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Welcome contents: Goulburn Valley Football League – overview and team profiles........................ 7 Junior football

– SDJFL overview......................................37

AFL Exports...........................................38 Umpires...................................................39 Shepparton Netball Association

– an overview.............................................40

League Fixtures.....................................41 Kyabram District Football League – overview and team profiles......................46 Murray Football League

– overview and team profiles......................51

Picola District Football League – South-East and North-West....................64 Goulburn Valley Netball League – overview and team profiles......................71 Murray Netball League

– overview and team profiles......................76

Kyabram District Netball League – overview and team profiles......................78 Picola District Netball Leagues – South-East and North-West....................80 TAC Cup

– overview.................................................82

Page 4 Football and Netball 2018

Football and Netball 2018 W

elcome to the 14th edition of the annual McPherson Media Group’s football and netball magazine.

Sports reporters have taken an in-depth look at the finals hopes of each team in the region, as well as analysing who will be the key players to contribute to their success. Our coverage of the Goulburn Valley, Murray, Kyabram District and Picola District football and netball leagues is unparalleled and we constantly aim to build on what we deliver. Staff from the Shepparton News, Riverine Herald, Cobram Courier, Campaspe News, Seymour Telegraph, Kyabram Free Press, Benalla Ensign and Deniliquin Pastoral Times have joined together to produce a magazine that has extended to 84 pages this year. 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 sports journalists, subeditors and creative designers bring the game Cover picture: Leagues across the region are raring to start the season represented by Kaine Herbert (Undera), Laura Emanuelli (Euroa), John Bradaric (Shepparton), Samantha Gill (Congupna) and Rob Osborne (Shepparton East).

to you with previews, reviews and special features as photographers capture the action from every weekend. Our coverage continued to grow online last year with the Shepparton News Footy Show with Foxy and JR, available exclusively on our website each Thursday. After a successful live streaming of the bestand-fairest medal nights, the counts will again be shown on the Shepparton News website. In a change from last year, each league will be split in into its own show, as the online section of sheppnews.com.au will also boast football results and ladders that will be updated every Saturday night. In this year’s edition of the magazine, we take a look at each coach’s prediction as to where their team will finish and discuss their finals possibilities based on previous form and the personnel entering and exiting each side. We analyse whether recent powerhouses Kyabram, Nathalia and Picola United can be shifted from their mantle, as well as profile the Contributors: Lauren Bordin, Tyler Maher, Alex Mitchell, Andrew Johnston, Fraser Walker-Pearce, Gus McCubbing, Jamie Lowe, James Bennett, Patrick Tansey, David Rak, Alison O’Connor, Didier Stobart, Charmayne Allison. Photography: Ray Sizer, Julie Mercer, Holly Daniel, Luke Hemer, Bruce Povey, Geordie Cowan, Luke McManus, Laura Hurley, Chalpat Sonti, Tyler Maher, Michael Maskell, Luke Dempsey, Hannah Nichols, Lachlan Cunningham, AAP.

sides that are on the rise. News sports reporter Tyler Maher casts his eye over Goulburn Valley exports in the AFL, with plenty of movements made across last year’s trade period. Meanwhile, the next generation of AFL stars is highlighted with the Murray Bushrangers full of underage talent in its boys and youth girls TAC Cup sides. Junior sport is consistently trying to morph with the times and we shine a spotlight on the Shepparton District Junior Football League as well as the Shepparton Netball Association as they both have grand plans for the season. The Goulburn Valley boasts some of the best grounds and courts in regional Australia with some of the most passionate players and supporters, and we look forward to sharing it all with you through the pages of The News, online at sheppnews.com.au and out and about on Saturdays across the region. Lauren Bordin Shepparton News sports editor Editorial design: Bella Considine, Brendan Cain Sub-editing: Ashleigh Williamson Advertising inquiries: Kelvin Maude 5820 3180 Advertising design: Jacqui Maskell, Alysha Bathman Published by Shepparton News: Melbourne Rd, Shepparton | 5831 2312 | www.sheppnews.com.au facebook.com/sheppartonnews | twitter.com/sheppartonnews

TipstErs Tyler Maher

Lauren Bordin

Alex Mitchell

Shepparton News sports editor

Shepparton News sports reporter

Premiers GVNL: Shepparton GVFL: Seymour MNL: Tongala MFL: Nathalia KDNL: Stanhope KDFL: Avenel PDNL SE: Waaia PDFL SE: Dookie United PDNL NW: Deniliquin Rovers PDFL NW: Strathmerton Morrison Medal: Brett Mahoney (Mansfield) Wellman Medal: Maddi Wong (Mooroopna) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Brandyn Grenfell (Tatura) Story of the year prediction: After being crowned best on ground during Nagambie’s premiership last year, Kyle WinterIrving will again be deemed the most valuable contributor when Seymour win this year’s grand final.

Premiers GVNL: Shepparton Swans GVFL: Euroa MNL: Moama MFL: Numurkah KDNL: Tallygaroopna KDFL: Stanhope PDNL SE: Katandra PDFL SE: Shepparton East PDNL NW: Tocumwal PDFL NW: Picola United Morrison Medal: JD Hayes (Euroa) Wellman Medal: Julie Telford (Shepparton Swans) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Brandyn Grenfell (Tatura) Story of the year prediction: Four new combatants will do battle at Deakin Reserve on Goulburn Valley League grand final day. Euroa and Tatura will face off for the football crown, while Shepparton Swans will claim the netball throne by defeating the Bears.

Premiers GVNL: Shepparton United GVFL: Euroa MNL: Moama MFL: Nathalia KDNL: Avenel KDFL: Violet Town PDNL SE: Waaia PDFL SE: Tungamah PDNL NW: Deni Rovers PDFL NW: Picola United Morrison Medal: Nik Rokahr (Shepparton) Wellman Medal: Jessie Barnes-Hill (Shepparton United) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kayne Pettifer (Kyabram) Story of the year prediction: For so long an established finals contender, Rochester’s streak of seven straight top six finishes will come to an end. If you rip that much class and experience out of any side, it will struggle and the younger Tigers might win as few as four games.

Gus Underwood

Andrew Johnston

Fraser Walker-Pearce

Kyabram Free Press sports reporter

Riverine Herald sports reporter

Premiers GVNL: Shepparton United GVFL: Kyabram MNL: Moama MFL: Moama KDNL: Stanhope KDFL: Avenel PDNL SE: Dookie United PDFL SE: Shepparton East PDNL NW: Tocumwal PDFL NW: Picola United Morrison Medal: Jason Cole (Seymour) Wellman Medal: Lauren Pryde (Kyabram) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kayne Pettifer (Kyabram) Story of the year prediction: Tom Sheldon, Lachie Smith and Jake Reeves make a mid-season return to Kyabram to help win another flag.

Premiers GVNL: Kyabram GVFL: Kyabram MNL: Tongala MFL: Moama KDNL: Undera KDFL: Nagambie PDNL SE: Katamatite PDFL SE: Rennie PDNL NW: Picola United PDFL NW: Picola United Morrison Medal: Simon Buckley (Echuca) Wellman Medal: Lauren Pryde (Kyabram) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Andrew Walker (Echuca) Story of the year prediction: It’s over- Kyabram loses a game, but still wins the flag.

Premiers GVNL: Kyabram GVFL: Echuca MNL: Nathalia MFL: Nathalia KDNL: Girgarre KDFL: Avenel PDNL SE: Katandra PDFL SE: Waaia PDNL NW: Picola United PDFL NW: Strathmerton Morrison Medal: Luke Morgan (Benalla) Wellman Medal: Holly Butler (Kyabram) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kayne Pettifer (Kyabram) Story of the year prediction: Kyabram fails to replace its departing guns and misses finals.

Ashleigh Williamson

Ron Anderson

Gus McCubbing

Shepparton News sports sub-editor

Seymour Telegraph sports reporter

Premiers GVNL: Seymour GVFL: Seymour MNL: Moama MFL: Echuca United KDNL: Stanhope KDFL: Violet Town PDNL SE: Dookie United PDFL SE: Shepparton East PDFL NW: Deniliquin Rovers PDNL NW: Blighty Morrison Medal: Mick Mattingly (Kyabram) Wellman Medal: Kim Commane (Shepparton) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Ruory Kirkby (Echuca) Story of the year prediction: After more than four decades of trying, country football nomad Matthew Chilcott finally claims his first senior premiership aged 46. Chilcott, who came out of retirement this year, kicks eight goals in Shepparton East’s grand final rout of Dookie United.

Premiers GVNL: Shepparton GVFL: Euroa MNL: Tongala MFL: Nathalia KDNL: Lancaster KDFL: Avenel PDNL SE: Shepparton East PDFL SE: Tungamah PDNL NW: Tocumwal PDFL NW: Picola United Morrison Medal: Ben Clifton (Seymour) Wellman Medal: Mia Fallon (Mooroopna) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kayne Pettifer (Kyabram) Story of the year prediction: Shepparton kicks a goal after the siren in the preliminary final to put the Bears into another GVL grand final.

Premiers GVNL: Seymour GVFL: Seymour MNL: Tongala MFL: Numurkah KDNL: Nagambie KDFL: Nagambie PDNL SE: Rennie PDFL SE: Tungamah PDNL NW: Picola United PDFL NW: Picola United Morrison Medal: Jason Cole (Seymour) Wellman Medal: Sarah Szczykulski (Seymour) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kayne Pettifer (Kyabram) Story of the year prediction: Brendan Fevola kicks 15 goals in a once-off appearance for Seymour as the Lions deliver Kyabram their first loss in two years.

Shepparton News sports reporter

GVFL Ladder Predictions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Lauren Bordin

Tyler Maher

Alex Mitchell

Gus Underwood

Andrew Johnston

Fraser Walker-Pearce

Gus McCubbin g

Ash Williamson

Ron Anderson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Football and Netball 2018 Page 5

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PROUD MEMBERS OF LSA.

Goulburn Valley Football League GOULBURN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE PAST 10 PREMIERS: 2017: Kyabram 2016: Kyabram 2015: Benalla 2014: Shepparton Swans 2013: Kyabram 2012: Tatura 2011: Shepparton United 2010: Shepparton United 2009: Mansfield 2008: Rochester

past MORRISON MEDALLISTS:

7 1 0 2 r e i em r P

2017: Simon Buckley (Echuca) 2016: Simon Buckley (Echuca) 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)

Will the Bombers be forced to land?

here was an inevitable feeling to last year’s Goulburn Valley League football season.

The Kyabram juggernaut engineered back-to-back undefeated premiership campaigns with barely a stumble along the way. But this season is wide open. The Bomber machine has lost a number of integral cogs in Jake Reeves, Billy Burstin, Rhys Clark and Josh Vick. And while Paul Newman is confident GV superstar Lachie Smith will play enough games to qualify for finals — and has added Murray Football League rising star Bailey Bell from Nathalia and the class of Mick Mattingly (Coburg VFL) — his side’s aura has certainly taken a hit. It does not mean the Bombers will

be any less competitive though. Any potential challenger to Kyabram’s throne will have to improve massively from last season just to draw level with the reigning champions. Echuca looks like it could be that team. AFL veteran Andrew Walker has brought hype to the Murray Bombers that has resonated across the region. Along with some big-name metro recruits in Shaun Gannon, Matt Dornauf and Nick Sheldon, a number of promising young Moama players such as Jack McHale, Fraser Verhey and Noah Wheeler will add plenty of exuberance at Victoria Park. Tatura is another squad on the rise. Injury and close losses curtailed the Bulldogs last season, but Jamason

Daniels has his charges primed for a finals tilt this year. Former Seymour big man Brandyn Grenfell is a huge inclusion, as are Matt Shannon, Billy Cooper and Aubrey Coote, who have all been poached from Tatura’s Shepparton rivals. Runner-up Shepparton did not have the ideal summer, having to wait until mid-December to find a replacement for outgoing coach Brad Campbell. Assistant Sean Harrap will step into the main role this season, and the group will be looking to learn from last year’s grand final loss at the hands of Kyabram. Euroa should again be a contender after JD Hayes lured the services of John Ikupu back to Memorial Oval,

while its VFL-listed talent could make a huge difference come finals time. There could be a massive squeeze in the middle of the table this year, though. Seymour, under new coach Nick Jewell, will be confident of remaining in the top six, but with a large swathe of experience leaving the club could take a while to jell. Rochester has had an even bigger exodus of experience, and playing coach James Flaherty will have his work cut out to ensure a number of his young charges take the next step in their budding careers. Benalla’s own group of rising stars have had plenty of exposure to senior football, and whether they can put it all together at once will go a long way

to shaping the final picture of the ladder come August. Cameron Hotton’s Mansfield squad will be missing key figures Adam Boshevski, Nick Gray and Earl ReeGoodings, but the Eagles will again win enough home games to challenge. Meanwhile, Mooroopna, Shepparton United and Shepparton Swans fans must remain hopeful of improved seasons. The Cats and Swans have recruited best of the trio, but with the Demons snaring the under-18 title last season their teenagers will again be some of the best in the league. All in all, this season looms as one of the most even in years. It should make for exciting viewing when round one finally rolls around. TYLER MAHER

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GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe

Benalla Saints FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1896 TO 1946, 1998 TO PRESENT NICKNAME: SAINTS GROUND: BENALLA SHOWGROUNDS COACH: LUKE MORGAN PRESIDENT: LLOYD JOHNSON PREMIERSHIPS: 1940, 2015 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: T. PASQUALI (1999), R. PRIEST (2008 JOINT), L. MORGAN (2013), W. MARTINIELLO (2014) 2017 FINISH: SIXTH (10–9) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BRODY WEBSTER 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JARROD BANNISTER (54)

enalla is coming off an exciting season, where it incorporated a number of new recruits and made ﬁnals with a young, inexperienced team.

The Saints finished last year sixth on the ladder with a 10–8 record after a fast start, winning seven of their first nine games. Coach Luke Morgan was impressed with the young talent coming through, with players rising from the thirds a few years ago into the seniors and making an immediate impact. “We had a few players who have been playing reserves or thirds previously have breakout years in the seniors,” Morgan said. “We have a really young list and seeing these guys improve every year is really promising for the club. “Brody Webster had a breakout year across half-back and won our bestand-fairest. It was great to see him develop into a vital player for our team and become a great leader.” The Saints have lost power forward Jarrod Bannister, who battled through injury after joining the club to kick 54 goals in 12 games as the focal point in attack. But Cameron Symes looks set to fill the void, an important addition after kicking 62 goals for Goorambat in the Ovens and King league. Morgan again pointed to the club’s young player stocks as where its continued improvement would

Brody Webster

“It’s a really great culture at the club and we always welcome new players with open arms.” – Luke Morgan, Coach come from. “We are expecting Jack Spinks, Chris Welsh and Jaimie Dunne to step up this year,” he said. “They are looking really promising in the pre-season and I think they are going to thrive in a more senior role this year. Benalla promised so much last year, but to win just three of their last 10 games – culminating with a seven-goal loss to Seymour in an elimination final – means it has plenty of work to do to keep touch with an improving competition. “It’s a really great culture at the club and we always welcome new players with open arms,” Morgan said. “I’m really excited for this season and like our chances at making finals again if we can bring it all together. “With a high turnover of players the past few years, the emphasis has really been developing the younger guys and giving them an opportunity to show their skills. “A few players have really surprised us and improved at a really quick rate. We could use a few more players in the squad and places are still up for grabs in the team.”

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GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe BenAllA’s seAson FiXtURe

Zac Pallpratt

James Martyn

rOUND 1

SEYMOUR (H)

APRIL 7

rOUND 2

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

APRIL 14

rOUND 3

KYABRAM (H)

APRIL 21

rOUND 4

EUROA (A)

APRIL 28

rOUND 5

MOOROOPNA (A)

MAY 5

rOUND 6

ECHUCA (H)

MAY 12

rOUND 7

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

MAY 26

rOUND 8

SHEPPARTON (H)

JUNE 2

rOUND 9

ROCHESTER (A)

JUNE 9

rOUND 10

MANSFIELD (A)

JUNE 16

rOUND 11

TATURA (H)

JUNE 23

rOUND 12

SEYMOUR (A)

JUNE 30

rOUND 13

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

JULY 14

rOUND 14

KYABRAM (A)

JULY 21

rOUND 15

EUROA (H)

JULY 28

rOUND 16

MOOROOPNA (H)

AUGUST 11

rOUND 17

ECHUCA (A)

AUGUST 18

rOUND 18

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

AUGUST 25

GAme cHAnGeR: Brody Webster Coming off a dominant campaign across half-back, Webster is only poised to improve. A leader of the Saints’ emerging group of talent, he won the club’s bestand-fairest and seems ready to carry the expectations of leading a side contending for finals football. His best is still well and truly left to come.

seAson pRediction: SEVENTH: The Saints’ youth might be full of promise, but it will need to take a massive leap forward to keep a finals berth given how stacked some sides seem heading into the new campaign. Fell away with only three wins in their last 10 games last year, and taking out a proven match-winner in Bannister won’t help the cause at all. Finals would be an excellent result, but making it will be a fight.

iN: Sam Kunkel (Barnawartha), Zach Berthun (Kangaroo Flat), Cameron Symes, Clint Relf (Goorambat), Ryan Harper

Luke Morgan

OUT: Jarrod Bannister (Therry Penola OB), Jayden Jones (Wedderburn), Jayden Guppy (Benalla All Blacks)

Football and Netball 2018 Page 9

GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe

Echuca Murray Bombers FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1909 TO 1942, 1974 NICKNAME: MURRAY BOMBERS GROUND: VICTORIA PARK COACHES: ANDREW WALKER AND SIMON MADDOX PRESIDENT: ASH BYRNE 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), S. BUCKLEY (2016–17) 2017 FINISH: SEVENTH (8–10) 2017 BEST AND FAIREST: SIMON BUCKLEY 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RUORY KIRKBY (51)

o many, last year was a disappointing one for Echuca, taking a backwards step — from missing the ﬁnals by just one game in 2016 to falling two games short.

But an off-season recruiting bonanza, highlighted by the return of Carlton gun Andrew Walker to his home club as coach, leaves the Murray Bombers as one of the most exciting prospects in the Goulburn Valley League. Joining Walker to coach is Simon Maddox, the Echuca premiership player fresh off a year out of football after a five-year stint coaching Moama. Maddox said it was a new opportunity for the club, which has never had co-coaches before. “This is a new role for Andrew and me, as well as the club, so it will be good to see how we can make the most of the opportunity,” Maddox said. “We can’t say enough for the work Briggsy (predecessor Andrew Briggs) has done and we will be looking to get even further improvement out of the senior playing group with a few extra ideas we will bring with us.” Walker will also pull on the boots in a welcome inclusion for the side and should be a marquee player in the league with his 202 AFL games. A young side that lacked midfield polish gains metropolitan talents Shaun Gannon, Luke McKenna, Nick Sheldon and Matt Dornauf, with Walker himself expected to play in the middle. Adding to a midfield already

Andrew Walker

Ruory Kirkby containing back-to-back Morrison medallist Simon Buckley, Echuca might have turned a weakness into an almighty strength. Heading the other way is last year’s captain Jordan Florance, but the power forward managed just 25 goals last season in a largely disappointing campaign. Also departing is Bart Phillips, with the centre half-back defensive general taking rising star brother Tyler with him to Lockington-Bamawm United. As far as the town is concerned the Murray Bombers are back — even by some called a premiership smokey.

“We’ve been ticking over nicely and while we’ve recruited a few players, we’ve really tried to focus on homegrown guys and ride that wave,” Maddox said. “We feel like we haven’t been too far away the last couple of years, the best football has been highly competitive. “We were able to beat some of the top teams, but also lost to the two bottom teams as well.” Clearly the goal is finals, but with a talented list and a new direction a deep finals push is not out of the question. aNDREw JoHNSToN

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GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe ecHUcA’s seAson FiXtURe rOUND 1

TATURA (H)

MARCH 31

rOUND 2

SEYMOUR (A)

APRIL 14

rOUND 3

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

APRIL 21

rOUND 4

KYABRAM (A)

APRIL 28

rOUND 5

EUROA (H)

MAY 5

rOUND 6

BENALLA (A)

MAY 12

rOUND 7

MOOROOPNA (A)

MAY 26

rOUND 8

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

JUNE 2

rOUND 9

SHEPPARTON (H)

JUNE 9

rOUND 10

ROCHESTER (A)

JUNE 16

rOUND 11

MANSFIELD (H)

JUNE 23

rOUND 12

TATURA (A)

JUNE 30

rOUND 13

SEYMOUR (H)

JULY 14

rOUND 14

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

JULY 21

rOUND 15

KYABRAM (H)

JULY 28

rOUND 16

EUROA (A)

AUGUST 4

rOUND 17

BENALLA (H)

AUGUST 18

rOUND 18

MOOROOPNA (H)

AUGUST 25

GAme cHAnGeR: Andrew Walker Back where he played his junior football, the former Carlton star could be a factor anywhere across the field. Fellow coach Simon Maddox suggested Walker would aim to play midfield, but he could be Echuca’s answer to Kayne Pettifer as a dangerous presence in the forward 50. Battled intense knee pain during 202 games in the AFL system and keeping him on the park is a must. Daniel Willis

Tim Allan

iN: Andrew Walker, Shaun Gannon, Luke McKenna (West Preston Lakeside), Matt Dornauf (Whittlesea),Thomas Monahan (Grovedale), Nick Sheldon (Kilmore), Jamarrah Firebrace, Noah Wheeler, Jack McHale, Fraser Verhey (Moama) OUT: Jordan Florance, Nathan Bottomley, Dean Haydon (Echuca United), Bart Phillips, Tyler Phillips (Lockington-Bamawm United), Alex McCann, Jacob Bruns, Elliot Stewart (Grovedale), Jake Wilkinson (Sandhurst)

seAson pRediction: FOUrTH: Added a stack of class but coming from a long way back, Echuca looms as the competition’s wildcard. How quickly a new group of players can jell will define if this year is about serious premiership contention or simply a return to finals footy.

Football and Netball 2018 Page 11

GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe

Euroa Magpies FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1971 NICKNAME: MAGPIES GROUND: MEMORIAL OVAL COACH: JD HAYES PRESIDENT: SCOTT WATSON PREMIERSHIPS: 1971, 1990 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: A. BAKER (1998) 2017 FINISH: FIFTH (13–6) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JD HAYES 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JD HAYES (20)

uroa’s biggest worry this season may just be trying to ﬁt all of its stars onto Memorial Oval at the same time.

Four VFL players have nominated the Magpies as their second club this year, and while former junior Will Hayes is only worth one point, Oliver Tate (Williamstown), Lauchlan Dalgleish and Jamison Shea (Footscray) will all attract much higher totals. But Footscray and Williamstown only share one bye this season, which corresponds to Euroa’s round 15 clash against Benalla, limiting the headaches for the Magpies’ selection panel. “We might be in a bit of trouble if they all are available at once,” Euroa playing coach JD Hayes said. “But we’re not expecting Lauchlan to play with us much at all and we’ll work it out if the rest can all play the same week.” The possibilities could be endless for Hayes’ charges if they can put all of the pieces of the puzzle together at once though, with more than twice the number of players coming into the club than going out over summer. It has allowed Hayes to implement a solid fitness regime in the preseason, but he is wary of burning his charges out. “It’s been really, really good we’re starting to hit our straps,” he said. “We’re doing a heap of fitness because we want to keep our trademark speed and wide ball movement. “But we’ll try to finish a little

Will McFarlane

stronger this year. We were flat out before Christmas last season and the boys were too wound up. “We’ll try and build up into the season a bit better this year, but it is a very fine line, we don’t want to be sluggish.” Cult hero John Ikupu will excite

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Page 12 Football and Netball 2018

fans once more, while James Chittick will also add much needed height down forward. “Johnny and James will straighten us up really well and give us targets down forward,” Hayes said. Former Melbourne midfielder Rohan Bail is pursuing a career in

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GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe eURoA’s seAson FiXtURe “It’s been really, really good we’re starting to hit our straps.” – JD Hayes, Coach

Jett Trotter

rOUND 1

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

APRIL 7

rOUND 2

KYABRAM (A)

APRIL 14

rOUND 3

MOOROOPNA (A)

APRIL 21

rOUND 4

BENALLA (H)

APRIL 28

rOUND 5

ECHUCA (A)

MAY 5

rOUND 6

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

MAY 12

rOUND 7

SHEPPARTON (A)

MAY 26

rOUND 8

ROCHESTER (H)

JUNE 2

rOUND 9

MANSFIELD (A)

JUNE 9

rOUND 10

TATURA (A)

JUNE 16

rOUND 11

SEYMOUR (H)

JUNE 24

rOUND 12

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

JUNE 30

rOUND 13

KYABRAM (H)

JULY 14

rOUND 14

MOOROOPNA (H)

JULY 21

rOUND 15

BENALLA (A)

JULY 28

rOUND 16

ECHUCA (H)

AUGUST 4

rOUND 17

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

AUGUST 18

rOUND 18

SHEPPARTON (H)

AUGUST 25

iN: Jayden Gleeson, Marcus Heritage (AFL Queensland), John Ikupu (Warragul Industrials), Nick Snowdon (Montmorency), Oliver Tate (Sebastopol), James Chittick (Shepparton East), Owinda Weerawardena (Vermont), Jamison Shea (Footscray), Jayden Shea (Eltham Collegians)

John Ikupu

OUT: Brock Storer, Trent Storer (Tyntynder), Rob Wilson (Violet Town), Jack McKernan (Leopold)

GAme cHAnGeR: John ikupu

seAson pRediction

The chants of “Johnny, baby” will resonate around Memorial Oval once more with the return of cult hero John Ikupu. But the Ikupu package is not simply higher spectator engagement. The power forward will be a big presence for the Magpies and with the silver service of Hayes and co could bag north of 60 goals for the season.

SECOND: The Magpies have strengthened in almost every area of the ground and would be confident of bettering last year’s fourth-placed finish. When you add two games against each of last season’s bottom three sides it is a recipe for a double chance.

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Football and Netball 2018 Page 13

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Kyabram Bombers FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BOMBERS GROUND: KYABRAM RECREATION RESERVE COACH: PAUL NEWMAN PRESIDENT: MARK SCHUMANN PREMIERSHIPS: 1919, 1921, 1922, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1948, 1950, 1958, 1975, 1996, 2013, 2016, 2017 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: J. COOPER (1958, 1961), C. STEWART (1963), R. CLAY (1964), P. GITTOS (1987), B. GUGLIOTTI (1993) 2017 FINISH: PREMIER (21-0) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JORDAN WILLIAMS 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: KAYNE PETTIFER (93)

hen Kyabram starts its season against Mooroopna at Easter, it will have been 916 days since it last lost a GVL game.

The back-to-back premier has been untouchable for two seasons. And if it goes the way coach Paul Newman wants it to, that won’t be changing anytime soon. “You play football to win flags,” Newman said. “We’ve had two very good seasons and we are incredibly happy with the football that we have played in that time. “But that isn’t something that you can rest on, we want to continue to win games of football and we want to continue to win premierships.” If anything for the Bombers, the goal is simply to find a way to make the team better. So the question has to be asked — how do you get better than perfect? “We have played some really good football during the past few years, but you can still identify things that you can continue to get better at,” Newman said. “Our running and movement is one of those things.” The club is also facing the prospect of a newer starting line-up, with a number of younger players ready to take up positions after being exposed to senior football last year. “We were very lucky that last year we got the chance to get games into a lot of younger guys,” Newman said. “They’re going to be very important to us this year as we try and

Paul Newman, Coach

compensate for some talent that has been going out the door.” Premiership heroes Jake Reeves, Billy Burstin, Rhys Clark and Josh Vick have all left Bomberland, while superstar Lachie Smith is trying his hand in the VFL and will only be seen in the GVL on occasion. Despite this, Newman says the club is tracking well towards another September tilt. It helps when someone such as Coburg VFL jet Mick Mattingly lands on your doorstep, but Nathalia’s Bailey Bell will also be a huge inclusion and could be perfect to fill Burstin’s role. “We’ve put in the effort across the pre-season to get ourselves ready. We are fit and firing. Obviously the thing with football is that your luck can turn and the season can change pretty quickly,” Newman said. “It’s something that we have to make sure that the club is prepared as well as they can because when we play our best football, we are a premiership side and we want to be there at the pointy end again.” aNDREw JoHNSToN

“We’ve had two very good seasons and we are incredibly happy with the football that we have played in that time.” – Paul Newman, Coach

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GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe KYABRAm’s seAson FiXtURe

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“We were very lucky that last year we got the chance to get games into a lot of younger guys.” – Paul Newman, Coach

Kayne Pettifer

rOUND 1

MOOROOPNA (A)

APRIL 7

rOUND 2

EUROA (H)

APRIL 14

rOUND 3

BENALLA (A)

APRIL 21

rOUND 4

ECHUCA (H)

APRIL 28

rOUND 5

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

MAY 5

rOUND 6

SHEPPARTON (H)

MAY 12

rOUND 7

ROCHESTER (A)

MAY 27

rOUND 8

MANSFIELD (H)

JUNE 2

rOUND 9

TATURA (A)

JUNE 9

rOUND 10

SEYMOUR (A)

JUNE 16

rOUND 11

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

JUNE 23

rOUND 12

MOOROOPNA (H)

JULY 1

rOUND 13

EUROA (A)

JULY 14

rOUND 14

BENALLA (H)

JULY 21

rOUND 15

ECHUCA (A)

JULY 28

rOUND 16

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

AUGUST 4

rOUND 17

SHEPPARTON (A)

AUGUST 18

rOUND 18

ROCHESTER (H)

AUGUST 25

seAson pRediction PrEMiErS: How could anyone tip against Kyabram? Paul Newman’s “Invincibles” may have lost some of their aura, but even if they remain only as good as they have been the past two seasons other sides will need to improve out of sight to truly unsettle them.

