals, so with the list that we’re

IN: Brent Arho (Mooroopna), Kane Handley, Tim Karolidis, Jayden Goodwin (Shepparton United), Sean Arnold, Austin Tricarico (Congupna), Adam Serafini, Tom Hanning (Shepparton East), Tristan Wilson, Zeb Wilson (Blighty) OUT: Nil

putting together, we won’t be expecting anything less.” Although Tallygaroopna finished 10th last year, there were some terrific signs with a list that was probably never going to challenge for finals. The Redlegs provided one of the moments of the season when they pulled off a stunning upset of eventual grand finalist Stanhope as the club celebrated the 10th anniversary of its last senior premiership. OLIVER CAFFREY

VIOLET TOWN

FAST FACTS >> COACH: PETER CORDY 2015 FINISH: EIGHTH (9–9) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: ADAM BRASSIL 2015 LEADING GOALKICKER: DAVID GILLESPIE (47) GROUND: UNDERA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: SEAN HORSBURGH 2015 FINISH: SIXTH (11-8) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: SAM POOLE 2015 LEADING GOALKICKER: CHRIS MCKAY (47) GROUND: VIOLET TOWN RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS

t will be a new-look Undera this year.

David Gillespie’s reign at the Lions lasted just the one year as he heads off to play at Shepparton East, with another Shepparton United person stepping in to take his place Peter Cordy brings a wealth experience to the club as the Lions desperately try to play finals again. It has been a trying few years with finals action eluding them for a number of seasons. The good news for Cordy is there has only been a few players to leave, with Kyle Halliwell off to Tongala, while reigning bestand-fairest Adam Brassil’s involvement is in doubt with a busy work schedule. “The club wants to put up a competitive side on the park without going crazy on recruiting players, so my role was to bring in some experienced players,” Cordy said. “I think we’ve got a good mix of younger players and experienced bodies, so I want us to be a competitive side that’s always hard to play against.” Pattison medallist Matt Cordy is coming

Brent Arho

iolet Town surprised many KDFL pundits when it catapulted into finals last year.

Matt Cordy across from United’s thirds and he will be joined by his brothers Aaron and Brad. The Lions had some good wins last year and were still in the finals race with a few rounds to go, but injuries and a lack of depth hurt. OLIVER CAFFREY

IN: Matt Cordy, Aaron Cordy (Shepparton United), Brad Cordy, Brandon Cooper (returning to footy), Clinton Tozer (Longwood), Josh Standfield (Ardmona), James Armstrong (Bonnie Doon) OUT: David Gillespie (Shepparton East), Kyle Halliwell (Tongala), Adam Brassil (work commitments)

After just four wins in 2014, the Towners were an unexpected feature in the top six, but thoroughly deserved their place at the pointy end of the season. The young group performed exceptionally during the season and were far from embarrassed in an elimination final loss to eventual grand finalist Stanhope. The challenge will be to build on that and rise further up the ladder. Horsburgh, heading into his third year as playing coach, said he was determined to keep backing his young side in. “It’s probably pretty much the same as last year, to be in the finals mix and keep getting games into the kids,” Horsburgh said. “The only person we’ve lost from our main senior group is Tony Fulton, who is going overseas. “The most important thing is to keep our list together and we’ve already got a lot of young players and if we can keep giving them more experience at senior level, the better we’ll be.” Sam Poole claimed another best-and-fairest last season and the Shepparton United premiership player will again be a key. Chris Bamford from Benalla and Tungamah’s James Clarke will top the Towners off nicely.

Sam Poole IN: Chris Bamford (Benalla), James Clarke (Tungamah) OUT: Tony Fulton (overseas)

Violet Town was able to beat most of the teams below it last season, the challenge will be to start beating more of the premiership contenders and take a few scalps. OLIVER CAFFREY

Football and Netball 2016 Page 43

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

PREMIER 2015 Nathalia

Drama drives close Murray contest E

very year the Murray Football League home-and-away season comes to a close and at least one team is left wondering how on earth they missed the finals.

The league has been so close in recent years that it came as a surprise to nobody when Moama stormed from sixth into the grand final and fell just one kick shy of premiership glory. Mulwala clinched the minor premiership only to be bundled out in straight sets, while not even Tongala’s Paul Newman could stop the Moama express. In the end it was the Nathalia young guns who went from a finals no-show the year before to waving the flag last year after a season that seemed to have it all and it appears the football theatre will only continue. The drama didn’t stop with September’s final siren as the Essendon saga hit Rumbalara Football Club in January. The story that made headlines

across the nation had Rumba lose playing-coach Nathan Lovett-Murray as one of the 34 current and former Essendon players suspended from all football. Rumba appointed a handy replacement in assistant coach Jason Traianidis, but with nine high profile players leaving Mercury Drive, it could be a tough season for the 2014 premiers. Mulwala mentor Ben James is desperate for redemption and after a tumultuous off season he finally secured seven signatures to leave the Lions as premiership favourites. Barooga has secured Tyrone Downie from the Gold Coast Suns system, a leader more than capable of guiding Leigh Ramsdale’s young side to the business end of the season. Moama has brought in some Goulburn Valley Football League experience and held on to reigning league medal winner Rhys Archard, with Simon Maddox labelling his squad even stronger than last year. Nathalia has lost more players than

it has gained, but write the premiers off at your peril, these boys play for each other and proved last season a champion team will always beat a team of champions. Echuca United was unlucky to miss the finals last year and with a solid recruiting class, Dean Moon will expect nothing less than a playoff berth. Finley has recruited heavily as club favourite Rob Daniel returns to the helm and should fire after securing the signature of former Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs utility Ed Barlow. Tongala will sorely miss the 113 goals Paul Newman provided last season and the loss of his playingcoach brother Dave Newman. Deniliquin is in for a tough season, even under five-time premiership coach Gary Parsons after an incredible player turnover had 16 leave and just seven come in. Numurkah should rise up the ladder with several key position recruits, while Congupna and

Cobram will simply look to be competitive. However, this is the Murray Football League, where absolutely

anything can happen, so strap yourselves in for another rollercoaster! EAMONN TIERNAN

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE PAST PREMIERS 2015: Nathalia 2014: Rumbalara 2013: Echuca United 2012: Nathalia 2011: Deniliquin Rams

Ladder predictions

2010: Moama 2009: Tocumwal 2008: Nathalia 2007: Nathalia 2006: Nathalia

PAST O’DWYER MEDALLISTS 2015: Rhys Archard (Moama) 2014: Marcus Smith (Barooga) 2013: Ash Morris (Deniliquin Rams) 2012: Rowan Priest (Echuca United) 2011: Ryan Bongetti (Cobram) 2010: Ryan Bongetti (Cobram) 2009: Lee Warnett (Tocumwal) 2008: Lee Warnett and Daryl Harrison (Tongala) 2007: Matt Byers (Barooga) 2006: Marty Brooks (Barooga)

Mulwala

Moama

Nathalia

Barooga

Echuca United

Finley

Numurkah

Tongala

Rumbalara

Deniliquin Rams

Congupna

Cobram

Football and Netball 2016 Page 45

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Barooga Hawks FAST FACTS >> COACH: LEIGH RAMSDALE MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1997. 2015 FINISH: SIXTH (13–5) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MATT HENDRY 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: MATTHEW DEMAIO (51) GROUND: BAROOGA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: HAWKS

change of philosophy has swept across the Barooga this year, with a major sweep out of some of the club’s more well-known recruits.

Coach Leigh Ramsdale said the club started on this track three years ago when he took over the Hawks, by building the club up through the juniors, and it was time to see that come into action. “We made a conscious decision to recruit locally this season,” he said. “We aren’t hiding from the fact that a lot of experience has left our playing group, but we feel the club is in a strong enough position to carry on without them.” Ramsdale believes with the hard work put into the younger section of the squad, they will be more than capable at holding their own against the Murray Football League’s opposition. “Kids like Matt Demaio, Jake Russell and Cal Leighton-Daly are all players that have done the hard work, and now it is starting to show off,” Ramsdale said. “We certainly won’t be gifting games to the younger players, but if their form warrants it, we will defiantly be looking at playing a younger side. “Some of those younger guys and our recruits we feel will be 100-plus game players for us. But we also feel they have some great upside to their football career at Barooga.

Game Changer: Jake Russell Russell looms as a key figure for the Hawks this year, despite missing out on finals last year. Coach Leigh Ramsdale feels that Russell has the body and game type to become a big bodied midfielder for many years to come in Hawk colours. Russell attracted some hefty offers from rival clubs this offseason, but remained loyal to Barooga. “Some of these kids we think will become club captains, club bestand-fairest winners and league representatives. We want them to have the opportunity to show off their skills for us.” Ramsdale said the pre-season had gone well for the club, with everyone participating at a high level. “We have a core group of guys that are really leading from the front, which has been pleasing,” he said. “While we might not be a premiership threat like previous years, we feel this approach is much more sustainable.” LACHLAN SHARP

IN: Tyrone Downie (Gold Coast Suns), Tim Atkins (Greensborough), Brodie A’Vard (Jerilderie), Spiro Vourgaslis (Mooroopna), Keegan Oliver (Yarroweyah) OUT: Dominic Nixon (Bundoora), Brendan Liddell, Tim Hargreaves, Bo Nixon, Adrian Bonaddio, Marcus Smith

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Cobram Tigers FAST FACTS >> COACH: PHIL MCINTYRE MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1947, 1948, 1955, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1969, 1974, 1984, 1985, 1998. 2015 FINISH: LAST (1–17) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TYRON BADEN 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TYRON BADEN (24) GROUND: SCOTT OVAL NICKNAME: TIGERS

he future looks much brighter for the Cobram Tigers, but the tough road ahead has not escaped coach Phil McIntyre’s mind.

The Tigers have only celebrated one win in the past two seasons, but McIntyre said that had to be put behind them. “So far the pre-season has been really positive,” McIntyre said. “We aren’t kidding ourselves that it is going to be another challenging year, but we really feel we will be much more competitive.” McIntyre identified Tim Garlick, who is set to be skipper this year, as someone who had led the way for the Tigers during the summer training sessions. “We had a training camp a few weeks ago, and had about 27 players come along. It was a great bonding time spent together,” McIntyre said. “Before Christmas, training can be quite repetitive and footy is the furthest thing from the boys’ minds. Recently though, I have noticed how the training intensity has picked up, which is a credit to the boys. “I think it shows how strong our leadership group is, and that will hold the club in a strong position for years to come. “We realise that for a town of Cobram’s size to struggle in the past few years is not acceptable, and we will be doing everything we can to turn that around. But it takes time.” It should be a younger squad taking the field for the Tigers this year, as the club hopes the strong junior teams of recent years look to push into the senior ranks.

“We don’t have set goals as such this season, although it would be nice to win a few more games,” McIntyre said. “What will improve is our competitiveness. We felt the back end of last season was quite good from us. So now we will look to build on that in 2016.” LACHLAN SHARP

GAME CHANGER: Sam Beasley The young Tiger, who was part of the club’s under 17 runnerup team last year, has big things awaiting him this season. Beasley has completed the pre-season with the Murray Bushrangers, and when not on TAC Cup duties, will play a big role in the Tigers midfield. Still eligible for thirds football, Beasley has leadership written all over him, and the Tigers will be hoping to see him in yellow and black this year.

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Congupna The Road FAST FACTS >> COACH: GREG SHANNON MFL PREMIERSHIPS: NONE 2015 FINISH: 11TH (2-16) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TATE MIFKA LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DANIEL BOWLES (21) GROUND: MEMORIAL PARK NICKNAME: THE ROAD

ith its senior ranks pilfered in the off season, rumours circulated Congupna may not field a top flight side this year, but new coach Greg Shannon quickly put those to bed.

A two-win season had Congupna finish second bottom last year and with more talent heading out than coming in, it will likely be tough road ahead for the Road, but Shannon is staying optimistic. “No doubt we’ve lost a few senior players and we’re probably a little bit weaker than at this point last year, but we’ve also got a few players and it will give a great opportunity for the younger kids to get a taste of senior footy,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge, we know where we’re at, and it’s just a matter of embracing it and trying to get improvement out of players as we go forward. “My job is to stabilise and build towards improving, but I suppose it’s about consolidation as much as anything, work with the young kids and try and build for the future.” The loss of reigning best-and-fairest winner Tate Mifka to Goulburn Valley Football League side Shepparton United leaves a huge hole in the Road’s midfield, but Shannon

understood the local product’s ambition. “We’d love to have kept him, but at the end of the day you can’t stop a bloke who wants to play better footy, “ he said. Other outgoing players include Benalla-based foursome Riley Moran, Harry Moran, Jack Ellis and Brody Webster, as well as Ben Hicks (Mooroopna) and Daniel Bowles (Shepparton United). The Road has secured the services of Tyler Pedretti (Shepparton United) and welcome back Joe Dwyer and Aaron Cuthbert, who missed all of last season with injury. Wingman Mitchell Beck is set to build on his breakout 2015 and dual interleague representative Sam Ferguson will lead the side. The introduction of the player points system will have no impact at Congupna, but Shannon said he was glad it had arrived after losing so many players in the off-season. “It won’t affect us at all, I think we’ve got to do something to try and save footy clubs or football as we go forward, because if we don’t do something clubs will go under, so I think it’s a good initiative,” he said. EAMONN TIERNAN

GAME CHANGER: Sam Ferguson Sam Ferguson IN: Tyler Pedretti (Shepparton United), Joe Dwyer, Aaron Cuthbert (injury). OUT: Riley Moran, Harry Moran, Jack Ellis and Brody Webster, Ben Hicks (Mooroopna), Daniel Bowles, Tate Mifka (Shepparton United), Mitch Sidebottom (Mitiamo)

He is the only interleague player Congupna has retained and will lead the next wave teenagers coming through the ranks. A reliable and tough player who has missed only one game in the past two seasons, the aspiring teacher will need to draw on a lot he has learned at university. Ferguson will play a pivotal role if Congupna is to achieve any success this year.

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Deniliquin Rams FAST FACTS >> COACH: GARY PARSONS MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1957, 1966, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1985, 1986, 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2011. 2015 FINISH: TENTH (4–14) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: RICKY GITTENS LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BRODY LUMBER (32) GROUND: HARDINGE ST OVAL NICKNAME: RAMS

eniliquin Rams coach Gary Parsons has always believed in promoting youth in his senior sides, and this year it is unavoidable.