GAme cHAnGeR: mick mattingly Having moved to Kyabram for work, Mattingly will help cover some of Kyabram’s losses this season. The former GWS Academy member and Coburg VFL star is quick, silky and could take the GVL by storm. In other words, exactly the type of player opposition sides did not want the Bombers to recruit.

iN: Mick Mattingly (Coburg), Bailey Bell (Nathalia) OUT: Billy Burstin (Sunshine), Rhys Clark (Southport Sharks), Jake Reeves (Torquay), Josh Vick (retired)

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Football and Netball 2018 Page 17

GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe

Mansﬁeld Eagles FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1998 NICKNAME: EAGLES GROUND: MANSFIELD RECREATION RESERVE COACH: CAMERON HOTTON PRESIDENT: DENNIS SHEAHAN PREMIERSHIPS: 2004, 2009 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: T. HOTTON (2007) 2017 FINISH: EIGHTH (6–12) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BRETT MAHONEY 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BEN FAGAN (34)

t times last season Mansﬁeld looked a side capable of playing ﬁnals.

In the end the Eagles fell well short of sixth place, but certainly could test the likes of Benalla, Echuca and Rochester for varying periods of time. Coming close without securing the four points is something coach Cameron Hotton wants to address. “We lost six games by under 21 points (last year) and felt within the group that if we can improve that five or 10 per cent when you’re losing a game by less than 21 can result in more wins,” Hotton said. “We had a young group last year and after scaling it back to locals it was great for them to get a full season.” Some upper-echelon talent has exited Mansfield’s senior squad with Adam Boshevski moving to Geelong for work. With Shepparton exports Hayden and Jarrod Best coaching St Albans, they were able to gain the signature of the 2009 premiership Eagle. But as one premiership player exits another returns with Shaun Monohan to come under the tutelage of 2004 premiership teammate Hotton. Nick Gray has also committed to Blackburn, but only played seven games for Mansfield last season given his VFL commitments. Hotton has recruited in quality rather than quantity to replace the key figures, drawing Dean Carswell (Lilydale) and Ashraf Davies (Healesville) to Mansfield Recreation Reserve. Both were captains of their respective sides, with Hotton looking to draw on that experience. “They’re two ex-captains, so it’ll be god to have those leaders, Dean’s a key centre halfback and Ashraf is a small forward-come-mid and so it puts pressure on a couple of other small forwards and makes them earn their

spot,” Hotton said. Potency in the attacking 50 is a much needed attribute from Davies given Ben Fagan was the only player to kick more than 20 goals last season. Fagan kicked 34 majors and given the side averaged 67 points a game last season it would greatly benefit from a goal sneak roaming around the forward-50. James Chiller, Will Foster and Al Bennett all played a handful of senior games last year and Hotton hoped they could take the next step and become permanent members of the side. At the time of writing Mansfield was still trying to finalise the services of CorowaRutherglen guns James Lawton and Brent Rose. With the Roos unwilling to release the pair from their contracts, Hotton was still hopeful of seeing them in Eagles colours. “They’re good mates (Lawton and Rose) and he (Rose) wasn’t keen to stay at Corowa and is working up at (Mt)Buller as well, but Corowa is reluctant to clear both of those, so if we can work both of those onto our playing list for the season (it’ll be a big boost),” Hotton said. If Lawton eventually succeeds in his quest to get to Mansfield, he has been included in the leadership group alongside Fagan, Brett Mahoney and Tom German.

Ben Fagan

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“We had a young group last year and after scaling it back to locals it was great for them to get a full season.” – Cameron Hotton, Coach

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MEALSMEALS MEALSMEALS MEALS MEALS MEALS MEALS MEALS MEALS MEALS MEALS P’TRY P’TRY P’TRY P’TRY OUTDOOR LIVINGLIVING OUTDOOR P’TRY OUTDOOR OUTDOOR LIVING LIVING OUTDOOR LIVING MEALS P’TRY MEALS OUTDOOR LIVING P’TRY P’TRYW.I.L. P’TRY P’TRY P’TRY OUTDOOR LIVING LIVING OUTDOOR OUTDOOR LIVING LIVING OUTDOOR LIVING OUTDOOR LIVING L’DRYP’TRY L’DRY OUTDOOR W.I.L. L’DRY L’DRY W.I.L. W.I.L. L’DRY W.I.L. W.C. W.C. P’TRY FAMILYFAMILY FAMILY W.C.LIVING W.C. L’DRY P’TRY W.I.L. W.C. FAMILYOUTDOOR OUTDOOR LIVING BRM BRM FAMILY W.C. BED 4 BATH. BED 4 BED 4 BED 4 L’DRY L’DRY L’DRY L’DRY FAMILYBATH. L’DRY L’DRY W.I.L. W.I.L. W.I.L.BRMW.I.L.BRM W.I.L. W.I.L. BEDBATH. 4 BRM BATH. BATH. BED 4 BRM W.C. W.C. W.C. W.C. W.C. W.C. STUDY/ STUDY/ BATH. FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY STUDY/ STUDY/ L’DRY W.I.L. STUDY/ W.I.L. W.C. BED 4BATH. BED 4 BATH. BRMBRM BRM L’DRY BED44 BED 4 BRM W.C. BRM W.C. BED 4COMMON BRM W.C. STUDY/ W.C.BED BATH. BATH. W.C. BATH. BATH. COMMON W.C. FAMILY COMMON COMMON W.C.BRM FAMILY COMMON ENS. STUDY/ STUDY/ ENS. BED 4 STUDY/ STUDY/ STUDY/ STUDY/ COMMON ENS. ENS. BED 4 BRM BATH. ENS. W.C. W.I.R. W.I.R. W.I.R. W.I.R. BATH. W.C. W.C. W.C. W.C. W.I.R. W.C. ENS. W.I.R. STUDY/ COMMON COMMON COMMON COMMON COMMON COMMON PASSAGE STUDY/ PASSAGE PASSAGEPASSAGE PASSAGE ENS. ENS. W.C. ENS. ENS. ENS. ENS. PASSAGE W.I.R. W.I.R. W.I.R. W.C. W.I.R. W.I.R. W.I.R. COMMON COMMON ENS. PASSAGE PASSAGE PASSAGE PASSAGE PASSAGE PASSAGE W.I.R.KITCHENKITCHEN ENS. KITCHEN KITCHEN W.I.R. KITCHEN KITCHEN PASSAGE PASSAGE KITCHEN KITCHEN KITCHEN KITCHEN KITCHEN KITCHEN KITCHEN KITCHEN MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER ENTRY ENTRY MASTER ENTRY ENTRY ENTRY MASTER LOUNGEBED ENTRY LOUNGE LOUNGELOUNGE BED2 3BED BED23 BED 3 BED 3 BEDROOM BEDROOM LOUNGE 3 2 BED 2 BED BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM LOUNGE BED 3 BED MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER ENTRY MASTER MASTER BEDROOM BED 2 ENTRY ENTRY ENTRY ENTRY ENTRY BED 2 LOUNGE LOUNGE MASTER BED 3BED LOUNGE LOUNGE BED33 BED 3 LOUNGE LOUNGE BED 3 3 BED BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM ENTRY MASTER BED 2BED BED22 BED 2 BED 2 2 BED ENTRY LOUNGE BED 3 BEDROOM LOUNGE BED 3 BED 2 BEDROOM BED 2 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH 1.2M TIMBER 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH VERANDAH 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH GARAGE GARAGE GARAGE GARAGE GARAGE GARAGE 1.2M 1.2M TIMBER TIMBER VERANDAH VERANDAH 1.2MTIMBER TIMBER 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH VERANDAH 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH 1.2M VERANDAH GARAGE GARAGE GARAGE GARAGE GARAGE 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH GARAGE 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH GARAGE GARAGE 1.2MVERANDAH TIMBER VERANDAH 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH 1.2M TIMBER 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH 1.2M 1.2M TIMBER TIMBER VERANDAH VERANDAH 1.2MTIMBER TIMBER 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH VERANDAH 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH 1.2M VERANDAH 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH 1.2M TIMBER VERANDAH

(03) 5823 2179 (02) 6024 5222 (03) 5823 2179 (02) 6024 5222 SHEPPARTON: SHEPPARTON: WODONGA: WODONGA: SHEPPARTON: SHEPPARTON: WODONGA: WODONGA: SHEPPARTON: SHEPPARTON: WODONGA: WODONGA: (03) (03) 5823 5823 2179 2179 (02) (02) 6024 6024 5222 5222 (03) 5823 2179 (02) 6024 5222 (03) 5823 2179 (02) 6024 5222 SHEPPARTON: WODONGA: SHEPPARTON: WODONGA: John Dellar: 0437 758758 571571 Paula May: 0419 801 John Dellar: 0437 758 571Paula Paula May: 0419 801 035 (03) (03) 5823 5823 2179 2179 (02) (02) 6024 6024 5222 5222 (03) (03) 5823 5823 2179 2179 (02) (02) 6024 6024 5222 5222 (03) 5823 2179 (03) 5823 2179 (02) 6024 5222 (02) 6024 5222 John John Dellar: Dellar: 0437 0437 758 758 571 571 Paula Paula May: May: 0419 0419 801 035 801 035 John Dellar: 0437 758 571 May: 0419 801 035 John Dellar: 0437 Paula May: 0419 801035 035 (03) 5823 2179 (02) 6024 5222 (03) 5823 2179 (02) 6024 5222 sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au John John Dellar: Dellar: 0437 0437 758 758 571 571 0437 Paula Paula May: May: 0419 0419 801 801 035 035 John John Dellar: Dellar: 0437 758 571 758 571 571758wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au Paula Paula May: May: 04190419 801 035 801 035801 035 John Dellar: John 0437 Dellar: 758 571 0437 758 Paula May: Paula 0419 801 May: 035 0419 801 035 sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au John Dellar: 0437 571 Paula May: 0419 John sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au Dellar: 0437 758 571 Paulawodongasales@lewishomes.com.au May:wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au 0419 801 035 sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au wodongasales@lewishomes.com.au

Page 18 Football and Netball 2018

VIC License: DBU-4947 NSW License: 124796C VIC License: DBU-4947 NSW License: 124796C VIC License: VIC License: DBU-4947 DBU-4947 NSW License: NSW License: 124796C 124796C VIC License: DBU-4947 NSW License: 124796C VIC License: DBU-4947 NSW License: 124796C VIC License: VIC License: DBU-4947 DBU-4947 NSW NSW License: License: 124796C 124796C VICLicense: License: VIC License: DBU-4947 DBU-4947 NSWLicense: License: NSW License: 124796C 124796C VIC License: DBU-4947 VIC DBU-4947 NSW License: 124796C NSW 124796C VICLicense: License: 124796C DBU-4947 NSW License: 124796C VIC License: DBU-4947 NSW

GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe Shaun Monohan

Tom German

mAnsField’s seAson FiXtURe rOUND 1

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

APRIL 7

rOUND 2

SHEPPARTON (H)

APRIL 14

rOUND 3

ROCHESTER (A)

APRIL 21

rOUND 4

MOOROOPNA (H)

APRIL 28

rOUND 5

TATURA (H)

MAY 5

rOUND 6

SEYMOUR (A)

MAY 12

rOUND 7

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

MAY 26

rOUND 8

KYABRAM (A)

JUNE 2

rOUND 9

EUROA (H)

JUNE 9

rOUND 10

BENALLA (H)

JUNE 16

rOUND 11

ECHUCA(A)

JUNE 23

rOUND 12

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

JUNE 30

rOUND 13

SHEPPARTON (A)

JULY 14

rOUND 14

ROCHESTER (H)

JULY 21

rOUND 15

MOOROOPNA(A)

JULY 28

rOUND 16

TATURA (A)

AUGUST 4

rOUND 17

SEYMOUR (H)

AUGUST 18

rOUND 18

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

AUGUST25

GAme cHAnGeR: Ashraf davies

seAson pRediction: EiGHTH: Mansfield has an engine room that could match many teams in the league, but lacked the finishing power to close some tight games last year. With plenty of potential to upset the top sides in the competition, the Eagles could push for a finals berth.

Davies boasts plenty of qualities Mansfield will be keen to see on the field this year having come across to the Eagles with leadership potential after captaining Healesville. He will be looking to up the side’s scoring with a handy bag of goals for the year while joining forces with Brett Mahoney and Tom German through the midfield.

iN: Dean Carswell (Lilydale), Ashraf Davies (Healesville), Shaun Monohan (Southern Mallee Giants) OUT: Adam Boshevski (St Albans), Nick Gray (Blackburn), Earl Ree-Goodings (overseas)

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Football and Netball 2018 Page 19

GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe

Mooroopna Cats FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: CATS GROUND: MOOROOPNA RECREATION RESERVE COACH: DALE OSBORNE PRESIDENT: DARREN HALL 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) 2017 FINISH: 11TH (3–15) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: CLINT RILEY 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ROMAIN GRENVILLE (32)

here is a buzz around Mooroopna recreation reserve already this season.

The Cats have been busy sharpening their claws over summer, bringing in a number of targeted recruits to help take the club to the next level. The additions have coach Dale Osborne excited for the campaign ahead. “I’m pretty confident with where we are at the moment,” he said. “We’ve got a tough draw at the start of the year, but it will be a good yardstick to see where we need to improve for later in the year. “I’m really excited for the season to start.” Marquee recruit Aaron French has joined the Cats from the West Australian Amateur Football League, but before that was a stalwart of the Tasmanian State League and played in two premierships for Clarence (2009–10). The silky midfielder will join fellow Apple Isle product Clint Riley at Mooroopna and the duo could prove dangerous in the middle of the ground. Osborne’s twin brother Rob will also suit up for the Cats this year, bringing with him a swathe of ex-Rushworth footballers, while Bairnsdale’s Tom Brennan will also add much-needed size to the ruck and forward ranks. “We’ve recruited some good gets and some good leaders and it’s what we needed,” Osborne said.

Rob Osborne

“Yeah we’ve lost a handful of good players, but we’ve got to keep building for the future. “I think we might be 40 games ahead of some other clubs who are starting to rebuild with a younger list, and we’ve been strategic about what we have brought in and they have fitted in perfectly.” Romain Grenville’s loss will be felt off the field more than on it, with the leading goal-kicker unlikely to be right to play this season anyway after seriously injuring his knee, while TAC Cup talents David Smith and Keelin Betson have departed as well. But the Cats have largely kept their required players, increasing the overall depth of the club. “I think your seniors are only as good as your reserves,” Osborne said. “If we can have a good mix of 40–50 blokes playing well and pushing for selection, we can be more competitive.” On face value Mooroopna’s draw looks to be one of the toughest in the competition — with clashes against eight of the top nine sides from last year in the first eight rounds — but if Osborne’s troops can snare at least three victories from that stretch of matches it could give them the confidence to engineer a strong backhalf of the year. TYLER MaHER

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GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe mooRoopnA’s seAson FiXtURe

“If we can have a good mix of 40–50 blokes playing well and pushing for selection, we can be more competitive.” – Dale Osborne, Coach

rOUND 1

KYABRAM (H)

APRIL 7

rOUND 2

ROCHESTER (A)

APRIL 14

rOUND 3

EUROA (H)

APRIL 21

rOUND 4

MANSFIELD (A)

APRIL 28

rOUND 5

BENALLA (H)

MAY 5

rOUND 6

TATURA (A)

MAY 12

rOUND 7

ECHUCA (H)

MAY 26

rOUND 8

SEYMOUR (A)

JUNE 2

rOUND 9

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

JUNE 9

rOUND 10

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

JUNE 16

rOUND 11

SHEPPARTON (A)

JUNE 23

rOUND 12

KYABRAM (A)

JULY 1

rOUND 13

ROCHESTER (H)

JULY 14

rOUND 14

EUROA (A)

JULY 21

rOUND 15

MANSFIELD (H)

JULY 28

rOUND 16

BENALLA (A)

AUGUST 11

rOUND 17

TATURA (H)

AUGUST 18

rOUND 18

ECHUCA (A)

AUGUST 25

GAme cHAnGeR: Aaron French The Cats have had huge success (as recently as last season) when bringing Tasmanian products to Mooroopna Recreation Reserve and the club will hope Aaron French is no different. The classy midfielder will combine well with Clint Riley and add a point of difference to Mooroopna’s group of hard-nosed ball winners. Clint Riley

Alex Tattersall

seAson pRediction iN: Todd Clarke, Rob Osborne, Andrew Gelsi, Jak McMillan, Billy Wall (Rushworth), Aaron French (Curtin University Wesley), Malcolm Hedges (Kyabram), Jayedon Hexter, Jai Simmie (Tallygaroopna), Jack Stevenson (Dookie United), Tom Brennan (Bairnsdale), Alex Tattersall (Nagambie) OUT: Keelin Betson (Grovedale Tigers), Jordan Brereton (Deer Park), Dylan Cornick, Ash Thompson (Waaia), Romain Grenville (Shepparton Swans), Ethan Hodgkin (Katunga), Rhys McKenzie (Undera), David Smith (Deniliquin Rovers)

TENTH: The Cats have again been active on the recruiting front, and improved depth will help the club be regularly competitive against every side. However, taking the next step from improving to contending for a finals spot may yet be a bridge too far for Dale Osborne’s charges.

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GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe

rochester Tigers FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1913 TO 1914, 1973 TO PRESENT NICKNAME: TIGERS GROUND: MOON OVAL COACH: JAMES FLAHERTY PRESIDENT: MAX HANN PREMIERSHIPS: 1914, 1992, 1999, 2008 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: M. KEENAN (1988), P. MORGAN (1994), G. CAMPBELL (2011), A. WATSON (2015) 2017 FINISH: FOURTH (13–7) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: NATHAN MARRONE 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: STEVEN STROOBANTS (46)

ochester will carry more than the football hopes of its town and district into this season.

The town has been hammered recently with the loss of its Murray Goulburn factory and the withdrawal of the ANZ bank. “We are a proud town and we are a proud club,” coach James Flaherty said. “We come from an incredibly strong community, we all play for each other and we all want to succeed, so now we have to look at things that we can do to deliver a premiership to our community.” The Tigers head into this year with a different line-up to what was fielded last season. The club has said farewell to a large number of members of its list, a list that had achieved well last year. The club finished the season in fifth place, closing out with a 12–6 record before opening its finals campaign with a 42-point victory against Euroa in the elimination final, before losing to Shepparton by 46 in the first semi. “We were pretty happy with the season, particularly with fielding 36 or 37 players, had five guys play their first game, so we set ourselves up well,” Flaherty said. Flaherty still identified issues with the game plan. “We have to get better in certain areas of the game,” he said. “I think a big one was our goalkicking. We probably didn’t put forward enough scores, so we will work on that. “We have a really young group

“But the new kids have come out ﬁring. They’re ﬁt, they’re working incredibly hard in order to get better and they all want to give their all for the club.” – James Flaherty, Coach running around at the moment; a few guys have retired, so we have lost a fair bit of experience. “But the new kids have come out firing. They’re fit, they’re working incredibly hard in order to get better and they all want to give their all for the club.” The likes of Elliot Bowen, Sam Brennan, Heath Aitken and Steven Stroobants will leave huge holes in terms of experience at Moon Oval, while consistent performers Jarod Bacon, Dillon Williams and Mitch Bright look ready to take the next step in the GVL. But Flaherty said the Tigers were still looking towards being there at the pointy end. “I believe this group is really strong, so our goal will always be to play finals, and I think we are a real chance to do that,” Flaherty said. The additions of Doug Wren and Jackson McEwen, among others, will certainly help that cause, while Perry Oliver will carry a large scoring load up forward.

Jackson McEwen

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GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe “I believe this group is really strong, so our goal will always be to play ﬁnals, and I think we are a real chance to do that.”

RocHesteR’s seAson FiXtURe

Perry Oliver

– James Flaherty, Coach James Flaherty

rOUND 1

SHEPPARTON (A)

APRIL 7

rOUND 2

MOOROOPNA (H)

APRIL 14

rOUND 3

MANSFIELD (H)

APRIL 21

rOUND 4

TATURA (A)

APRIL 28

rOUND 5

SEYMOUR (H)

MAY 5

rOUND 6

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

MAY 12

rOUND 7

KYABRAM (H)

MAY 27

rOUND 8

EUROA (A)

JUNE 2

rOUND 9

BENALLA (H)

JUNE 9

rOUND 10

ECHUCA (H)

JUNE 16

rOUND 11

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

JUNE 23

rOUND 12

SHEPPARTON (H)

JUNE 30

rOUND 13

MOOROOPNA (A)

JULY 14

rOUND 14

MANSFIELD (A)

JULY 21

rOUND 15

TATURA (H)

JULY 28

rOUND 16

SEYMOUR (A)

AUGUST 12

rOUND 17

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

AUGUST 18

rOUND 18

KYABRAM (A)

AUGUST 25

GAme cHAnGeR: Jackson mcewen While it is a massive step up from the Heathcote District league to the GVL, if Jackson McEwen can handle the jump he will be integral for Rochester this season. His former league’s rising star and a crucial member of Leitchville-Gunbower’s drought-breaking premiership, McEwen’s pace and silky ball-movement will stand out across Moon Oval.

seAson pRediction iN: Doug Wren (Tallygaroopna), Jackson McEwen (Leitchville-Gunbower), Lachie Watson (Sandhurst), Tom Hepburn, Lachie West (Stanhope), Rhys Free (Cohuna Kangas) OUT: Jarod Bacon, Jeremy Mundie (Lockington-Bamawm United), Mitch Bright, Elliot Bowen (Colbinabbin), Sam Brennan (Nullawil), Dillon Williams (Eaglehawk), Steven Stroobants (North Melbourne VFL), Heath Aitken (retired)

NiNTH: It is hard to ignore the vast amount of experience and talent that has left Rochester this summer. The Tigers will battle hard to remain in finals contention, but may lack the top-end class to compete with the best teams in the league.

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ratio of 80% ratio ofto 80%  Borrower Maximum Loan $100,000  Borrower must must have have aValuation GMCU a GMCU Goulburn Murray Goulburn Murray 3. 3. ofCard  80% Borrower must have a GMCU  ratio Borrower must have a GMCU Visa Visa Debit Debit Card 3.  Maximum Loan to Valuation Credit Union Credit Union Goulburn Murray Visa Debit Card 3. Visa Debit Card customer customer owned owned banking banking  Borrower’s Borrower must have a GMCU ratio of 80%salary  Borrower’s salary must must be be paid paidbe paid customer owned banking customer owned banking 3.  Borrower’s salary must Credit Union  Visa Borrower’s salary must be paid 3. 3. Debit Card 3. 3. into into a GMCU a GMCU account account into aaccount GMCU account into a GMCU  Borrower must have a GMCU customerat banking 3. connect connect at gmcu.com.au gmcu.com.au connect atowned gmcu.com.au  Borrower’s must be paid connect at gmcu.com.au Visa Debit Cardsalary 3. into a GMCU account customer owned Goulburn Murray Credit Limited Union Co-operative ABN 87 087 651 509 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 241364. Terms &&conditions, fees & charges andapply. criteria apply. 1. Product is available untilunless 30 June 2018 unless withdrawn extended and must funded within ninety days approval. 2.banking New loan amount any exisitng loans with Goulburn Murray Credit Union Co-operative ABN 87 087Limited 651Credit 509 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence No. 241364. TermsNo. & conditions, charges eligbility criteria 1. is available until30 30 June withdrawn earlier or extended and must be funded within ninety days of approval. 2.ofNew loan amount anyexcludes exisitng loans with Goulburn Goulburn Murray Murray CreditCredit UnionUnion Co-operative Co-operative Limited Limited ABN ABN 87 087 87651 087 509 651 AFSL/Australian 509 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence Licence No. 241364. No. 241364. Terms Terms & conditions, & conditions, fees & fees charges &fees charges and eligbility andand eligbility criteria criteria apply. apply. 1.eligbility Product 1.Product Product is available isofavailable until until June 30 2018 June 2018 2018 unless unless withdrawn withdrawn earlier earlier orearlier extended ororextended and must and must be be funded be funded within within ninety ninety days days ofperiod. approval. ofComparison approval. 2.excludes New 2. New loan amount loan amount excludes excludes any exisitng any exisitng loansloans with with *time Borrower’s salary must be paid connect at gmcu.com.au GMCU. 3. GMCU Visa Card and salary credit imustfunding. be in place before funding. Rate isprint current at timechange of printwithout and may change notice. The advertised on thewill date funding will the actual rate applied to the loan. Interest ratebasic reverts to ourhome basic variable loan rate afterperiod. the discount rate based on a loan of $150,000 over 25 3. GMCU Visa Cardimust and direct credit imust bedirect place before * Rate is current atmay of and may Thewithout advertised rate on theof date ofrate funding be the actual ratebe applied totothe loan. Interest rate reverts to our variable loan ratehome after the rate discount Comparison rateperiod. based on a loan of $150,000 over GMCU. GMCU. 3. GMCU 3. GMCU Visa Card Visa Card and GMCU. salary and salary direct direct credit credit imust be insalary be place inThis place before before funding. funding. *intrue Rate * Rate is current is current at time atgiven of time print of and print and change may change without without notice. notice. The notice. advertised The advertised rate on rate the ondate the date funding of funding willinbe the be actual the actual rate applied rate applied the toloan. the loan. Interest Interest rate reverts rate reverts to our tobasic our basic variable variable home home loan loanafter rate the afterdiscount the discount period. Comparison Comparison rate based rate based on a25loan on a of loan $150,000 of $150,000 over 25 over 25 years. WARNING: comparison rate is only for the examples and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees and other loan amounts might result awill different 3. years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees and other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.comparison rate. years.years. WARNING: WARNING: This comparison This comparison rate israte trueisonly truefor only theforexamples the examples givengiven and may and not mayinclude not include all fees all and feescharges. and charges. Different Different terms, terms, fees and fees other and other loan amounts loan amounts might might result result in a different in a different comparison comparison rate. rate. into a GMCU account 2.

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connect at gmcu.com.au

Goulburn Murray Credit Union Co-operative Limited ABN 87 087 651 509 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence No. 241364. Terms & conditions, fees & charges and eligbility criteria apply. 1. Product is available until 30 June 2018 unless withdrawn earlier or extended and must be funded within ninety days of approval. 2. New loan amount excludes any exisitng loans with GMCU. 3. GMCU Visa Card and salary direct credit imust be in place before funding. * Rate is current at time of print and may change without notice. The advertised rate on the date of funding will be the actual rate applied to the loan. Interest rate reverts to our basic variable home loan rate after the discount period. Comparison rate based on a loan of $150,000 over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees and other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.

Football and Netball 2018 Page 25

GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe

Seymour Lions FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1940; 1976 TO PRESENT NICKNAME: LIONS GROUND: KINGS PARK COACH: NICK JEWELL PRESIDENT: CRAIG VELT PREMIERSHIPS: 1976, 1981, 1982, 1991, 2005, 2006, 2007 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: C. FROELICH (1940), G. LIDDELL (1978), J. SOLOMON (1989), S. SCHOTTNER (2004) 2017 FINISH: THIRD (14–7) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: HARRY WHEELER 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: SAAD SAAD (43)

eymour will approach a new era this season after the retirement of highly respected coach Brent Colbert.

Dylan Scopel

Following Colbert, the departures from the Lions came thick and fast during the off-season highlighted by reigning best-and-fairest Harry Wheeler joining Yarrawonga after moving for work. Key ruckman/forward Brandyn Grenfell was poached by Tatura, while Brent Ryan, Hugh Robertson, Andrew Sturgess and Brett Meredith were among the notable players to filter out of Kings Park. Enigmatic forward Saad Saad also retired midway through the season, but continues to be linked to Pines Football Club. The huge gaps left by bidding farewell to these players seem to have been filled by new coach Nick Jewell. Former Western Bulldog Josh Prudden and Coburg-listed Jack Murphy have nominated the Lions as their second club. Jewell said if he did get some game time for Seymour, Prudden would “easily be the best player in the Goulburn Valley League”. “Josh has been on an AFL list for four or five years … so he’ll set a standard around the place that the majority of guys playing country footy probably haven’t seen before,” Jewell said. “He’s also a silky mover and a beautiful kick, so we’re really excited to have him back in.” Seymour also bolstered its list with Alex Johnston and Aiden Adams

joining from VFL side Werribee. “Alex and Aiden bring us some really good quality state league players and a bit of class to the group,” Jewell said. Seymour has also welcomed aboard two of Nagambie’s premiership heroes, Harley Taylor-Lloyd and Kyle Winter-Irving. Along with finals experience, these two also bring some firepower to the side — something much needed after the loss of Grenfell, Saad and Robertson, who booted a combined 105 goals for Seymour last year. Winter-Irving, who won best on ground in the Kyabram District league grand final last year, booted 33 goals for the Lakers in 2016 and 35 goals last year. Matt Martin also joins Seymour from Nagambie, while the Lions have welcomed home former under-18 players James Wooster and Grant Hateley as well as Chris Jackson after a year away. Wooster moved to Lancefield in 2015 and won the club’s best-andfairest award last season, with Hateley a member of the Lions’ 2007 under18s premiership. Jewell said despite losing a few key players during summer, the preseason had shaped up nicely, with plenty of opportunity for some of the team’s younger players to put their hands up. “They won’t get beaten on effort, and hopefully they won’t get beaten on fitness and be really well organised around the ground where every player knows their role,” he said. GuS MCCuBBiNG

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GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe iN: Josh Prudden (Western Bulldogs), Aiden Adams, Alex Johnston (Werribee), Kyle Winter-Irving, Harley TaylorLloyd, Matt Martin (Nagambie), James Wooster (Lancefield), Grant Hatelely (Avenel), Chris Jackson (Lancefield), Phillip Solomon, Alick Nai (Masala), Charlie Angka Muthli OUT: Brent Colbert (retired), Saad Saad (retired), Andrew Sturgess (Coburg), Brett Meredith (Port Douglas), Hugh Robertson (Strathfieldsaye), Harry Wheeler (Yarrawonga), Brandyn Grenfell (Tatura), Jake O’Brien (Castlemaine), Lachlan Waite (Glenroy), Alex Hay (Deniliquin Rovers), Brent Ryan (Panton Hill), Xavier Dimasi (Whittlesea)

Below: Aiden Adams, Alex Johnston,

Matt Martin, Grant Hateley, Chris Jackson, Harley Taylor-Lloyd, James Wooster, and Kyle Winter-Irving

Josh Prudden

seYmoUR’s seAson FiXtURe rOUND 1

BENALLA (A)

APRIL 7

rOUND 2

ECHUCA (H)

APRIL 14

rOUND 3

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

APRIL 21

rOUND 4

SHEPPARTON (H)

APRIL 29

rOUND 5

ROCHESTER (A)

MAY 5

rOUND 6

MANSFIELD (H)

MAY 12

rOUND 7

TATURA (A)

MAY 26

rOUND 8

MOOROOPNA (H)

JUNE 2

rOUND 9

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

JUNE 9

rOUND 10

KYABRAM(H)

JUNE 16

rOUND 11

EUROA (A)

JUNE 24

rOUND 12

BENALLA (H)

JUNE 30

rOUND 13

ECHUCA (A)

JULY 14

rOUND 14

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

JULY 21

rOUND 15

SHEPPARTON (A)

JULY 28

rOUND 16

ROCHESTER (H)

AUGUST 12

rOUND 17

MANSFIELD (A)

AUGUST 18

rOUND 18

TATURA (H)

AUGUST 25

s r e e B

GAme cHAnGeR: dylan scopel Dylan Scopel will be needed to control the back line this year after the departure of playing-coach Brent Colbert and Brent Ryan. But Scopel will thrive on being tasked with the opposition’s best forward as he also has taken on the responsibility of being joint vice-captain alongside Ben Clifton.

s n i e d a r T e ic v r e • S e g n a R • e ic on Pr •

seAson pRediction

SiXTH: Headlined by the retirement of coach Brent Colbert, plenty of valuable talent has left Kings Park. But incoming coach Nick Jewell has been a popular figure around the club and has recruited A-grade footballers. If the newcomers can jell with the existing players, the Lions will prove a formidable side this season.

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Football and Netball 2018 Page 27

GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe

Shepparton Bears FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BEARS GROUND: DEAKIN RESERVE COACH: SEAN HARRAP PRESIDENT: WILL PHILLIPS 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) 2017 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (16–6) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BEN DAVIES 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JAMES WONG (64)

new-look Shepparton line-up has a straightforward task this season; win one more game than last year and claim its ﬁrst premiership since 2000.

Memories of a dark grand final day — a 55-point hammering at the hands of Kyabram — still burn in the Bears’ minds, but incoming coach Sean Harrap said the list he had inherited from former coach Brad Campbell was ready to take the next step. Harrap heaped praise on Campbell’s effort of taking the Bears from the low-point of a winless season in 2013 to a position of strength. “Brad’s slowly built the group until last year and I see it as a great platform, it’s a strong list and we’re keen to do well this season,” Harrap said. “The experience of the grand final is important; a lot of the guys hadn’t been there before and hopefully the group is better for it. “A lot of people say you have to lose one to win one.” However, the Bears lose a handful of class, with leading goal-kicker James Wong and gun midfielder Matt Shannon leaving the club along

“The experience of the grand ﬁnal is important; a lot of the guys hadn’t been there before and hopefully the group is better for it.”

Ted Lindon

– Sean Harrap, Coach

with Luke Minogue, Levi Power and Sam Dunstan. But the inclusions of former captain Rhys O’Sullivan and Stuart Hobijn-Allen help ease that pain, and Harrap was pleased with the recruiting on the whole. “We targeted a few different areas, but we think our list is pretty versatile,” he said. “And natural progression from every player, getting five or 10 per cent more out of each player would hold us in really good stead. “We have to improve again, but we think we’ve got a pretty good list.” Shepparton could not match it with Kyabram’s powerhouse line-up, comfortably beaten twice in last season’s finals. “Looking at the grand final, it was very windy and we didn’t execute in the conditions — and Kyabram was a lot better on the day,” Harrap said. “We ran into a very good team and there’s no doubt they’ll be hard to beat again. They’ve lost a few, but we still view them as the benchmark.” And, while new faces on and off the field breathe new life into the Bears, Harrap was keen to view this campaign as a continuation of the side’s build since 2013’s 0–18 return. “I don’t want to change too much, we’ll play a similar brand of football with 17 of last year’s grand final side returning,” he said. “I don’t think we need to change too much, but I’ll put my own spin on things like Brad did — and that’s a good thing.” aLEX MiTCHELL

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GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe GAme cHAnGeR: nik Rokahr After breaking out with a stunning finals campaign, Shepparton’s midfield bulldozer is about to hit his prime. Fifth in the Morrison Medal after racking up possessions for fun all season long, his damaging play could drag the Bears back to deep finals territory.

sHeppARton’s seAson FiXtURe rOUND 5

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

MARCH 30

rOUND 1

ROCHESTER (H)

APRIL 7

rOUND 2

MANSFIELD (A)

APRIL 14

rOUND 3

TATURA (A)

APRIL 21

rOUND 4

SEYMOUR (H)

APRIL 29

rOUND 6

KYABRAM (A)

MAY 12

rOUND 7

EUROA (H)

MAY 26

rOUND 8

BENALLA (A)

JUNE 2

rOUND 9

ECHUCA (A)

JUNE 9

rOUND 10

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

JUNE 16

rOUND 11

MOOROOPNA (H)

JUNE 23

rOUND 12

ROCHESTER (A)

JUNE 30

rOUND 13

MANSFIELD (H)

JULY 14

rOUND 14

TATURA (A)

JULY 21

rOUND 15

SEYMOUR (H)

JULY 28

rOUND 16

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

AUGUST 11

rOUND 17

KYABRAM (H)

AUGUST 18

rOUND 18

EUROA (A)

AUGUST 25

seAson pRediction: THirD: The Bears lose key cogs James Wong and Matt Shannon, but have replaced them well, and will be boosted by the continued growth of their teenagers. Perhaps they will take a step back on the ladder as teams such as Euroa and Echuca surge, but will be playing football deep into September. iN: Stuart Hobijn-Allen (West Coburg), Rhys O’Sullivan (Yarrawonga), Xavier Stevenson (St George Dragons), Zach McKinnis, Quentin Lambert

Rhys O’Sullivan

OUT: Sam Dunstan (North Ballarat City), Aaron Egan (Congupna), Luke Minogue (Katandra), Levi Power (Rumbalara), Matt Shannon (Tatura), James Wong (Deer Park)

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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: JUSTIN GEORGE PRESIDENT: RICHARD BELL 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 2017 FINISH: 12TH (2–16) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BJ SQUIRE 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: NATHAN TERLICH (23)

Rhys Healey

he Shepparton Swans will be almost unrecognisable this season — in more ways than one.

A large turnover of players, a new man at the helm and a completely different game style have combined to make this year’s Swans one of the hardest teams to judge ahead of round one.

HSA FORKLIFTS • • • •

HSA HSA HSA HSA

Justin George steps into the hole left after the departure of Paul Griﬃths in October, and with him comes what could be a new lease on life for last year’s wooden spooner. “I’m a little more old school than some of the coaches these days,” George said. “I want to play a wide-open

attacking brand of footy. “I think it’s a lot more exciting to kick goals than try to stop them, and I’m pretty confident in the group we’ve put together. “We’ve lost some experience, but we’ve recruited the players that we want in order to play a certain style of football.”

Premiership players BJ Squire, Jessie Finnen and Andrew Riordan will not be seen at Princess Park this season, while Quade Johnstone and Billy Cooper will also be missed, but the talent that has arrived during summer has supporters excited. Former AFL-listed midfielder Rhys

Healey headlines a double-figure list of players coming into the club, including Mitch Hough (who has VFL experience) and a number of recruits from neighbouring leagues such as Harley Constable, Jackson Milne, Tyler Normington, Chris McKay and Mason Pedretti. Excitement machine Romain Grenville may not see much game time after rupturing his anterior and medial cruciate ligaments in August last year while playing for Mooroopna, but his role will be to help mentor the Swans’ young forward line, including the incoming Rob Staff. “It’s been so far so good during the pre-season,” George said. “We’re pretty pleased with how we’ve recruited, it might take a little while to jell as a group, but we’ll just focus on getting that first win on the board.” A large swathe of young Swans tasted senior action last season and it should hold the group in good stead moving forward. “That was more of a necessity than them being ready to play senior football, but it is all part of the process,” George said. “Every club in the league has good top-end talent, so how you go depends on how well your local talent plays. “There’s an exciting feeling around the club and we’re hopeful we can develop some genuine GV stars of the future.” TYLER MaHER

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Page 30 Football and Netball 2018

GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe Romain Grenville

Chris McKay

sHepp sWAns’ seAson FiXtURe rOUND 1

MANSFIELD (H)

APRIL 7

rOUND 2

TATURA (A)

APRIL 14

rOUND 3

SEYMOUR (H)

APRIL 21

rOUND 4

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

APRIL 28

rOUND 5

KYABRAM (H)

MAY 5

rOUND 6

EUROA (A)

MAY 12

rOUND 7

BENALLA (H)

MAY 26

rOUND 8

ECHUCA (H)

JUNE 2

rOUND 9

MOOROOPNA (A)

JUNE 9

rOUND 10

SHEPPARTON (A)

JUNE 16

rOUND 11

ROCHESTER (H)

JUNE 23

rOUND 12

MANSFIELD (A)

JUNE 30

rOUND 13

TATURA (H)

JULY 14

rOUND 14

SEYMOUR (A)

JULY 21

rOUND 15

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

JULY 28

rOUND 16

KYABRAM (A)

AUGUST 4

rOUND 17

EUROA (H)

AUGUST 18

rOUND 18

BENALLA (A)

AUGUST 25

iN: Rob Staff, Chris McKay (Violet Town), Romain Grenville, Josh Gallo (Mooroopna), Rhys Healey (Mornington), Mitch Hough (Anakie), Harley Constable (Yarroweyah), Rylen Damianopoulos, Jackson Milne, Mathew Boyle (Shepparton East), Kurtis Dixon (Tallygaroopna), Tyler Normington (Murchison-Toolamba), Ryan McKenna (Dookie United), Mason Pedretti (Congupna), Joel McCarten (year off) OUT: Billy Cooper (Tatura), Jessie Finnen (Doncaster), Quade Johnstone (South Bendigo), Andrew Riordan (Katandra), BJ Squire (Congupna)

GAme cHAnGeR: Rhys Healey Healey spent two seasons on Melbourne’s rookie list and will bring plenty of experience to Princess Park. The dashing midfield-forward will carry a large burden in his return to the Goulburn Valley League (after playing for Shepparton United in 2015) as new coach Justin George moulds his young squad around the marquee talent, but should he be up to the task could be one of the more damaging players in the competition.

seAson pRediction 12TH: The Swans look set to improve this year, but the query is whether it will be enough to go past other sides. GVL fans will learn a lot about the Swans in the first four weeks of the season, with games against three sides that missed finals last year.

GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe

Shepparton United Demons FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1950 NICKNAME: DEMONS GROUND: DEAKIN RESERVE COACH: STEPHEN SCOTT PRESIDENT: CRAIG BLIZZARD PREMIERSHIPS: 1954, 1955, 1956, 1962, 1967, 1974, 1980, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2010, 2011 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: J. WILLIAMS (1984), P. FOOTT (1992) 2017 FINISH: 10TH (4–14) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: REID CROWE 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LUKE LOWDEN (20)

Jack Norman

GAme cHAnGeR: Jack norman Young gun Jack Norman is expected to make another big impact this season, with some serious senior experience under his belt. Included in the under-18 GVL interleague side last season and having played in the Demons’ past two under-18 premierships, Norman will be a full-time feature in the top tier this year.

hepparton United is bursting with talented youth and it is the young players that will need to carry the side again this year.

Stephen Scott has taken on the top job this year after Peter Sheehan stood down in the off-season after one year in charge. Drawing from within, the United stalwart knows what success looks like for the Demons having played in their back-to-back premierships in 2010–2011. Hoping to lay the foundations for the Hastie Cup to again be in the hands of United, Scott is dialing back the game plan to a more simple approach. “For us this year we’ll be working hard on our fitness and our skill level, so something that we haven’t probably seen as much,” he said. “It was a bit over the top with the game plan last year with the group we had, so we’ve gone back to a more basic set-up and as we rise to each goal, we’ll try and tick each box off and see how far we can get to.” As anticipated former Hawthorn ruckman Luke Lowden has moved on to play in the VAFA, with premiership Hawk Matt Spangher also departing. Lowden was the club’s leading goalkicker with 20 majors last year, with next in line best-and-fairest winner Reid Crowe and Josh Kezerle, who both slotted 13. Kezerle and Crowe should again make valuable impacts this season, while Scott also needs to put a firm focus on defence, with the Demons

conceding the second-most amount of points last season. Scott has recruited two medical students to the side with Zac Gordon-Rundell to line up along half-back and Cancho Ong slotting in to a midfield/forward role. Although Scott conceded he has not been able to replace what had been lost, he was still expecting his side to add on to the four wins of last year. “We’ll probably be a bit under than what we were last year, but with the younger group getting a bit more experience (and with) experienced players coming back from injuries, we can aim to win a few more games than last year,” he said. Scott is looking forward to welcoming a fit Shane Sali and Matt Di Bella for the season after the two played limited games due to injury. “They each missed six to eight games and we missed that experience when they were missing in the same games, when we get them in all of a sudden there’s 100 to 150 more games of experience from each player,” he said. Scott said Di Bella put in the hard yards across pre-season training, as had captain Ben Bingham. LauREN BoRDiN

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GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe United’s seAson FiXtURe

Ben Bingham

Josh Kezerle

rOUND 5

SHEPPARTON (H)

MARCH 30

rOUND 1

EUROA (A)

APRIL 7

rOUND 2

BENALLA (H)

APRIL 14

rOUND 3

ECHUCA (A)

APRIL 21

rOUND 4

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

APRIL 28

rOUND 6

ROCHESTER (H)

MAY 12

rOUND 7

MANSFIELD (A)

MAY 26

rOUND 8

TATURA (H)

JUNE 2

rOUND 9

SEYMOUR (H)

JUNE 9

rOUND 10

MOOROOPNA (A)

JUNE 16

rOUND 11

KYABRAM (A)

JUNE 23

rOUND 12

EUROA (H)

JUNE 30

rOUND 13

BENALLA (A)

JULY 14

rOUND 14

ECHUCA (H)

JULY 21

rOUND 15

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

JULY 28

rOUND 16

SHEPPARTON (A)

AUGUST 11

rOUND 17

ROCHESTER (A)

AUGUST 18

rOUND 18

MANSFIELD (H)

AUGUST 25

SHEPPARTON’S ROUND FIVE MATCH AGAINST SHEPPARTON UNITED HAS BEEN MOVED FORWARD ALLOWING THE TWO SIDES TO CONTEST THE STAND ALONE OPENING GAME OF THE SEASON. THE BEARS AND THE DEMONS WILL HAVE A BYE DURING SCHEDULED ROUND 5 MATCHES. iN: Zac Gordon-Rundell (Monash Blues), Cancho Ong (Old Brighton Grammarians), Jarrod Bingham (Nathalia) OUT: Luke Lowden (Canterbury), Aaron Britten (Deer Park), Jamie Fulton (Numurkah), Harley Middleton (Berrigan), Daniel Bowles (Wodonga Raiders), Matt Spangher

seAson pRediction 11TH: Shepparton United struggled last season and is in for another development year. The culture of the club should benefit from the appointment of one of its own in Stephen Scott. Hoping to focus on fundamental skills, Scott should lay down the building blocks to ensure the side can build across the coming years.

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GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe

Tatura Bulldogs FAST FACTS >>:JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BULLDOGS GROUND: TATURA SHOWGROUNDS COACH: JAMASON DANIELS PRESIDENT: JOHN MAHER 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) 2017 FINISH: NINTH (5–13) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MITCH ELLIOTT 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JAMES SULLIVAN (22)

atura has all the ingredients for a scintillating season this year — the question is can it follow the recipe and jump into ﬁnals football.

Jamason Daniels

gotafe.vic.edu.au | 1300 GOTAFE (468 233) GOTAFE is the trading name of Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (RTO 3094 | CRICOS 03654D) Page 34 Football and Netball 2018

The Bulldogs had similar hopes heading into a disappointing 2017, but could not live up to the hype, managing just five wins and ninth on the ladder. “In a few ways last year was a bit disappointing and part of that was getting injuries at the wrong times for a big part of the season,” returning coach Jamason Daniels said. “We’ve added some exciting prospects and the list has changed quite a bit, so we go in optimistic and open-minded about what we can do.” Headlining the inclusions are Matt Shannon and Brandyn Grenfell, the Shepparton and Seymour talents adding plenty to the Bulldogs’ onball department. But also heading to Tatura are speedster Billy Cooper, Calder Cannons ruckman Aubrey Coote and Curtis Ryan, who joins brothers Matt and Brad. “It’s a big plus that all the blokes we’ve recruited are locals, Grenfell is probably the only one based in Melbourne, so it means we’ve got everyone on the track three nights a week for the pre-season,” Daniels said. “What we’ve got now is a strong commitment and bond between the whole list. It’s massive, in game when hurdles come your way you know you’re not going away, we’re willing

to fight together. “The guys we’ve lost are primarily the ones coming from Melbourne, and they’ve been great servants of the club. “Rian McGough and James Wall, they’ve travelled back for us for six years, and Tim Lanyon would have played nearly 200 games.” The Bulldogs remarkably lost seven of their first nine games last season by less than 15 points, the heart-stopping four-point loss to undefeated Kyabram the most memorable contest of the year. Turning close losses into wins and keeping fit seems the key for Tatura to get back into finals, but Daniels said a short-term focus would serve his troops well. “I probably made the mistake of looking too far ahead last year, then we had injuries and had to reevaluate,” he said. “At this stage we’re looking just at the first month, there’s a huge match in round one against Echuca who everyone is tipping to improve. “We’d just like to win a few games early though.” Daniels predicted an even top six, with no breakaway side like Kyabram last year. aLEX MiTCHELL

“We’d just like to win a few games early though.” – Jamason Daniels, Coach

GoUlBURn VAlleY FootBAll leAGUe “We’ve added some exciting prospects and the list has changed quite a bit, so we go in optimistic and open-minded about what we can do.” – Jamason Daniels, Coach

tAtURA’s seAson FiXtURe rOUND 1

ECHUCA (A)

MARCH 31

rOUND 2

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

APRIL 14

rOUND 3

SHEPPARTON (A)

APRIL 21

rOUND 4

ROCHESTER (H)

APRIL 28

rOUND 5

MANSFIELD (A)

MAY 5

rOUND 6

MOOROOPNA (H)

MAY 12

rOUND 7

SEYMOUR (H)

MAY 26

rOUND 8

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

JUNE

rOUND 9

KYABRAM (H)

JUNE 9

rOUND 10

EUROA (H)

JUNE 16

rOUND 11

BENALLA (A)

JUNE 23

rOUND 12

ECHUCA (H)

JUNE 30

rOUND 13

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

JULY 14

rOUND 14

SHEPPARTON (H)

JULY 21

rOUND 15

ROCHESTER (A)

JULY 28

rOUND 16

MANSFIELD (H)

AUGUST 4

rOUND 17

MOOROOPNA (A)

AUGUST 18

rOUND 18

SEYMOUR (A)

AUGUST 25

GAme cHAnGeR: Brandyn Grenfell Arguably the competition’s best ruckman, Grenfell joins the Dogs and is symbolic of the club’s push into the GVL’s elite bracket. Versatile and with an ability to go forward, he kicked 32 goals last year and is poised for more.

Brandyn Grenfell

Billy Cooper

iN: Billy Cooper (Shepparton Swans), Aubrey Coote (Shepparton United), Brandyn Grenfell (Seymour), William Lister (Rumbalara), Curtis Ryan (Kyabram), Matt Shannon (Shepparton) OUT: Daniel Flynn (Stanhope), Jamie Jones (Murchison-Toolamba), Paul Kirby (Echuca United), Tim Lanyon (Montrose), Rian McGough (Donald), Rob Montgomery (Stanhope), Chris Ryan (Heidelberg), James Sullivan (De La Salle), James Wall (Brimbank)

seAson pRediction: FiFTH: Add the genuine A-grade class of Grenfell and Shannon to a side that lost seven of its first nine games by 15 points or less last season and then battled through an injury crisis, and it’s only fair to expect big things from Tatura this campaign. Along with Echuca, Tatura is the biggest candidate for a massive improvement.

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The valley’s largest league continues to have the largest media coverage

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Junior football is moving forward

U-16 premier Mooroopna

he junior football landscape in Shepparton is constantly shifting as the needs of the region’s youngest players continue to change.

AFL Goulburn Murray’s recent junior football future directions project has foreshadowed a number of changes to the Shepparton District Junior Football League, but most will not come into place until next year. In the meantime though, there will be plenty of new teams in town.

Ashlee McMahon

Meafou Pele

Echuca is joining the under-14 ranks, while Moama will field an under-16 side, and the Youth Girls competition will be bolstered by the additions of Cobram, Numurkah, Tatura and Benalla. For league president Mick Betson, it certainly is an exciting time to be part of the organisation. “It shows us that we’re doing well when teams like Echuca and Moama want to come across and play in our competition,” he said.

“Echuca will have two or three sides in the under-14s, which will change that grade a fair bit. “Shepparton United will drop one team in the 16s and the Swans will field another, so Moama will increase the competition by one team. “I’m confident we’ll have good numbers across the competitions again.” The boom of girl’s football does not look like slowing down anytime soon, giving Betson hope for more grades

in the future. “It’s great,” he said. “In the future, we’ll be looking to start standalone under-12 and under-14 comps for the girls, and only a few years ago that wasn’t even on the radar.” AFL GM junior league operations and events manager Bree Boyle backed up Betson’s sentiment. “Probably the biggest thing we’ve seen is as soon as the AFLW aired more it sparked more interest

everywhere, girls are getting out to football clinics and wanting to be involved in clubs,” she said. “Obviously the youth girls at the moment cover 13 to 18-year-olds, so the next step is to try and add another age group to try and add more pathways. “The easiest way to get more players involved is for the current ones to get out to their mates and bring them (to a club) too.” TYLER MaHER

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AFl eXpoRts

Our stars on the big stage W

hile last year’s AFL National Draft night was not as exciting as previous editions for the Goulburn Valley area, trade week certainly made up for it.

Three GV exports changed colours in a hectic trade period, forcing many families and friends in the region to secure new player badges for the season ahead. Seymour forward Josh Schache landed at the Western Bulldogs after a drawn-out saga where he originally re-signed with Brisbane during the season. Benalla product Tom Rockliff also left the Lions, heading for Port Adelaide, while Shepparton-raised Jarman Impey jumped from the Power to Hawthorn. Rookie draft night provided the only GV addition to an AFL list this

season when Nick Holman joined Gold Coast. The Kyabram product will tackle his second stint in the system alongside Shepparton and Mooroopna exports Michael Barlow, Will Brodie and Jarrod Harbrow. Alberton Oval remains a magnet for the region’s footballers with six players on Port Adelaide’s list, followed closely by North Melbourne and Hawthorn (both four). It is not just the men’s products of the region showcasing their talents at the highest level anymore either. The establishment and rapid rise of the AFLW has led to a number of female players with connections across the area on our screens early in the year.

Tom Rockliff

Nathalia product Reni Hicks has settled in well at Carlton, as has Mansfield netballer Bonnie Toogood at the Western Bulldogs. Toogood was taken in the rookie draft, but found herself elevated to the senior squad ahead of the season proper. Shepparton’s Angela Foley continues to lead from the front with Adelaide, while former Euroa A-grade netball coach Sarah Hosking and twin sister Jess are always impressive through the middle of the ground for the Blues. Former Eagles coach Lauren Tesoriero and her Collingwood teammates had a slow start to the second season of the competition, but finished it off well. TYLER MaHER

Bonnie Toogood

locAl AFl plAYeRs Alex Keath — Adelaide (Kialla) Caleb Marchbank — Carlton (Benalla) Steele Sidebottom — Collingwood (Tallygaroopna) Jamie Elliott — Collingwood (Euroa) David Mundy — Fremantle (Seymour) Tom Hawkins — Geelong (Finley) Esava Ratugolea — Geelong (Cobram) Michael Barlow — Gold Coast (Shepparton United) Will Brodie — Gold Coast (Shepparton) Jarrod Harbrow — Gold Coast (Mooroopna) Nick Holman — Gold Coast (Kyabram) Brett Deledio — GWS (Kyabram) Daniel Howe — Hawthorn (Rennie) Page 38 Football and Netball 2018

Harry Morrison — Hawthorn (Benalla) James Cousins — Hawthorn (Mansfield) Jarman Impey — Hawthorn (Shepparton and Shepparton Swans) Clayton Oliver — Melbourne (Mooroopna) Jarrad Waite — North Melbourne (Benalla) Jy Simpkin — North Melbourne (Mooroopna) Sam Wright — North Melbourne (Katamatite) Shaun Atley — North Melbourne (Rochester) Tom Rockliff — Port Adelaide (Benalla) Ollie Wines — Port Adelaide (Echuca) Tom Clurey — Port Adelaide (Katamatite) Todd Marshall — Port Adelaide (Deniliquin)

Joe Atley — Port Adelaide (Rochester) Aidyn Johnson — Port Adelaide (Moama) Sam Lloyd — Richmond (Deniliquin) Nathan Drummond — Richmond (Mooroopna) Josh Schache — Western Bulldogs (Seymour)

AFlW Angela Foley — Adelaide (Shepparton) Reni Hicks — Carlton (Nathalia) Sarah Hosking — Carlton (former Euroa netball coach) Jess Hosking — Carlton (former Euroa netballer) Lauren Tesoriero — Collingwood (former Mansfield netball coach) Bonnie Toogood — Western Bulldogs (Mansfield)

UmpiRes 2017 GVL grand final umpires

Umpires polishing up their whistles A

fter another tough pre-season, the region’s umpires are also ready to go for this year.

Much like the players, the hot summer has meant some diﬃcult sessions on the track for the whistle-blowers, getting up to match speed. With training groups in Shepparton, Seymour and Kyabram, the Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association covers five different leagues, and president Darren Meek said the preparation for a new season was never easy. “We’ve been training since the third week of January and we’ve been hard at it,” he said. “We have to put in a lot of hours and hard work to get up and running.” The group is focusing on fitness as well as its decision-making skills, with no rule changes for the new season a definite plus for oﬃcials The early stages of last year had mass confusion from the AFL right through to the country footy with

the new rule preventing third men up at ruck contests not well received. But Meek said like most new rules, the confusion had sorted itself out. “I think it did, the first month especially a lot of players weren’t sure of the ruling,” he said. “By the end of the year we had a fairly decent grasp on it and it did get easier — and I’m confident with that going forward.” And as always, Meek and his association are on the lookout for anyone who wants to get involved. “There’s an increase in women’s footy, as well as junior footy, so we always need more numbers,” he said. “We’ve got boundary umpires as young as 10, and goal umpires in their mid-60s, so it’s a pretty diverse group and everyone is welcome to get involved.” The group trains at Shepparton’s Chas Johnson Reserve on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Those interested in umpiring can phone 0409 191 450. aLEX MiTCHELL

Football and Netball 2018 Page 39

sHeppARton netBAll AssociAtion Shepparton Netball Association will host the Victorian State Titles this year.