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The club’s five-time premiership coach is back at the helm for a third stint and concedes this season will be one of his greatest challenges. The Rams lost a host of players to PDFL club Blighty, but that hasn’t bothered Parsons. He’s excited to have close to a dozen young stars coming into senior ranks and says the future looks bright. “We’ll have a very quick side, with quicker guys on the outside and bigger guys in the middle,” he said. “We have four quality recruits and about eight of (last year’s) thirds who have had a taste of senior footy and are exciting. We’re rapt with where we’re at and we might even surprise a few this year.” The side’s fortunes will largely depend on whether those younger players can step up and match it with the best in the Murray league. Parsons is confident they will. Some of the thirds graduates to show huge potential include Matt MacDonald, Ben Irwin, Brody

Trotman, Mick Barnett, Liam Pitts and Jonty Tubb, and all are capable of joining the midfield rotation. The club may also see young gun forward Todd Marshall in the blue and gold for a handful of matches this season depending on his Murray Bushrangers commitments. Todd’s cousin Jake Marshall, one of the Bushrangers’ key midfielders last season, headlines the Rams’ recruits alongside pacey midfielder Brenton Loudon, in-and-under onballer Ryan Chadderton and key position player Hamish Ross. They will join premiership players Rick Gittens, Oliver Draffin, Anthony Bull and Todd Gallagher and assistant coach Brody Lumber and key defender Jayden Pitts in the leadership group. Last year’s playing-coach and five-time premiership player Troy Bartlett has retired, although Parsons is hopeful he may reconsider as the season draws close. “We’re really happy with the mix we’ve got and if Troy decided he’d like to come back, he’d obviously make a pretty significant difference to the make-up of the side,” Parsons said. SAM HALL

GAME CHANGER: Jake Marshall Jake Marshall

Coming straight out of the TAC Cup system with Murray Bushrangers, Marshall is ready-made to come straight in and play a midfield role. Young and full of class, Marshall will be one to keep an eye on.

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Echuca United Eagles FAST FACTS >> COACH: DEAN MOON MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 2013. 2015 FINISH: SEVENTH (11–7) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: DUANE HUESTON 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: GUY CAMPBELL (67) GROUND: ECHUCA SOUTH RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: EAGLES

chuca United will be keen to take as much care of itself as possible this year after injuries derailed its top six chances in the Murray league.

And coach Dean Moon was taking just as much care about the start of that journey. He has seemed meticulous, muted and methodical. The Eagles may have lost Ash Kirchhofer (Girgarre), Brad Sanderson (Picola United) and Ryan Prendergast (LeitchvilleGunbower), but have picked up Matt Duggan (Mernda) and Scott Newton (Victorian Amateurs). Add to that former Lockington-Bamawm United coach Kahl Oliver and Brayden Williams, who spent time at Rumbalara. Where does Moon see the new guys working best? Where do they fit into his plan? Moon said Newton could play anywhere, while Duggan will become either a general defender or general of defence, depending on how one hears Moon’s description. Oliver? “A focal point up forward.” Williams? “A close-in midfielder.”

Even Ricki Waters got a mention. “He’s really fit — and as good as a recruit,” Moon said. The coach has already seen the benefits of a long pre-season for United. “It’s huge,” Moon said. “It’s very important to lay down the foundation of skills and game plan early.” And that game plan will include Moon himself, taking to the field as was the case last year. How much improvement is needed for United to consider this season a success? Moon said just four premiership points’ worth. That was the fine margin that had the Eagles miss out on a top six spot last year. And they get the chance to make up that gap in the opening round in the Echuca United-Moama derby, at the Eagles’ nest. Those same four points that arguably haunted them all summer can be used as motivation. Not just for round one, but for the rest of this year.

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BEN CARTER

IN: Matt Duggan (Mernda), Scott Newton (Victorian Amateurs), Kahl Oliver (Lockington-Bamawm United), Brayden Williams (Rumbalara)

GAME CHANGER: Kahl Oliver Arguably Echuca United’s biggest-name recruit for this year, Oliver has the experience in the body and brain and the numbers to back it up. You want a leader in your line-up? He’s your man. After a lengthy stint at the Cats — which included coaching the team and playing under Adrian Dohnt in four straight flag wins — Oliver will step up from a dominant Heathcote league career to meet the challenges of Murray league defenders.

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Finley Cats FAST FACTS >> COACH: ROB DANIEL MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1952, 1954, 1958, 1971, 1981, 1982, 1988 2015 FINISH: EIGHTH (7–11) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TIM MCKENZIE 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RICH FINDLAY (47) GROUND: FINLEY RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: CATS

inley welcomes one of its favourite sons back to the top job this season as Rob Daniel replaces Andrew Richardson and Matt Jackson.

IN: Ed Barlow (Southern Districts) Jordan Daniel (Yarrawonga), Kyle Russell (Berrigan), Kyle Crowe (QAFL), Angus Robertson (St Mary’s), Mitch Ryan (Perth), Jock Lawrence, Max Lawrence, George Stevenson (all year off).

The Cats were the best of the rest last year, finishing eighth and 20 competition points adrift of the finals contenders. However, the changing of the coaching guard has brought a raft of players back to the Cattery, as well as former AFL player Ed Barlow. Daniel last coached Finley in 2012, but has stayed at the club helping out as an assistant, selector and runner. “I played my junior footy with the Cats and five seasons with the seniors, including the last grand final the Cats won, in 1988. I want to help the club get another one, “ Daniel said. Daniel’s son Jordan returns home from Yarrawonga, as does Angus Robertson from Geelong, which could lead to five Robertson brothers taking the field this season. Barlow headlines Daniel’s ninestrong recruiting class he believes should help the Cats play deep into September. “We obviously want to play finals,

OUT: Harley Middleton, Levi Middleton (Berrigan)

injuries knocked us around a bit last year, so providing we get a better run there, we should be in amongst it,” he said. “We’re hoping for finals, that’s why we’ve got these players on board, a few haven’t played footy for a year or two so we might be a bit rusty early on, but hopefully once we get to know each other we’ll be there at the pointy end of the season.” Daniel acknowledged his input in recent seasons has been too defenceorientated and said he would try to break that mould this season. “I’m a defensive coach by nature, the last couple of years we probably held most teams, but didn’t kick enough goals, so we probably need to change that and play some more attacking footy,” he said. Melbourne-based Ned Morrison returns for his fifth season and will once again captain the side, while ruckman Jock Lawrence will provide a physical presence alongside his brother Max. Daniel said he was hoping for a bumper crowd at the Cats’ seasonopener and night game against rivals Deniliquin Rams on Good Friday. EAMONN TIERNAN

GAME CHANGER: Ed Barlow An old schoolmate brings former Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs player Ed Barlow to the Cattery this year. The utility comes fresh from a stint in the NTFL and is a great runner for his 195 cm frame. Barlow brings a wealth of ability and experience and if the youngsters can follow his professional approach, Finley could be a force this season.

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Moama Magpies FAST FACTS >> COACH: SIMON MADDOX MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 2010 2015 FINISH: SECOND (14–7) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: RHYS ARCHARD 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TYLER JONES (78) GROUND: MOAMA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: MAGPIES

hat do you do when your footy team goes down by three points in an epic Murray league grand final last year against Nathalia?

If you are Moama coach Simon Maddox, you sit down, think hard and try again. With no more motivation required than missing out last time. “It’s a new season, everyone starts on level pegging and zero points, but when you get so close, you’d like to think motivation would take care of itself,” he said. “All those senior guys should remember the five minutes after the final siren last September and that should be it.” Maddox expected the Magpies to line up in fairly similar fashion to last year when it comes to the on-field arrangement of players. “We picked up a few guys, strategically speaking,” he said. “We’ve got five or six under-18 players every week in our side, so we’re looking for development from them and the under-17s are back-to-back premiers. Some

have now played 20 to 25 senior games.” The Pies will presume to have only intermittent use of Lachie Schultz this season as he will be spending most of his time down at Victorian Football League club Williamstown, but Maddox said managing his appearances would be no different to when Schultz was a regular for the Bendigo Pioneers’ TAC Cup side. The notable arrivals at Perricoota Rd include Luke Dunham returning from a stint in Western Australia, Simon Russell (Mooroopna), Nick Jackson (Echuca) and former Lockington-Bamawm United coach Adrian Dohnt. “They’re the four keys we targeted,” Maddox said. “We feel we’ll be at least as strong if not stronger than last year.” The coach acknowledged there was always an area of the game any club coul improve. “We didn’t have a tall backman last year, so Luke Dunham will help us in that area,” Maddox said.

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BEN CARTER

GAME CHANGER: Luke Dunham The last time Dunham pulled on the Magpies’ jumper was in 2011. Since then, he’s been spending time at Goldfields League side Kambalda in Western Australia. Dunham was considered the Eagles’ second-best player last year. Not bad for a bloke playing in the back half of the field. Unfortunately for Australia’s self-styled “Nickel Town”, the mining downturn has meant that Kambalda may struggle to field a team this year.

IN: Luke Dunham (Kambalda, Western Australia), Simon Russell (Mooroopna), Nick Jackson (Echuca), Adrian Dohnt (Lockington-Bamawm United) OUT: Angus Grigg (Aberfeldie), Lachie Schultz (Williamstown)

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Mulwala Lions FAST FACTS >> COACH: BEN JAMES. MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1990 2015 FINISH: THIRD (14–6) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JACKSON POWELL 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LUKE JAMES (75) GROUND: LONSDALE RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS

ulwala stormed home in last year’s regular season, winning nine of its final 11 games to clinch the minor premiership, but then dropped the bundle to bounce out of the finals in straight sets.

It has been a long 26 years since Lions lasted tasted premiership glory, but coach Ben James believes his side is building towards something special. “Going out in straight tests was really disappointing, but when that happened we all got together almost immediately after and said we’re going to stick together and our goal was to come back stronger and win the flag,” James said. James has kept busy in what has proved a tumultuous off season, with several players committing than opting to play elsewhere. “Pre-season has been a bit of a rollercoaster, we’ve kept most of our list and got a few, so we’ve probably got a stronger list,” he said. “Our young blokes are smashing it on the track at the moment, guys like Dale Powell and Jackson Gash, so I’m really looking forward to

how those boys go.” The Lions welcome back Nick O’Brien, a former best-and-fairest winner who took Mulwala to the 2013 decider as a playing coach. “Nick brings even more experience and is a classy player, “ James said. Dylan McNamara was the most improved Lion last season with strong performances in his 14 games, while best-and-fairest winner Jackson Powell, Jake Wild and Josh Slattery are once again expected to fire after impressive campaigns last year. Prolific goal-kickers Chase Strawhorn and Luke James combined for 144 goals last season and are both capable of booting 100 majors if their midfield can provide the service. Most of the Lions’ recruits are players returning to their former club, including exciting young talent Eli Boyer, who spent the past two seasons at Tocumwal. “There’s a really good feeling around the club at the moment and everybody is working towards the same goal,” James said. EAMONN TIERNAN

IN: Matt Clarke (Katunga), Chris Powell (Tungamah), Nick O’Brien, Tom Beams (Wahgunyah), Eli Boyer (Tocumwal), Jason Wild (Northern Blues) OUT: Jarrod O’Shea (Tungamah)

GAME CHANGER: Luke James James was a major recruit for the Lions last season and he delivered with 75 goals in 19 appearances. With a bolstered midfield there is a feeling the full-forward is just getting warmed up and will once again be a force to be reckoned with for Murray League defenders this season.

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Nathalia Purples FAST FACTS >> COACH: CRAIG WHYTE MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1939, 1949, 1963, 1978, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2015 2015 FINISH: PREMIERS (15–5) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MICHAEL CROXFORD 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BRODIE ROSS (36) GROUND: NATHALIA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: PURPLES

athalia went from watching the finals in 2014 to winning it all last year in a fairytale finish to Jason Limbrick’s coaching reign.

The Purples have gone from the hunters to the hunted and enter this year as the team to beat in the always competitive Murray league. Premiership winning assistant coach Craig Whyte has been promoted to replace Limbrick and understands the pressures that come with taking over a winning side. “There’s no doubt expectations are there and it’s always harder a year after a premiership, but we’ve been there before when we won a couple of years ago,” he said. “By no means are we going to get ahead of ourselves, we need to do a lot of hard work and things have to go right, but another flag is the goal. “We’re not a cocky bunch, we’re a bunch of workers, but if you don’t set your expectations high, you’re not going to achieve.” Young gun Liam Evans playing off a forward flank was the most improved last season and will be a name to watch alongside the everreliable Quinn brothers — Ash and

Luke — and big man Brodie Ross. The Purples had four players leave the club on a premiership high and welcome three additions, but most importantly Limbrick will be lacing up again and provide support for Whyte. “It will be huge having Jase there, my support network is good and with such a young group having experienced guys around is invaluable, especially in my first time (head coaching),” he said. “We’ve (Limbrick) worked on a relationship over a few years and it’s time for me to step up, but I don’t think a lot will change game plan wise. “It’s a similar list and big grounds, so just run and carry, nothing will change too drastically.” Whyte, 33, only featured in seven games last season after breaking his collarbone and wrist, but has put in a full pre-season and is raring to go. “I missed a fair chunk of last year so I’m keen to get back into it, I’m 33, but I’m not quite ready to hang them up,” he said. EAMONN TIERNAN

GAME CHANGER: Bowen Smith

Craig Whyte

Livewire midfielder Bowen Smith is a ball magnet who has a knack of picking out his forwards at crucial times in the game. Only featured in nine games last season due to Murray Bushrangers duties, but was prolific in the finals series and one to watch.

IN: Ricky Barnes (Yarrawonga), Matt James (Lancaster), Tom Lindsey (Picola) OUT: Marcus Walsh (Picola), Ian Fulton (VAFA), Tom Scott (Cobram), Nathan Walsh (Barham)

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Numurkah Blues FAST FACTS >> COACH: CHRIS O’DWYER MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1932, 1933, 1937, 1938, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1962, 1970, 1977, 1979, 1999, 2000. 2015 FINISH: NINTH (6–12) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MITCH PRICE 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: MITCH PRICE (29) GROUND: NUMURKAH SHOWGROUNDS NICKNAME: BLUES

umurkah lost 12 games last season, eight of which it was ahead at three-quarter-time and as a result never genuinely challenged for a finals spot.

The Blues have only played finals football once in the past five seasons and most are expecting more of the same from the perennial underachievers, but coach Chris O’Dwyer wouldn’t have it any other way. “Nobody is giving us chance, which is the way we like it,” O’Dwyer said. “We’re looking at playing finals, how well we go will depend on luck, management and form, so we’ll put in place the right formula to get us there and hopefully the rest of it takes cares of itself.” Blues ruckman Mitch Price topped the goals last season with 29 majors and O’Dwyer acknowledged if they are to win the close games; his side’s kicking efficiency would need to improve. “We didn’t kick enough goals last year, kicking 10 and 11 when we needed to be kicking 15 or 16,” he said. Numurkah loses interleague star

Robbie Montgomery (Tatura), but has signed seven players including Bonnie Doon’s Josh Evans, who has booted more than 300 goals in his past three seasons. “We didn’t need to go crazy this year with recruits getting to where we need to be,” O’Dwyer said. “Our biggest problem last year was we didn’t have a lot of outside class and speed and that’s what we concentrated on and where we’ll see the improvement.” Josh Wellington came into his own last season after overcoming a knee injury and the tough inside midfielder known for a great set of hands will only improve for the Blues this season. Numurkah boasts young talent in Josh Hoffman and Jamie Fulton, while teenage sensation Ben Smyth is unlucky not to be playing Murray Bushrangers after breaking his jaw in round one against Rumba last season. “Ben is 6’3 and runs like the wind, he’s been absolutely flying on the track and really should be playing Bushies, super-skilled kid,” O’Dwyer said. EAMONN TIERNAN

IN: Josh Evans, Matt Toohey, Michael Skolyarev (Bonnie Doon), Jye Warren (Labrador), Ben Gunning (Darwin), Brad Naughton, Matthew John (Katunga), Brett Dickinson (Redan),

GAME CHANGER: Mitch Price Numurkah’s most valuable player Mitch Price can win the tap, then get himself open inside 50 in the same sequence of play. If the Blues are to fire this season, the youngsters will need to match Price’s intensity. The big man spent his summer playing in the Northern Territory league and should be in fine touch from the opening game.