Exciting times ahead T

he highlight of this year’s action at Shepparton Netball Association will be when it hosts Netball Victoria’s State Titles in October.

Some 600 players are expected to use the 18 courts at the Brauman St and SNA president Dianne Orr was eager for the event to come around. “We’re anticipating that we’re going to have a big year with the state titles and we’re going to try and promote that for the whole season, it’s exciting and we’re very lucky because it’s never been held here,” she said A show court has been added to top off the facilities that are packed with players, spectators and oﬃcials each Saturday during winter.

“One of the key reasons we were able to secure this for this year is because we have the complete facilities and redeveloped courts and because we’ve got 18 courts, it means 18 games we can do in every timeslot,” Orr said. Shepparton’s own sides will be looking to do damage at the state titles, as they enjoy a break from travelling to Werribee where it has been played the past two years. This year’s grand final day of Saturday competition will need to produce something special if it is to top the riveting action of last year’s. Tatura won the 15-and-under section three grand final after enduring a gruelling 106 minutes

Lauren McMahon

of play to defeat Goulburn Valley Grammar. The twilight season remains as popular as ever as players do their utmost to remain fit during the summer. The SNA is also keen to bring in Fast5 competition into the region. “It’s a quick game with only five players and played to music, it’s a bit similar to Twenty20 and AFLX with football, all these fast versions are taking off,” Orr said. “Traditionalists don’t particularly like it, but it’s a fun way to get people connected to the sport.”

SNA 15-and-under section 3 premier, Tatura

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Be part of the game Head to your regional news websites for all your football and netball updates

Riverine

Herald

Free Press The Corowa

YARRAWONGA

leAGUe FiXtUResleAGUe FiXtURes

GOULBUrN VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE Round 1

March 30 Shepp United v Shepparton March 31 Echuca v Tatura APriL 7 Shepp Swans v Mansfield Benalla v Seymour Euroa v Shepp United Shepparton v Rochester Mooroopna v Kyabram

Round 2

APriL 14 Tatura v Shepp Swans Seymour v Echuca Shepp United v Benalla Rochester v Mooroopna Mansfield v Shepparton Kyabram v Euroa

Round 3

APriL 21 Shepp Swans v Seymour Rochester v Mansfield Benalla v Kyabram Mooroopna v Euroa Shepparton v Tatura Echuca v Shepp United

Round 4

APriL 28 Shepp United v Shepp Swans Kyabram v Echuca Euroa v Benalla Mansfield v Mooroopna Tatura v Rochester APriL 29 Seymour v Shepparton

Round 5

MAY 5 Echuca v Euroa Mooroopna v Benalla Rochester v Seymour Mansfield v Tatura Shepp Swans v Kyabram Shepp United v Shepparton (Moved to round 1)

Round 6

MAY 12 Euroa v Shepp Swans Benalla v Echuca Kyabram v Shepparton Shepp United v Rochester Seymour v Mansfield Tatura v Mooroopna

Community Championships MAY 19

Round 7

MAY 26 Shepp Swans v Benalla Tatura v Seymour Shepparton v Euroa Mansfield v Shepp United Mooroopna v Echuca MAY 27 Rochester v Kyabram

Round 8

JUNE 2 Shepp Swans v Echuca Benalla v Shepparton Euroa v Rochester Kyabram v Mansfield Shepp United v Tatura Seymour v Mooroopna

Round 9

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

Round 10

JUNE 16 Shepparton v Shepp Swans Rochester v Echuca

Mansfield v Benalla Tatura v Euroa Seymour v Kyabram Mooroopna v Shepp United

Round 11

JUNE 23 Shepp Swans v Rochester Echuca v Mansfield Benalla v Tatura Shepparton v Mooroopna Kyabram v Shepp United JUNE 24 Euroa v Seymour

Round 12

JUNE 30 Mansfield v Shepp Swans Tatura v Echuca Seymour v Benalla Shepp United v Euroa Rochester v Shepparton JULY 1 Kyabram v Mooroopna

Interleague b ye

JULY 7

Round 13

JULY 14 Shepp Swans v Tatura Echuca v Seymour Benalla v Shepp United

Mooroopna v Rochester Euroa v Kyabram Shepparton v Mansfield

Round 14

JULY 21 Seymour v Shepp Swans Shepp United v Echuca Kyabram v Benalla Euroa v Mooroopna Tatura v Shepparton Mansfield v Rochester

Round 15

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

Round 16

AUGUST 4 Kyabram v Shepp Swans Euroa v Echuca Tatura v Mansfield AUGUST 11 Benalla v Mooroopna Shepparton v Shepp United AUGUST 12 Seymour v Rochester

Round 17

AUGUST 18 Shepp Swans v Euroa Echuca v Benalla Shepparton v Kyabram Rochester v Shepp United Mansfield v Seymour Mooroopna v Tatura

Round 18

AUGUST 25 Benalla v Shepp Swans Seymour v Tatura Euroa v Shepparton Shepp United v Mansfield Echuca v Mooroopna Kyabram v Rochester

Finals

Qualifying ﬁnals

September 1–2 Semi-finals September 8 and 9 Preliminary final September 16 Grand final September 23

Round 1

APriL 7 Longwood v Rushworth Nagambie v Tallygaroopna Avenel v Merrigum Stanhope v Girgarre Violet Town v Mur-Tool Ardmona v Lancaster Undera bye

Round 2

APriL 14 Undera v Nagambie Merrigum v Longwood Tallygaroopna v Stanhope Mur-Too v Avenel Girgarre v Ardmona Lancaster v Violet Town Rushworth bye

Round 3

APriL 21 Rushworth v Merrigum Stanhope v Undera Longwood v Mur-Tool Ardmona v Tallygaroopna Avenel v Lancaster Violet Town v Girgarre Nagambie bye

Round 4

APriL 28 Nagambie v Stanhope Mur-Tool v Rushworth Undera v Ardmona Tallygaroopna v Violet Town Lancaster v Longwood

Round 5

MAY 5 Merrigum v Mur-Tool Ardmona v Nagambie Rushworth v Lancaster Violet Town v Undera Longwood v Girgarre Avenel v Tallygaroopna Stanhope bye

Round 6

MAY 12 Stanhope v Ardmona Lancaster v Merrigum Nagambie v Violet Town Girgarre v Rushworth Undera v Avenel Mur-Tool v Tallygaroopna Longwood bye

Interleague b ye MAY 19

Round 7

MAY 26 Mur-Tool v Lancaster Violet Town v Stanhope Merrigum v Girgarre Avenel v Nagambie Rushworth v Tallygaroopna Longwood v Undera Ardmona bye

Round 8

JUNE 2 Ardmona v Violet Town Girgarre v Mur-Tool Stanhope v Avenel Tallygaroopna v Merrigum Nagambie v Longwood Undera v Rushworth Lancaster bye

Round 9

JUNE 9 Lancaster v Girgarre Avenel v Ardmona Longwood v Stanhope Merrigum v Undera Rushworth v Nagambie Tallygaroopna, Mur-Tool, Violet Town bye

Round 10

JUNE 16 Violet Town v Avenel Tallygaroopna v Lancaster Ardmona v Longwood Undera v Mur-Tool Stanhope v Rushworth Nagambie v Merrigum Girgarre bye

Round 11

JUNE 23 Girgarre v Tallygaroopna Lancaster v Undera Longwood v Violet Town Rushworth v Ardmona Mur-Tool v Nagambie

Round 1

April 7 Katandra v Waaia Rennie v Tungamah Katunga v Dookie Shepparton East v Katamatite

Round 2

April 14 Waaia v Rennie Dookie v Shepparton East Tungamah v Katunga Katamatite v Katandra

Round 3

April 21 Katunga v Waaia Rennie v Katamatite Katandra v Dookie Shepparton East v Tungamah

Round 4

April 28 Waaia v Shepparton East Katamatite v Katunga Tungamah v Katandra Dookie v Rennie

Round 5

May 5 Tungamah v Waaia Rennie v Shepparton East

KYABrAM DiSTriCT FOOTBALL LEAGUE Girgarre v Avenel Merrigum bye

PiCOLA DiSTr

PiCOLA DiSTr Merrigum v Stanhope Avenel bye

Round 12

JUNE 30 Avenel v Longwood Undera v Girgarre Violet Town v Rushworth Nagambie v Lancaster Ardmona v Merrigum Stanhope v Mur-Tool Tallygaroopna bye

Avenel v Mur-Tool Ardmona v Girgarre Violet Town v Lancaster Rushworth bye

Round 16

Round 13

JULY 28 Merrigum v Rushworth Undera v Stanhope Mur-Tool v Longwood Tallygaroopna v Ardmona Lancaster, Avenel, Girgarre, Violet Town, Nagambie bye

Round 14

AUGUST 4 Stanhope v Nagambie Rushworth v Mur-Tool Ardmona v Undera Longwood v Lancaster Violet Town v Tallygaroopna Avenel v Girgarre Merrigum bye

Round 15

AUGUST 11 Mur-Tool v Merrigum Nagambie v Ardmona Lancaster v Rushworth Undera v Violet Town Girgarre v Longwood Tallygaroopna v Avenel Stanhope bye

JULY 7 Tallygaroopna v Undera Rushworth v Avenel Girgarre v Nagambie Merrigum v Violet Town Lancaster v Stanhope Mur-Tool v Ardmona Longwood bye JULY 14 Rushworth v Longwood Tallygaroopna v Nagambie Merrigum v Avenel Girgarre v Stanhope Lancaster v Ardmona Mur-Tool v Violet Town Undera bye JULY 21 Nagambie v Undera Longwood v Merrigum Stanhope v Tallygaroopna

Round 17

Round 18

Violet Town v Nagambie Rushworth v Girgarre Avenel v Undera Longwood v Tallygaroopna Mur-Tool bye

Round 20

AUGUST 25 Lancaster v Mur-Tool Stanhope v Violet Town Girgarre v Merrigum Nagambie v Avenel Tallygaroopna v Rushworth Undera v Longwood Ardmona bye

Finals

Elimination finals September 1–2 Semi-finals September 8–9 Preliminary final September 15 Grand final September 22

Round 1

March 30 (Good Friday) Tocumwal v Berrigan April 7 Jerilderie v Blighty Deni Rovers v Strathmerton Mathoura v Yarroweyah Picola bye

Round 2

April 14 Picola v Berrigan Strathmerton v Jerilderie Tocumwal v Mathoura Yarroweyah v Deni Rovers Blighty bye

Round 3

April 21 Blighty v Strathmerton Mathoura v Picola Jerilderie v Yarroweyah Denil Rovers v Tocumwal Berrigan bye

Round 4

April 28 Berrigan v Mathoura Yarroweyah v Blighty Picola v Deniliquin Rovers Tocumwal v Jerilderie Strathmerton bye

Round 19

AUGUST 18 Ardmona v Stanhope Merrigum v Lancaster

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riCT FOOTBALL LEAGUE — SOUTH-EAST Round 10

Katamatite v Dookie Katunga v Katandra

June 16 Waaia v Katunga Katamatite v Rennie Dookie v Katandra Tungamah v Shepparton East

Round 6

May 12 Waaia v Katamatite Katandra v Rennie Dookie v Tungamah Shepparton East v Katunga Interleague bye May 19

Round 11

June 23 Shepparton East v Waaia Katunga v Katamatite Katandra v Tungamah Rennie v Dookie

Round 7

May 26 Dookie v Waaia Rennie v Katunga Tungamah v Katamatite Shepparton East v Katandra

Round 12

June 30 Waaia v Tungamah Shepparton East v Rennie Dookie v Katamatite Katandra v Katunga

Round 8

June 2 Waaia v Katandra Tungamah v Rennie Katunga v Dookie Katamatite v Shepparton East

July 28 Katandra v Waaia Rennie v Tungamah Dookie v Katunga Shepparton East v Katamatite

Round 16

August 4 Waaia v Rennie Dookie v Shepparton East Tungamah v Katunga Katamatite v Katandra

Round 14

August 18 Waaia v Shepparton East Katamatite v Katunga Tungamah v Katandra Dookie v Rennie

July 14 Katamatite v Waaia Rennie v Katandra Tungamah v Dookie Katunga v Shepparton East July 21 Waaia v Dookie

Finals Elimination ﬁnal

August 25 Qualifying final August 26 Semi-finals September 1–2 Preliminary final September 8 Grand final at Shepparton East September 15

Round 9

Round 18

Round 13

March 30 Echuca United v Moama Nathalia v Tongala Mulwala v Congupna Barooga v Cobram Finley v Deniliquin (N) Rumbalara v Numurkah (N)

Round 2

APriL 7 Congupna v Finley Tongala v Mulwala Moama v Nathalia Cobram v Echuca United Numurkah v Barooga Deniliquin v Rumbalara APriL 14 Finley v Tongala Mulwala v Moama Nathalia v Cobram Echuca United v Numurkah Barooga v Rumbalara Congupna v Deniliquin

Round 4

APriL 21 Cobram v Mulwala Moama v Finley Deniliquin v Barooga APriL 22 Numurkah v Nathalia APriL 28 Rumbalara v Echuca United Tongala v Congupna

riCT FOOTBALL LEAGUE — NOrTH-WEST Round 5

Round 1

Round 3

Round 17

Round 13

July 7

June 9 Rennie v Waaia Shepparton East v Dookie Katunga v Tungamah Katandra v Katamatite

Round 15

August 11 Katunga v Waaia Rennie v Katamatite Katandra v Dookie Shepparton East v Tungamah

General by e

Round 9

Katunga v Rennie Katamatite v Tungamah Katandra v Shepparton East

MUrrAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Round 17

Round 5

MAY 5 Finley v Cobram Mulwala v Numurkah Nathalia v Rumbalara Echuca United v Barooga Congupna v Moama Tongala v Deniliquin

May 5 Strathmerton v Yarroweyah Deniliquin Rovers v Berrigan Blighty v Tocumwal Jerilderie v Picola Mathoura bye

June 9 Tocumwal v Picola Blighty v Deniliquin Rovers Yarroweyah v Berrigan Strathmerton v Mathoura Jerilderie bye

July 7 Mathoura v Berrigan Blighty v Yarroweyah Deniliquin Rovers v Picola Jerilderie v Tocumwal Strathmerton bye

August 4 Jerilderie v Deniliquin Rovers Yarroweyah v Picola Blighty v Mathoura Strathmerton v Berrigan Tocumwal bye

June 16 Blighty v Jerilderie Berrigan v Tocumwal Strathmerton v Deni Rovers Yarroweyah v Mathoura Picola bye

July 14 Yarroweyah v Strathmerton Berrigan v Deniliquin Rovers Tocumwal v Blighty Picola v Jerilderie Mathoura bye

Round 18

Round 6

May 12 Mathoura v Deni Rovers Tocumwal v Strathmerton Berrigan v Jerilderie Picola v Blighty Yarroweyah bye

August 11 Picola v Tocumwal Deniliquin Rovers v Blighty Berrigan v Yarroweyah Mathoura v Strathmerton Jerilderie bye

May 19

June 23 Berrigan v Picola Jerilderie v Strathmerton Mathoura v Tocumwal Deni Rovers v Yarroweyah Blighty bye

July 21 Deni Rovers v Mathoura Strathmerton v Tocumwal Jerilderie v Berrigan Blighty v Picola Yarroweyah bye

Finals

Interleague b ye

Round 12

July 28 Tocumwal v Yarroweyah Mathoura v Jerilderie Picola v Strathmerton Berrigan v Blighty Deniliquin Rovers bye

Round 6

Round 10

General bye

Round 11

Round 7

May 26 Yarroweyah v Tocumwal Jerilderie v Mathoura Strathmerton v Picola Blighty v Berrigan Deniliquin Rovers bye

Round 8

June 2 Deniliquin Rovers v Jerilderie Picola v Yarroweyah Mathoura v Blighty Berrigan v Strathmerton Tocumwal bye

June 30 Strathmerton v Blighty Picola v Mathoura Yarroweyah v Jerilderie Tocumwal v Deni Rovers Berrigan bye

Round 14

Round 15

Round 16

Qualifying ﬁnal

August 18 Elimination final August 19 Semi-finals August 25-26 Preliminary final September 1 Grand final at Jerilderie September 8

SHEPPARTON RURAL (03) 5832 3500 21 TELFORD DR, SHEPPARTON, VIC 3630

MAY 12 Numurkah v Finley Rumbalara v Mulwala Barooga v Nathalia Deniliquin v Echuca United Cobram v Congupna Moama v Tongala

Round 9

JUNE 9 Finley v Echuca United Mulwala v Nathalia Congupna v Barooga Tongala v Rumbalara Moama v Numurkah Deniliquin v Cobram

Round 15

Round 10

JUNE 16 Nathalia v Finley Mulwala v Deniliquin Echuca United v Congupna Barooga v Tongala Rumbalara v Moama Numurkah v Cobram

Round 11

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

Round 12

JUNE 30 Moama v Echuca United Numurkah v Rumbalara Tongala v Nathalia Congupna v Mulwala Deniliquin v Finley Cobram v Barooga

General b ye JULY 7

Round 13

JULY 14 Finley v Congupna Mulwala v Tongala Nathalia v Moama Echuca United v Cobram Barooga v Numurkah Rumbalara v Deniliquin

Round 14

JULY 21 Tongala v Finley Moama v Mulwala Cobram v Nathalia Numurkah v Echuca United Rumbalara v Barooga Deniliquin v Congupna

JULY 28 Finley v Moama Mulwala v Cobram Echuca United v Rumbalara Barooga v Deniliquin Congupna v Tongala JULY 29 Nathalia v Numurkah

Round 16

AUGUST 4 Cobram v Finley Moama v Congupna Deniliquin v Tongala AUGUST 11 Barooga v Echuca United Numurkah v Mulwala Rumbalara v Nathalia

Round 17

AUGUST 18 Finley v Numurkah (N) Mulwala v Rumbalara Nathalia v Barooga Echuca United v Deniliquin Congupna v Cobram Tongala v Moama

Round 18

AUGUST 25 Rumbalara v Finley Barooga v Mulwala Echuca United v Nathalia Numurkah v Congupna Cobram v Tongala Deniliquin v Moama

Finals

Elimination ﬁnals

September 1–2 Semi-finals September 8–9 Preliminary final September 15 Grand final September 22

MAY 19

Round 7

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

Round 8

JUNE 2 Barooga v Finley Echuca United v Mulwala Nathalia v Deniliquin Rumbalara v Congupna Numurkah v Tongala Cobram v Moama

WEBSITE WWW.RURALGROUP.COM.AU Football and Netball 2018 Page 43

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AFL GOULBURN MURRAY FEMALE FOOTBALL STRATEGY 2018 – 2021 The rise in female football participation over the past few years has been astronomical. The introduction of AFLW in 2017 capitalised and has driven further growth at community level. Until 2015 female participation in the Goulburn Murray had been rising steadily. The Youth Girls competition run by the Shepparton DJFL consisted of five teams and there was growing interest in school competitions, particularly at the secondary level. This set the platform for the expansion of Youth Girls to represent clubs from other parts of the region and the commencement of the Northern Country Women’s League in 2017 in partnership with AFL Central Victoria and AFL Central Murray. This is on top of increases in female participation at Auskick level, U14 boys and the growth of female talent programs. This scenario has stimulated the need for the AFL Goulburn Murray Commission to take a more strategic view of female football and develop a strategy to direct the growth of the game. Commencing with the region’s first Female Football Forum on 22 November this Female Football Strategy brings together the objectives and aspirations of stakeholders and will drive a co-ordinated female football development program across the region.

Participation

Competitions

Off Field

Talent

Auskick

Governance

Club Support

Interleague

Club

V-Line Cup Participation Pathways

Facilities

Schools

TAC Cup ByLaws

Coaching

Marketing & Communication

VFLW & AFLW

to view the full strategy go to www.aflgoulburnmurray.com.au/female-football-strategy

Our Mission To establish and grow a female football participation pathway in the Goulburn Murray

AFL Goulburn Murray

PO Box 1253, Shepparton VIC 3630 | Ph: 03 5823 9800 | admin@aﬂgoulburnmurray.com.au

KYABRAm distRict FootBAll leAGUe

inﬂux of talent to prove their worth

et another off-season has resulted in high quality talent pouring into the Kyabram District Football League.

The league continues to grow as sides try and catch up with the might of Nagambie, which has held up the premiership cup four times since 2010. But plenty of sides are trying to stop the Lakers from becoming just the third team in league history to claim three consecutive flags. Coach Linc Sullivan has lost some fire power from his ranks. Genuine star Kyle Winter-Irving was best-onground in last year’s premiership, but will return to play in the Goulburn Valley League at Seymour this season, where he will be joined by Harley Taylor-Lloyd and Mathew Martin. But that does not mean the Lakers will be limited in experience, with premiership players Jack Williams and Josh Comi making their way back. Violet Town is hoping to return to the big dance and go one step further, with coach Sean Horsburgh addressing key factors that can help his side take the next step. The Lions boasted the best player in the competition as ace midfielder Sam Poole took home the McNamara Medal, but the grand finalists have to combat the crucial loss of key forward Rob Staff, as Horsburgh looks to share the scoring this season. Stanhope will aim to make a grand final after creating a potent forward line under new coaches Rob Montgomery and Troy Auld. Tasmanian goal-kicking superstar Rohan Baldock will join forces with Cobey Aynsley (Shepparton East) and Lucas White (Numurkah), who have all dominated across their competitions. The Lions are far from the only side with a change at the helm. Seven senior teams have a new coach this year, with some turning to internal candidates. Merrigum reserves premiership coach Steve Lawlor has stepped up to the top job at the Bulldogs, while Justin Torney takes on the coaching role at Undera. Torney has brought back a host of former players to the club, with the Lions keen to make inroads on last year’s 11th place finish. Avenel will again remain around the mark and could push for the premiership should it have its act together earlier in the season, unlike last year when the Swans clicked into gear too late. Murchison-Toolamba has sights on a finals berth after just missing out, while Tallygaroopna has made some key additions to play under Kevin O’Donoghue this year. Longwood has plenty of intent to improve on last season’s two wins, with Rushworth likely to be on the up after some impressive signings from metro competitions. The fixture will be more settled across the competition with Ardmona returning full-time to the top tier. After playing most of the season in reserves, resulting in added byes in the seniors, the Cats are confident of fielding two sides under new coach Luke Trevena, who has returned to Ardmona Recreation Reserve. LauREN BoRDiN

7 1 0 2 r E i M E r P

Nagambie

KYABRAm distRict FootBAll leAGUe pAst pRemieRs: 2017: Nagambie 2016: Nagambie 2015: Merrigum 2014: Nagambie 2013: Murchison 2012: Violet Town

2011: Lancaster 2010: Nagambie 2009: Undera 2008: Stanhope 2007: Stanhope 2006: Ardmona

2017: Sam Poole (Violet Town) 2016: Kasey Duncan (Avenel) 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)

ladder predictions 1

Stanhope

Lancaster

Nagambie

Merrigum

Avenel

Murchison-Toolamba

Tallygaroopna

Undera

Violet Town

Longwood

Rushworth

Ardmona

Girgarre

NAGAMBiE

FAST FACTS >> COACH: LINC SULLIVAN 2017 FINISH: PREMIER (16–3) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIRESTS: BEN HUTTON AND DANIEL HAYSOM 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: MATHEW WATERSON (62) GROUND: NAGAMBIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LAKERS

eaturing fresh faces and missing some faithful ones, this year’s Nagambie side has experienced signiﬁcant changes since last season came to a jubilant close.

Coach Linc Sullivan and Michael Roberts

iN: Daryl Harrison (Stanhope), Cam Rooney (Reservoir), Jack Williams, Josh Comi (Mornington). OUT: Kyle Winter-Irving, Harley Taylor-Lloyd, Mathew Martin (Seymour), Alex Tattersall (Mooroopna). Page 46 Football and Netball 2018

pAst mcnAmARA medAllists:

But coach of six years Linc Sullivan said there was one thing that would never change — Nagambie’s hunger for another flag. Sullivan said this year’s recruits were versatile and brimming with experience such as Daryl Harrison, the former Tongala coach and O’Dwyer medallist. Harrison played at Stanhope last year and will continue to enjoy his final years of football in the KDFL. “He’s in his mid-30s and is towards the end of his career, but will still be an extremely valuable

asset to us,” Sullivan said. Jack Williams and Josh Comi will be returning to their home side after one-year stints at Mornington, with the pair key to the Lakers’ premiership win in 2014. Former Laker Cam Rooney will also return to his home team this year after several years away playing for Reservoir. While the club was gutted to farewell premiership guns Alex Tattersall and Kyle Winter-Irving, Sullivan had no fears for the Lakers’ future. “We’ve won four premierships since 2010 and that is largely thanks to the core group of players that has stayed. We’re blessed with a lot of local talent,” he said. “A third premiership is definitely the goal for this season. “Of course, there’s a lot of pressure for us to do this, but if we keep pushing ourselves and endeavouring to improve, we should give ourselves every chance.”

CHaRMaYNE aLLiSoN

KYABRAm distRict FootBAll leAGUe

ArDMONA

Luke Trevena

AVENEL

FAST FACTS >> COACH: LUKE TREVENA 2017 FINISH: LAST (0–2–17) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: BRENT RALPH 2017 LEADING GOALKICKER: PETER LUMSDEN (9) GROUND: ARDMONA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: CATS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: DON STIRLING 2017 FINISH: THIRD (12–7) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: DON STIRLING 2017 LEADING GOALKICKER: CHRIS BURTON (66) GROUND: ANDERSON ST, AVENEL NICKNAME: SWANS

t was a long season at Ardmona recreation reserve last year.

After losing the first two senior games by a combined 602 points, the Cats were relegated to play in the reserves where things did not fare much better. But the club has made vast efforts to improve the professionalism at the club with Luke Trevena returning as coach and Daniel McNamara his assistant. With the Cats rising back to the top tier, Trevena said the club was confident of fielding a seniors and a reserves side. “It’s going really good at the moment, we had 45 people at training and I couldn’t be happier … everyone has been at training from last year from what I’ve been told,” he said. “It looks like we should have two sides — a seniors and reserves — we’ve recruited a whole new side at the moment.” Trevena’s main aim is to have the side jelling as a unit as Ardmona aims for its first senior win since 2015. “I’d love to get two wins on the board at least and anything after that I’d be thrilled with,” he said. “I pretty much want them to bond as a team a bit more, not so much on field, but also off

GirGArrE

oach Don Stirling says ﬁnding form at the start of the season is the key for Avenel to make a strong push in September.

iN: Luke Trevena (Stanhope), Daniel McNamara (Murchison-Toolamba), Caine Atkinson (Rumbalara) OUT: Nil

the field so they get along with each other and, along with skills, winning games will start to come.” Reigning best-and-fairest winner and former coach Brent Ralph will weigh up family commitments before deciding whether to play, as Trevena remained on the hunt for new signings. LauREN BoRDiN

Rowan Priest

Last year Avenel went down to Violet Town by 51 points in the preliminary final. The year before the Swans finished on top of the ladder, but lost the decider by three goals, having been 24 points up at half-time. But these near-misses are a sign of a team with a fighting chance of claiming its first premiership since 1994. “We’ve had a pretty solid pre-season so far — we’ve introduced a few new players and we’re trying some new game styles,” Stirling said. “The first four or five rounds at the start of last season is what really killed us towards the back end of the year, when we did start hitting form and playing really well against the top couple of teams. “So, our main focus is getting a good start to the season and then carrying that on for the year.” Stirling said the next step is to combat fadeouts. “(We need to) improve our consistency across four quarters and for stretches

iN: Michael Tinkler (Eltham), Angus Durnan (Avondale Heights), Xavier Dowling (Mulwala), Jake Sutherland (Violet Town) OUT: Grant Hateley (Seymour),Chris Burton, Michael Berry (Hurstbridge), Michael McKenzie (Diamond Creek), Shaun Standley (Undera)

throughout the season as well, where we seem to dip in and out of games,” he said. Avenel has added Shepparton Swans premiership player Michael Tinkler and Avondale Heights key position player Angus Durnan. Tinkler and Durnan joined Avenel through Michael Morgan, who went to school with them at Assumption College. GuS MCCuBBiNG

LANCASTEr

FAST FACTS >> COACH: SHANNON TUCKER 2017 FINISH: EIGHTH (7–9) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: SHANNON TUCKER 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ASH KIRCHHOFER (27) GROUND: GIRGARRE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: KANGAROOS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: COREY CARVER 2017 FINISH: SIXTH (9–8) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ANDREW PETTIGROVE 2017 LEADING GOALKICKER: MICHAEL HILL (44) GROUND: LANCASTER RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: WOMBATS

Nathan Torney

ancaster is looking to take the next step under new coach Corey Carver.

f ever there was a time to break Girgarre’s ﬁnals drought, this is the season.