HSA FORKLIFTS • • • •

HSA HSA HSA HSA

Ben Smyth

OUT: Robbie Montgomery (Tatura), Dylan Sidebottom (Katunga)

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Rumbalara FAST FACTS >> COACH: JASON TRAIANIDIS MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 2014 2015 FINISH: SIXTH (13–6) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: CLAYTON MCCARTNEY 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DAMIAN CUPIDO (78) GROUND: MERCURY DVE SPORTS COMPLEX NICKNAME: RUMBA

umbalara began its pre-season with a spring in it step, one former AFL player had replaced another as coach and recruitment was progressing well.

Then on January 12 the Court of Arbitration For Sport handed down a stunning verdict where Rumba playing-coach Nathan Lovett-Murray was one of 34 former and current Essendon players suspended from all levels of football. Enter former St Kilda player Jason Traianidis, who spent last season at Mercury Dve as an assistant coach under Damian Cupido and was appointed head coach after LovettMurray’s suspension. Traianidis said it had obviously been a tough pre-season for club, but it was making the most of a difficult situation and the goal posts had not changed. “There’s nothing the boys can do about it, everyone was disappointed how it ended, but it’s out of our control, we can’t change or do anything about it other than go out and train hard,” Traianidis said. “Our goal is still to play finals again and make the big one, it’s a

pretty even comp which we’ve seen, it doesn’t really matter where you finish, as long as you’re in the finals.” With almost a dozen players opting to leave after last season, Traianidis is under no illusion about the challenge at hand, but believes team continuity will be the key to success. “This year we won’t have the individuals who will stand out as much as the last couple of years, not as many Melbourne boys, we’re more local, so it will be a team effort in defence and attack,” he said. Reigning best-and-fairest winner Clayton McCartney has signed with VFL side Frankston and will play when available, while on-baller Dylan Kerr will once again be the livewire in the midfield. Traianidis, 41, tasted premiership success more than a decade ago when he took Tallygaroopna to the KDFL flag as playing-coach and believes his side has what it takes to replicate Rumba’s 2014 premiership run. “I’m really happy with how things are going and the boys have been training really hard, which makes things a lot easier for me,” he said.

GAME CHANGER: Levi Power

EAMONN TIERNAN

The skipper was superb running off half-back last season, while also spending time on-ball and will be a central figure as he leads this young side. The club favourite can bring out the best in those around him and will need to if Rumba wants to make it three finals appearances in a row.

IN: Kane Atkinson (Mooroopna), Anthony Walker (Mooroopna), Dillon Bentley (Gippsland), Brayden Bux (out), Josh Wilsin (returning), Kalan Brown (Fitzroy All Stars), OUT: Nathan Lovett-Murray (suspended), Damian Cupido (Airport West), Brad Dick (Western Australia), Nathan Terlich (Shepparton Swans), Corey Wanganeen (Elmore), Eric Edwards (Stanhope), Des Morgan (Picola United), Leon Johnson (Heywood), Aaron Davey (NTFL).

Levi Power

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Tongala Blues FAST FACTS >> COACH: DARYL HARRISON MFL PREMIERSHIPS: NONE. 2015 FINISH: FOURTH (13–7) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: PAUL NEWMAN LEADING GOAL-KICKER: PAUL NEWMAN (113) GROUND: TONGALA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BLUES

TITLE would be a bonus for otherwise realistic and returning Blues’ boss Daryl Harrison.

It looks like being a case of evolution rather than revolution out at Doug Nicholls Drive this year for Tongala’s footy club. That makes common sense when you have lost two of the league’s — let alone your club’s — best-known names from an otherwise successful 2015. The players that will be part of the Blues’ tilt this year are apparently enjoying Harrison’s easy-going style so far after preparing for life without Dave Newman’s index finger pointing the way from above in the upstairs coaching box — and brother Paul Newman booting bags of goals. Clearly, restoration of success at Tongala is a possibility, not a given. Harrison, originally from Stanhope, has been here before. From 2006 to 2009 he coached the Blues before a move to Goulburn Valley club Mooroopna. He then played for Tongala again in the past two seasons. “We’re losing up to eight players from last year’s side,” Harrison said.

“We won’t recruit eight new guys. Maybe four to five to keep up around the mark and two to three under-17s will go up.” And Harrison won’t be pulling on the boots to execute said plan with everyone else, either. “I’m certainly more value seeing what goes on from the bench than worrying about what I’m doing and everyone else at the same time,” he said. Without Paul Newman as a major focal point up front, a change of tactics could be forced upon an underachieving Tongala outfit that finished fourth last year. “I think if we’d rolled Moama (in the semi-final) we would have gone well against Mulwala and made the grand final,” Harrison said. But this year would be a different matter. “We’ll be hoping to make finals and go from there,” Harrison said. Top six should be a must. Top three? Nice if you can get there. A grand final? A bonus.

IN: Shaun Ross (Doutta Stars), Luke Woolan (Yarragon) OUT: Paul Newman (Kyabram), David Newman (InverlochKongwak)

BEN CARTER

GAME CHANGER: Shaun Ross How do you replace a premiership powerhouse? With another, of course. Ross helped Doutta Stars run past Craigieburn in last year’s Essendon District league division one decider, ensuring the club received a swift promotion back to the premier competition. But Ross won’t be among the Stars down Melbourne way in this year. He will be running out at Doug Nicholls Drive and hopefully delivering some new thrills for Blues fans along the way.

Tom Donnell

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PICOLA DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE SOUTH-EAST

Challengers to Tungamah’s dynasty I

t has been more than 1000 days since Tungamah last tasted defeat in the Picola District Football League south-east competition.

But, with a good chunk of the Bears’ on-ball brigade moving on to greener pastures, there might just be a new Sherriff in town. Waaia playing coach Rob Osborne will lace up for his final season in football and desperate to secure premiership glory after four unsuccessful grand final appearances. Osborne has brought in 10 new faces for one last title crack and if the Bombers fall short, it won’t be from a lack of trying. Shepparton East mentor Dwain Vidler has put together one of the best recruiting classes in recent history and will be quietly confident the Eagles can make it to the big dance this year. Vidler has bolstered his midfield stocks and secured the marquee signing of Goulburn Valley league gun Matt Rendina, as well as five of his former Shepparton United teammates. Then there is the reigning champion Bears, wounded from the loss of several key position players, but by no means a spent force. Playing coach Jeremy O’Brien is still one of the best midfielders in the competition and if he can consistently service prolific goal-kicker Ash Saunders, Tungamah will be favourites for a fourth straight flag. The dark horses are Dookie United and Katandra, with the latter to be coached by Goulburn Valley dual sporting star Ramadan Yze. Katamatite cannot be written off for a third straight finals appearance, while Katunga and Rennie are still rebuilding. One thing is for sure, the south-east competition is shaping up as one of the most competitive in years as the Tungamah dynasty appears to be winding down.

5 1 0 2 R E I M E R P Tungamah

EAMONN TIERNAN

PICOLA DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE SOUTH-EAST PAST PREMIERS: 2015: Tungamah 2014: Tungamah 2013: Tungamah 2012: Shepparton East 2011: Rennie 2010: Shepparton East

PAST PEARCE MEDALLISTS: 2015: Matt Mccarty (Waaia) and Nick Doyle (Tungamah) 2014: Luke Minogue (Katandra) and Tyson Saunders (Katamatite) 2013: Nick Doyle (Tungamah) 2012: Nick Doyle (Tungamah) 2011: Luke Cowan (Waaia)

Ladder predictions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

TUNGAMAH

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JEREMY O’BRIEN 2015 FINISH: PREMIER (20-0) 2015 BESTAND-FAIREST: BODHI BUTTS 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ASH SAUNDERS (134) GROUND: JUBILEE PARK NICKNAME: BEARS

ill the dynasty continue or is four flags on the trot a step too many for Tungamah Football Club?

With the Bears losing half their midfield to Yarrawonga, all signs point to Tungamah re-joining the pack in what is shaping up as the most competitive PDFL competition in years. “I think the whole comp will improve, but I think Waaia and Shepp East are the teams to beat

at the moment, both sides have picked up some quality players,” Bears playing coach Jeremy O’Brien said. Although he is yet to taste defeat in a Bears jumper, O’Brien is taking the conservative approach when assessing his expectations for the season. “I don’t think we’ll be as strong simply because of the players we have lost, we’ll still be a good side, but we’re probably more focused to be in a position at the end of the year to put our best side on the park and win finals,” he said. “We’re probably not going to play our best footy early, but obviously our goal is to win another flag.”

Waaia Tungamah Shepparton East Katandra Dookie United Katamatite Katunga Rennie

Nick Lawless, Jim Irvine, Bodhi Butts and Rich Handreck are all Yarrawonga bound, while at time of print O’Brien said reigning league medal winner Nick Doyle was teetering towards joining Wangaratta. Ash Saunders booted an incredible 134 goals in 16 appearances last season and O’Brien acknowledged getting the ball in the full-forward’s hands would be pivotal in determining the Bears’ success. Joel Bate was Tungamah’s most improved player last year and O’Brien believes if everyone can improve by five to 10 per cent on last season, the success will continue. EAMONN TIERNAN

IN: Jarrod O’Shea (Mulwala), Terrence Jones (Wahgunyah), Corey Parish (Tocumwal), Travis Hayes (Darwin).

Jeremy O’Brien

OUT: Nick Lawless, Jim Irvine, Bodhi Butts, Rich Handrick (Yarrawonga), Chris Powell (Mulwala). Football and Netball 2016 Page 59

PICOLA DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE SOUTH-EAST

DOOKIE UNITED

FAST FACTS >> COACH: PAT MCMULLAN 2015 FINISH: FOURTH (11–8) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: BRENDAN MCMULLAN 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: PAT MCMULLAN (44) GROUND: DOOKIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: UNITED

ookie United threw its hat in the ring in an improved effort last season, before its campaign came to an end in a semi-final loss to Shepparton East.

Coach Pat McMullan has been busy in the off-season, luring several former players back to the club, and is confident his side will secure another finals berth. “I just want to keep on improving as a side this year, whether that is games won or a position in the finals, as long as we see improvement, that’s the main thing,” McMullan said. “After making finals last year, we’d like to go one step better, if not two, it will be hard, but we’re looking at a prelim berth, the next step is to win that semi-final.” Shepparton trio Sam Bowmaker, Tim Comer and Kane Thompson, as well as Chris O’Connor (Benalla) will bring Goulburn Valley Football League experience, but McMullan emphasised his list was made up of workers. “We don’t have any real standouts, it’s more so just getting contributors and more even across the board, that’s where we saw the improvement last year,” McMullan said. “Previous years we’ve relied on one or two, but last year we saw the improvement because

we didn’t have to do that, we had six or seven step up, so this year we’re looking to add to that and have more blokes as a constant presence.” Key defenders Andrew Nicolson and Billy Bagley enjoyed breakout seasons last year and will be keen to press on. EAMONN TIERNAN

Brendan McMullan IN: Sam Bowmaker, Kane Thompson, Tim Comer (Shepparton), Chris O’Connor (Benalla), Andy O’Connor (Bendigo), Luke O’Connor (overseas), Jacob Crowe (did not play) OUT: Brayden France (West PrestonLakeside), Ben Kline (Brunswick East), Tom Dickens, Peter O’Donnell (retired), Cam Hall (Berrigan), Richard Manly (overseas).

KATANDRA

he Tigers were the underachievers last year, backing up a grand final appearance with just six wins to scrape into the finals before getting bundled out in the first week against Dookie United.

However, a strong recruiting class has bolstered Katamatite’s chances of returning to the big dance under new coach Matt Dwyer, who has his sights set on a top three finish. “Top three is the goal, I heard the comp is really even this year, Tyson (Saunders) built a good base making the granny the year before, we had some injuries last year, but we’re looking to be competitive,” Dwyer said. In his first senior coaching role Dwyer said he was thoroughly enjoying working with a list he sees great potential in, and still features last year’s playing coach in Saunders. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of the season, they’re a really good bunch of boys who come to training and are really keen to learn and listen and I’ve seen a lot of improvement already,” he said. Jedd Wright has returned after a season with the Shepparton Swans and will bolster the midfield stocks alongside Patrick Riordan and gun Nick Clurey, while Max Thompson will be strong across the backline.

Patrick Riordan IN: Jedd Wright, Alex Overs (Shepparton Swans), Tory Morris, Chris Morris (Wakool), Ryan Barassi (Congupna), Bryce Campbell (Benalla All Blacks), Matt Fitzpatrick (Numurkah), James Lukies (Yarrawonga) OUT: Tom Sullivan (Tatura).

While the Tigers have signed eight players and only lost one, Dwyer believes the league’s decision not to join the player points system is a costly one. “It doesn’t bode well from a recruitment point and brings the professionalism of the league down,” he said. EAMONN TIERNAN

atunga is under new leadership this year, with the perennial underachievers to be led by former SANFL and WAFL big man Michael Griffiths.

atandra was so close but so far last season after several tight losses cost the Kats a finals appearance, but a new dawn beckons.

Nick Warner bolster the ranks, but Yze said the Kats’ success will come from home-grown boys playing as a unit. “A lot of clubs go out and pay big money for boom recruits, but we’re a local town, local club and full of local boys who I think can get the job done,” Yze said. Corey Hickford knows where the goals are and will look to build on his 35 majors from last season, while Yze has touted Jake Kelly as a player who can turn a game on its ear. EAMONN TIERNAN

IN: Ramadan Yze (Merrigum), Russell Eden (Girgarre), Stephen Barrett (Tatura), Adam Ford (Picola), Zane Thorne (Shepparton Swans).

Page 60 Football and Netball 2016

FAST FACTS >> COACH: MICHAEL GRIFFITHS 2015 FINISH: SEVENTH (4–14) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: SHANNON EMMETT 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JACOB HODGKIN (32) GROUND: KATUNGA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: SWANS

OUT: Arron Beecroft (Melbourne)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: TYLER SPRUNT AND MATT DWYER 2015 FINISH: FIFTH (6–13) 2015 BESTAND-FAIREST: PATRICK RIORDAN 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RHYS COLBECK (31) GROUND: KATAMATITE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: TIGERS

KATUNGA

FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: SAM AHMET AND RAMADAN YZE 2015 FINISH: SIXTH (6–12) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: LUKE MINOGUE 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: COREY HICKFORD, JONTY WARDLE (35) GROUND: KATANDRA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: KATS

The Ramadan Yze era. A key member of Merrigum’s droughtbreaking Kyabram District Football League premiership last year, Yze will co-coach Katandra alongside last season’s mentor Sam Ahmet. “It’s an exciting time for Katandra I think, last year they lost five or six games by a goal, so if you can turn three or four of them into wins, you’re playing finals footy,” Yze said. “I can’t wait to get into it, being able to coach with Sammy, to learn off him will be great and to keep playing with this bunch of kids will be good, they keep me young. “Pre-season has been exciting, all the kids are up and about and hopefully we’re looking at playing some finals footy.” Stephen Barrett (Tatura) and Zane Thorne (Swans) bring Goulburn Valley Football League experience, while Adam Ford (Picola United) and Russell Eden (Girgarre) also

KATAMATITE

Griffiths, 32, will quite literally oversee the Swans as the ruckman stands 206 cm and assistant coach Daniel Henderson said he had the best skills in the team. “With Mick’s background playing at Glenelg and East Fremantle, he has been really good for club, his footy smarts, things he says, he doesn’t take any crap, we’ve got a lot of kids and he’s trying to change the culture and get a winning culture going,” Henderson said. “The boys have been looking good on the track, we’re hoping to be really competitive this season and be in every game at threequarter time. “The first thing is we’ve got to be competitive, the comp should be pretty even this year, so we’ve just got to stay in the contest and winning games early will be key.” An excellent tap ruckman, Griffiths should help provide first use of the football to the likes of gun midfield recruit Dylan Sidebottom (Numurkah) and reigning bestand-fairest winner Shannon Emmet. Adam Hicks was a standout in his first senior campaign last season and the teenager will once again look to take his game to the next level. EAMONN TIERNAN

Scott Sutton IN: Michael Griffiths (Griffith), Josh McCleary, Ryan Bullus (NTFL), Elliot Small (Redan), Dylan Sidebottom (Numurkah), Liam Reeves (overseas), Jacob Avery (Melbourne), Ricky Webb (Melbourne) OUT: Brad Naughton, Matthew John (Numurkah)

PICOLA DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE SOUTH-EAST

RENNIE

SHEPPARTON EAST

FAST FACTS >> COACH: TIM DYKES 2015 FINISH: BOTTOM (0–18) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: TRAVIS HARGREAVES 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TOM HARBROW (21) GROUND: RENNIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: DWAIN VIDLER 2015 FINISH: THIRD (14–6) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: JAMIE SPENCER 2015 LEADING GOALKICKER: ROB OSBORNE (50) GROUND: CENTRAL PARK NICKNAME: EAGLES

here has been no busier Picola District Football League coach this off-season than Dwain Vidler as his recruitment class could provide the polish Shepparton East needs for premiership glory.

ast season was a year to forget for Rennie, who remarkably went winless after a semifinal berth in 2014.

The club has promoted reserves coach Tim Dykes to the top job, which the board hopes will bring a change in fortune for the Grasshoppers. “We’d just really like to be a bit more competitive, last year was as bit of a war zone and we never really got off the ground,” Dykes said. “Last year the numbers were a little bit inconsistent, this year they’re a fair bit better, a bit more planning has gone into it, so fingers crossed they are a lot better prepared than this time last year and we can win a couple of games.” Dykes said ruckman Liam Nuske (Stawell) had been the marquee signing for the Grasshoppers and standing 195 cm would provide some much-needed height. “Last year we didn’t have anyone over 6’2 (187 cm), so Liam should be really handy for us,” he said.

Ryan Trinder-James Young gun Ryan Trinder-James enjoyed a breakout year in tough campaign last season and is expected to fire alongside Leon Wolfe. Dykes’ rebuilding mission got a lot tougher when he lost reigning best-and-fairest winner Travis Hargreaves (Yarrawonga), but the coach is remaining optimistic. “It’s going to be a challenging year, but I’m looking forward to working with a great group of players,” he said. EAMONN TIERNAN

IN: Liam Nuske (Stawell), Cato Evans (Belmont), Josh Ritoli (Geelong), Jack Kelly (triathlon). OUT: Travis Hargreaves (Yarrawonga), David James (triathlon)

WAAIA

Matt Rendina IN: Matt Rendina, Shannon Campbell, Daniel Campbell, Joey Perkovic, Jeremy Fraser, Jackson Wright (Shepparton United), David Gillespie (Undera), Taylor Young (Shepparton), Dale McQualter (Benalla All Blacks). OUT: Billy Cooper (Shepparton Swans), Tom Hanning (Tallygaroopna), Brayden Cecchin, Luke Cecchin (Murchison).

the Eagles game changer. “He’s getting on, but he’s still a class above,” Vidler said. Ruckman Damon Carroll enjoyed his breakout year last season and if he can give quality service to his on-ball brigade, the Eagles could go all the way this year. EAMONN TIERNAN

Round up the team for a barbie after the game!

FAST FACTS >> COACH: ROB OSBORNE 2015 FINISH: SECOND (16–5) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: JOHN LUCAS 2015 LEADING GOALKICKER: GREG MEYLAND (82) GROUND: WAAIA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BOMBERS

fter four losing grand finals, can Waaia playing coach Rob Osborne finally ride off into the sunset a premiership winner when he hangs up the boots in October?

The big man is certainly putting the wheels in motion to give Waaia the best chance of finally relinquishing Tungamah’s stranglehold on the PDFL south-east. Osborne has recruited no less than 10 senior players for his final crack at premiership glory and after only losing Adam Waasdorp to retirement, the playing coach believes the time is now. “We’re in a pretty good position, not to get ahead of ourselves, but the thing we looked at was our bottom six, we needed to strengthen it and we’ve done that, we’ve recruited some bloody good players,” Osborne said. “A few have fallen in our lap, but it just shows when a side has played three out five of the last grannies, it tends to persuade people to come out here because we’re a successful footy club.” Full-forward Greg Meyland will be looking to ton up in front of goal this season, while Lachlan Henderson will continue to show off his silky skills down back. Osborne said it would be a fairy tale ending to his career if they can clinch the flag, but emphasised it was about the club. “I’ve played in four losing grand finals and I

The Eagles fell three points short of a grand final berth last season after Waaia downed them in a preliminary final thriller that left a bitter taste in Vidler’s mouth. “It was disappointing end with such a close game last season, obviously our aim is to do the work over the pre-season, then win as many games as we can and seal a spot in the finals,” he said. “Once that comes around, it’s a whole new ball game, but we’ve got to get there first.” Vidler has added Shepparton United premiership teammates Matt Rendina, Shannon Campbell and Joey Perkovic, as well as Daniel Campbell and goal-kicking midfielder Jeremy Fraser. “Obviously we needed to strengthen up our midfield from last year, so that’s the area we targeted to try and get some top end quality in our midfield and I think we’ve gone and done that,” Vidler said. Rob Osborne has more goals in him than his 50-major haul in 15 appearances last season and was the man Vidler pointed to as

Greg Meyland IN: Ashley Carmody (Echuca), Joel Thompson (Shepparton), Jack Miechel, Brett Kimberly (Numurkah), Heath Platfuss, Matt Daniel (Picola United), Harry Foster (Barooga), Jeremy Edwards (Katunga), Steven Gilmour, Trevor Milne (Melbourne)

Snags, burge rs, steak and m ore!

OUT: Adam Waasdorp (retiring)

coached two of them, it’s one thing I always wanted to achieve and haven’t been able to, but at the same time it’s not about me, but the Waaia footy club and redemption,” he said. “We’re working our arses off, these blokes just want to play footy and win games, and I’m really looking forward to great year and hopefully going one step further.”

Best of luck to our teams!

SHEPP EAST EAGLES

22 Colliver Rd, Shepparton (03) 5821 5414

EAMONN TIERNAN

Football and Netball 2016 Page 61

PICOLA DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE NORTH-WEST

New blood at the top

t promises to be an open season in Picola District Football League’s north-west division.

With Strathmerton breaking Jerilderie’s three-year reign as premier last year, there could be new forces at the top. The Bulldogs prevailed in the decider, but there is a team coming from outside the big two. Picola United looms as the big threat this season after making its first finals appearance since the PDFL was split into two divisions in 2009. Under experienced coach Jon Varcoe, the Blues have turned into a legitimate force and have only got stronger during the off-season. Picola has recruited Rumbalara premiership player Des Morgan, Moama’s Taylor Beard and James Coppock from North Bendigo, to name just a few. Star on-baller Chris Marshall has returned to coach Jerilderie, but the Demons have said goodbye to up to 12 senior players, including towering ruck/forward Brodie A’Vard. Most pundits are tipping a slide down the ladder, but Jerilderie is a proud club that seems to always be in finals contention. Strathmerton has done well to hang on to

BERRIGAN

FAST FACTS >> COACH: TY RUSSELL 2015 FINISH: FIFTH (8–8) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: CHRIS PATTEN 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: PHILLIP MURROWOOD (36) GROUND: BERRIGAN RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: SAINTS

errigan coach Ty Russell is excited about the season ahead.

The Saints have been consistently getting 25 blokes on the track and have no injury concerns. Injuries have cruelled Berrigan in Russell’s two seasons at the helm, so he’s cautious when he says “so far, so good”. “I know it’s no excuse, but we have had a horror run with injuries,” he said. “We’ve got guys like Cam and Jack Mynard training the house down who’ve been hit with injuries the past couple of seasons. “We’ve had a really good pre-season and we’re out to improve on last year’s elimination final.” The Saints have applied an active recruiting campaign, which included luring star brothers Levi and Harley Middleton back to the club. Both are match-winners and can play on-ball or up forward. The club has also welcomed back former juniors Kyle Hawker and Mark McQualter. “What’s great is that these guys all have a local connection and want to be representing Berrigan,” Russell said. “We’ve also picked up Cameron Hall, a ruckman from Dookie, Cameron Sibraa who’s come out of retirement and Tom Creenaune from Barooga, who can play key forward. Page 62 Football and Netball 2016

the core of its list, with Marcus McMillan and Brad O’Connor returning to Yarrawonga. Deniliquin Rovers have reason to be optimistic after a solid recruiting drive that should help them be a contender. Berrigan will be boosted by the return of Harley and Levi Middleton from Finley, but the Saints have their work cut to close the gap on the top three, who were miles ahead during the home-and-away season. Tocumwal has had some major changes to its coaching staff, with Sean Logie and Dane Maxwell appointed co-coaches. The club has maintained or recruited back 11 players from the 2009 Murray Football League premiership side and the Bloods should build on last year’s finals appearance. Blighty has been reason to be optimistic, with club favourite Kyel Bain returning from a one-season stint at Tocumwal to skipper the Redeyes. It is an important year for Yarroweyah, with the Hoppers in talks about the club’s future last year. Mathoura has lost a few players, but has brought several into the club and will be looking to build on a promising campaign last year where the club won seven games.

“We’re really happy with our signings, and we haven’t lost too many. “We’ve also got some talented thirds like Jai Adamson, Connor Thornton and Lachie Pyle coming into senior footy, which is exciting.” The club has taken the unprecedented step of sharing the captaincy between three players — Jack Mynard, Harley Middleton and two-time best-and-fairest Chris Patten. “These guys are leading the way on the track and we have faith in them to take us further into the finals this year,” Russell said. SOUTHERN RIVERINA NEWS

Levi Middleton IN: Harley Middleton (Murray Bushrangers), Levi Middleton (Finley), Kyle Hawker (Melbourne league), Tom Creenaune (Barooga), Mark McQualter (Yarrawonga), Cameron Hall (Dookie), Cameron Sibraa (retirement). OUT: Kyle Russell (Finley), Brock Grey (Blighty).

5 1 0 2 R E I M E R P

Strathmerton Bulldogs

PICOLA DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE NORTH WEST PAST PREMIERS: 2015: Strathmerton 2014: Jerilderie 2013: Jerilderie

2012: Jerilderie 2011: Berrigan

PAST PEARCE MEDALLISTS: 2015: Paul Massingham (Berrigan) 2014: Andrew May (Jerilderie) 2013: Clint Marshall (Jerilderie) 2012: Josh Evans (Strathmerton) 2011: Matt Gorman (Berrigan)

Ladder predictions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Picola United Deni Rovers Strathmerton Tocumwal Berrigan Jerilderie Mathoura Blighty Yarroweyah

BLIGHTY

FAST FACTS >> COACH: DANIEL KIRCHEN 2015 FINISH: SEVENTH (4–12) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: CHRIS WILSON 2015 LEADING GOALKICKER: JARRAD WILSON (40) GROUND: BLIGHTY RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: REDEYES

hile unlikely to take the field himself due to an aging body, Kirchen has recruited heavily to more than cover the club’s losses.

Headlining the recruits is former Blighty skipper and 200-game veteran Kyel Bain, who returns to the club where he is honoured as a life member after a year at Tocumwal, while Deniliquin Rams premiership player Jack Tyndall has signed on as assistant coach. Also making their way to Blighty are Berrigan ruckman Brock Gray and Deniliquin Rams players Daniel Jordan, Brayden Hall, Mitch O’Brien, Tom Druitt, Kevin Gittens, Lachie MacDonald, Beau Close and Cody Jordan. Kirchen — who steered Tocumwal to the preliminary final last season — said he was thrilled with the side’s newest additions. “We’re very excited to have everyone on board,” he said. “They’re a great group of blokes with a lot of talent and they’re keen to get stuck into it.” The Redeyes will be spoilt for ruck choices with Gray and 2011 Rams premiership player Daniel Jordan joining home-grown talents Jake and Drew Plattfuss. Bain, Tyndall, MacDonald, Druitt, O’Brien and Gittens will add some vital grunt and flair to the midfield rotation, which will be led by Sam Singleton and helps cover the departure of reigning club

Jack Tyndall INS: Daniel Kirchen, Kyel Bain (Tocumwal), Jack Tyndall (Deniliquin Rams), Brock Gray (Berrigan), Daniel Jordan, Brayden Hall, Charlie Simpson, Mitch O’Brien, Tom Druitt, Kevin Gittens, Cody Jordan (all Deniliquin Rams) OUTS: Jarrad Wilson (retired), Chris Wilson (Yarrawonga), Zeb Wilson, Tristan Wilson (Tallygaroopna), Jack Bradord (Deni Rams).

best-and-fairest Chris Wilson to Yarrawonga. Meanwhile, Hall and Cody Jordan will provide solid key position options with Hall capable of starring at either end of the ground. Having finished seventh last season with just four wins, the Redeyes are aiming for a return to finals action, but will need to do it without star playing-coach Jarrad Wilson. The Blighty veteran has retired, while his brothers Zeb and Tristan are moving on to other clubs. SOUTHERN RIVERINA NEWS

PICOLA DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE NORTH-WEST

DENILIQUIN ROVERS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: NICK BRAYBON 2015 FINISH: EIGHTH (2–13–1) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: JAMES GILLIGAN 2015 LEADING GOALKICKER: TERRY LUMBAR (34) GROUND: MEMORIAL PARK NICKNAME: ROVERS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: CHRIS MARSHALL 2015 FINISH: SECOND (14–2) 2015 BEST-ANDFAIREST: JOSH BRYCE 2015 LEADING GOALKICKER: AARON PURCELL (123) GROUND: JERILDERIE FOOTBALL GROUND NICKNAME: DEMONS

Tom Draffin

eniliquin Rovers coach Nick Braybon is upbeat about his side’s prospects this season. And so he should be.