A host of recruits boasting plenty of star power and experience across a range of leagues has been brought to the Kangaroos by Shannon Tucker, who enters his second year as coach. Tucker has pulled Rowan Priest out of retirement to use the classy midfielder who has won the Goulburn Valley and Murray league’s best-and-fairest awards. “He has been really good around the club and at trainings and hasn’t missed a beat, he’s highly respected by all the boys,” Tucker said. Priest is just the cream of the bunch that has come across, with Mick Marrett heading to the Kangaroos from Kilmore and Matt Giorgianni from Leitchville-Gunbower. Another impressive signing is former Mathoura playing-coach Phil Hazelman, with Tucker thrilled with his leadership stocks. Tucker will also have Ryan Jones, Jake Hyland, Shaun Ross and Nick Varcoe back at his disposal after all played minimal games last season due to injury. The side has only lost three players of note from last year. “We’ve done really well with maintaining the list, which is the biggest thing,” Tucker said. “If we don’t play finals, we probably haven’t gone as well as I expect, but that’s going to be

Michael Tinkler

iN: Rowan Priest, Damian Dalziel (Echuca United), Mick Marrett (Kilmore), Matt Giorgianni (Leitchville-Gunbower), Phil Hazelman (Mathoura) OUT: Matt Bartlett (basketball), Griﬃn Bird (Cohuna), Ben Shellie (Darwin)

hard, we haven’t played finals in 16 years … we might be improving, but you have to look at the ins and outs of the top sides too.” LauREN BoRDiN

The Wombats legend took over from Nick Bertoli, who stepped down after three years in charge, and is hoping to play finals again this season. “We’re no different to everyone, we want to play finals, we finished sixth last year and lost the final (to Stanhope), so our natural aim is to now win a final and go one step further,” Carver said. While trying to convince Bertoli to keep playing, Carver has sought out some handy inclusions to come to Lancaster Recreation Reserve. Nathan Torney has arrived from Murray league side Tongala, with Carver’s plans to play the emerging star at centre half-back. Kyabram reserves premiership players Drew Barrett and Sam Vick will play at Lancaster as will Adam Vick, who missed out on playing in the grand final. Adam Vick returns to the Kyabram District league after previously playing with Rushworth. Carver has had access to the trio since last year as he moulds them into his game plan alongside Austin Bizzotto, who comes across from Merrigum to bolster the midfield in a team that has remained stable. “The group has stuck together which I like, we’ve got a young group so we’re trying to develop, but also make finals,” Carver said.

iN: Nathan Torney (Tongala), Drew Barrett, Sam Vick, Adam Vick (Kyabram), Austin Bizzotto (Merrigum) OUT: James Humphris (Tongala), Damon Burns (Yarragon)

“They’ve got a couple of senior years behind them, but they’re relatively young in a footy age sense.” LauREN BoRDiN

Football and Netball 2018 Page 47

KYABRAm distRict FootBAll leAGUe

LONGWOOD

FAST FACTS >> COACH: NICK BROWN 2017 FINISH: 11TH (2–15) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: BRAYDON KEARNS 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BRAYDON KEARNS AND ANTHONY TAUTALA (34) GROUND: LONGWOOD RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: REDLEGS

MUrCHiSON-TOOLAMBA

Henry Peni

urchison-Toolamba ended last season just a game out of the six and aims to increase its competitiveness against the top sides.

ongwood’s players are motivating themselves to be better this season.

After another season returned little in the form of wins, coach Nick Brown said his players were not shying away from pre-season training. “The boys have been training pretty hard, it’s the hardest they’ve trained at Longwood since I’ve been there, they’re making hard work normal,” he said. “Getting flogged each week (spurred on the change) and we’ve put more expectations on certain people at the club and the attitude has changed.” The Redlegs, as well as Brown individually, were fined for being in breach of their allocated points in a match last year as Brown continues try and build a competitive side while adhering to the cap. Shaun Bridges is a young talent Brown tipped as one to watch. Having split his time between seniors and thirds last year, Bridges is expected to make a major impact along the half-forward line. But Longwood will miss the services of Jarrod Winzer, who played every game last

MErriGUM

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JAMES MILNE 2017 FINISH: SEVENTH (8–8) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: NATHAN CARROLL 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ASHTON CASHION (37) GROUND: MURCHISON RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS

iN: Ryan Barassi (Congupna), Michael Robb (Mt Evelyn), Daniel Freeman, Damian Broughton OUT: Lucas Foenander (Congupna), Justin Van Merkesteyn (year off), Jarrod Winzer (Grovedale Tigers)

year, as well as rising star Lucas Foenander, who joins Congupna. But coming across from The Road is Ryan Barassi, a solid senior player, while Ben Freeman and Damian Broughton return. Another key out is Justin Van Merkesteyn, who is taking a year off football leaving the Redlegs without his prowess in defence. Michael Robb will be handy addition as he comes across from Mount Evelyn in the AFL Yarra Ranges Senior Football league. LauREN BoRDiN

Nathan Reid

The Grasshoppers at their best could push the top six for periods, notably recording a remarkable win against Stanhope as well as being no walkover for premier Nagambie. But the test for James Milne is to make finals a reality. “Last year we probably achieved on par … it was all about building a new team with 15 new players,” he said. “If we don’t play finals, we’d be very disappointed, we’re not aiming top three, but if we can sneak in fifth or sixth we might be able to do some damage.” Milne has lured star Jamie Jones back after he spent a year at Tatura that included playing six senior GVL games in the back half of the season. The Grasshoppers will have to cover the loss of Nathan Carroll, as the reigning best-andfairest winner moves back home to Jacana. But Milne has plenty of young talent to blood into the seniors. “There are all these young blokes coming

FAST FACTS >> COACH: DAVE REARDON 2017 FINISH: 10TH (3–13) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: SHAYNE LYNCH 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ROB OSBORNE (100) GROUND: IRONBARK STADIUM NICKNAME: TIGERS

AHeadlined by Dave Reardon coming in to

Page 48 Football and Netball 2018

OUT: Nathan Carroll (Jacana), Jordan Castle (Undera), Hank Fennell (Undera), Luke Chapman (Tungamah), Tom Karacsay (Anakie), Darby Walsh

through the thirds that played a handful of games last year that could take up a permanent spot this year, it’s up to them, there’s a real opportunity going to be there,” he said. Zach Bloom, Ben Kennedy, Tom Rennie and Jacob Holmes were all young players Milne named as those that could earn more senior time as he continues to recruit. LauREN BoRDiN

Dave Reardon

swarm of squad changes have occurred at rushworth across the off-season.

change in coach midway through the offseason might disrupt some clubs or even result in players going elsewhere.

LauREN BoRDiN

iN: Jamie Jones (Tatura), Charles Jackson (Rumbalara)

rUSHWOrTH

FAST FACTS >> COACH: STEVE LAWLOR 2017 FINISH: NINTH (7–10 ) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: JOE SULLIVAN 2017 LEADING GOALKICKER: JOSH SMITH (31) GROUND: MERRIGUM RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BULLDOGS

But the opposite was the case at Merrigum. Club stalwart and last year’s reserves premiership coach Steve Lawlor took over from Mick Power at the end of January and said the vibe at the club could not be better. “I’ve been at the club since I was 16, so 16 years ago, I sort of have an intimate knowledge of the guys and a lot of friendships and certainly the old Merrigum flavour is back at the club.” Lawlor said. The Bulldogs are setting a strong foundation to prosper under the points cap and following plenty of success across thirds and reserves teams Lawlor was hopeful players would continue on their development path. “There are quite a few guys in the reserves premiership side looking to step up, guys in their early 20s like Tristan Fitzsimmons who kicked 98 goals and is only 21,” he said. Jason Christou, Brett Maher, Mitch Younger and Liam Cross should all play most of the season in seniors, while premiership hero Nathan Reid returns to the club after a year at Dookie United. Consistent performers Austin Bizzotto and Charlie Lowe are the main outs, while ruckman Josh Stammers has retired.

Jamie Jones

iN: Nathan Reid (Dookie United), Sean Reidy (Mooroopna), Todd Hicks (Nathalia), James Deighton (Echuca United) OUT: Austin Bizzotto (Lancaster), Charlie Lowe (Tongala), Josh Stammers (retired), Daniel Dryden (Undera), Brad Power (Kyabram), Karl Ravenhorst (Monbulk)

coach the Tigers, there has been plenty of movement in and out of Ironbark Stadium. Rushworth has lost two of its finest players in reigning best-and-fairest Shayne Lynch and century goal-kicker Rob Osborne. Consistent features in the Tigers’ best Billy Wall and Todd Clarke have also departed as Reardon has continued to actively recruit, although he said there was plenty of work to be done. “I don’t know if we’ve gained as much as we lost, but we’re trying to replace what we’ve lost,” Reardon said. “From my point of view, it’s about playing local boys who are coming up from the juniors who are pretty strong. “Our objective is to get as many senior games through the young blokes so we can set a foundation for the next few years, we’re not out to win a flag this year.” Having played in Adelaide, Sydney and Cairns, as well while part of the defence force, Reardon has plenty of connections. He was excited to welcome Ryan Dunmore and Harley Nancarrow into the squad. “We’ve got a couple of tall recruits, they’re not predominately goal-kickers, but give us a focus up forward, but we’ll also be relying on our small forwards to do the damage,” Reardon said. LauREN BoRDiN

iN: Dave Reardon (Langwarrin), Antonio Dionisopoulos (Panton Hill), Daniel Dobles (Rosebud), Joel Dunmore, Reid Staples (Epping), Ryan Dunmore (Seaton Ramblers), Harley Nancarrow (Lalor), Nilsson Smyth OUT: Shayne Lynch (Waaia), Rob Osborne, Andrew Gelsi, Jak McMillan, Billy Wall, Todd Clarke (Mooroopna), Jeremy Lambden (North Bendigo)

KYABRAm distRict FootBAll leAGUe

STANHOPE

TALLYGArOOPNA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: KEVIN O’DONOGHUE 2017 FINISH: FIFTH (11–7) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: TYSON SIDEBOTTOM AND DOUG WREN 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: SAM MUGGLETON (39) GROUND: TALLYGAROOPNA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: REDLEGS

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: ROB MONTGOMERY AND TROY AULD 2017 FINISH: FOURTH (13–6) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ALEX O’REILLY 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JACK EXELL (61) GROUND: GILL COCHRANE OVAL NICKNAME: LIONS

evin O’Donoghue brings coaching experience from being an assistant at GVL club Shepparton and leading Congupna in the Murray league across to Tallygaroopna.

change in coach has not resulted in a change of intention for Stanhope.

The Lions’ exit in the semi-finals marked Brenton Gray’s last game as coach following four seasons at the helm. But Troy Auld returns for another stint in charge as he co-coaches alongside Tatura ace Rob Montgomery. The pair wasted no time bringing big name recruits into the side. Having famously kicked 241 goals for South Burnie in Tasmania’s Darwin Football Association in 2016, Rohan Baldock will be pulling on the Stanhope jumper thanks to Auld’s influence. “That was Troy’s connections that got onto him, he threw it out to him and he was more than happy to come over,” Montgomery said. But Baldock will have to share around the goals with Shepparton East target Cobey Aynsley and Numurkah co-coach Lucas White also arriving. “He’ll (Baldock) be that main target and with Cobey Aynsley and Lucas White thrown into the mix as well, we’ll have a tall forward line that we can pick and choose who to go to

Rob Montgomery iN: Rob Montgomery, Daniel Flynn (Tatura), Rohan Baldock (Penguin), Cobey Aynsley (Shepparton East), Lucas White (Numurkah) OUT: Jack Exell, Jayden Exell (Kyneton), Simon Collis (Huntly)

and not look at setting the focus on one guy,” Montgomery said. They will fill the void of last year’s leading goal-kicker Jack Exell, with he and brother Jayden Exell on their way to Kyneton as the major outs for the Lions. With a classy team assembled, other sides will be wary of Stanhope this year. “We’re making sure we’re fit and ready to go and make sure all the blokes get around the new game plan and getting guys that haven’t been into leadership into it, so instead of one leader we have 21,” Montgomery said. LauREN BoRDiN

UNDErA

“We’ll just be trying to play the best footy we can, I have no expectations or anything like that coming into a new league,” he said. “A few kids have showed a lot of potential and they’ll look to get every opportunity.” After Avenel sent Tallygaroopna packing from last year’s finals series, there have been some key changes to the Redlegs outfit. Notably reigning best-and-fairest Doug Wren has moved across to Rochester, while Jai Simmie will join him in the GVL at Mooroopna. While past best-and-fairest Andrew Oldfield signalled his intention to come back to the Redlegs during pre-season, changing circumstances meant he had to remain in Melbourne. But plenty of other familiar faces are returning to Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve as O’Donoghue sought out key players. “Probably the areas that the club had seen they were deficient in, (we targeted) last year,” O’Donoghue said.

iN: Dylan Sidebottom (Katunga), Clint Edwards (Fitzroy), Mitch Sidebottom (Mitiamo), Aaron Wood, Heath Barton (Congupna) OUT: Doug Wren (Rochester), Jai Simmie (Mooroopna), Jayedon Hexter (Mooroopna), Cody Tancred (Undera), Jai Utiger (Rumbalara)

“Mitch Sidebottom in the forward line is good, he’s quite tall and we were lacking in talls.” Aaron Wood is on his way back and should again be potent in the forward line, while Congupna stalwart Heath Barton joins the list following a two-year break from football. Dylan Sidebottom, coming off an Achilles injury at Katunga last year, will join Wood as a key target having topped the Redlegs’ goalkicking in the past, while dual Shepparton United premiership ruckman Clint “Nungas” Edwards will swing between ruck and forward line duties. LauREN BoRDiN

ViOLET TOWN

FAST FACTS >> COACH: SEAN HORSBURGH 2017 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (16–4) 2017 BESTAND-FAIREST: SAM POOLE 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ROB STAFF (79) GROUND: VIOLET TOWN RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JUSTIN TORNEY 2017 FINISH: 12TH (1–15) 2017 BESTAND-FAIREST: MATT WISHART AND NATHAN FRIZELL 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DANNI HEAZLEWOOD (38) GROUND: UNDERA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS

Sean Horsburgh

iolet Town had the coach of the year in Sean Horsburgh and the league best-andfairest Sam Poole, but yet what it wanted the most remained elusive last season.

ustin Torney knows just about all there is to know about Undera and has taken on the head coaching role at the club.

While he has not coached in an oﬃcial capacity since bringing the reserves side to a premiership in 2013, he has been a stalwart at the club. With plenty of new faces seen at Undera Recreation Reserve, the pre-season has been about learning to combine eﬃciently with each other. “We’ve recruited 20-odd players, so it’s a bit of an unknown how they’ll play together, but most have played together as juniors,” Torney said. “It’s like a whole new footy team and a whole new footy club; we’re still getting to know each other’s names.” Part of the host of names slotting onto the Lions’ list are familiar, with Brenton Campbell and Kaine Herbert two in the long list of faces coming from Bonnie Doon. Torney is pleased with the leaderships stocks in his group as reigning best-and-fairest Nathan Frizzell will lead the seniors with life member John Valentin his deputy. Danni Heazlewood took charge of the senior team when the club decided to part ways with Peter Cordy and last year’s leading goal-kicker will combine with Lee Simpson to coach the reserves.

Aaron Wood

John Valentin iN: Brenton Campbell, Sam O’Brien, Benji Mitchell, Kaine Herbert (Bonnie Doon), Jordan Castle, Hank Fennell (MurchisonToolamba), Rhys McKenzie (Mooroopna), OUT: Nil

Without setting the bar too high, Torney is confident this year will be more fruitful than last season, which resulted in just one win. “When we met earlier on, a few of the guys aimed for seven games with the guys coming in, but we’ll have to see how the league looks, the top four or five are above anyone else, so hopefully we’ll be about middle,” Torney said. LauREN BoRDiN

After topping the table, the Lions lost against powerhouse Nagambie in the premiership decider, but Horsburgh said his side had already begun working on rectifying that finish. “It was a disappointing way to end the year obviously, but it gives us something to push you through hot nights during pre-season training,” he said. “I think our fitness needs to improve a fair bit and our versatility, so we’re playing a number of positions and not being so reliant on a certain few and it makes us more unpredictable. “I’m looking forward to the season and seeing where everybody is at and hopefully we can get back to September and go one further.” The loss of Rob Staff, who has kicked 195 goals across the past two seasons, will leave big shoes to fill, but Horsburgh is not searching for a like-for-like replacement. “The one thing that Nagambie showed us last year was that you don’t need that bloke that kicks 70 or 80 goals if you can get 20 or 30 out of other midfielders,” he said. Euroa’s Rob Wilson and Katunga’s Clint Phillips have come into the side as Horsburgh

iN: Rob Wilson (Euroa), Clint Phillips (Katunga) OUT: Rob Staff, Chris McKay (Shepparton Swans) Nick Abley (Maribyrnong Park), Jake Sutherland (Avenel)

continues to search for players to fill the missing pieces in the premiership puzzle. LauREN BoRDiN

Football and Netball 2018 Page 49

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Murray Football League

Ladder predictions

Premier 2017

Purple reign set to continue T

he standard of the Murray Football League is set to rise this season.

As with every club on the pre-season track across the country, hopes are high across the competition that this year will indeed be the year potential turns into success. For Nathalia, potential turned into success a long time ago, but the Purple army has found a way to stay at the top for well more than a decade. The club’s premiership last year was its eighth in 13 seasons — from eight finals campaigns — and if Craig Kellow’s charges can secure a second four-peat in the space of 14 seasons this year, it would surely cement their place as the best football side in living memory. With favourite sons Drew Barnes and Ash Quinn back on deck, and Ryan Butler fit and firing,

Nathalia remains one of the leading candidates for this year’s flag. Last year’s runner-up Numurkah will be confident of going one step better this season after bringing in the class of Shannon Emmett and Jamie Fulton, but has lost forward weapon Josh Evans and key defender Tom Buzza. There has been minimal movement at Barooga, but rival Cobram has covered the loss of Tim Garlick well with the likes of Adam Decicco, Cadeyn Williams and Steve Smith. Moama has lost a number of young guns to the Goulburn Valley League, but coach Mark Lloyd will be confident that his troops can remain contenders. Mulwala’s hopes could hinge on the fitness of Ash Froud after the gun confirmed he would go around again. Froud booted 113 goals last season, despite spending most of the year under an injury cloud, but

his vast experience is worth its weight in gold to Michael Tout’s young charges. Congupna has been active on the recruiting front and returning former junior BJ Squire could be enough to send The Road skyrocketing up the table. Echuca United will be a more settled group after the massive changes last summer, while Jordan Souter’s ability to step up from captain to coach at Tongala will go a

long way towards assessing how well the Blues fare this year. Rumbalara (Kane Atkinson) and Deniliquin (Todd Gallagher) also have new men at the helm, while Rob Daniel’s Finley unit will be much more competitive after luring a number of ex-players — including superstar Ed Barlow — back to the club. TYLER MAHER

Nathalia

Numurkah

Barooga

Mulwala

Cobram

Echuca United

Moama

Congupna

Finley

Deniliquin Rams

Rumbalara

Tongala

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE PAST 10 PREMIERS 2017: Nathalia 2016: Nathalia 2015: Nathalia 2014: Rumbalara 2013: Echuca United 2012: Nathalia 2011: Deniliquin Rams 2010: Moama 2009: Tocumwal 2008: Nathalia

PAST O’DWYER MEDALLISTS 2017: Rhys Archard (Moama) 2016: Ned Morrison (Finley) 2015: Rhys Archard (Moama) 2014: Marcus Smith (Barooga) 2013: A sh Morris (Deniliquin Rams) 2012: R owan Priest (Echuca United) 2011: Ryan Bongetti (Cobram) 2010: Ryan Bongetti (Cobram) 2009: Lee Warnett (Tocumwal) 2008: Lee Warnett and Daryl Harrison (Tongala) Football and Netball 2018 Page 51

mURRAY FootBAll leAGUe

Barooga Hawks FAST FACTS >> COACHES: JAMES HAZELMAN AND NICK FLANAGAN MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1997 2017 FINISH: THIRD (16–5) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JAMES HAZELMAN 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TYRONE DOWNIE (50) GROUND: BAROOGA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: HAWKS

s last season ended in heartbreak, Barooga co-coach James Hazelman could ﬁnd solace in the fact all that stood between his side and a grand ﬁnal appearance was a 15-minute power burst from serial winner Nathalia.

Five goals in that period of play in a dominant third quarter from the Purples proved a bridge too far for the Hawks to overcome after they failed to kick a goal in the second half of last year’s preliminary final. “To get to a prelim, which was our first since 2009, was obviously pleasing, but I still think we underachieved,” Hazelman said. “On our day I definitely thought we were good enough to go all the way. “It’s probably been a slow build for us the last three or four years. We’ve made finals, but just haven’t been able to take that next step, but last year we took that step but it still wasn’t quite far enough.” With the Hawks coming so close to a grand final berth last year, it will be more of the same this season with a strong focus on their work around the footy and adding to their defensive stocks after being exposed by Nathalia’s big-bodied forwards in the preliminary final.

Coming in to bolster Barooga’s defensive stocks will be Cameron Sudholz, who played in Rennie’s fairytale flag last season. “At this stage Sudholz will play centre half-back, but we’re still on the hunt for a couple more key position players,” Hazelman said. “It’s been a slow period so far for us in terms of what we’ve picked up. But in saying that, we’ve only lost one guy from our prelim side, so we are in a very similar position to what we were.” For the playing coach and co-coach Nick Flanagan, one of the most exciting aspects about the dynamic of the side is that the leaders and some of the better players are young. Co-captains Cal Leighton-Daly and Jake Russell are 21, while other youngsters such as Matt Demaio and Tim Brooks provided valuable contributions last year. PaTRiCK TaNSEY

iN: Cam Sudholz (Rennie), Brent Downie (Cobram) OUT: Glenn Nye (Tallangatta)

GAme cHAnGeR: cal leighton-daly Has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the league if his body allows him to fully flourish. He had a shocking run of injuries as a junior, but is starting to have some luck, and has an enormous ability to win the football inside the contest and the polish to go with it on the outside.

James Hazelman

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Page 52 Football and Netball 2018

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Cobram Tigers FAST FACTS >> COACH: JOSH NOONAN MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1947, 1948, 1955, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1969, 1974, 1984, 1985, 1998. 2017 FINISH: SEVENTH (8–10) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TYRON BADEN 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TYRON BADEN (30) GROUND: SCOTT OVAL NICKNAME: TIGERS

obram’s year on the football ﬁeld was better than previous years, but there is still a long way to go.

After making it to seventh on the ladder with eight wins to their name, up from six wins in 2016 and one in 2015, the Tigers’ improvement has been immense. Tigers coach Josh Noonan said his side’s eight wins was a fair judgment of where it was at. “It just shows, even with our improvements, we are not quite finals ready,” he said. The Tigers were competitive for much of the season, easily defeating sides below them during the campaign, but struggled to take the next step against the league’s heavyweights. Cobram is looking to build on last year and the goal is to make finals this season. “We really want more locals back at the club,” Noonan said. Regarding new personnel on and off the field, he played his cards close to his chest. “I can confirm Adam Decicco has signed on with the club from Leitchville-Gunbower and my cocoach Tim Garlick has left the club

to return to his home at Tocumwal,” he said. Former Richmond rookie Cadeyn Williams returns to Scott Oval with VFL experience under his belt, while Steve Smith from Palmerston will bring plenty of versatility. The 190 cm utility has recent experience taming one of the stars of the Murray league after tagging Ed Barlow (who will return to Finley this season) out of a Northern Territory Football League match this summer. The pair will do battle again in round five when the Cats host the Tigers. Noonan was excited for the challenge of being the sole coach. “I think it would make me more comfortable to put my flair on the play. I’m really excited,” he said.

Tyron Baden

DaViD RaK

“We really want more locals back at the club.” – Josh Noonan, Coach

GAme cHAnGeR: tyron Baden Good by foot, brilliant in traﬃc and an incredibly smooth mover, Baden offers the Tigers a great amount of creative spark with ball in hand through the middle of the ground. This season he will look to add more goals to his game and may spend a lot more time in the forward half of the ground.

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Football and Netball 2018 Page 53

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Congupna The road FAST FACTS >> COACH: DAVID GEE MFL PREMIERSHIPS: NONE 2017 FINISH: 11TH (3–15) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ALEX OVERS 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TYSON MCKENZIE (41) GROUND: MEMORIAL PARK NICKNAME: THE ROAD

BJ Squire

hen it comes to off-season recruiting, Congupna has certainly been the prime-mover of the Murray Football League.

Former club junior BJ Squire headlines the long list of inclusions making their way to The Road this year, with fellow promising young stars Aaron Egan, Charlie Boyer and Jak Trewin also moving across from the Goulburn Valley League. Congupna stalwart David Gee takes the reins of the senior group — having coached every level at the club aside from reserves — after previous leader Tyson McKenzie moved back to Melbourne. “It’s been a good transition, I’ve been involved with the senior side as an assistant or line coach for a few years now,” Gee said. “My two assistant coaches (Alex Overs and Josh Chapman) and I are a team, and it’s going to take a team effort to do what we want to do this year.” The Road went from a winless season in 2016 to snaring three victories under McKenzie last

year and Gee is aiming for more improvement. “We’ve looked at the draw and we’re happy with what we’ve got,” he said. “Our mark is anything over three wins; if you do that we’ve played our role and done our job. “But it doesn’t mean we’re going to be happy with just that.” With about 50 players on the training track for much of the pre-season, the excitement levels are certainly palpable at Memorial Oval and Gee hopes that he can help build a strong, sustainable culture at the club to hold it in good stead for a number of years. “We’ve brought in a lot of youth and a lot of them are ex-locals and have played at the club before,” Gee said. “We want to bring in blokes who want to stay around for a long time. “It’s a positive place to be and everyone wants to be here.” TYLER MaHER

GAme cHAnGeR: BJ squire iN: BJ Squire, Jack Threlfall (Shepparton Swans), Aaron Egan, Charlie Boyer, Jak Trewin (Shepparton), Josh Chapman (Myrtleford), Dion Gleeson (Wangaratta Rovers), Mitch Beck (Berrigan), Stephen Devlin (MurchisonToolamba), Zac Tunks (Bonnie Doon), Jay Winnell (AFL Queensland), Hayden Durston (Stanhope), Chris Grant (injury) OUT: Tyson McKenzie (Warburton-Millgrove), Tate Mifka (Inglewood), Mason Pedretti (Shepparton Swans), Nick Woods (Tongala), Jarrad Mason (Murchison-Toolamba)

Three consecutive club best-and-fairest trophies in the Goulburn Valley League (as well as a Murray Bushrangers gong in 2013) is some sort of form line for Squire to bring back to his junior club. The silky midfielder will give opposition Murray Football League coaching units plenty of sleepless nights as they try and decide how best to curtail his influence.

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Deniliquin rams FAST FACTS >> COACH: TODD GALLAGHER MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1957, 1966, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1985, 1986, 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2011 2017 FINISH: EIGHTH (7–11) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JOHN ANSTEE 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BEN NISBET (29) GROUND: HARDINGE ST OVAL NICKNAME: RAMS

he Deniliquin rams are set to continue their rise in the Murray Football League, with the return of 2013 O’Dwyer medallist Ash Morris.

Morris had a season away from football last year in order to overcome a back complaint, but will be a massive inclusion for the Rams this year. In 2016, the midfielder impressed in eight games for Richmond’s VFL side as a running back flanker and was also a member of the Tigers’ squad last year, despite not getting on the paddock. First-year playing coach Todd Gallagher said the signing of Morris was the next step in developing his young side. “Ash is a Murray league O’Dwyer medallist and has played VFL footy, so he’s the classy midfielder we were looking for,” he said. “It’s also great for our juniors to have someone with VFL experience at the club and he’s told me he’s keen to help develop our younger guys.’” After an improved season, Gallagher is keen to see his side continue to grow this year.

The Rams were the surprise packet of the competition last year, finishing eighth on the ladder with seven wins after many tipped them to be wooden spooners before the season started. The young Deni side showed they had plenty of fight in them, knocking off top six side Mulwala by two goals, as well as coming within eight points of premiers Nathalia. However, the one underlying issue for the Rams is their depth, losing experienced defenders Rob Resuggan and Anthony Bull as well as on-baller Charles Trotman in the off-season. “It’s no secret we struggled for numbers in the reserves last year,” Gallagher said. “Despite that we won seven games in the seniors (last year), so that’s a big positive, but depth is a key to success, both on and off the field. “We’re hoping to pick up a few more players before the season starts to ensure we can improve on last year.”