The club has welcomed the return of four quality midfielders in brothers Andrew and Dylan May and Allan Bond, who all enjoyed premiership success in a stint at Jerilderie, and Scott Howard from Hay, as well Deni Rams duo Brett Macdonald (key forward) and Tom Draffin (onballer/forward). Former coach Josh Bode has also returned to the club after three grand final appearances at the helm of Jerilderie, but the veteran onballer is more than likely going to play a role in the club’s reserves side. This handful of prized recruits augers well for second-year coach Braybon, who also has a group of talented juniors coming up from the club’s thirds premiership team. “As a group we expect to make finals. But we’ve got to do a lot of hard work to make sure that happens,” said Braybon, whose side finished eighth last year. “With the people we’ve brought in we think we’ll do well. “I’m expecting big things from all the guys we’ve brought in … they bring some good

JERILDERIE IN: Josh Bode, Andrew May, Dylan May, Cory Thomas, Allan Bond (Jerilderie), Thomas Draffin, Brett Macdonald, Jackson Campbell, Brett Rose (Deniliquin Rams), Andrew Simpson (Mooroopna). OUT: Ricky Howell (Deniliquin Rams).

skills to the side. We’ve probably been a bit short on experience in the past, so it’s good that we’re bringing in guys who have played finals footy.” With excellent numbers on the track and renewed senior depth, Braybon said his charges had made a pre-season pact to be one of the last sides standing in September. “The first thing we are focusing on is round one of course, but the goal this season is to make finals. Once we make finals, anything can happen,” he said. Braybon will lead from the front again this season in his ruck/forward role, while reigning best-and-fairest James Gilligan and runner-up Matt Dowling headline the on-ball brigade and key goal-kicker Terry Lumbar provides a strong presence up forward. PASTORAL TIMES

fter a string of grand final appearances, including a three-peat from 2012 to 2014, most Picola District league pundits are predicting Jerilderie to slide well down the ladder with at least 10 key departures this year.

But incoming coach and Pearce medallist Chris Marshall is more optimistic than most. After two years at Corowa-Rutherglen in the Ovens and Murray competition, the threetime Demons premiership player has returned to rebuild his home town club. He is also planning on leading his side into finals. “The club’s obviously been up for a while having played in the last four grand finals, so we’ll see how much depth we’ve got,” he said. “There’s been blokes playing in the twos who are up to senior footy, but haven’t had an opportunity. We’ve also still got plenty of young guys and a goal-to-goal line you can build a good side around.” Marshall refers to veteran goal-kicking machine Aaron Purcell, who registers a ton more often than not, and key defenders Luke Bryce and James McRae, all premiership stars. Young guns Harry Leeds, Jak Payne and Patty Darcy will also get a chance in what’s been a difficult midfield to break into.

Darcy Bell IN: Darcy Bell (Deniliquin Rams), Chris Marshall (Corowa-Rutherglen) OUT: Josh Bode, Andrew May, Dylan May, Allan Bond (Deniliquin Rovers), Brodie A’Vard (Barooga), Josh Bryce (AFL Canberra), Shaun Bruce, Nick Keating, Lachie Portbury (Essendon and District FL), James Gregory (VAFA), Ricky Brasher, Lachie Leeds.

The club has lost dual premiership playingcoach Josh Bode and Pearce medallist Andrew May back to the Deni Rovers, while ruckman Brodie A’Vard has signed with Barooga, Josh Bryce has returned to AFL Canberra and star onballer James Gregory is trying his hand in the VAFA. “Obviously it’s been a pretty tough off-season losing so much quality and not bringing a lot in,” Marshall conceded. “But we’re really upbeat about rebuilding and the players we’ve got.” SOUTHERN RIVERINA NEWS

MATHOURA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: PHIL HAZELMAN 2015 FINISH: SIXTH (7–9) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BRETT WELDON 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: CALLUM HARDING-DAVIES (33) GROUND: MATHOURA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: TIMBERCUTTERS

or new Mathoura coach Phil Hazelman, this year is about improving last year’s playing group and developing some of the “best young talent going around”.

Daniel Barwick IN: Phil Hazelman, Daniel Barwick, Martin Retallick (Echuca Utd), Cam Tully, Sean Delamere (Wakool), Grady Ward, Darcy Robinson and Jack Keogh (Moama). OUT: Brett Weldon (Picola), Damian Dalziel (Echuca Ut), Beau Duggan-Hulands (Moama), Matthew Giorgianni (LeitchvilleGunbower), Alex Kirby.

play across half forward.” Some of the Timbercutters’ other expectations centre around those who have graduated from last year’s thirds grand final side. Hazelman said they would look to get senior football into a handful of teenagers without placing too much pressure on them. “Bryce Bish has been a standout. He’s only 17 and is one of the best talents we’ve seen around here in a long time,” Hazelman said. “Other young guys like Jesse Dinan and Jack McAullife should also get some senior footy.”

201 6

The playing coach said these two goals, coupled with a string of capable new recruits, should help the club secure a finals berth. The Timbercutters are out to make a statement after just missing out on September action last year, finishing sixth with seven wins. “Like every coach going around, we’re out there to play finals,” Hazelman said. “But probably like everyone else, I’m hearing all clubs that were around our level last year will improve, so it’s going to be interesting.” As the 30-year-old noted, he hopes an injection of fresh blood will elevate the team to a serious finals threat. Hazelman and fellow Echuca United recruits Daniel Barwick and Martin Retallick are all capable onballers, as is Moama signing Grady Ward and Wakool recruit Cam Tully. Defender Sean Delamere has also crossed from Wakool, which is in recess for the year, and will serve as assistant coach. “Our expectation is that these guys will have an impact,” Hazelman said. “Darcy Robinson (Moama) won the Murray league reserves goal-kicking last year and he’ll

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PASTORAL TIMES

Football and Netball 2016 Page 63

PICOLA DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE NORTH-WEST

PICOLA UNITED

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JON VARCOE 2015 FINISH: FOURTH (13–3) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: DAVID DANIEL 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DANIEL ATKINSON (25) GROUND: PICOLA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BLUES

ould this year be the year for Picola United?

Jon Varcoe’s side has recruited as well as anyone in both divisions of the Picola District Football League and looks set to build significantly on a finals position last year. There are quality recruits everywhere you turn. Des Morgan is an experienced premiership defender at Rumbalara, bringing up his 200th game last year, while Taylor Beard is a talented all-round sportsman and has played plenty of senior football at Moama. Darby Walsh featured heavily at South Bendigo last year, while Shaun Bennie is a good in after struggling for senior opportunities at Murray league powerhouse Nathalia. It was the first finals appearance for the Blues last year since the PDFL competition split into two divisions in 2009, but they appear even more powerful again and should be able to contend with the heavyweights such as Strathmerton and Jerilderie. Along with adding significantly to the list, Picola has only lost Matthew Daniel and Heath Platfuss to Waaia. Varcoe — a premiership playing coach at Waaia who has also coached Lancaster, Echuca and Moama — joined the club in 2014 as an assistant coach and was elevated to senior coach last season.

Lee James

trathmerton finally tasted the ultimate success last year, as it defeated league powerhouse Jerilderie in an enthralling grand final in Mathoura.

Des Morgan IN: Taylor Beard (Moama), James Coppock (North Bendigo), Des Morgan (Rumbalara), Brett Weldon (Mathoura), Darby Walsh (South Bendigo), Brad Sanderson (Echuca United), Fraser Monahan (Echuca), Ian Fry (Shepparton Swans), Marcus Walsh, Shaun Bennie (Nathalia), Ashley Weldon (Charles Sturt University) OUT: Mathew Daniel, Heath Plattfuss (Waaia)

This season will prove to be somewhat of a different story, as several big name players have left the kennel. Co-coach Tim Bramich said expectations were slightly tempered heading into the new season. “No doubt we are going to have a younger side playing in the seniors this year,” Bramich said. “The younger boys are obviously a bit bigger this year, and should make the transition into senior footy nicely. “We have lost a little bit, but we will still be aiming to play finals.” Bramich said pre-season had been travelling well at the kennel, with good numbers and a good intensity shown to each session. “We have had a core group of players who haven’t missed a session. So the fitness levels are high,” he said. On the recruiting trail, Bramich said all of the players the club had targeted should be ready to step into the senior’s side from round one.

IN: Tyron Hill (Barooga), Luke Devlin (Murchison), Glenn Thompson (Numurkah), Matt O’Kane (Tungamah) OUT: Marcus McMillan, Brad O’Connor (Yarrawonga)

“We still haven’t finalised our squad yet. A few of the older guys are still trying to make up their mind if they will go around again or not. We could still have a couple of retirements hit us,” he said. LACHLAN SHARP

YARROWEYAH

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: DANE MAXWELL AND SEAN LOGIE FINISH: THIRD (8–7–1) 2015 BESTAND-FAIREST: KEITH BARON 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DANE MAXWELL, ELI BOYER (31) GROUND: TOCUMWAL RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BLOODS

Dane Maxwell)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: CHRIS GOW 2015 FINISH: EIGHTH (1–15) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: SEAN SALMON 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ANDREW JONES (14) GROUND: YARROWEYAH RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: HOPPERS

his is an important year for Yarroweyah, who will be celebrating its 60th year as a club.

ew co-coaches Sean Logie and Dane Maxwell are looking to take their club to the next level with home-grown talent.

Page 64 Football and Netball 2016

FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: TIM BRAMICH AND MATT SHANNON 2015 FINISH: PREMIER (14–2) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MATT SHANNON 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LEE JAMES (94) GROUND: MEMORIAL PARK NICKNAME: BULLDOGS

TOCUMWAL

Star onballer Logie, 27, is a prime example of what the Bloods have produced in recent years — he came through Tocumwal’s junior ranks to be a member of the club’s 2009 senior premiership when it was still in the Murray Football League. Maxwell, who joined the Bloods last season from Finley, said they had either recruited or retained 11 players from that flag team. One of those returning is Dennis Pedemont, who played in a flag with The Rock last year. “The pre-season recruiting has been a fairly successful campaign with a strong focus on acquiring local players,” said Maxwell, a ruckman-forward who kicked 31 goals last year. “This in turn has led to strong numbers at training and a contagious attitude for players to work towards and perform at their best level. “We’ve also got some talent coming up from ours thirds, who will be coached by Matt Wooden who is also a senior selector. “Last year we got to a preliminary final, so we’ve set that as the benchmark this season. Obviously we’d like to go one step further and play in a grand final, but there’s a lot of work

STRATHMERTON

IN: Luke Brooks (Finley), Allister Brooks (Melbourne league), Jack Fogharty (Yarrawonga), Ollie Rennie (year off), Greg Whelan (Koondrook), Max Brooks (Mt Beauty), Brett Dickson (Melbourne league), Dennis Pedemont (The Rock), Alex Pedemont (year off). OUT: Kyel Bain (Blighty), Eli Boyer (Mulwala), Mick O’Riordan, Josh Dalitz, Cory Parish, Daniel Kirchen (Blighty)

to go before we worry about that.” In terms of recruits, the Bloods have added hardened footballers Luke Brooks, Allister Brooks, Jack Fogharty, Ollie Rennie, Greg Whelan, Max Brooks and Brett Dickson to the senior list, and retained key players including Keith Baron, Steven Patten and Jacob Hore, who finished top three in last year’s best-and-fairest. The Bloods have also re-signed goal shark Dylan Flanagan, who booted 24 goals last year. SOUTHERN RIVERINA NEWS

After registering just the one win last season, newly appointed Hoppers coach Chris Gow is hopeful that bigger and better things are on the horizon for the club. “Pre-season numbers have been great so far. I can’t complain at all,” Gow said. “I have been told the last few years, the average pre-season session would have 12 to 15 at each. This year, we would have easily had 30 to each one with great training intensity shown.” Gow said the mood around the club had remained upbeat, despite some lean years on the field. “We have had some of the old legends of the club return after a few years away,” he said. “It just feels like a great place to play footy at the moment.” Gow said the recruiting team had been working hard over the summer and had been able to attract some handy additions to the club. “My philosophy when I joined the club was to move away from getting players from Melbourne, and try to keep it as local as possible, which I think we have been able to do,” he said. LACHLAN SHARP

Nathan Congram IN: Ben Anderson, Nathan Congram (Congupna), Daniel Boyd (Berrigan) OUT: Mitch Richmann (Cobram), Reece Miller, Sean Salmon

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ARDMONA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: ANDREA WOODWARD 2015 FINISH: EIGHTH (8–10)

Andrea Woodward returns for a second season at the helm. The Cats were not far off the pace last year and secured eight wins, three behind sixth-placed Merrigum. Cathy McHugh is not returning, but Woodward has promoted Steph Barber and Jade Buxton, while Zari Hardie is back after having a baby. Tammy Atkinson was a standout for Ardmona last season, polling 18 league votes to finish in the top seven at the Warren Medal count.

AVENEL

FAST FACTS >> COACH: KATHRYN HARD 2015 FINISH: THIRD (17–1)

Last season ended in heartbreak and coach Kath Hard is not prepared to let that happen again. Injury got the better of the minor premier, who crashed out of finals in straight sets. Hard has lost Natalie Fletcher, Tegan Hansen and Narae Blackwell to injury, while Bree D’Andrea, Niki Lorde and Gen Gordon all return to the club. Hard had surgery last year, but said she would be right to play come round one.

GIRGARRE

FAST FACTS >> COACH: DEBBIE MCARDLE 2015 FINISH: 11TH (2–16)

Debbie McArdle enters her first full season as coach after coming on board midway through last year. The Kangaroos have a bye in the opening round and McArdle will use the added week to finalise her list. Tanya Greenshields will again add bounce to the Roos’ list, alongside most of last year’s A-grade side. McArdle said a number of Echuca-based players had also come on board.

LANCASTER

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JODIE RENNIE 2015 FINISH: FIFTH (14–4)

Expect a younger Lancaster line-up on the court this year. The Wombats have lost

experienced players in Pip Inglis, Jo McCready and Sarah Heard. Warren medalist Ellie Lothian will return from a fractured elbow, joining teamates Kayla Casey and Leanna Couston. Rennie said her side boasted versatility as it pushed for a stronger finals campaign. After winning the flag in 2014, the Wombats were knocked out in last year’s elimination final.