“It’s also great for our juniors to have someone with VFL experience at the club and he’s (Ash Morris) told me he’s keen to help develop our younger guys.”

Ash Morris

– Todd Gallagher, Coach

JaMiE LowE

GAme cHAnGeR: Ash morris

iN: Ash Morris (Richmond VFL)

Any O’Dwyer medallist could be classed as a game-changer in the Murray Football League, but Ash Morris has the added experience of a VFL stint with Richmond. The returning Ram will draw plenty of attention from opposition teams, but will provide his teammates with a standard of performance to strive towards.

OUT: Anthony Bull (Wycheproof-Narraport), Braden Leech (Thomson), Rob Resuggan (Blighty), Charles Trotman (Mount Pleasant)

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Echuca United Eagles FAST FACTS >> COACH: GUY CAMPBELL MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 2013 2017 FINISH: SIXTH (12–7) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: COREY WANGANEEN 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: FARRAN PRIEST (44) GROUND: ECHUCA SOUTH RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: EAGLES

he season cannot start soon enough for Echuca United as it looks forward to facing border rivals Moama.

And Eagles coach Guy Campbell said come the first match of the season, his side would be ready. “We’re excited, we have three practice matches before that, but come Good Friday we’ll be ready,” he said. “It’s been a good while now and they’re a good side and there’s a lot of history between us. “The beauty of it is that no matter where we sit on the ladder,

“We’ll be aiming to go to the next stage, we’ll want to be in the top three or four.” – Guy Campbell, Coach

everyone really gets around the match. It’s good in many ways.” Campbell’s first task this year was to find a replacement captain as, in the Eagles’ final match of the year, skipper Phil Hubbard suffered a horrific knee injury. The injury, sidelining Hubbard for 12 months, has led to Campbell naming Lance Oswald as his successor to lead the side this year. “He’ll be on the sidelines for a stint, but it’s so important to have a captain that’s still involved,” Campbell said. “His injury is about a 12-month recovery, so we’ll just be patient with his return. But he will still be involved with the club.” He has also set his sights on a top four spot this year, although that could change if plans do not fall into place. “We’ll be aiming to go to the next stage, we’ll want to be in the top three or four,” he said.

“But it’s one of those things you keep re-evaluating as you go — if early signs are that we’re doing well, then we’ll aim higher. If diabolical things happen, then we may have to reassess that.” Campbell said recruitment had gone well too, which included snaring Tatura champion Paul Kirby. “It’s looking very good from a senior squad point of view, we’re pretty happy with how our pre-season has gone so far, with our recruiting, and overall from recruiting down to our youth coming through we feel we’re in a good position to have a crack in 2018,” Campbell said. “We’ve retained everyone we needed to, have a few who moved on for different reasons, but we had a good sit down after last season and looked at where we needed to bolster.”

Paul Kirby

FRaSER waLKER-PEaRCE

GAme cHAnGeR: paul Kirby The veteran big-man may have more football behind him than in front of him, but that does not mean Kirby will be any less effective at Echuca United. The Eagles will gravitate around the ruckman, and will more often than not find the ball placed on their chest from the top of Kirby’s long reach.

iN: Robert Kirby, Stephen Kirby (Bonnie Doon), Bradley Anderson (Kyabram), Daniel Barwick, Martin Retallick (Mathoura), Justin Cantwell (Beaufort), Joshua Flight (Rochester), Jeremy Hartigan (Horsham), Jordan Florance, Nathan Bottomley, Dean Haydon, Will O’Sullivan (Echuca), Leigh Sobotnicki (Rockbank), Jordy Simmons (Hadfield Hawks), Paul Kirby (Tatura), Dylan Stevenson, Wade Austin OUT: Rowan Priest (Girgarre), Duane Hueston (Shepparton East), Hamish Cohen (Tongala)

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Finley Cats FAST FACTS >> COACH: ROB DANIEL MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1952, 1954, 1958, 1971, 1981, 1982, 1988 2017 FINISH: 12TH (1–17) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: CAM ROBERTSON 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: CAM ROBERTSON AND TIM MEULENDYKS (11) GROUND: FINLEY RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: CATS

fter a dismal last year, Finley is set to soar back up the Murray league ladder with a massive list of returning players for this season.

Headlining the list of returnees is former Sydney and Western Bulldogs AFL player Ed Barlow, along with onballer Tim McKenzie and 2009 best-and-fairest winner Robb Jewell also making a return to the Cattery. Another big name to join the Cats will be on-baller/half-forward Tim Mead, coming from the AFL Sydney competition with McKenzie. Coach Rob Daniel said he expected a much more fruitful season ahead for his side with the key signings. “There’s no doubt that last year was tough, but it has helped us in the long run,” he said. “A lot of blokes got a crack at senior footy that hadn’t played at that level before with some potentially keeping their spot this year. “I’d expect Ed Barlow to have a massive year, with our captain Lachie

Small and vice-captain Shaun Kable also ready for big years after having a tough job last year. “We have some outstanding players making the move up from junior footy this year too. “Zec Cuppens, Matt Wilson, Liam Osborne, Wyatt Gray and James McCaw all played a couple of senior games last year and all have a lot of potential. “Hopefully we can get our first win on the board early in the season and then aim for finals this year.” With only Tim Meulendyks and Justin Crowley on the confirmed list of outs, the Cats have done everything right over summer to once again be competitive on the field. And while it may be hard to believe that a side could go from wooden spooners to finals contenders, expect the rejuvenated Cats to rapidly make their way up the ladder this year. JaMiE LowE

iN: Ed Barlow (Aspley Hornets), Robb Jewell, Angus Robertson, Nick Robertson (Timboon), Tim McKenzie, Tim Mead (UTS Bats), Levi Middleton (White Hills), Marc Shaw (Jerilderie), Mitch Ryan, Tom Doyle (year away) OUT: Justin Crowley (Blighty), Tim Meulendyks (Hamilton)

GAme cHAnGeR: ed Barlow AFL experience is worth its weight in gold in the Murray league and Ed Barlow’s return to Finley Recreation Reserve has created a buzz around the Cats once more. Barlow will be among the top echelon of stars in the competition, and could drag Finley from last to finals in the space of 18 matches.

Cam Robertson

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Moama Magpies FAST FACTS >> COACH: MARK LLOYD MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 2010 2017 FINISH: FOURTH (14–6) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: RHYS ARCHARD 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TYLER JONES (46) GROUND: MOAMA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: MAGPIES

oama will look to push past last season’s ﬁnals exit and make an assault on this year’s premiership.

Murray Football League grand finalists in 2015, the past two seasons have yielded a third and fifth finish. On face value, the Magpies seem to be on a downward trend, but coach Mark Lloyd believes the club has made major changes to make an improvement this year. “We identified a few spots we really needed to recruit in,” Lloyd said. “We had Luke Dunham; arguably the best centre half-back in the competition, playing as a makeshift centre half-forward last season. “Luke obviously played really well in that role, but when you have a guy who plays a certain role as well as he does, you want to keep him in that spot.” The solution to that problem is the return of Angus Grigg. “That’s huge for where the club is trying to go,” Lloyd said. “We needed a strong guy to play that position and we are confident

we have that now in Gus.” Grigg, who spent last year at Melton, has spent a few seasons away from the club. “I’m really happy to be home,” Grigg said of his return to the club. “I know most of the guys, I’ve played football with most of them and you can see at training that the midfield meshes really well together. “So that makes you feel like you’ll be able to get first use of the footy more often.” Lloyd said the team would still have a lot of work to do through the season, with the exodus of a number of promising young players such as Noah Wheeler, Fraser Verhey and Jack McHale not ideal. “They have to commit to getting better, but I think we have a group here who want to win, you can see that in how they are training,” Lloyd said. “If we play our best footy, we can be there at the pointy end.”

Luke Dunham

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FURPHY 2018

aNDREw JoHNSToN

GAme cHAnGeR: luke dunham The return of Angus Grigg will push Dunham down back this season. It is exactly where he belongs. With the premier centre half-back cutting off opposition attacks, the Magpies will be able to rebound well out of defence in order to feed their dangerous forwards.

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iN: Angus Grigg (Melton), Tom Campbell (Wedderburn), Jacob Chapman (North Albury), Ayden Walton (Leitchville-Gunbower), Ben Taylor-Egan (Kilmore), Jacob Keenan, Will Jackson, Dougal McKindlay

OUT: Jack McHale, Noah Wheeler, Fraser Verhey (Echuca), Lachlan Collins (Lockington-Bamawm United), Jake Hare (AFL Mackay), Michael Sage, Jake Kilmartin

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Mulwala Lions FAST FACTS >> COACH: MICHAEL TOUT MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1990 2017 FINISH: FIFTH (13-6) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ASH FROUD 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ASH FROUD (113) GROUND: LONSDALE RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS

ulwala is not in any mood to rest on its laurels this year, despite a season of solid improvement last season.

The Lions’ output increased by five wins in Michael Tout’s first year as coach, but a first-round finals exit left his young group wanting more. “Most of our players are in that 19 to 21-year-old age bracket,” Tout said. “We’ve lost a couple and picked up a couple, but we’ll be sticking with our policy of playing the kids — and we’ve got some beauties. “That’s our big thing, but it means that we haven’t got a hell of a lot of experience. “As long as they don’t get too far ahead of themselves after a pretty good year we’ll be right.” Harrison Crossley, Jackson Gash, Beau Clarke and Tom Dow were just some of the names Tout threw into the ring as rising stars ready to take the next step this season. But sprinkled throughout Tout’s group are a number of seasoned match-winners who will prove the difference between improvement and success for the Lions once more. Fresh from a 113-goal season

(which gives him more than 800 majors in the past 15 years), Ash Froud is in great touch again. “Froudy is going around again,” Tout said. “He’s been up at training and is looking a million bucks, he’s keen as mustard.” Fellow marquee recruits from last summer Hamish Hosking and Ross Ansaldi have also signed on again, while Lions legend Tim Doyle and Rennie premiership player Lachlan Davis will add class and experience of their own. “Tim’s back from a few years in Wagga, and he’s going to bring a bit of experience,” Tout said. “He was included in Mulwala’s team of the past 30 years and is a real hard nut.” Nathan Parker’s retirement is the only major out for the Lions, with the stable summer a welcome change at Lonsdale Reserve. “It’s been a lot better than last year,” Tout said. “We’ve had good numbers at training and we’re really building into it.”

Ash Froud

TYLER MaHER

GAme cHAnGeR: Ash Froud There is no man in the Murray Football League who can do what Froud does. On one leg for much of last season, the superstar still managed 113 goals — and but for some questionable delivery in the elimination final could have led the Lions much further. If he stays fit this year, Froud could crack the 150-mark easily.

iN: Tim Doyle (Turvey Park), Lachlan Davis (Rennie), Nathan Beasley (Chelsea) OUT: Dale Powell, Bailey Scott (Tungamah), Nathan Parker (retired)

Football and Netball 2018 Page 59

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Nathalia Purples FAST FACTS >> COACH: CRAIG KELLOW MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1939, 1949, 1963, 1978, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 2017 FINISH: PREMIER (17-4) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BOWEN SMITH 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BRODIE ROSS (68) GROUND: NATHALIA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: PURPLES

ow do you improve on near perfection?

Somehow Nathalia has again found a way. The Purples’ record in the Murray Football League speaks for itself — eight premierships from eight finals campaigns in the past 13 seasons, with the current streak sitting at three in a row. Craig Kellow’s charges never claim to be the best side in the competition — and on regular season statistics alone rarely are — but this group has an innate ability to lift when called upon. “Hunger is always a question, but every year is a new year and a new challenge and it doesn’t just happen,” Kellow said. “We don’t always have the most talented list, but we always need to drive a high standard and work harder than anyone else in the competition.” Stability again resonates from Nathalia Recreation Reserve — Bailey Bell and Nathan Oakes have left from last year’s grand final team, but

their replacements are targeted and specific. Drew Barnes has returned to much fanfare and will be the midfield wrecking-ball the Purples lacked at times last season, while Rhys Shannon, Ash Quinn and the promising Adam Jorgensen will cut sides to pieces on the wings. Add a healthy Ryan Butler off half-back and it is a squad that has everything. “If you’re only as good as the year before, you’re going to struggle,” Kellow said. “Everyone is always at their best when they play Nathalia and you just have to be prepared for that.” There is no doubt that this group is ageing, but Kellow has complete faith in his system. “There’s no retirees at this point, all of the guys are going to go again,” Kellow said. “We’re on a good thing here so the guys are still willing to participate and put in the work.”

Ash Quinn

TYLER MaHER

GAme cHAnGeR: drew Barnes Barnes will add immense experience and outstanding grunt to Nathalia’s midfield. The Purples do not have many chinks in their armour, but at times last season they looked vulnerable against sides which could get on top of them in contested possession before feeding speedy runners. Opposition midfields will be hard-pressed to dominate the contested ball at any time this year with Barnes as the enforcer in the middle of the ground.

iN: Drew Barnes (Yarrawonga), Ash Quinn (Waaia), Adam Jorgensen (Picola United), Rhys Shannon (Shepparton Swans) OUT: Bailey Bell (Kyabram), Todd Hicks (Merrigum), Campbell Marx (Shepparton East), Nathan Oakes (Canberra Demons)

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mURRAY FootBAll leAGUe

Numurkah Blues FAST FACTS >> COACHES: CHRIS O’DWYER AND JYE WARREN MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1932, 1933, 1937, 1938, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1962, 1970, 1977, 1979, 1999, 2000 2017 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (17-3) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: NICK FOTHERGILL 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JOSH EVANS (78) GROUND: NUMURKAH SHOWGROUNDS NICKNAME: BLUES

umurkah remains next in the line of succession for the Murray Football League throne.

Rival Nathalia has had a stranglehold on the competition for more than a decade, but the Blues are closing the gap. In fact, when Numurkah dominated the semi-final between the sides last year it looked as if a new king would be crowned, but as always the Purples timed their run to perfection. This year the Blues must capitalise on their momentum and go one better. Josh Evans, Tom Buzza and Lucas White have left Numurkah Showgrounds, but inclusions Shannon Emmett and Jamie Fulton will bring more than a touch of class to Chris O’Dwyer and Jye Warren’s squad. “Shannon has probably won five club best-and-fairests in his time, he hasn’t missed a beat and has been very impressive on the track,” O’Dwyer said. “Jamie played all of his junior footy with us, he has a big left foot, is a great athlete and has spent a lot of time in the gym.”

Warren steps up to vacate White’s co-coaching role, and has taken the promotion in his stride. “Jye has been great, he beats me to training every week and is usually the last to leave,” O’Dwyer said. “He’s allowed me to take a bit of a step back and has been a real breath of fresh air for the group.” The off-season of minimal changes means improvement from within will be the key to Numurkah taking another step. “We’ve got a really tough draw to start up with and we’re a side that most sides will be really hell-bent on knocking off early in the year,” O’Dwyer said. “We’re not going to look too far forward; we’re just looking forward to round one against Rumba.” TYLER MaHER

iN: Shannon Emmett (Katunga), Jamie Fulton (Shepparton United) OUT: Josh Evans (Huntly), Tom Buzza (Katamatite), Lucas White (Stanhope), Matt Smyth (Waaia), Jai Morrison (Picola United)

GAme cHAnGeR: nick Fothergill Fothergill was dominant for much of his return season last year and will again be crucial to Numurkah’s fortunes. The midfielder racked up possessions at will last year, but it was his 34 goals that could prove more important this campaign after the departures of Josh Evans (78) and Lucas White (33).

Jamie Fulton

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rumbalara FAST FACTS >> COACH: KANE ATKINSON MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 2014 2017 FINISH: NINTH (3-15) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: KANE ATKINSON 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKERS: BEAU JACKSON AND DJARAN WHYMAN (29) GROUND: MERCURY DRIVE SPORTS COMPLEX NICKNAME: RUMBA

ane Atkinson feels he is handling the step up to coaching well so far ahead of the looming Murray league season.

The star midfielder has big shoes to fill — those of 145-game Essendon veteran Nathan Lovett-Murray — but has the capacity to be one of the more damaging playing coaches in the competition this year. “It has been a bit challenging at times, but it has been a good start so far,” Atkinson said. “I’m looking forward to the season getting under way. “A lot more planning goes into it as a coach; you’re not just rocking up to training. “It’s not just a couple of days a week, you’re thinking about what you’re going to do all week and making sure everything’s right.” There has been an air of stability at Mercury Dve this summer, giving Atkinson hope for a season of improvement in his first campaign at the helm. “The boys are looking really fit,” he said. “We’re definitely looking for improvement and hopefully we can push for finals. “Last year it was a bit disappointing that we only got a couple of wins, so hopefully we can push for more this year.” Jai Utiger, Keadin Ronnan and Kyal Atkinson join Rumba from the district leagues, while former players Rex Taylor, Tim Kelly and Levi Power are also back on deck. Kelly and Power will co-coach the

under-17 team together, and while the latter was adamant he had retired from playing football, Atkinson believes it will not be long before he changes his mind. “(Levi) has got itchy feet, so I reckon we might see him on the field,” Atkinson said. The lack of massive movement on the recruiting front means Atkinson will be looking at his younger players such as Marlon Johnstone and Josh Baginski to take another step this season and embrace his two-way game plan. “We definitely want to stop other sides from scoring,” Atkinson said. “But we also want to try and use our leg speed to open up the game and beat sides that way. “We’re looking forward to the challenge.” TYLER MaHER

GAme cHAnGeR: levi power Despite originally deciding to return to Rumba in a non-playing capacity, Power is likely to pull on the boots again this year. If he does, the smooth-mover will be one of Rumbalara’s most important players. Power was impressive at the Bears last year, and the step down in class will surely help him nurse his sore body through another campaign.

Tim Kelly iN: Tim Kelly, Levi Power (Shepparton), Rex Taylor (Airport West), Jai Utiger, Keadin Ronnan (Tallygaroopna), Kyal Atkinson (Picola United) OUT: Brodie Cook (Fitzroy Stars), Nathan Kerr (Deniliquin Rovers), Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson (Bairnsdale), Nathan Lovett-Murray

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Tongala Blues FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 2006 NICKNAME: BLUES GROUND: TONGALA RECREATION RESERVE COACH: JORDAN SOUTER PRESIDENT: DARREN MALONEY PREMIERSHIPS: NONE 2017 FINISH: 10TH (3-15) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JACK MONIGATTI 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JORDAN SOUTER (20)

his year did not start in an ideal way for Tongala.

Last year, Travis Edwards signed to coach the club for three seasons. As they started pre-season training late last year, he announced that he was leaving. Then, club best-and-fairest Jack Monigatti was gone, headed north to the NT Thunder in the NEAFL. It is not what the club would have wanted. But when your club needs you, the strong step up. And this season Jordan Souter has done exactly that, taking the reins of the club he loves — and that loves him in return. “We didn’t approach Jordan — he came to us,” club president Darren Maloney said. “Obviously he put his hand up, but he spent time before that putting his resume together and contacting people and getting the support.” Souter was dealing with a club who prepared to take on the season under a certain game plan, only for everything to change in pre-season training. “It obviously wasn’t an ideal way to start off the season,” Souter said of Edwards’ departure.

“But I think that’s got the group in a position where they want to have a good season.” While the change at the top has the ability to throw a spanner in the works for the season, Souter won’t let it change the group’s goals or mindset. “We want to play finals. Obviously we have a lot of work to do if we want to get there, but I think that we have the ability,” he said. Souter said his group had come back fit and firing. “We are getting really good form out of all the players, everyone is putting in the hard work to put their hands up for senior selection, they all want to play and that’s the kind of attitude that you want out of the group,” he said. With a young list and new coach, Tongala may be one of the surprise packets of the season.

Jordan Souter

aNDREw JoHNSToN

GAme cHAnGeR: Jordan souter Jordan Souter will define Tongala again this season — one way or another. If the supreme talent can make the jump from captain to coach with ease, then his Blues stand a chance of pushing for finals. If not, it may be another long year at Tongala Recreation Reserve.

iN: Hamish Cohen (Echuca United), Mitch Trevaskis (University Blacks), Nick Woods (Congupna), Michael Pryde (Kyabram), Charlie Lowe (Merrigum), Jamie Riedell (Girgarre), Harry Spedding, James Humphris (Lancaster), Tom Matthews OUT: Nathan Torney (Lancaster), Daniel Gentle (Kyabram), Matt Rix (Spotswood), Jack Monigatti (NT Thunder), Layton McCann (East Geelong)

For all your local football and netball news 7.30pm every Thursday at www.riverineherald.com.au Football and Netball 2018 Page 63

picolA distRict FootBAll leAGUe picolA distRict FootBAll leAGUe soUtH-eAst pAst pRemieRs: 2017: Rennie 2016: Shepparton East 2015: Tungamah 2014: Tungamah 2013: Tungamah 2012: Shepparton East 2011: Rennie 2010: Shepparton East 2009: Tungamah

pAst peARce medAllists:

7 1 0 2 r E i M E r P

Rennie

From fairytale to reality r

ennie’s Picola District Football League south-east premiership last year was the stuff of fairytales — a story perhaps never to be seen again.

From 42 consecutive losses the Grasshoppers sprung into life and won the grand final, storming home with a scintillating finals campaign to become premiers from third on the ladder, completing the run by beating Tungamah by 13 points. But that is in the past, and not even Rennie expects similar miracles this year after a mass exodus. Best-and-fairest and grand final best-on-ground Matt Pendergast

headlines those departing and at least seven of his premiership teammates have followed his lead. With Rennie scrapping to even return to finals, a new premier seems likely. But just who that will be remains the massive question on the eve of the season. A common theme among the south-east’s coaches was to expect an even season at the top of the ladder. Perhaps there will be little room between a few contenders, but leading the charge is beaten grand finalist Tungamah. With new co-coach Craig Whinray

rENNiE

FAST FACTS >> COACH: CRAIG EDNIE 2017 FINISH: PREMIER (16–6) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: MATT PENDERGAST 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: CHASE STRAWHORN (69) GROUND: RENNIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS

Months on from a fairytale grand final win, Rennie’s year is shaping up more like a nightmare. Having broken a 42-game losing streak with a premiership run from third on the ladder, things could come crashing back down to earth with a plethora of talent leaving the club. Best-and-fairest and grand final best afield Matt Pendgergast and other influential stars Lachlan Davis, Cameron Sudholz and Steve McKee all depart, leaving plenty of work for those remaining. A reduction in player points allowance from 69 to 50 means loading up with replacement talent is not possible and premiership coach Craig Ednie did not sugar-coat his expectations. “Losing players was probably always going to happen as we recruited older guys, and it’s pretty hard to recruit now with the points system,” he said. Page 64 Football and Netball 2018

at the helm with Jeremy O’Brien, quality additions have followed making the Bears as dangerous as ever. Another new coach is Matt Brown, stepping up to the plate at his home club Waaia, with a boost to personnel stocks making the Bombers a chance to push higher than last season’s fourth-place finish. Shepparton East should hold steady, despite the preliminary final side losing some key pieces, with the Eagles looking to make it two premierships in three years after the 2016 success. Dookie has lured decorated country

coach Steve Reeves, and he has brought proven talents such as Luke Jackson, Brad Ridings, Wayne Pavitt and Luke O’Sullivan in moves that make United a potential force. The three Ks — Katamatite, Katunga, and Katandra — will all rely on young talent to stake their claim to the premiership in a season where it seems anyone could break through. At the time of writing PDFL clubs in both divisions were deciding on their future, after the league chose not to sign an aﬃliation agreement with the AFL

2017: Bodhi Butts (Tungamah) 2016: Matt Rendina (Shepparton East), Eamon Reeves (Katunga) and Matt McCarty (Waaia) 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) 2010: Ricky Frappell (Shepparton East) 2009: Jason Wild (Katamatite)

ladder predictions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Tungamah Waaia Dookie Shepparton East Katunga Katamatite Katandra Rennie

aLEX MiTCHELL

“We will probably fall down quite dramatically to maybe fifth or sixth, so we’ll be trying to develop our younger boys and bring our thirds up through the club. “We’re up against it, but it is how it is.” With dreams of grand finals replaced with hopes of merely scraping into finals, Ednie said the club’s focus had to be on getting the best out of a struggling junior program. “Pre-season has been about developing the young boys, and getting them ready for the physicality of senior football,” he said. “If we could win half a dozen games or maybe play a final that would be great, and once you get there you never know what will happen.” aLEX MiTCHELL

iN: Paul McCallum (Nathalia) OUT: Jake Beams (Mulwala), Mitch Collins (Yarrawonga), Lachlan Davis (Mulwala), Dallas Gallagher (retired), Steve McKee (retired), Cory Pearn (Yarrawonga), Matt Pendergast (Lavington), Liam Russell (Mulwala), Cameron Sudholz (Barooga).

Luke and Craig Ednie

picolA distRict FootBAll leAGUe soUtH-eAst

DOOKiE UNiTED

FAST FACTS >> COACH: STEVE REEVES 2017 FINISH: SIXTH (6–12) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ANDREW O’CONNOR 2017 LEADING GOALKICKER: PATRICK MCMULLAN (28) GROUND: DOOKIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: DOOKIE

ew Dookie United coach Steve reeves brings premiership pedigree to a club looking to end a two-year hiatus from ﬁnals.

Reeves was somewhat taken aback at how strong his side had looked in pre-season, perhaps a sign of things to come. “The players’ application for work has impressed me and the group is really upbeat and positive — although I think every club feels like that this time of the year,” he said. “But the way they’ve attacked it has really impressed me.” Ryan McKenna and Jack Stevenson depart to GVL clubs, but Reeves’ list of ins is immense. Luke Jackson brings a GVL premiership and multiple best-and-fairests from Seymour and Diamond Creek, Wayne Pavitt kicked 50-plus goals eight times in the Northern Football League and former Shepparton defender Luke O’Sullivan and former Shepparton Swan Brad Ridings add experience. Reeves said the midfield had a tough last year, but with an injection of talent would be up and about. “We’ve got seven or eight new faces in capable of some pretty good footy,” Reeves said. “Obviously given where we’ve finished there’s

plenty of room for improvement. “In saying that, from round seven there were six or seven players that didn’t play after that with injuries. Getting them back will go a long way.” United comes from a long way back, but is sure to improve and should find itself back in the finals hunt. “Everyone would love to play finals and it’s certainly a goal,” Reeves said. “We’d just like to get some respect back, and be really competitive — hopefully finals come with that.” aLEX MiTCHELL

Kyle Tapscott

iNS: Luke O’Sullivan (Sandhurst), Luke Jackson (South Morang), Wayne Pavitt (South Morang), Ben Gill (Lower Plenty), Matt Crooks (Eltham Collegians), Brad Ridings (Mines Rovers) OUTS: Ryan McKenna (Shepparton Swans), Jack Stevenson (Mooroopna)

KATANDrA

Luke Minogue

FAST FACTS >> COACH: RAMADAN YZE 2017 FINISH: EIGHTH (1–17) 2017 BESTAND-FAIREST: PAT FRAPPELL 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: COREY HICKFORD (29) GROUND: KATANDRA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: KATS

KATAMATiTE

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JEDD WRIGHT 2017 FINISH: SEVENTH (4–14) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: PATRICK RIORDAN 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TYSON SAUNDERS (28) GROUND: KATAMATITE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: TIGERS

atamatite managed just four wins last year and has plenty of work to do, despite pumping games into youngsters.

But new coach Jedd Wright has excelled at the recruiting table, luring gun Numurkah defender Tom Buzza as an assistant coach as well as a host of experienced locals. “The best part about our recruiting is we’ve been able to get good local footballers back to the club,” Wright said. “Pre-season has been going really well, there’s been great numbers at training and everyone is looking forward to the season.” The side proved uncompetitive at many stages last year, beaten by triple-figures five times. Wright acknowledged the size of the job, but said it was a role he had desired. “It’s a big job, but one I’ve always wanted,” he said. “It’s made easier by the fact it’s my home club and I know all the players, and I just can’t wait to get going.” Needing improvements across the park, a productive pre-season presented Katamatite the chance to make up ground on rivals.

KATUNGA

FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: DANIEL BURNESS & EAMON REEVES 2017 FINISH: FIFTH (8–11) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: SHANNON EMMETT 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: CALLUM WILSON (74) GROUND: KATUNGA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: SWANS

atandra managed just a single win last year, but with a host of former juniors returning to the club, the only way from here is up.

With Ramadan Yze in charge, the Kats stick out as the south-east division’s big improver with GVL pair Luke Minogue and Andrew Riordan the headline inclusions. Minogue, along with 2016 best-andfairest Jonty Wardle departed before last season, leaving a gaping hole in the class department — until now. “It’s a good sign we’ve got locals coming back — there’s a bit of a buzz around the club at the moment,” Yze said. “Families coming back to the club help the whole town get up and about. “We’ve got a lot of kids who will be continuing to improve; they’ll be a year older and a year wiser.” New assistant coach Riordan brings brothers Brenton and Matthew with him, providing a veteran edge to a young side capable of the odd error or two. “We’ve been competitive for three of the four quarters, but just little mistakes in that one quarter are letting opponents get away from us,” Yze said. “(Our main training focus has been) skills — simple kicking and handballing, just basic football skills. “A lot of teams miss crucial targets at crucial

The departure of best-and-fairest Shannon Emmett as well as captain Brad Crowther leaves a hole in the Swans’ arsenal, but an ex-AFL and NEAFL talent should be a huge boost. Former Richmond and Sydney player Tom Derickx is expected for half the season, as is former Sydney University talent Gabe Orr, while Alistair Gillespie will play the whole season after joining from the same club. Co-coach Eamon Reeves, who again shares the role with Daniel Burness, said the combination of youth with experience could hold his side in good stead. “It’s a pretty young group we’ve got coming through, so a lot of pre-season is really focused on learning,” he said. “We’ve got 10 to 12 blokes less than 20 years old, so it’s been about learning the game style with a lot of teaching. “We’ve picked up a few big fellas, and we think that will help us win the ball and move it as quickly as possible.” Reeves said the improvement would start in the guts, with his fellow midfielders needing to produce at a far higher quality to take a leap forward.

fter sneaking into ﬁnals last year, pushing further into the Picola District Football League south-east premiership conversation is Katunga’s new aim.

iNS: Luke Minogue (Shepparton), Andrew Riordan (Shepparton Swans), Brenton Riordan (Redan), Matthew Riordan (Wycheproof Narraport), Jaidyn Thorne (Congupna) OUTS: Troy Surkitt (Thornton Eildon)

times and we can’t afford to do that, and if we can tidy that up a bit we’ll be competitive.” Barring injury, Yze predicted his fleet of youngsters would run opposition sides off their feet, enough to push the league’s top sides all the way. aLEX MiTCHELL

Jedd Wright

iN: Tom Buzza (Numurkah), Harris Dickason (Violet Town), James Flett, Jordan Hallam, Tom Pendlebury, Luke Riordan (Tallygaroopna), Dan Woodward (Stanhope) OUT: Tory Morris

“We’ve worked on cleaning up our skills and done a heap of fitness,” Wright said. “Numbers have probably been in the mid-20s and that’s pretty good considering we’ll have five or six blokes travelling from university. “The back line will need to improve, but there are some really strong players down there now in Jordie Hallam and Tom Buzza as well as Nick Clurey. We think we’ll be rebounding the ball well.” Like the competition’s other seven clubs, Wright made finals football the pass mark for a successful season. aLEX MiTCHELL

“The midfield group, and I’m part of it, was pretty poor last year and we got smashed in the centre clearances,” he said. “We identified the need for a ruckman and we addressed that with Tom Derickx and Alistair Gillespie, and we’re hoping those two can help turn our fortunes around. “Hopefully we’ll finish top five, and with a list like this we’d be hoping to go through as far as we can.” aLEX MiTCHELL

Scott Lardi iN: Tom Derickx, Alistair Gillespie, Gabe Orr (Sydney Uni), Ethan Hodgkin (Mooroopna). OUT: Brad Crowther, Shannon Emmett (Numurkah), Dylan Sidebottom (Tallygaroopna), Emiel Van Den Goor (Strathmerton) Football and Netball 2018 Page 65

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SHEPPArTON EAST

FAST FACTS >> COACH: DWAIN VIDLER 2017 FINISH: THIRD (16–5) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: SIMON RUSSELL 2017 LEADING GOALKICKER: COBEY AYNSLEY (65) GROUND: CENTRAL PARK NICKNAME: EAGLES

ooking to continue a successful period for the club, Shepparton East enters the new season as one of the PDFL south-east division’s front-runners.

A preliminary final loss to eventual premier Rennie ended East’s title defence, but an open competition presents a great opportunity for it to again push deep into finals. Coach Dwain Vidler said a quality preseason had put his unit in a good place. “So far so good; we’ve developed what we wanted to,” he said. “We came back with pretty much the same list that made a prelim and the boys are keen for a red-hot crack.” It will be a new-look forward line for the Eagles as leading goal-kicker Cobey Aynsley and Zack Betson’s departures leave a 100-goal hole. Echuca United veteran Duane Hueston could prove a handy acquisition after 229 goals in his past eight Murray league

campaigns, while Nathalia 2015 and 2016 premiership player Campbell Marx might also find the Picola league to his liking. Premiership Eagle Shannon Campbell will also return to the list after missing last year with a knee injury. Goal-kicking midfielder Jeremy Fraser will also look to become a senior regular this season after getting his first taste last year. “We’re pretty happy with the list, we worked out what we needed and targeted those roles,” Vidler said. “We’ll take each game as it comes, but playing finals and winning as many games as possible is our aim. “I think the whole competition will improve, it’s come a long way since I first came into the league and it’s looking like a pretty even season.” aLEX MiTCHELL

TUNGAMAH

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: JEREMY O’BRIEN AND CRAIG WHINRAY 2017 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (16–4) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BODHI BUTTS 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ASHLEY SAUNDERS (63) GROUND: JUBILEE PARK NICKNAME: BEARS

oming off a super season spoiled by grandﬁnal heartbreak, Tungamah is positioned beautifully entering this year.

Two years removed from a historic threepeat, the Bears were knocked off against a resurgent Rennie, but the Grasshoppers’ string of outs means this year’s premiership could well be up for grabs. Co-coach Jeremy O’Brien, who shares the reins with new coach Craig Whinray, said ultimately all that mattered from last season was the decider. “We were pretty disappointed to play the way we did on grand final day, but outside of that the season was pretty good,” he said. “But whether we like it or not, we’re judged on what we produced in the grand final.” Whinray and his brother Jarryd’s inclusion from Yarrawonga along with Mulwala pair Dale Powell and Bailey Scott strengthens an

Daniel Clarke

iN: Luke Chapman (Murchison-Toolamba), Dale Powell (Mulwala), Bailey Scott (Mulwala), Craig Whinray, Jarryd Whinray (Yarrawonga).

OUT: Cobey Aynsley (Stanhope), Zack Betson (Strathmerton), Mathew Boyle (Shepparton Swans), James Chittick (Euroa), Rylen Damianopoulos (Shepparton Swans), Jackson Milne (Shepparton Swans).

OUT: Fern Aylward (Yarroweyah).

WAAiA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: MATT BROWN 2017 FINISH: FOURTH (11–9) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: MATT MCCARTY 2017 LEADING GOALKICKER: CHARLIE BURROWS (58) GROUND: WAAIA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BOMBERS T

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DING ED

Emerald Anniversary

Celebrating something wonderful?

Getting Married

aLEX MiTCHELL

Dwain Vidler

iN: Duane Hueston (Echuca United), Campbell Marx (Nathalia), Matthew Chilcott (Bali Geckos).

...Twins...

already fierce squad that topped the ladder after the home-and-away season. “We probably needed another defender and we’ve been able to get a couple in, but I think we just had a bad day,” O’Brien said. “This side is good enough to win a flag, we’ve got the cattle to go deep, but it’s about what we can do on the day. “We’re always aiming to finish top three and get that double chance, and as long as we can keep our best side on the park there’s a good chance we could do that.” But O’Brien predicted an even competition, seeing improvements coming from Dookie, Katamatite and Katandra.

GONEG FISHIN

Engagement

Make their milestone special with our new logos! Phone localclassies on 1300 660 886

n his second year back at his home club, Matt Brown steps up to coach at Waaia as the Bombers launch a premiership assault.

Brown played every game last year as the side won in the first week of finals, before a narrow, season-ending defeat to Shepparton East. “Obviously being a local guy and having played most of my football there, I know all the guys and it’s made it a lot easier for me,” Brown said. “Coaching is something I really enjoy, I’ve been struggling with my body a bit and I needed to get involved with the game in another way.” The loss of Ash Quinn back to Nathalia hurts the Bombers, but it is the only major blow to their playing stocks, with half a dozen quality additions bolstering a side on the improve. “We identified a struggle with contested ball and just with general class around the ball — we recruited better in those areas and had a big focus on our ball skills and our quick speed of play,” Brown said. “We’re very positive about how things are going, we undersold ourselves last year and are

Matt McCarty looking to make up for that.” Coming off fourth on the ladder, winning a final and having added class, Waaia is poised for a big year. “We’re not getting carried away, we’ve got all the tools and now the ball is in our court, so we’ll start just by trying to make finals,” Brown said. aLEX MiTCHELL

iN: Darcy Botterill (Picola United), Dylan Cornick (Mooroopna), Shayne Lynch (Rushworth), Matt O’Dwyer (Nathalia), Matthew Smyth (Numurkah), Ashley Thompson (Mooroopna) OUT: Jarrod Brooks (Mathoura), Will Foster (Barooga), Ash Quinn (Nathalia). Page 66 Football and Netball 2018

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Blighty making a claim A

fter some big losses in the off-season, is this the end of Picola United’s Picola League dominance?

The Blues will enter the season chasing its third flag in a row, adding Darby Walsh, Jai Morrison, Jesse Moran and Corey Cogan to its senior list for their premiership defence. But with reigning best-and-fairest Adam Jorgensen, Des Morgan, Travis Morgan, Tom Byrnes and Ben Daniel all leaving the club, an opportunity may arise for a new contender. Blighty look to be one of the Blues’ biggest threats this year, with the Redeyes eager to improve on its one-goal preliminary final loss to Strathmerton last year. Playing-coach Jack Tyndall has added Deni Rovers key position player Tanner Robertson, Tocumwal tall Dane Maxwell and experienced Deni Rams defender Rob Resuggan, while also keeping Pearce medallist Jed Brain at the club in hopes to secure its first premiership since 2000. Another obvious threat will be last year’s runner-up Strathmerton. The Bulldogs have featured in the past five grand finals and have played in finals in eight of the nine seasons since the PDFL league split. Adding a host of players suck as Tom Campbell, Zack Betson, Theo Thomas, Zach Wagner, Tom Simkin, Jordan Crestani and

John Russo, the Dogs will be thereabouts again this year. The Deni Rovers are set for a resurgence, with premiership coach Josh Bode in a non-playing coaching role. The Roos have also welcomed big names such as Aaron Purcell, Des Morgan, Nathan and Dylan Kerr and Ricki Waters to their list and if Brody Lumber can stay healthy, the Rovers may be a danger side in finals. Berrigan and Tocumwal may be left to fight it out for fifth spot on the ladder with both clubs losing key players during the off-season. The Bloods appointed playing coach Tim Garlick, with five-time club best-and-fairest winner Sean Logie headlining a list of outgoing players, with Sam Boake and Darren Atkinson also leaving. The Saints have also had key losses with Tom Beams and Jake Way leaving big holes to fill. Jerilderie, Mathoura and Yarroweyah are all expected to struggle again this year, with all three sides having plenty of personnel changes and all in a rebuilding phase. JaMiE LowE

PrEMiEr 2017

Picola United

picolA distRict FootBAll leAGUe noRtH-West pAst pRemieRs: 2017: Picola United 2016: Picola United 2015: Strathmerton

2014: Jerilderie 2013: Jerilderie 2012: Jerilderie

pAst peARce medAllists: 2017: Jed Brain (Blighty) 2016: Andrew May (Deni Rovers) and Dave Daniel (Picola United) 2015: Paul Massingham (Berrigan) 2014: Andrew May (Jerilderie) 2013: Clint Marshall (Jerilderie) 2012: Josh Evans (Strathmerton)

ladder predictions Deniliquin Rovers Picola United Blighty Strathmerton Tocumwal Berrigan Jerilderie Mathoura Yarroweyah

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

BLiGHTY

Stuart Schifferle (president) and Lee Schmidt (coach)

Tanner Robertson

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JACK TYNDALL 2017 FINISH: THIRD (13–6) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JACK TYNDALL 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JED BRAIN (54) GROUND: BLIGHTY RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: REDEYES

lighty has once again had a strong offseason of recruiting as the club looks for its ﬁrst piece of silverware since 2000.

BErriGAN

FAST FACTS >> COACH: LEE SCHMIDT 2017 FINISH: FOURTH (9–9) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: MARK MCQUALTER 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TOM IRVINE (75) GROUND: BERRIGAN RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: SAINTS

t is hard to say what will happen with Berrigan this season, but all signs point to another ﬁnals return.

Berrigan finished fifth with an 8–8 record, knocking off rival Tocumwal comfortably in an elimination final before going down fighting to Blighty in the semis last year. But it will be a different looking Berrigan this year, losing four key players in Tom Beams, Mitch Beck, Jake Way and Lochie Schifferle. However, Berrigan has re-signed most of its senior list, with the club hopeful key forward Harley Middleton will return to the Saints after a year playing for Shepparton United in the Goulburn Valley Football League.

Club president Stuart Schifferle was confident a few of the younger players would help the side. “There’s no reason we can’t make it to finals again or even go as far as the semi-finals,” he said. “We’ve had good numbers at training and we’re expecting that to carry over into the season. “Lee Schmidt is heading into his second season as coach, so I think with that extra season under his belt he’ll be more confident. “Our main goal is to make finals again and we can do so if everyone puts in the effort and enjoys their footy.” JaMES BENNETT

iN: None OUT: Tom Beams (Mulwala), Mitch Beck (Congupna), Lochie Schifferle (Old Xaverians), Jake Way (Holbrook)

After signing on as the club’s coach, reigning best-and-fairest winner Jack Tyndall has built what he believes can be a premiership winning side. Headlining the Redeyes’ recruits are Deni Rovers key position player Tanner Robertson, Tocumwal tall Dane Maxwell and Deni Rams premiership defender Rob Resuggan. “We recruited blokes who wanted to head out to Blighty because they love the culture out at the club,” Tyndall said. “With the talent we already have, we should be in a strong position to at least go one better and make the grand final.” The Redeyes finished agonisingly short of a grand final appearance last year, giving up a 28-point lead in the third term to fall a goal short of Strathmerton in the preliminary final. “There’s a fair few blokes using that loss as motivation for this year,” Tyndall said. “I expect a massive year from Lenny Clarke. He had a strong showing in the middle last year on a part-time basis, but this year he will play predominantly in the midfield. “Jed (Brain) is the reigning league medallist, so we’d expect he’ll have another strong year and I’m excited to see what Ryan Chadderton can produce after a full pre-season. “Our list is stronger than ever at the

moment. We had a look at a potential round one side and counted at least 14 blokes who would possibly miss out that could easily lineup for the seniors.” JaMiE LowE

iN: Tanner Robertson (Deniliquin Rovers), Rob Resuggan (Deniliquin Rams), Louis Clarke (Wakool), Justin Crowley (Finley), Dane Maxwell, Dylan Maxwell (Tocumwal), Andrew Barry (Elmore), Thomas Billings (South Broken Hill), Daniel Jordan (year away) OUT: Brayden Hall (year away), Kyle Connor-Kent (Anakie), Corey Percy (Barooga), Charlie Simpson (moved to Darwin) Football and Netball 2018 Page 67

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DENiLiQUiN rOVErS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JOSH BODE 2017 FINISH: SIXTH (7–9) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: ANDREW MAY 2017 LEADING GOALKICKER: TERRY LUMBAR (46) GROUND: MEMORIAL PARK NICKNAME: KANGAROOS

eni rovers coach Josh Bode has one goal in mind for his side this year, to play in and win a ﬁnals game.

Bode has taken a strong approach to recruiting this off-season in order to see the club rise back up the ladder. Headlining the Roos’ recruits this year is legendary Jerilderie forward Aaron Purcell, Picola United premiership utility Des Morgan and quality midfielders Ricki Waters and brothers Nathan and Dylan Kerr. “I’ve heard massive wraps on Ricki Waters, so I’m looking for a big season out of him,” Bode said. “I know it sounds odd, but Aaron Purcell looks as fit as I’ve ever seen him. He and Des (Morgan) will add plenty of experience to the side. “Andrew May isn’t getting any slower as he gets older and if Brody Lumber can stay injury free, he will make a big impact. “We’ve had a few local juniors like Peter Lewis and Alex and Joe Hay return, which is also a big positive for the club. “As a club we have won just one final in the last 25 years, so if we can knock that goal off the list I’ll be satisfied with our season.”

The Roos are set for a massive year, retaining most of last year’s senior list. With the added talent and premiership experience of some of the recruits, the Rovers should return to finals footy and should have the ability to reach their major goal. JaMiE LowE

Alex Hay

iN: Peter Lewis (Springbank), James Gilligan, Aaron Purcell (Jerilderie), Des Morgan (Picola Utd), Alex Hay (Seymour), Joe Hay (Deni Rams), Nathan Kerr (Rumbalara), Ricki Waters (Macorna), Dylan Kerr (Shepparton Swans), Alexander Landale (Deni Rams)

COACH: CHRIS MARSHALL 2017 FINISH: SEVENTH (4–12) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: CHRIS MARSHALL 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: AARON PURCELL (33) GROUND: JERILDERIE FOOTBALL GROUND NICKNAME: DEMONS

erilderie has been on a downward spiral since its grand ﬁnal loss against Strathmerton in 2015, ﬁnishing with a 4–12 win-loss record the past two years.

Things don’t look as though they will improve this year, with club legend Aaron Purcell and on-baller James Gilligan heading to Deni Rovers. The club will also lose Marc Shaw, who has joined Finley, and playing coach Josh Hillary, who will play for Culcairn in the Hume league. The club has only been able to sign local players including Chris Hickey and Nick Parker. Although the Demons might not enjoy much success this year, the future is looking promising with six players stepping up to senior footy from last year’s undefeated under-17 premiership squad. Jerilderie’s reigning best-and-fairest winner Chris Marshall has been appointed coach and

said this year would be a learning curve for his side. “Numbers at training have been good and there’s a lot of excitement from the young players, so I’m hoping they bring that into the season,” he said. “We know where we’re at so our main goal for the year is to improve every week. “It’s hard to say how we’ll go, but the players are positive and they give 100 per cent.” JaMES BENNETT

Chris Marshall

iN: Nick Parker (Wangaratta), Chris Hickey (retirement) OUT: Aaron Purcell, James Gilligan (Deni Rovers), Marc Shaw (Finley), Josh Hillary (Culcairn), James Browning (University Blues)

OUT: Tanner Robertson (Blighty), Mark Lamborn (Birdwood)

MATHOUrA

PiCOLA UNiTED

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JON VARCOE 2017 FINISH: PREMIER (17–1) 2017 BEST-ANDFAIREST: ADAM JORGENSEN 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TAYLOR BEARD (45) GROUND: PICOLA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BLUES

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: JACK KEOGH AND DARCY ROBINSON 2017 FINISH: EIGHTH (2–14) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JACK KEOGH 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JACK ELLERY (19) GROUND: MATHOURA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: TIMBERCUTTERS

t will be back to square one for Picola this season.

ew Mathoura playing co-coaches Jack Keogh and Darcy robinson are excited to see what this season will bring.

The pair had a clear goal in mind during the off-season, bringing together a group of young players to build toward the future. The Timbercutters have welcomed Moama’s Tyler Beasy, Andrew Evans, Sam McHale and Jack Hughes as well as Jarrod Brooks (Waaia), Josh Flynn (Cohuna) and Caleb Johnson (Rushworth). Keogh said he did not expect a quick rise from his side, but was looking for improvement from last year. “We understand it’s going to be a tough year, but there is a lot more dedication from the players so far,” he said. “We’ve consistently had over 20 players at training, which is an improvement on last year and there seems to be a feeling around the playing group that nobody wants to let anyone else down. “The Moama boys bring different aspects to the table with Sam McHale a tough in-andunder ball winner who has played 15 to 20

JEriLDEriE

Luke Dempsey senior games in the Murray league. “Tyler Beasy is a bit of a goal sneak, Andrew Evans a ruckman who can rest forward and Jack Hughes is a hard at it midfielder who can play off half-back. “Jarrod (Brooks) generally plays a centre half-forward role, but we may use him as a bit of a swingman, while Josh (Flynn) is a tough defender who can play at full-back. “Caleb Johnson will be handy. He’s a 17-year-old who’s super fit and could potentially play a key position role. “We’ll most likely look to play him as a tall wingman this year though. “We’ve done a fair bit of work during the off-season and have been trying to build a young side that will hopefully stick around and help the club get better over the coming years.” JaMiE LowE

All thoughts of last season’s premiership have been swept aside as the Blues gear up for another year. There has been plenty of movement at the club, with four new players joining during the break and five players leaving. But coach Jon Varcoe said the club had plenty of senior talent remaining, as well as reserves and thirds players. “Darby Walsh, Jai Morrison, Jesse Moran and Corey Cogan will line-up for us this season,” he said. “But Des Morgan, last year’s best-and-fairest Adam Jorgensen, Travis Morgan, Tom Byrnes and Ben Daniel won’t return. “We have plenty of talent coming in and the club places a lot of emphasis on giving young players a go.” Three practice matches against Tongala, Numurkah and Waaia gave a strong indication of how the team was travelling. Varcoe was ready for the challenges of a new season. “We have to reset and start again. It’s a new

season against quality opposition, so anything could happen,” he said. “The boys have been working hard in training and we’ve had good numbers. Everyone is working to improve their individual game. “We always aim to be versatile to hold us in good stead for the season.” PaTRiCK TaNSEY

Darby Walsh

iN: Tyler Beasy, Andrew Evans, Sam McHale, Jack Hughes (Moama), Jarrod Brooks (Waaia), Josh Flynn (Cohuna), Caleb Johnson (Rushworth)

iN: Darby Walsh (Murchison-Toolamba), Corey Cogan (Greensborough), Jesse Moran (Rochester), Jai Morrison (Numurkah)

OUT: Phil Hazelman, Jason Leeman (Gigarre), Jake Ellery (Boort), Martin Retallick, Daniel Barwick (Echuca Utd), Jack Jennings (Wakool)

OUT: Adam Jorgensen, Tom Byrnes (Nathalia) Des Morgan (Deniliquin Rovers), Darcy Botterill (Waaia),Travis Morgan, Ben Daniel

Page 68 Football and Netball 2018

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TOCUMWAL

STrATHMErTON

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: TIM BRAMICH 2017 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (16–4) 2017 BESTAND-FAIREST: MATT SHANNON 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ADRIAN CRESTANI (49) GROUND: MEMORIAL PARK NICKNAME: BULLDOGS

FAST FACTS >> COACH: TIM GARLICK 2017 FINISH: FIFTH (10–7) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: SEAN LOGIE 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: SEAN LOGIE (53) GROUND: TOCUMWAL RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BLOODS

n 18-point loss to Picola in last year’s grand ﬁnal was a bitter pill to swallow for Strathmerton, but the Bulldogs are raring to go this season.

Strong recruitment and the loss of only a few players during the break puts the team in good stead to challenge for the flag in the new season. Lee James and Bryden Power are significant outs, retiring at the end of last season. Tom Campbell, Zack Betson, Theo Thomas, Zach Wagner, Tom Simkin, Jordan Crestani and John Russo have joined the Dogs this season, with coach Tim Bramich confident the new players would fill any gaps. Bramich said making the grand final was a great result, but going one step further was the aim this year. “We didn’t convert our inside 50s in the grand final. I reckon our recruits will be able to fix that,” he said. “Not a lot needs to improve. We were in the game for most of the grand final, so our focus

Dylan Flanagan

im Garlick will take another step in his coaching career this season.

Tom Campbell needs to be playing our style for every minute and not dropping off.” Bramich said the addition of Shepparton Swans premiership teammates Campbell and Betson and the retention of top talent such as last year’s best-and-fairest Matt Shannon would only strengthen the side. “Tom is a 100 kg centre half-forward who has played in flags with Shepp Swans (and Shepparton United) and Zack has also played in premierships with the Swans (and Shepparton East),” he said. PaTRiCK TaNSEY

iN: Tom Campbell (Mitiamo), Zack Betson (Shepparton East), Theo Thomas, Zach Wagner, John Russo (Numurkah), Tom Simkin (Shepparton), Jordan Crestani (Cobram) OUT: Brenton Flemming (Numurkah), Lee James, Bryden Power (retirement), Isaac Bunge

Garlick has signed up for three seasons at Tocumwal, a side he won a premiership with in 2009 at the tender age of 15. Before spending the past three seasons with Cobram, Garlick plied his trade in the NEAFL, appearing three times in the reserves for the GWS Giants. His time at Scott Oval ended with Garlick on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in round five, but complications from surgery have pushed the timeline for full recovery back significantly. Tocumwal was eliminated in the first week of finals last season, with Garlick aiming for a lift in approach and attitude around the club during his tenure. “I’ll try and bring a bit of professionalism to the role and all-round success in all ranks of football,” he said. “With the fourths’ premiership win and the

thirds winning their first final for a long time, I think the future is bright, so I’m looking forward to the next three years. “I had a couple of setbacks after the initial surgery on my ACL with a few infections, which led to going under the knife two more times. I’m up and running now and I’m confident I’ll get through the pre-season. “Playing round one next year is my goal.” Tocumwal has lost key players with playingcoach Sean Logie (53 goals) moving to Canada and Dane Maxwell making his way to rival club Blighty, meaning Dylan Flanagan (45 goals) will have to increase his output this season to help cover the departures. TYLER MaHER

iN: Tim Garlick (Cobram), Matthew Gunn (Melton) OUT: Sean Logie (Canada), Dane Maxwell (Blighty), Sam Boake (South Mildura), Darren Atkinson (Imperial)

YArrOWEYAH

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: GEOFF BENSON AND ANDREW JONES 2017 FINISH: NINTH (0–16) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: PAUL MASSINGHAM 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ANDREW JONES (19) GROUND: YARROWEYAH RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: HOPPERS

fter a couple of years stuck in the doldrums through no fault of its own, there is ﬁnally some light at the end of the tunnel for Yarroweyah.

Benson said numbers at training had been strong across the pre-season. “We have been averaging over 20 players at training the last few weeks,” Benson said. “Everyone is equal here. There is no pedestal and we pride ourselves on that.” The club was still keen to secure more under-17 players. PaTRiCK TaNSEY

201 6

While the pre-season started tumultuously for the Hoppers with coach Paul Massingham moving to Finley, things have suddenly turned a corner with the appointment of club captain Andrew Jones and stalwart Geoff Benson as co-coaches. Although the coaching role was unexpected for both men, it is one they are ready to embrace. Benson will break the games record at the club this year barring injury. He said coaching was a natural progression. “I am a natural leader,” he said. “I like teaching blokes, getting the most out of blokes, whether it is on or off the field, and I always push people to aspire to be better.” At just 21, the senior coaching role will be a big responsibility for Jones, but he is prepared to do whatever it takes to get the club he has played for his whole career up and running again.

Plastic Member Cards • Bar Coded • QR Coded • Magnetic Swipe Strips • Signature cards, variable data names, numbers etc.

iN: Stephen Marshall (Cobram), Nick McDonald (Avenel) OUT: Paul Massingham (Finley), Harley Constable (Shepparton Swans)

PH: 1300 715 640 Geoff Benson

37 O’Brien St, Mooroopna VIC 3629 Football and Netball 2018 Page 69

top sHots Seymour’s Ben Clifton celebrates a crucial goal.

Kyabram’s Holly Butler means business, while Euroa coach Laura Emanuelli sees the lighter side on court.

Moama’s Charlotte Long soars to grab this ball.

Rochester’s Jarod Bacon uses his opponent as a step ladder.

Shepparton’s Rowan Hiscock is shown a yellow card in the first quarter of last year’s GVL grand final.

Echuca United’s Olivia Bish has no issue going over the top of Rumbalara’s Lisa Thorpe. Page 70 Football and Netball 2018

Kyabram’s Hayden Gemmill, assistant coach Daniel Kent and coach Paul Newman celebrate when the final siren sounds on grand final day.

GoUlBURn VAlleY netBAll leAGUe

PrEMiEr 2017

Kyabram

2018 GVL title up for the taking T

he Goulburn Valley Netball League has opened up this season, with a host of sides in line to take over from Kyabram as the best team in the competition.