LONGWOOD

FAST FACTS >> COACH: SUZANNE HUNTER 2015 FINISH: 13TH (1–17)

Suzanne Hunter has returned to lead the Redlegs this season. She said the club was still looking for players to bolster its A-grade side, but numbers at trials had been strong. The club will benefit from consistency as Amy Carter, Shirley Kopi, Angela Towers and Mya RavenLuck return this year. A couple of new faces will add to the line-up, with Meg Ritchie and Jenna Fitzgibbon joining from Nagambie.

MERRIGUM

FAST FACTS >> COACH: CHELSEA NICHOLSON AND GRAEME PELL 2015 FINISH: SIXTH (11–7)

Goaler Chelsea Nicholson will co-coach the Bulldogs, alongside Graeme Pell. Pell expected his side to be more competitive than last year, when it was knocked out in the first round of finals. Defender Ellie Wright shapes as a young player to watch, while the club is working tirelessly to again secure the services of reigning Wellman Family medalist Renee Lea.

MURCHISON

FAST FACTS >> COACH: PHIL BRYANT 2015 FINISH: NINTH (6–12)

Murchison has had a busy off-season. Young gun Georgie Eddy will be a massive inclusion this year, returning alongside Casey Cook and Karida Anderson. A number of new faces have emerged, including Tayla Kohn (Violet Town), youngster Kelsey McDonald and Sharne Milne (Mooroopna) and Felicity Dalle Nogare (Numurkah). Bridie McCormick and Kristy Jackson will combine for a formidable defence as the Hoppers eye off finals action.

and Adriana Corso will get a greater taste for senior netball. Stanhope junior Cassidy Vick also returns to the club and will bolster the midcourt, alongside Bendigo export Britney Shaddock.

TALLYGAROOPNA FAST FACTS >> COACH: JULIE TELFORD 2015 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (14–4)

Nagambie

PREMIER 2015

NAGAMBIE

FAST FACTS >> COACH: ABBY MISITI 2015 FINISH: PREMIER (17–1)

Nagambie is shaping to be as strong, if not stronger than last year’s high-flying season. The Lakers welcome the return of three-time Warren medalist Sharni Lloyd, who had a baby last year. Other fresh faces at the reigning premier’s fortress include defender Louise Richards (Mildura), goaler Bianca Willis (Shepparton Swans) and Elizabeth Fuhrmeister (Seymour). Kathryn Coll has retired, while Sarah Shiels and Hannah Tranter are having the year off.

RUSHWORTH

FAST FACTS >> COACH: LEADERSHIP GROUP 2015 FINISH: 12TH (1–17)

Expect a similar Tigers outfit on the court this year. Rushworth has lost one player, Casey Clarke (moved interstate), from last season. Club president Peta Williams hoped a number of past players would return from maternity leave, while several juniors will get a taste for senior netball. Williams said numbers had been strong over the pre-season as the club develops its junior program.

STANHOPE

FAST FACTS >> COACH: KERRIE GRAY 2015 FINISH: FOURTH (11–6–1)

Suzanne Cockroft is the only omission from last year’s group that secured a finals berth. Gray will continue to develop her young list as under-17s talents Emma Cox, Abbey Colman

After two consecutive grand final losses, Redlegs coach Julie Telford has worked hard to ensure her side will push deep into postseason competition for another year. Sharri Longmore is the only omission from last year’s group, while Tanya Ross and Lisa Geffor come into the mix. Ross adds another option in defence, alongside Kayla Woodhouse and Bree Giles, while Geffor will add drive through the midcourt.

UNDERA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: MARILYN WALL 2015 FINISH: 10TH (5–13)

Well-known club person Marilyn Wall has taken over from daughter Sherryn as the Lions senior coach. Jessie Barassi and Samantha Cordy are the only familiar faces returning from last year’s group. Wall has had a busy offseason, luring Katandra players Cindy Batey, Melissa Fassbender, Sue Barnes and Kirby Wellington to Undera Recreation Reserve. Rhianna Hamilton also joins from Murchison, alongside Leitchville Gunbower’s Emily Prout.

VIOLET TOWN

FAST FACTS >> COACH: PIP O’DONOGHUE 2015 FINISH: SEVENTH (9–1–8)

O’Donoghue’s list is looking similar to last year as just one player has departed. Lauren Sessions is the omission, but has been swiftly replaced by Benalla export Adele James. James knows a number of the Towners’ ex-Swanpool players, while O’Donoghue hoped to give her under-17 players plenty of senior game time. “We’re looking to have another good year and continue to build on the things we’ve been working on,” O’Donoghue said. GEORGINA CAHILL

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GOULBURN VALLEY NETBALL LEAGUE

Lions keen to defend title G

oulburn Valley Netball League competition was at its strongest last year as Seymour broke a 27-year premiership drought.

While the Lions emerged as a strong force, runner-up Echuca proved the surprise packet of the season. Few knew how to stop the red-hot Lions, but Jenny Barlow’s Euroa did. Barlow announced a surprise move to Mooroopna, where she sets out to lead the Cats’ rise up the ladder. Barlow is not the only fresh coaching face in the competition as accomplished Murray league mentor Dylan Nexhip takes charge at Benalla. Sarah Hosking is the youngest coach in the league aged 20. She may be young, but Euroa’s new mentor does not lack experience. A Victorian Netball League player, Hosking is determined to lead the Magpies to their first A-grade flag. Lauren Tesoriero has the top job at Mansfield, while well-known umpire Kylie Pearce will mentor Rochester. A number of changes also flow through the clubs, as Seymour looms as a force to be reckoned with yet again. Coach Ash Chapman has retained star Elle McDonald, who finished her debut season with a Wellman Family Medal, premiership medal and the crown for best-on-court in the grand final. Echuca coach Gina Pearson often described her side last season as a star team, not a team full of stars. Whatever the recipe, it worked. Pearson’s side dropped just two games in the home-and-away season, before it was out-run against the gallant Lions. While Kyabram showed glimpses of its recent glory era, the Bombers failed to deliver when it mattered most. League star Ash Mangan made her longawaited return from a serious knee injury and the Bombers’ list is set to look better again this season. Coach Belinda Lees (pregnancy) will

assume an on-court role as she eyes off more silverware. Shepparton knocked Lees’ side out of the finals race, but it went on to experience similar heartache. Bears coach Tracey Brereton wants the club’s first A-grade premiership and she enlisted the help from ex-Trans-Tasman Championship defender Shannon Eagland to help do so. Inconsistent is the best way to describe Shepparton United’s last season. The Demons scraped into finals then caused the upset of the series, taking down third-placed Euroa and reigniting the finals schedule debate. Other clubs were not as lucky. It proved a development year for Shepparton Swans, Rochester, Mooroopna, Mansfield and Tatura — who slipped into the bottom five. Developing youth is a common trait among clubs as they set out to build a strong foundation for future years. GEORGINA CAHILL

Seymour

2015: Seymour 2014: Shepparton United 2013: Shepparton Swans 2012: Kyabram 2011: Kyabram 2010: Shepparton United

WELLMAN FAMILY MEDALLISTS: 2015: Elle McDonald (Seymour) 2014: Jacinta Todd (Shepparton) 2013: Jade Heinrich (Mansfield) 2012: Ash Mangan (Kyabram) 2011: Kathryn Hard (Seymour) 2010: Ash Mangan (Kyabram)

Seymour

Kyabram

Euroa

Shepparton

Shepparton United

Echuca

Benalla

Shepparton Swans

Mooroopna

Rochester

Mansfield

Tatura

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GOULBURN VALLEY NETBALL LEAGUE

BENALLA FAST FACTS >> COACH: DYLAN NEXHIP 2015 FINISH: SEVENTH (8–10)

The Saints may have a new coach at the helm, but Dylan Nexhip is no stranger to Goulburn Valley talent. Nexhip was lured to the club by under-17 coach Robyn Smith, whom he knows form the North East Zone Academy. Last year’s mentor Grace Hide is Benalla’s biggest on-court inclusion, having missed most of last season through pregnancy. While midcourter and former coach Kate Symes has followed husband Cam to the Ovens and King league, the remainder of the line-up remains unchanged. Young gun Grace Thomas will balance her commitments with Victorian Netball League club Monash University Storm, but will again play a key role in the Saints’ attack, alongside seven-time A-grade best-and-fairest Kellie Keen. Nexhip said his side boasted flexibility, with dynamic youngsters Olivia Osborne, Tylah Marchbank, Georgia Rodger, Bridget Hill and Ellie Warnock making their way up the ranks. Nexhip said under-17 dynamo Kelsey Pallpratt would also play a number of games with the senior side. The accomplished Murray Netball League coach was still working out combinations, but expected his young group, who finished seventh last season and just missed out on finals, to push up the ladder this year. “They were thereabouts last year,” Nexhip said. “From the feedback I’ve had, in future it’s about putting more structure into place and making sure there’s that commitment from everybody.”

ECHUCA FAST FACTS >> COACHES: CASEY FRAME AND GINA PEARSON 2015 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (18–3)

What is better than one coach? Two, of course. Last year’s mentor Gina Pearson is sharing the load with captain Casey Frame as the Murray Bombers look to settle unfinished business. Just four players remain from last year’s side, but Pearson is excited to see a number of younger players step up to A-grade, while Holly Butler (pregnancy), Sheridan Townrow (Darwin), Greta Pearson (Ballarat), Ange Slattery (Leitchville Gunbower) and Charlotte Long have all stepped away. Frame, Erin Hill, Leah Thompson and young gun Olivia

Hannon remain at Victoria Park, while B-grade premiership players Dearnah Kent and Abby Poulton had been promoted. Eve Gregor, who played in Kangaroo Flat’s under-17 premiership side last season, is another inclusion, alongside ex-Nathalia playing coach Carri Carter. Maddie Wines, the sister of Port Adelaide footballer Ollie, will also be back at her home club. Pearson said this year’s group’s strength would be its speed and agility. “We need to focus on the new team we’ve got and work from there,” Pearson said. “I suppose people are going to say you’ve lost five players from your A-grade side, someone like Sherry Townrow is an amazing target and Ange Slattery also performed extremely well, and to lose that height is going to be difficult. Our game plans will be slightly different because of that.”

EUROA FAST FACTS >> COACH: SARAH HOSKING 2015 FINISH: SIXTH (14–5)

Euroa has a new coach, but expect a mostly unchanged side on the court this year. The Magpies experienced a strong rise up the ranks last season and were the lone team to knock off powerhouse and eventual premier Seymour. While Euroa showed glimpses of being a strong finals contender, the third-ranked team was knocked out of finals in the opening round. New mentor Sarah Hosking believes her group is stronger this year and she thinks it can go all the way. “I’m hoping to get the flag and definitely make finals,” Hosking said. “We’re going to be strong contenders.” The Magpies have lost goal-keeper Caitie Mitchell (time off), but gain Laura Emanuelli who returns from pregnancy. Hosking’s twin sister Jess is expected to play every second weekend due to work commitments, while their former Peninsula Waves teammate Maddie Morrison is returning for a second season at Memorial Oval. Defender Kelly Hill, attacking ace Kali Guilmartin, utility Maisie Barlow and midcourters Hannah Kennedy and Jas Trotter are also back at the club. Sarah is still on the look-out for another defender to fill the void left by Mitchell, while she hopes ex-Victorian Netball League teammate Hannah Hood will make a number of cameo appearances for the Magpies.

KYABRAM FAST FACTS >> COACH: BELINDA LEES 2015 FINISH: FIFTH (14–5)

The Belinda Lees-led Bombers have experienced a number of changes this year, creating opportunities for younger players to step up. Lees will return to the court after she welcomed her second daughter, Coco, last year. While Lees is back in, midcourters Raz Hilton and Shani Clarke are moving to Queensland and goaler Bridgette Furphy has relocated to Melbourne. Youngster Maddi Egglestone has joined rival club Rochester, but Lees will retain a number of premiership teammates. Lees is confident three-time Wellman Family medallist Ash Mangan will line-up in round one. Mangan was sidelined for the 2014 season after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament, medial ligament and both medial and lateral meniscuses in Victorian Netball League competition. Mangan eased into last season, but Lees said her recovery had been positive and she would be a regular starter. Alongside Mangan, captain Steph Vick, Lauren Pryde, Elle Groves and Holly Butler return to the club as it pushes toward a stronger finals campaign. The Bombers finished last year’s home-and-away season in fourth, but were knocked out in the first round of finals. Lees, who will also be involved in a coaching role at Melbourne University, said it was a heartbreaking end to the year and that her group wanted redemption. “To let something that was potentially going to be an awesome finish to the season slip away, that was shattering,” Lees said.

MANSFIELD FAST FACTS >> COACH: LAUREN TESORIERO 2015 FINISH: 11TH (1–17)

A number of familiar faces return to Mansfield Recreation Reserve this year as the club sets its sights on featuring in finals action. After three years away from the Eagles’ nest, Lauren Tesoriero has taken on the coaching position. Tesoriero, who has coaching experience at Yea under her belt, will play through the midcourt or in defence. She said most of last season’s group that finished in 11th was returning, including youngsters Bec Wallis, Dempsey Parson and Darcy Croxford-Demasi.

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Page 68 Football and Netball 2016

Defenders Lucy Marks (Yea) and Joey Bailey (Bonnie Doon) have also returned, while Christina Blunt (pregnancy) is expected to miss the first half of the season. Megan Doeven and Christine Hopkins are also in the mix as Tesoriero sets her sights on building a strong playing list. “Because we’re so young, it’s all about developing,” Tesoriero said. “I’m not interested in getting any players from Melbourne, I want to teach the girls we have here and hopefully we can build a successful side.” Tesoriero said a number of players in the club’s under-17 side looked promising and she hoped to give them senior experience.

MOOROOPNA FAST FACTS >> COACH: JENNY BARLOW 2015 FINISH: 10TH (2–16)

The Cats enter a new chapter with accomplished Goulburn Valley league coach Jenny Barlow at the helm. While Barlow has a young side, former Shepparton East playing coach Jenni McCluskey will inject experience. Barlow said her former Euroa teammate McCluskey, 48, would fill a hole under goals. “She’s a very accurate shooter who’s still very fit and capable of playing,” Barlow said. “She’ll be directing the shooting end for Mooroopna and helping (me) in the development of younger players.” Shepparton East youngster Paigan Impey has also come across to the Cattery, joining returning players Ash Lancaster, Maddi Wong, Mia Fallon and Ebony Evans. Barlow said defenders Lancaster and Wong had put together an impressive pre-season. “I would imagine the combination of Ash Lancaster and Maddi Wong in defence will be enhanced this year, and we’re looking to develop that,” she said. “They could cause clubs a few headaches.” The club has lost Sam Gill and Phoebe Wilson, but Barlow said a number of talented youngsters had impressed in the lead-up to round one. Georgia Otto and Lauren Murray will come into the mix this year, while former mentor Kirrily Basile will flow between the club’s A-grade and B-grade sides. For Barlow, it is all about developing her list.

228 Maude Street Mall, Shepparton 03 5821 1555

ROCHESTER FAST FACTS >> COACH: KYLIE PEARCE 2015 FINISH: NINTH (5–13)

“Rochester is not going to be such an easybeat for people this year.” That is the message from new coach Kylie Pearce as the Tigers enter a new era. An accomplished umpire and experienced mentor, Pearce has focused on fitness during the pre-season, saying her group needed to run out matches while sustaining pressure. Pearce has lost ex-coach Rachel Whipp and Sahra Brooks, who have been sidelined as their families expand. But the future looks bright as reigning league under-17 best-and-fairest Maddi Egglestone joins Moon Oval from rival club Kyabram. Defender Egglestone spent plenty of time on the Bombers’ A-grade bench last season, but will get more opportunity under Pearce. Ellie Cuttriss is another strong inclusion, returning from a year off. Cuttriss will be joined by sister-in-law Rylea, adding depth to the midcourt. Young goaler Dimity Pearson remains a Tiger, alongside twins Maddy and Bridgette Holt, while Lil Ward has graduated from the under-17 side. Rochester finished ninth last year after five wins and 13 losses and Pearce is eyeing off a rise up the ranks this season. She said the young side was embarking on a two-year development phase.

SEYMOUR

PREMIER 2015

FAST FACTS >> COACH: ASH CHAPMAN 2015 FINISH: PREMIER (20–2)

Seymour is shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with yet again. Remarkably, Ash Chapman has retained his entire playing list from last year’s premiership. Reigning Wellman Family medallist Elle McDonald is gearing up for her second season at the club. McDonald is making the step up to Victorian Netball League’s champion division this year and will experience an interrupted start to the season. The Sovereign State player will come up against Seymour temmates Amelia Brock and Casey Adamson, who are playing for VNL club ACU Sovereigns. Former Melbourne Vixen Kath Knott withdrew from Chapman’s side midway through last year and will turn her attention to

a coaching role in Geelong this year. Chapman has not felt the need to recruit as his side pushes for back-to-back flags, saying Ellie O’Sullivan stepped up to fill the void left by Knott. Chapman said his team could always improve, and that posed a scary thought to its GVNL competitors. “Last year we took a massive step up defensively, we were one of the best defensive teams in the competition,” Chapman said. “We did give away a lot of turnover ball in attack because we play so fast. “It’s about minimizing those errors and giving teams no chance to get the ball back.”

SHEPPARTON FAST FACTS >> COACH: TRACEY BRERETON 2015 FINISH: THIRD (13–1–7)

Youth and experience will be injected into Tracey Brereton’s side this year. Seven-time club best-and-fairest Ash Cann (pregnancy) returns to the court, while promising young talent Steph Gorrie has been promoted from B-grade. Brereton said high school student Gorrie, a state league goaler, experienced a breakout season last year, while towering shooter Tanya Holland and midcourter Tiaan Freer will return to B-grade. Gorrie’s B-grade teammate Reni Hicks has also been promoted to the mostly unchanged side. Goaler Hannah Crawley is having a year off, but Lucy Teague-Neeld, Morgan Gibson, Laura Ryan, Jacinta Todd, Erin McLeod and Taylah Shanahan are still hunting for the club’s first senior flag. Brereton was unsure if Victorian Fury premiership defender Shannon Eagland would line up for her side this year, after playing a key role in the Bears’ finals campaign. It has been a case of so close yet so far for Brereton’s side, which has pushed deep into finals the past three seasons but failed to get its hands on the silverware. While Brereton said her side was continuing to develop, she has set the bar high. “My expectation every single year is to play in a grand final and to win,” Brereton said. “We’ve come so close, in the last two years we’ve won three premierships across three grades. “A-grade is in good shape, but we can’t seem to get over that last hurdle.”

SHEPPARTON SWANS FAST FACTS >> COACH: JANA BRUINIER 2015 FINISH: EIGHTH (8–10)

Swans coach Jana Bruinier has pegged this season as another development year for her group. Several players departed the Swans’ nest after their 2014 grand final loss, and the changing of the guard continues this year. Bruinier, defender Erin Hopkins and Nat Simpson are the only experienced players returning, giving Bruinier the chance to grow her young list. Goaler Liz Cobbledick has joined Colbinabbin for the season, but is expected to return with younger sister Annie (Sandhurst) in the future. Bruinier said six of her 10 players were 18 years old or younger, including returning sisters Sarah and Kristy Down. Under-17 premiership players Olivia Mason and Kate Jeffery will be permanent fixtures in the A-grade side. The pair played the maximum nine senior matches they were permitted last year and goaler Mason polled league votes. “I think it’s great for the future of the club,” Bruinier said. “We’ve still got enough senior players to develop those girls. We’ve got some great development years ahead.” The Swans featured in five consecutive grand finals from 2010 to 14 but missed out on postseason competition last year. Bruinier has ramped up pre-season training, which began in November, to ensure her side is fit enough to match the competition. Bruinier has one new inclusion, Jasmine Smith from Seymour.

SHEPPARTON UNITED FAST FACTS >> COACH: DI HANSLOW 2015 FINISH: FOURTH (10–1–9)

Di Hanslow will not be doing it on her own this year. Hanslow has secured the services Australian under-23 representative Raymond Keighley. Keighley and Leonie Cooper will assist Hanslow across all grades as the club expands this year. “We’re very excited to have some very talented new coaching blood coming on board and sharing our knowledge,” Hanslow said. She said a core group of players would return to the senior side this year, including her

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daughter Bree, Kara Blizzard, Kirsty Hommes, Kate Durling and Megan Trevaskis. Young goaler Marni Thorne will make the step up from B-grade, while Hanslow has secured Mooroopna’s Phoebe Wilson. The club will miss the services of sisters Genna and Ella Ogier and goaler Denya Heap, who have relocated to Melbourne. Premiership player Hayley Fairless is unlikely to play this season due to university commitments. Hanslow’s side lacked consistency last year as it snuck into finals, and she hopes for a steadier line-up on the court this season. “We do want to try and work this year with the group we’ve got,” Hanslow said. “We’ve got some talented young girls throughout all the grades, starting from B-grade through to under-17s. That’s the area we want to build on this year.”

TATURA FAST FACTS >> COACH: ANN AUSTIN 2015 FINISH: 12TH (1–17)

The rebuilding process will continue at Tatura this year. Not much will change on court for the battling Bulldogs as coach Ann Austin highlights patience. Austin enters her second season as coach, while her daughter Hannah, 19, has also committed for another year. Hannah played a key role under Tatura’s goals last season and returns with defender Hannah Blake and midcourter Olivia DeAngelis. A familiar face will be absent from the court this year as Grace Lovel will be based in Melbourne to complete her university studies. Instead of having separate teams this year, Ann has named a senior squad. She said it gave her the flexibility to move players around without locking them into a grade and encouraged competitiveness around the club. The Bulldogs showed improvement last season and put a win on the board, and Ann hopes this year’s group can match it or go one better. She was still on the hunt for a number of key position players to strengthen her line-up. “We’re still looking for those key couple of definite A-grade players, and they’re fairly hard to come across,” Ann said. “The rebuilding process is still happening; we just need to be patient. “There’s a good vibe around the club.”

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Football and Netball 2016 Page 69

MURRAY NETBALL LEAGUE

BAROOGA

DENILIQUIN RAMS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: KIM SNEDDON 2015 FINISH: 12TH (2–16)

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: RACHEL MAHER AND AMELIA WYATT 2014 FINISH: FOURTH (9–9)

Barooga will be hoping an early start to training will help the team become more competitive this season. In her first season at the club after years with Blighty, coach Kim Sneddon will be taking the reins. While a final team had yet to be selected at time of print, the team had been training hard since January. “The girls are so positive and so pumped for the season,” Sneddon said. She said one player would be coming up to A-grade, along with a few new faces at the club.

The return of star goalkeeper Rachel Maher (nee Bull) has lifted spirits at the Deniliquin Rams following the side’s sudden exit from last year’s finals series. Maher and fellow defender Amelia Wyatt have taken on co-coaching roles to replace veteran attacker Vicki Carmichael, who was at the helm for two seasons and will stay on as a player. Maher returns to the club after several years at Colbinabbin, where she won two Heathcote and District Netball League premierships. Hayley Hall will be an absentee from the midcourt, taking a year off to have a baby, while past MNL best-and-fairest Rebecca White will again lead the attack.

COBRAM

CONGUPNA FAST FACTS >> COACH: WENDY SIDEBOTTOM 2015 FINISH: NINTH (4–14)

There is a feeling of Groundhog Day at Congupna after consecutive ninth place finishes and it does not look like too much is set to change this season. Wendy Sidebottom enters her second season at the helm and will hope the welcome returns of Jak Lancaster and Ebony Thorn will bolster her side along with recruit Taylor Durden (Shepparton). However, with Nicci Jeffery, Kelly Tucker and Bridget Cole all retiring at the end of last season, it is likely the incomers will simply fill a void.

MOAMA FAST FACTS >> COACH: CLARE SHALDERS 2015 FINISH: 10TH (4–14)

Former Echuca coach Clare Shalders has taken the reins at Moama. The Magpies are coming off a disappointing season last year when they finished 10th with just four wins. With Echuca United dominating the netball scene, Moama will be eager to step up its game and take it to its arch-rival.

MULWALA FAST FACTS >> COACH: STEPH BEAMS 2015 FINISH: FOURTH (14–4)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: FRAN REDMAN 2015 FINISH: 11TH (3–15)

After a less than ideal season last year, coach Fran Redman — in her second year in the role — will be looking to develop a more competitive team this year. The team will be a mix of experienced and returning players, who will lead the team along with a number of younger players stepping up. Di and Jo Bourke will be returning from a few seasons at Tungamah and Rach Baxa and Sharra Beasley returning after a couple of years’ rest. Hope Lindhe and Carmen Shannon also arrive from Strathmerton.

being edged out by a rampant Echuca United side. Helene and Renee Steward will be keys in the midcourt, while Claire Doyle will be a rock in defence.

Echuca United

PREMIER 2015

ECHUCA UNITED FAST FACTS >> COACH: GRANT MATTHEWS 2015 FINISH: PREMIER (16–2)

So how does a netball club follow its most successful season of all time? By re-setting its sights, simply. One week at a time. Starting with week one. Echuca United took home seven titles from seven grades of grand final action last September in Murray Netball League deciders. And becoming arguably the most hunted opposition in Victorian country netball has not fazed head coach Grant Matthews.

FINLEY FAST FACTS >> COACHES: YET TO BE ANNOUNCED 2015 FINISH: THIRD (13–5)

Last year’s preliminary finalist was still looking for a coach at the time of writing. The Cats enjoyed a great season last year, making it to the penultimate game before

Steph Beams and the Lions return this year determined to go at least one step further than their semi-final exit last season. A pregnant Beams will call the shots from the sideline this season as she looks to build on last year’s potential with the addition of three new faces. Casey Parker, Marissa Thomas and Keely Dissing have all agreed to play under Beams, but Leonie Pomeroy proved a one-season wonder and Eliza Strawhorn has also left.

NATHALIA FAST FACTS >> COACH: LISA BARNES 2015 FINISH: SEVENTH (7–11)

There are five coming in and four heading out at Nathalia as Carly Carter leaves the coaching ranks for Echuca after one season. Lisa Barnes has been running the show for the Purples since Carter’s departure and her goal will simply be to break down the league’s top six and bottom six divide. Nathalia welcomes Steph Limbrick, Stacey Ross, Lani Madill, Jemma Bell and Marnie Bell, but the loss of Gemma Cusack, Ash Cusack, Georgia Cobbledick and Carter will be a hard void to fill.

NUMURKAH FAST FACTS >> COACH: MEL O’DWYER 2015 FINISH: FIFTH (13–5)

Last season Numurkah went from reigning

premiers to a fifth place finish and getting bundled out of the finals in week one. With coach Renee Judd and starting A-graders Fiona Elliot, Leanne Rawson, Mikalya Hoffman all departing, a premiership tilt might be a stretch too far for the Blues this season. However, the club welcomes back Mel O’Dwyer, who will also coach and she remains optimistic they can still push for the title. “I’ve changed things up from Renee a little bit, we’ve lost three A-grade players, which is half your side so we’ve got a few young ones in, but we still have Tamara Skinner and Teagan Sutton,” she said.

RUMBALARA FAST FACTS >> COACH: JESSIE BARNES 2015 FINISH: EIGHTH (6–12)

With the best recruiting class in the league you can expect Rumbalara to shoot up the ladder this year. Jessie Barnes has secured the services of Fitzroy Stars players Jessica Bamblett (GK), Rikki Bamblett (C) and Lisa Thorp (WA), as well as Shepparton Swans player Natasha Bamblett (GD). Barnes will move to goal shooter to replace retiring club legend Karen Ferguson, while Laura Hudson (Moama) and Emma Gray (Mooroopna) are other outs. “With the team we’ve got this year, we’ve got great depth, versatility and experience, the players are also interchangeable between a variety of positions and all the girls have played together at some point over the years, which makes for really solid team dynamics,” Barnes said.

TONGALA FAST FACTS >> COACH: ALICIA WHITE 2015 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (17–2)

It couldn’t happen again, could it? Tongala thought it was going to be a case of third-time lucky last year when it made the MNL grand final. But for the third year in a row, the Blues lost the game that matters the most, despite being the dominant team for the season. The club’s playing stocks have taken something of a hit, with A-graders Moana Waasdorp, Chicky Barr, Caddi Mulholland and Olivia Hall all departing.

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PICOLA DISTRICT PICOLA FOOTBALL DISTRICT LEAGUE NETBALL NORTH-WEST LEAGUES

South-East DOOKIE UNITED FAST FACTS >> COACH: JODIE FLEMING 2015 FINISH: RUNNERS-UP (14–4)

Dookie United came so close to finally get that elusive premiership. Tanya Caruana, who turned Dookie into a premiership contender in her three seasons in charge, has stepped down and Jodie Fleming has taken her place. Georgia Caruana and Georgia Hooper will step up into A-grade, while Belinda Pattison and Sheena Waters will go around again. Fleming said she expected her side to still be competitive with the talented youth coming through.

KATAMATITE FAST FACTS >> COACH: CASSIA COLBECK 2015 FINISH: PREMIER (15–3)

Katamatite broke a two-decade premiership drought when it defeated Dookie United in last year’s grand final. Premiership coach Cassia Colbeck is again in charge, but will be steering the team from the sidelines for at least the first part of the season after recently giving birth. Young guns Kim Hosie and Caitln Mack will step up to find a more permanent position in A-grade, while Ellie Lazzarotto, Madi Brown and Tess Lawless will complement premiership heroes in captain Ria Hodge, Kate Murphy and Olivia Brown.

KATANDRA FAST FACTS >> COACH: BEC OSMOND (NEE DUDGEON) 2015 FINISH: FIFTH (8–8–2)

Home-grown Katandra star Bec Osmond (nee Dudgeon) is back at the club and will coach the Kats this season. The Kats played finals last year, but they were well down on the standard set in the previous three years, which yielded three premierships. The bar at Katandra is set high and the Kats will be expecting to feature in finals yet again, with former Shepparton Swan Shinea Sali a major inclusion.

KATUNGA FAST FACTS >> COACH: AIMEE SIDEBOTTOM 2015 FINISH: SEVENTH (3–15)

Katunga has pulled off a major coup by signing 2014 Lukies medallist Aimee Sidebottom. Sidebottom played in the Goulburn Valley Netball League with Shepparton Swans last year and the former Katandra gun will bring some

North-West star quality to the Swans, who have struggled for wins in recent seasons. Expect the Swans to improve considerably on their three-win campaign last season.

RENNIE FAST FACTS >> COACH: PAULA MIFKA 2015 FINISH: FOURTH (9–9)

It will be a development year at Rennie with Paula Mifka taking over as coach from Wendy Brooks. The Grasshoppers were dealt a huge blow with star defender and reigning Lukies medallist Holly Milner returning to play at Yarrawonga. Despite that major loss, Mifka said young players such as Tayla Mollison would step up.

SHEPPARTON EAST FAST FACTS >> COACH: CLAIRE DOHERTY 2015 FINISH: SIXTH (6–12)

It was a disappointing season last year for Shepparton East and the Eagles have had a hard time finding a replacement for Jenni McCluskey. The gun veteran goaler has made the move back to the Goulburn Valley Netball League to play at Mooroopna under former teammate Jenny Barlow. The Eagles are expected to focus on their talented youth as they look to rise back into the finals after finishing well of the pace last year.

TUNGAMAH FAST FACTS >> COACH: DEBBIE HAY 2015 FINISH: THIRD (14–3–1)

Tungamah will be looking to build on a promising last season with new coach Debbie Hay in charge. The Bears looked to be on track for a grand final appearance, but were bundled out in the preliminary final by Dookie United. Hay takes over from last year’s mentor Shelly White.

WAAIA FAST FACTS >> COACH: BLAISE MORTIMER 2015 FINISH: EIGHTH (1–17)

Things are changing at Waaia, with A-grade player Blaise Mortimer stepping up to coach. After a tough last two seasons where the Bombers only scored one win, Mortimer hopes some fresh faces will help them rise up the ladder. Laura Cahoon has returned to the club, while players such as Mel Hicks and Milly Foster will make a difference. OLIVER CAFFREY

BERRIGAN

MATHOURA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JANE SCHIFFERLE 2015 FINISH: NINTH (0–15–1)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JORDY POLLOCK AND SHANTELLE WORSNOP 2015 FINISH: SEVENTH (5–11)

It was a tough season for Berrigan last year and the club looks like being unable to field teams in all senior competitions because of a lack of numbers. The Saints will be looking to the club’s youth to keep pushing them on into the future.

BLIGHTY FAST FACTS >> COACH JUDY PLATTFUSS 2015 FINISH: FOURTH (11–5)

Blighty will be out to build on a promising season last year where the Redeyes played finals. While it did not come together for the Redeyes during finals, there is plenty to work on for this year and into the future under coach Judy Plattfuss.

Mathoura has gone with co-coaches for this year’s campaign, appointing Jordy Pollock and Shantelle Worsnop as its A and B-grade leaders. The Timbercutters won five games last season and will fancy their chances of at least matching that effort.

TOCUMWAL FAST FACTS >> COAHCES: MILLIE FERGUSON AND JACQ DAVIS 2015 FINISH: PREMIER (14–2)

Tocumwal is coming off a thrilling season last year after defeating Deniliquin Rovers in the grand final. The Bloods were smashed by 10 goals by the Rovers in the semi-final, but were able to re-group for the decider and take an incredible flag by two goals.

DENILIQUIN ROVERS

STRATHMERTON

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JANICE HILTON 2015 FINISH: RUNNERS-UP (15–1)

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: AMY CARTER AND NICOLE KOOPMAN 2015 FINISH: FOURTH (9–6–1)

It was the most heartbreaking of ends for Deni Rovers, only losing two games, but one was the grand final. Rovers coach Janice Hilton is determined to lead her side to the premiership, with a strong netball program at the club putting them in an ideal position to do that.

JERILDERIE FAST FACTS >> COACH: MEAGAN MAUGER 2015 FINISH: FIFTH (8–8)

Jerilderie will be eager to make up for a one-goal elimination final loss to Strathmerton last year. With club veteran Meagan Mauger in charge, the Demons are in safe hands.

PICOLA UNITED FAST FACTS >> COACH: LEESA HOOPELL 2015 FINISH: SIXTH (7–1–8)

Promising signs for Picola United last year, but just missed out on playing finals by half a game. Plenty to like about the Blues and have all the pieces in place to challenge for a position higher up the ladder.

Strathmerton will be looking to consolidate last year’s finish in the top four with a return to a similar mid-range placing this season. Co-coaches Amy Carter and Nicole Koopman said the squad had been training hard already, with an early start to preseason on January 5 and were tracking well. The team has lost one or two players from last year, but will be looking to experienced players to lead the team this season.

YARROWEYAH FAST FACTS >> COACH: KERRY STEWART 2015 FINISH: EIGHTH (1–14–1)

After finishing last year’s season on a high with the team’s first win, coach Kerry Stewart will be looking to replicate similar success with this year’s netballers. An influx of new players and young talent has been training in pre-season during sweltering summer temperatures. Sharp shooter Maddie Whitby has left and while teams have not been finalised at the time of print, Stewart said all grades were shaping up well for 2016. JENNA BISHOP AND SHEPPARTON NEWS

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TAC CUP

Aidyn Johnson

BENDIGO PIONEERS

FAST FACTS >> JOINED TAC CUP: 1993 GROUND: HUNTLY EPSON RESERVE, EPSON COACH: BRETT HENDERSON REGIONAL MANAGER: RAY BYRNE MORRISH MEDALLISTS: N. BROWN (1996), J. CHISARI (2013) 2015 FINISH: 15TH (2–15) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: LACHLAN TARDREW 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RHYS FREE (25)

endigo Pioneers will play three matches in the Goulburn Valley this season as Brett Henderson’s side sets out to improve on last year’s result.

The Pioneers won two of their 17 TAC Cup clashes, but have been put through a rigorous pre-season to ensure a more competitive year ahead. The Pioneers’ TAC Cup campaign begins against the Murray Bushrangers at Deakin Reserve and will also take the side to Kyabram Recreation Reserve and Echuca’s Victoria Park. A number of Pioneers will set out to follow in Aidyn Johnson’s footsteps this year. Moama’s Johnson was one of two Bendigo talents to be drafted last year, finding his way to Port Adelaide with pick 45. GEORGINA CAHILL

Jy Simpkin

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS

FAST FACTS >> JOINED TAC CUP: 1993 GROUND: NORM MINNS OVAL, WANGARATTA COACH: LEON HIGGINS REGIONAL MANAGER: LEE FRASER PREMIERSHIPS: 1998, 2008 GRAND FINAL MEDALLISTS: M. STEVENS (1998), S. SIDEBOTTOM (2008) MORRISH MEDALLISTS: D. MURRAY (1997), F. PRIEST (2008), C. OLIVER (2015) 2015 FINISH: FIFTH (12–5) 2015 BEST-AND-FAIREST: CLAYTON OLIVER 2015 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JOSH SCHACHE (34)

he Murray Bushrangers made history at last year’s AFL National Draft.

Seymour key forward Josh Schache and Mooroopna midfielder Clayton Oliver were selected with top five picks — a first for the club. The biggest question is will Bushies players feature as prominently at this year’s count? Remember the names Jy Simpkin and Will Brodie. The teammates and classmates are part of the AFL Academy’s level squad, which includes the 35 most promising under-18 footballers in the country. Mooroopna’s Simpkin and Shepparton’s Page 72 Football and Netball 2016

Brodie were strong at last year’s under-18 National Championships and are expected to star for Vic Country the second time around. The pair will not play too much TAC Cup football as they juggle school commitments, but will train with Richmond’s VFL side to remain strong contenders for this year’s draft. The Bushrangers have a new coach this year as Leon Higgins took over from Darren Ogier. Ogier led the Bushies a finals campaign last season, but his side was knocked out in straight sets.

The group has the chance to redeem itself this year and expect another competitive side on the park. Shepparton Swans youngster Billy Cooper will push for more game time, while Shepparton’s Harry Boyd and Cobram’s Isava Ratugolea have shown promise over the pre-season. The Bushies’ campaign will begin at Shepparton’s home of football — Deakin Reserve — as they host the Bendigo Pioneers on Saturday, March 26. The Bushies play 17 home-and-away matches this year and travel as far as TIO Oval in Darwin.

Will Brodie

AFL

High calibre exports G

eneration next provides a different dimension when it comes to Goulburn Valley exports on the AFL scene this year.

Boom Seymour talent Josh Schache and Mooroopna speedster Clayton Oliver created a slice of history in November when they were recruited inside the top five of the AFL national draft. Key forward Schache, a player boasting magnificent athletic gifts, will follow on a family tradition his late father Laurence started after the Brisbane Lions took him with pick two. Midfield dynamo Oliver’s stunning rise from obscurity was capped by his selection by Melbourne with the fourth pick. In an era where first round draft picks are given ample opportunity to avoid the tag of being ‘busts’ such as Richard Lounder, Stephen Hooper or Anthony Banik, GV football fans will have the opportunity to chart the duo’s progress for at least the next decade. Depending on you who believe, three top 10 calibre talents from this region are on AFL lists this year. Multi-talented sportsman Alex Keath is also a fresh face on the scene after electing to give footy a go following a cricket career that looks stuck in neutral. Keath made headlines as a teenager when he knocked back the Gold Coast Suns to forge a path in cricket with Victoria, but played seven firstclass and 16 one-day matches for the Bushrangers across five seasons. His decision to go to South Australia not only sparked his cricket at district level, but had him sign a Category B contract with the Adelaide Crows. A key position player, Keath was rated an elite talent in his youth and at 24 has plenty of time to carve out a football career. This trio will add to an already quality list of the region’s footballers plying their trade at the elite level. Many remember Brett Deledio as a fresh faced kid from Kyabram selected by Richmond with the number one pick in 2004. Fast forward 12 years and Deledio has played 232 games for a Tigers side still on the hunt for that elusive first flag since 1980. Deledio is not the only GV player at Tigerland, with emerging Mooroopna talent Nathan Drummond looking to bounce back from the major knee injury he suffered on debut last year and Sam Lloyd (Deniliquin) aiming to hold

Clayton Oliver Photo: Matthew Goodrope

down a permanent berth. North Melbourne has three of the region’s talents working to guide the Kangaroos back to the summit, a place they have not been since the halcyon days of Wayne Carey. Katamatite product Sam Wright is a tough and resolute member of North’s defence, while Corop speedster Shaun Atley and former Benalla player Jarrad Waite are pivotal parts of the Kangas’ line-up. Also looking to make a serious imprint come finals time are the Fremantle Dockers, captained this year by Seymour’s David Mundy and also boasting Shepparton United product Michael Barlow. Mundy has replaced long-time skipper Matthew Pavlich in the role and is a major ball-winner in

a midfield containing Brownlow Medal winner Nat Fyfe and the dependable Barlow, who played all 24 games last season. Getting past Hawthorn will be the key if Fremantle is to break through for that maiden flag. Speaking of the Hawks, Rennie talent Daniel Howe will look to add to his four AFL games, and could well get an opportunity with Jarryd Roughead on the sidelines through injury. Steele Sidebottom is a senior player in a Collingwood side aiming to deliver under coach Nathan Buckley. Sidebottom, a member of the club’s 2010 premiership winning side, is on track to bring up 150 games during the season. Another elite midfielder from this

area is Benalla’s Tom Rockliff. Rockliff endured a rough first season as captain of the Brisbane Lions, hampered by injury, but the arrival of Schache and a strong preseason has him and the Queensland club looking at brighter fortunes. Two other former Saints of the Benalla variety are making their way at Greater Western Sydney. Ruckman Tom Downie played seven games last year for a career total of eight, while Caleb Marchbank will be hoping an injuryfree run can have him add to a tally of five AFL appearances. Another youngster looking to earn a regular spot is Seymour’s Josh Prudden at the Western Bulldogs after four games last year. Dookie’s Luke Lowden is at the

Adelaide Crows, while three GV players are making an impact at Port Adelaide and another will look to make a breakthrough this season. Echuca talent Ollie Wines resigned with the Power last month until the end of 2018 in a deal that illustrates how important he has become in Ken Hinkley’s side. Katamatite defender Tom Clurey is coming off his best season at Port and ex-Shepparton Swans speedster Jarman Impey continues to impress. The fresh face is Moama’s Aidyn Johnson, taken at pick 45 in last year’s national draft. Sydney also has a youngster from southern New South Wales in Deniliquin tall Kyle Galloway, taken as a rookie selection. GREGOR MACTAGGART

Football and Netball 2016 Page 73

UMPIRES Arielle Sutherland (goal umpire), Kate Boyd (boundary umpire) and Simon Walsh (central umpire)

Umpires seek to build their numbers J

ust like the players, league umpires have been hard at work this offseason ensuring they are at the top of their game come round one.

The Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association is responsible for supplying officials across three of the region’s senior competitions, plus two junior leagues, and vice president Brett Hancock said his whistle-blowers were raring to go. “Come Christmas you can’t wait for footy to start again, so there is a really good vibe at the moment and a very positive feel for the season

ahead,” he said. The association provides central, boundary and goal umpires for senior and junior competitions, and Hancock encouraged anybody interested in joining the officiating ranks to get in touch. “Our numbers are tight as per normal, goal umpire numbers are really good, but our juniors are a bit low from a boundary point of view because we’ve moved 10 boundaries across to central, but that’s fantastic for us long term,” Hancock said. “We need more numbers, like clubs screaming for players, we’re in the

same boat, we want to umpire as many games as possible, because the game needs umpires. “Clubbies do a great job, but there is that sense of bias, especially when it comes to reporting incidents and votes, you need the right people in there to take care of those roles.” Hancock said there was more than one incentive to join the association. “To any parents who want to be involved in sport with their children, you don’t get many opportunities in life when you can be actively involved together on the field, I did it with my two children and it was

one of the most rewarding things I’ve done,” Hancock said. “There’s also the financial reward, as well as the fitness base and social side of it.” Hancock said his umpires would begin their season as fit as ever thanks to a solid pre-season under new fitness director Gary Hosie. “We’ve also appointed a new advisor in Ian Goldrick, he’ll oversee the development of the centrals in conjunction with the boundary and goal umpires coaches,” Hancock said. Eleni Glouftsis became the first female AFL field umpire in the NAB

Cup this year and Hancock said the GV association would continue to support women eager to officiate. “Last year we had 12 female umpires and this year we’re hoping to make that 15, we try to build that number every year,” he said. “We’re very family orientated and last season we had nine father-son or father-daughter combinations.” Umpire training is at Chas Johnson Reserve in Shepparton on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 pm. For more information, phone Brett Hancock on 0447 254 055. EAMONN TIERNAN

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