The Bombers produced scintillating netball last season, dominating some opposition while grinding out other wins as shown in the GVL finals series. But following an undefeated season with back-to-back premierships, the Kyabram team of recent years has broken up. The A-grade side will have a new look across the board with playing coach Belinda Lees and ace shooter Elle Groves not appearing in the goal circle this year. With five Wellman Family Medals between them, Steph Vick will not direct the midcourt and defensive star Ash Mangan is also taking a year off. But Kyabram will still be confident of remaining competitive by drawing on a strong B-grade side and relying on Lauren Pryde, Holly Butler and Sharni Clark to share coaching. The opening gives Shepparton United a way forward to its fourth GVL premiership since 2009. The Demons worked out how to counteract Kyabram at times, but without being able to do it for long enough periods fell three goals short

in the grand final. Coach Di Hanslow will look forward to full access to under-17 talents Elle Brooks and Laura Cole, who cemented a spot in the senior squad last year. Keeping a similar team together should again ensure United progresses deep into the finals. Shepparton was devastated following last year’s preliminary final loss to the Demons, but will boast a similarly strong squad. Former Melbourne Vixens shooter Kim Commane is returning to the goal circle and Ash Cann will be back on court to add even more experience. Seymour can be thrown back into the premiership mix with 2015 Wellman Family medallist Elle McDonald and Sarah Szczykulski again teaming up in defence. The Shepparton Swans were consistent last year, but have added plenty of star power from across the region’s leagues to give it an added edge. Molly Boyle and Emma Ryan have joined forces as co-coaches of Tatura as they continue the Bulldogs’ build up the ladder alongside Mooroopna, while Benalla remains an unknown with several changes occurring to its side following coach Dylan Nexhip’s move back to Tongala. LauREN BoRDiN

pRemieRs: 2017: Kyabram 2016: Kyabram 2015: Seymour 2014: Shepparton United 2013: Shepparton Swans 2012: Kyabram 2011: Kyabram 2010: Shepparton United 2009: Shepparton United 2008: Kyabram

Steph Vick — Wellman Medallist

WellmAn FAmilY medAllists: 2017: Steph Vick (Kyabram) 2016: Steph Vick (Kyabram) 2015: Elle McDonald (Seymour) 2014: Jacinta Todd (Shepparton) 2013: Jade Heinrich (Mansfield) 2012: Ash Mangan (Kyabram) 2011: Kathryn Hard (Seymour) 2010: Ash Mangan (Kyabram) 2009: Keisha Guilmartin (Shepparton United) 2008: Ash Mangan (Kyabram)

ladder predictions 1

Shepparton

Tatura

Shepparton United

Mooroopna

Seymour

Euroa

Kyabram

Benalla

Shepparton Swans

Rochester

Echuca

Mansfield

Football and Netball 2018 Page 71

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BENALLA

EUrOA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: PIP O’DONOGHUE 2017 FINISH: FIFTH (11–1–7)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: LAURA EMANUELLI 2017 FINISH: SEVENTH (9–1–8)

Benalla is coming off a strong season last year, thanks to some Melbourne-based players who will not be returning to the team this year, while coach Dylan Nexhip has made the move back to coach at home club Tongala. The Saints finished the regular season in fourth, but were unable to convert that into anything more as they were knocked out in the qualifying final. The loss of some key players has forced the team into a new direction, placing the emphasis on development of the younger players. The exciting reappointment of premiership player-coach Pip O’Donoghue will certainly help with this strategy, with the new coach expecting a number of players to step up from B-grade. “We have a few players including Kelsey Pallpratt and Chloe Hill who are ready to take that next step into A-grade,” she said. “It’s exciting to see their development already and they look like they will be key players.” Grace Amarant is set to again be prominent as she moves into her second year in the top tier. The Saints will also be introducing an under -15 side in line with the new age group in the GVL, building the atmosphere at the club and generating more interest for the younger players coming through. Benalla will be relying on young homegrown players to step up while it remains in the process of recruiting new players.

ECHUCA

A heartbreaking finish to last year will spur Euroa on to make amends this season. The Magpies missed finals by percentage last year after failing to defeat Seymour in the final round, but returning coach Laura Emanuelli felt her side should have already secured a spot in the top six long before losing to the Lions. “I think last year we let ourselves down a bit and lost games we shouldn’t have throughout the season,” Emanuelli said. It has been a stable off-season for Emanuelli’s squad with minimal changes, meaning the Magpies will be looking for improvement from within the group rather than searching to add outside talent. “Last year was our first year together and we had to get to know each other and work out which combinations worked best,” she said. “Hopefully we can build on that this year with less position movement in a pretty stable squad.” Rising stars Eliza Hoare and Hannah Broughton will be among those Emanuelli looks towards to take the next step in their careers. “They both played a big part in our A-grade side last year, and hopefully with another year under their belts they can improve again,” she said.

KYABrAM

FAST FACTS >> COACH: GINA PEARSON 2017 FINISH: SIXTH (9–1–9)

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: LAUREN PRYDE, HOLLY BUTLER AND SHARNI CLARK 2017 FINISH: PREMIER (21–0)

Echuca will look to again be a danger side this season. The Murray Bombers snuck into the finals series last year as rival clubs remained wary of what they could achieve. However, the club stumbled at the first hurdle, falling 54–60 to Shepparton United in the elimination final under Casey Frame. Gina Pearson has returned after a year away from the senior side and was happy with the way last season fared. “I think we can be happy with how the results played out for us in 2017,” Pearson said. “We are building to try and have this side be something really special, and that’s taken place over not only A-grade, but across all the grades that we have at the club. “So to get a result like that in A-grade shows that I think we are on the right track.” Echuca has put in a great deal of work over the off-season, only recently putting together its final squad. Pearson said her players had put forward their best form early in the preparation for the season. “We have had a really good group of girls come through over the last couple of years, we’ve been lucky that we have been able to get some girls in A-grade that are still eligible for under-17’s,” she said. “That’s what we want from our club. We don’t just want one of our teams to be successful this season — we want all of our teams to be successful and push for premierships.”

There was not much left to achieve after completing a perfect season last year. Without dropping a game, Kyabram held up the A-grade trophy for a second consecutive year meaning the all-conquering side had ticked off every box. But three in a row will be a major challenge with huge changes to the team. Two-time reigning Wellman Family medallist Steph Vick will have a year off and is just one of the high profile players not pulling on the Bombers’ dress this season. Three-time league best-and-fairest Ash Mangan is also giving this season a miss, as will star shooter Elle Groves. The end of last year’s impeccable reign also marked the departure of premiership coach Belinda Lees, who will focus on state coaching commitments. As a result, captain Lauren Pryde will join with midcourt players Holly Butler and Sharni Clark as co-coaches of the A- and B-squad. Netball co-ordinator Michelle Sing said the four outs would leave a hole in the side, but she was pleased the club had filled Lees’ position internally. “I think it was their skill and what they’ve achieved (that made the trio ideal candidates) and we really wanted to encapsulate that and make the juniors feel confident, particularly with the calibre of play that the A-grade has shown,” she said. “Lauren’s achievements in itself have certainly been proven and she has a natural ability when

Page 72 Football and Netball 2018

Holly Butler it comes to netball. “We have lost a few, but it’s a natural movement in some respects, Lees will be missed without a doubt, but that’s the natural occurrence with young women in sport.”

MANSFiELD FAST FACTS >> COACH: EMILY HUTCHINS 2017 FINISH: 12TH (1–1–16)

Mansfield’s win-loss record last year does not seem too flash, but coach Emily Hutchins said the one-win season was a solid building block. “On paper it’s not a very successful season, but we went in having lost a lot of players, so we just wanted to get back to basics and build right from the base, and improve every game,” she said. The Eagles beat Rochester in round 10 before a final-round draw with sixth-placed Echuca, showing the improvement particularly of the

younger generation. “Our young locals have played A-grade for a couple of seasons and are really maturing and levelling out, which is really good,” Hutchins said. “The main thing is producing consistent netball for four quarters; we’re developing and playing better but unable to sustain that, and teams are running over the top of us.” Lisa Crosier has completed her move to coach Tallygaroopna and AFLW star Bonnie Toogood also departs Mansfield, but youngsters including Nelle Cousins and Darcy CroxfordDemasi continued growth will fill those voids. Coaching B-grade also, Hutchins said competition for spots was getting the best out of her players. “The big goal is finals — every team wants that, but we want to be competitive,” Hutchins said. “But at the end of the day if we keep improving as a team, we’ll be really happy.”

GoUlBURn VAlleY netBAll leAGUe

Eliza Hoare Jessie Barnes-Hill

Nelle Cousins

MOOrOOPNA FAST FACTS >> COACH: JENNY BARLOW 2017 FINISH: EIGHTH (8–10)

Master coach Jenny Barlow is back in charge of Mooroopna and is ready to continue what she started with the Cats in 2016. After a year off coaching, Barlow has a similar side along with some notable additions to work with as she aims to propel the A-grade team into the finals. “Ash Warren from Kyabram (B-grade) is coming and she’s going to be a great addition, we’re delighted to have her as one of our major two ins, along with Hayley McDonald,” Barlow said. Mia Fallon will again be a key as she adds her class to the midcourt, but fellow VNL player Monique Lenehan-Moustafa is not returning and developing star Paigan Impey has moved across to Tatura.

Mooroopna continues to boast one of the more solid defensive units in the league, backed up by Wellman Medal voting where goal defence Maddi Wong came runner-up to Kyabram’s Steph Vick. Wong and goal keeper Ash Lancaster have showed their leadership by taking some preseason trainings. But Barlow will still be giving the back end plenty of attention while also aiming to increase scoring. “(The aim is to) just keep improving court play and attacking and get some sort of form up there especially coming into attack, our defensive end is solid, but still needs improving, but we would like to see us get up there among the top six,” she said. Having finished eighth the past two seasons and with a group that is continuing to mature together, the Cats should not settle for anything less than a finals berth.

rOCHESTEr

Casey Frame

FAST FACTS >> COACH: LINDA RASMUSSEN 2017 FINISH: 10TH (4–14)

It was not exactly what the club was aiming for as injuries ravaged through Rochester’s A-grade side last season. The Tigers finished the season in 10th place, with Linda Rasmussen taking on the top job from Clare Shalders this year. The incoming coach said the side could have been much better. “I think we probably lost a few close games where we should have been able to get on top of them,” Rasmussen said. “The more we work as a team, the better we get at those areas. When you’re in a very tight match, you need everyone on the same page so you can communicate well with each other and get those results. “It’s something that we will have to work on Football and Netball 2018 Page 73

GoUlBURn VAlleY netBAll leAGUe Sahra Brooks

Ash Lancaster this season, and it’s something that we have worked on already in the early stages of the year. “There were a number of things that didn’t work out for us last year. We as a group have come together and identified what those areas were and ways that we can change our game plan and the way that we work together on the field to get those areas under control.” Rochester will be looking to improve on multiple areas of the game. Rasmussen said a key to the team being successful was that the group has remained stable as she said the side had not lost any players from last season. While last season did not go as planned, Rasmussen believed her team was ready to be a force this year. “As a coach, you always want to win don’t you? That’s what I want out of our team,” she said. “If we start to get small areas crossed off, like starting with winning those close ones, then we can begin to develop even more over the next couple of years.”

SEYMOUr FAST FACTS >> COACH: LAURA CARLAND 2017 FINISH: NINTH (5–13)

Seymour looks set to be a powerhouse in Goulburn Valley League netball once again after securing the services of a host of its 2015 premiership cohort. Wellman Family medallist Elle McDonald and superstar defender Sarah Szczykulski are returning to the Lions in a playing and coaching capacity next year. Meanwhile, Seymour’s netball will once again be led by Laura Carland, who will coach the A-grade side and act as head coach of the club. Carland led the rebuild of the Lions’ top-tier team last season after a tumultuous off-season, which culminated in a memorable away win against a talented Euroa in the final game of the year. Carland said it was an exciting time for the club as it looks to return to the top of the GVL pecking order. “It’s really exciting to have Elle and Sarah (Szczykulski) back on board. Elle’s a league medallist and both girls bring that VNL experience, so their guidance and leadership on-and-off court will be a huge asset,” Carland said. Club president Craig Velt was thrilled with Page 74 Football and Netball 2018

the Lions’ coaching repertoire for this year. “To go from March 2017 when we still hadn’t secured an A-grade coach, to now have six coaches and key players coming back, it’s just testament to the morals and the values of the club and I think we’ve got it right for the season ahead,” he said. “We’re looking to the future direction of the club to get that super-high experience in to our coaches and players at a junior level, and Elle will be able to instill that VNL culture in to the whole group.”

SHEPPArTON FAST FACTS >> COACH: TRACEY BRERETON 2017 FINISH: THIRD (16–5)

Shepparton came agonisingly close to a grand final appearance last year before injuries took a toll. While leading in the preliminary final, injuries to key personnel led to the Bears succumbing to Shepparton United and coach Tracey Brereton said the memories remained. “We certainly haven’t forgotten it, it was heart-breaking, not because we lost but because of the circumstances, to have Toddy (Jacinta Todd) and then Kim (Commane) get injuries …we’ve moved on, but it’s not forgotten,” she said. But the Bears can begin the long season ahead with a side as strong as the one that brought it within one win of the grand final. Former Melbourne Vixen Commane will return to exert poise in the goal circle, where she will team up with influential goal attack Hannah Crawley, who has returned to the club. The defensive stocks will be bolstered with Ash Cann back on deck after giving birth to twins last year, but Grace Egan will focus on football commitments. After being on the opposing side during last year’s preliminary final, Shepparton United premiership player Kate Durling has transferred to the Bears, with Brereton welcoming her netball knowledge. “I think having a bit more experience in the attack end might put us a bit more together as a team, but you never know from year-to-year how it’ll go, it looks like we’re just as good as last year, but you don’t know until you get a few rounds in,” she said.

Emma Ryan

Jana Bruinier

GoUlBURn VAlleY netBAll leAGUe

Emmison Rhode and Chloe Hill

SHEPPArTON SWANS FAST FACTS >> COACH: JANA BRUINIER 2017 FINISH: FOURTH (11–1–8)

Jana Bruinier’s Shepparton Swans are looming as a legitimate premiership contender this year. After falling at the semi-final stage last year, the Swans have feathered their nest with topline talent in order to take another step this season. Club legend Julie Telford returns to bolster the Swan’s defensive end, while 2013 premiership player Annie Cobbledick is also back in the fold. Former Echuca United goaler Sophie Atkinson will combine with Cobbledick in attack, while Maddi Moroney and Ellie Lazzarotto will add youthful exuberance to the midcourt. “I’m super excited for this season,” Bruinier said. “It’s been really great the last two years being able to develop the junior group, but now to be able to combine them with a group of experienced netballers is great. “It will really take the pressure off myself and Nat (Simpson) and allow us to relax a bit more on the court.” Kate Jeffrey (moving to Queensland) and Shinea Sali (having a year off netball) are the only two members leaving the Swans from

Ash Cann last year’s side, putting Bruinier’s charges in a strong position to improve — with versatility a cornerstone goal for this campaign. “At the start it will be just about learning our best court combinations,” Bruinier said. “We will have a lot more versatility with who we can put on court against different sides. “We may not end up running with a starting seven, but change around our combinations depending on whichever team we’re playing.”

SHEPPArTON UNiTED FAST FACTS >> COACH: DI HANSLOW 2017 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (14–8)

A heartbreaking, three-goal grand final loss seems the perfect motivation as Shepparton United heads into the Goulburn Valley League netball season. United came within inches of beating undefeated Kyabram and pinching the premiership, relying on a plethora of young stars to bridge the gap. “With only three goals in (the grand final) there’s always those ‘what ifs?’ — I’ve been told a number of times to move on,” United coach Di Hanslow said. “The positive coming out of it is we got so close against an outstanding, undefeated team, and we did that by bringing in our juniors.” Superstar 350-game player Kate Durling

has moved to Deakin Reserve co-tenant Shepparton, while Kara Dawes will give birth during the season with her availability after that up in the air. But young guns Elle Brooks and Laura Cole are among those set to fill the void, as well as recruits Georgia Walpole and Isobelle Bradford. “We haven’t set anything in concrete — it’s up to the girls to put their hands up and earn a spot in the team,” Hanslow said. “The competition for some time has continued to build more depth, so that’s one of the main things we’ve looked to improve. “For us consistency is also important, and that’s an important thing with young players who can be up one week and down the next.” Experienced players Phoebe Wilson, Sarah Bohn and Jesse Barnes-Hill will go a long way to determining their side’s fate.

TATUrA FAST FACTS >> COACHES: MOLLY BOYLE AND EMMA RYAN 2017 FINISH: 11TH (3–1–14)

Molly Boyle helped Tatura win its first game since 2015 last season in her first year at Tatura. But the influence of two star players is better than one as Emma Ryan will stand alongside Boyle as co-coaches. The duo will not only be coaching partners, but also join forces in defence after Ryan filled

a gap in goals last year. Boyle and Ryan have brought in Brylee Schache to shoot, with the VNL player set to make an impact, while Paigan Impey has defected from Mooroopna to add an injection of pace. But a major loss is that of reigning best-andfairest winner Jacqui James, who will coach at Moama after moving to the area. Bulldogs veteran Alex Bertram is coaching B-reserve and will continue to assist the A-grade team while recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, with Boyle believing the processes were in place for the side to progress. While a finals appearance would enrich a successful season, it is not the sole pass mark. “We’re aiming to make finals, but this year we want to build on what we did last year and see how we go, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” she said. “From last season obviously injuries killed us, so we’ll try and avoid that and also we even have that bit more belief and a bit more experience because there were a fair few close games that we came away losing.” The Bulldogs found it diﬃcult to continue on when having a minor lead at the final change, but securing those close matches should help it rise from above last year’s bottom-two finish. Football and Netball 2018 Page 75

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BArOOGA

COBrAM

DENiLiQUiN rAMS

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: TAYLAH AND SHARNI HAZELMAN 2017 FINISH: 11TH (3–15)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JACQUIE RYAN 2017 FINISH: 10TH (5–13)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JODIE SEFTON 2017 FINISH: THIRD (15–1–5)

It will be a family affair for Hazelman sisters Taylah and Sharni as they take the reins of Barooga’s A-grade netball side this season. They take charge of their childhood club after Sarah Bruce relinquished the role at the end of last season. The sisters will be following in the footsteps of their brother James, who is co-coach of the senior football side. The past few seasons have had the Hawks struggle in the netball ranks, so the first thing on the agenda for the sisters is to set the wheels in motion for establishing a winning culture. “I feel like the culture will change a little bit. We are keen to win and I guess that’s why we play sport, because we want to be successful,” Sharni said. “Hopefully we can really begin to drive that culture shift and play finals because that’s our goal for the year.”

Cobram has laid solid foundations for the next few years. The Tigers finished last year with five wins, but a few close losses would prove costly by the end of the home-and-away season with the girls adrift in 10th on the ladder. “They were a little bit disappointed. We lost a few games we could have won,” assistant coach Sharra Beasley said. “We couldn’t quite finish out some of the games because we’re a bit slow with our fitness, which is something we’re going to work on between now and the start of next season.” With pre-season already set, Beasley said the team would aim for this year’s finals with renewed determination and youthful exuberance. “We strongly believe in giving our junior players experience,” she said. “Our goal is to make it to finals this year. That’s what we are planning for now and that’s what we are training to achieve.” Jacquie Ryan will coach the side.

Club legend Jodie Sefton will again lead the Deniliquin Rams in an effort to improve on their preliminary final appearance last year. It was the second year in a row that the Rams bowed out of finals one week before the decider, but it was not all doom and gloom. If coming from fifth spot on the ladder to feature in a preliminary final was not enough, versatile defender Amelia Seignior (nee Wyatt) was rewarded for her outstanding season, winning the league’s best-and-fairest. Seignior is set to star once again and with the return of gun midcourter Hayley Hall, after missing last year due to having a baby, and talented shooter Leah Blake, returning from an ankle injury, the Rams are poised to be a flag threat once again.

CONGUPNA FAST FACTS >> COACH: SAMANTHA GILL 2017 FINISH: SIXTH (7–1–11)

Congupna is a team on a mission. Rather than rest on their laurels after a breakout season, Samantha Gill and The Road have gone on a recruiting bonanza ahead of this year in an attempt to take their game to yet another level. As well as keeping reigning best-and-fairest winner Rhylee Merkesteyn, Gill has brought in four players with Goulburn Valley League experience. Marni Thorn, Lauren Orr, Brittany Orchard and Ash Sullivan have all made their way to Memorial Park and will add class and experience to the Murray Netball League squad. “It’s hard, you don’t want to get ahead of yourself,” Gill said. “Last year we did better than we expected, but it was a slow start to the year, and I think it will take a bit of time again because we have a lot of new players. “But we’re feeling positive and feeling prepared and hopefully we can get everything in order for round one.”

Georgia Groves

ECHUCA UNiTED FAST FACTS >> COACH: ROHAN STARKEY 2017 FINISH: FOURTH (15–5)

Echuca United’s new coach Rohan Starkey had to rebuild his A-grade side after no fewer than five of last year’s starters departed in the off season. The Eagles were only able to retain two of last year’s players (Olivia Bish and Remy Day) and have been helped by the return of a third in Erin Delahunty — leaving Starkey with the diﬃcult task of replacing almost an entire side. Sophie Atkinson, Gracie Berryman, Amy Gledhill, Elle Florence and Breanna Bookham have all left, while midcourters Alana Nelson and Fallon Lieschke have come into the fold. The goal for Starkey and the Eagles this season is to make the top six and remain competitive with top sides such as Moama. “I’m definitely up for the challenge, I’ve done it all before (with Moama). It has been hard with the three clubs (in town) being us, the (Murray) Bombers and Moama, it’s been hard to recruit, but we have got a couple of good midcourters,” he said.

FiNLEY FAST FACTS >> COACH: CHELSEA MCDONALD 2017 FINISH: SEVENTH (7–11)

Finley’s A-grade side is looking to improve on last year’s win-loss ratio and finish in the top six. The squad is full of youth and being led by young coach Chelsea McDonald, should see

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Page 76 Football and Netball 2018

great improvement. The club has had a handy pick up from Blighty in Shania Bentley, a versatile player who can play in the midcourt and also in the ring as an accurate shooter. Young gun Eloise Ashley-Cooper will again be rock solid in the midcourt, with her few years of experience in A-grade making her a force through the middle, with the reliable Renee Steward running the centre position. Savannah Wilson has come through the junior ranks playing in under-15s and B-grade through the second half of last year, which will help her transition to the Cats’ top side.

PrEMiEr 2017

MOAMA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JACQUI JAMES 2017 FINISH: PREMIER (18–1–1)

After an almost perfect season under Charlotte Long, Moama has lured Tatura best-and-fairest winner Jacqui James as its new coach, adding to an already dangerous arsenal of talented players. Long will continue to take to the court, with James hopeful the club could have another tilt at the flag. “It’s very tough coming into a side that has had that kind of success,” James said. “You can see it from afar, but you really notice when you get there that the club has put a number of good things in place to get this team to the level they were at when they made a charge for the premiership. “Hopefully, the thing I can add is a new approach to leadership.” James believed the fitness of the club was, and remained, a key to its success.

MULWALA FAST FACTS >>COACHES: CARA WOOD AND CASEY PARKER 2017 FINISH: NINTH (6–12)

Mulwala is going back to the future in search of the perfect combination of youth and

mURRAY netBAll leAGUe

TONGALA FAST FACTS >> COACH: DYLAN NEXHIP 2017 FINISH: SECOND (16–5)

Emma McDonald experience on the court. After fielding one of the youngest A-grade sides in the league for much of last season, cocoach Cara Wood has enlisted the help of some of her former premiership teammates ahead of this year’s campaign. Steph Beams, Emma Cooper and Maddie Hocking — who along with Wood tasted success with the Lions in 2013 — will help guide the next generation of Mulwala netballers. “The young ones started learning their game last year and hopefully they can continue on this year,” Wood said. “I think they can really improve, especially with a few more experienced heads on the court. “We’re aiming for a few more wins on the board this year to try and make finals.” Casey Parker will team up with Wood in the coaching role.

NATHALiA FAST FACTS >> COACH: MARK QUINN 2017 FINISH: EIGHTH (6–1–11)

Mark Quinn is intent on making his second season in charge of the Purples a successful one. “We’re starting to get a few more structures in place,” Quinn said. “There have been a few changes so we’ll be looking to promote a few players up the grades. “Finals are definitely the goal; we’ve been thereabouts but haven’t been able to take that next step.” The returning Emma McDonald will strengthen the midcourt after winning a

premiership at Waaia, but shooter Georgia Walpole has left to test her mettle at Goulburn Valley League level. While numbers through the pre-season have been down, Quinn expects the club’s new women’s football side to bring more potential netballers with it. “There might be a bit of traﬃc both ways I think, and we’d certainly like that,” he said. Nathalia product Reni Hicks could also appear for the Purples again after realising her dream of playing AFLW with Carlton this season.

NUMUrKAH FAST FACTS >> COACHES: SANDI KERRINS AND TEGAN SUTTON 2017 FINISH: FIFTH (14–5)

Renee Judd’s departure from the Numurkah Showgrounds will affect the Blues in more ways than one this season. But even so, co-coach Sandi Kerrins — who retains her off-field role from last year — believes the rest of her group has what it takes to improve on a first-round finals exit. Judd has moved north with work commitments, but daughter Eilish will retain her key role in the A-grade side, and will receive help from the returning Emily Ryan. Tegan Sutton will step up to co-coach with Kerrins, and will most likely be joined in defence by Tamara Skinner in a new role. Bec Riordan and Maddi Owen have also left, but the rest of Numurkah’s core group will remain the same, with players such as Rosie Arnel pushing for senior selection. “Renee’s absence will be a huge hole absolutely

Taylah Hazelman everywhere,” Kerrins said. “We really want to get to the grand final and we’ve got a good base, the group is so easy to coach because they’re driving me. “It’s good to have the adrenaline pumping and see everyone with their antennas up ready for the season.”

Tongala has already swung a raft of changes after losing last year’s grand final to Moama. The biggest comes at the top, with hometown hero Dylan Nexhip returning from Benalla to take up the role as coach of the side, bringing a number of new players in with him. Bridget Hill, Emma Dunn, Olivia Taverna and Abbey Nexhip will all join the Blues, replacing the likes of Alicia White, Pip Inglis, Amy Hammond, Paige Wade and Serena Backman. “It doesn’t feel like a huge move considering I’m coming back to my home club,” Nexhip said. “This group has had so much hard luck; they’ve come so close across the past five years. “That’s a really hard thing to deal with as a player knowing that you were that close. “So, that’s what I want from my club, I want our girls to be able to say we got there and delivered the premiership they all worked so hard for.”

rUMBALArA FAST FACTS >> COACH: JESSICA BAMBLETT 2017 FINISH: 12TH (0–18)

There have been sweeping changes at Rumbalara during the summer after a season that yielded zero victories and a closest losing margin of 14 goals. Jessica Bamblett has taken the reins as A-grade playing coach, with just Christina Ponting remaining from last year’s regular line-up. Former Echuca United defender Klarindah Hudson headlines a list of new recruits, which includes Melbourne-based pair Caitlyn McLeod and Tyneal Colban, while Wytasie Walker, 16, will be among a number of Rumba players looking to make the jump to the highest grade. Tegan Wanganeen will also make her way back to Mercury Dve, and Bamblett — with her uncle Gordon assisting from the sidelines — is keen to see plenty of improvement on the scoreboard this season. “Pre-season has been good so far, we had a lot of numbers turn up to trials,” she said. “The first thing we want to do is get a win on the board, and if we do lose matches we want to stay competitive in them.”

Amelia Seignior

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Football and Netball 2018 Page 77

KYABRAm distRict netBAll leAGUe want to take a little step aside to focus on my playing role,” she said.

LONGWOOD FAST FACTS >> COACH: TONI WATSON 2017 FINISH: 13TH (1–17)

Nagambie

ArDMONA FAST FACTS >> COACHES: JANAYA STEWART AND SHANARA STEWART 2017 FINISH: 12TH (1–2–15)

Uncertainty surrounding Ardmona’s future last year following its football side’s relegation has hurt numbers on the netball court. But Cats vice-president Tracy Hardie was proactive in taking measures to ensure Ardmona would still fill its sides. “It’s the first time ever the netball has been affected by it (football issues), so a lot of the girls were thinking there’s not going to be a club to play at so we’ll go somewhere just in case … there was a lot of ground work done last year when I heard girls had concerns,” she said. “The A-grade side in particular will be very different to the past and hopefully it’ll be a lot more competitive than in the past.” Sisters Janaya and Shanara Stewart have put their hands up to coach and Hardie said the mood around the netballers remained positive about increasing its win tally this season.

AVENEL FAST FACTS >> COACH: YET TO BE CONFIRMED 2017 FINISH: THIRD (16–4)

Injuries ravaged Avenel’s A-grade side as it limped towards the end of last season, but the Swans were still able to progress to the preliminary final. Last year’s coach Tegan Hansen, Laura Mundy and Erin Engel are all outs after rupturing their anterior cruciate ligament, while 2016 league best-and-fairest Kath Hard severely damaged her ankle. The Swans are struggling to replace their losses. Still on the search for a coach, Swans netball co-ordinator Kelly Smith said Avenel would struggle to field all three sides, despite being a successful club. “It’s pretty rough at the moment, we’ve probably got about 18 players to fill the three sides, we’ve lost a lot and only have three existing (A-grade) players,” she said. Gun shooter Niki Lord, best-and-fairest runner-up Sarah Brock and midcourt ace Mackenzie Garner are the A-grade trio that will go around again. After 60 straight victories that yielded three Page 78 Football and Netball 2018

PrEMiEr 2017 premierships, many of Avenel’s B-grade have also decided to retire or take a year off.

GirGArrE FAST FACTS >> COACH: CHLOE MITCHELL 2017 FINISH: 11TH (3–15)

Chloe Mitchell will be tasked with the job of helping Girgarre rise up the ladder after accepting her first A-grade coaching role. Joining from Picola District league club Mathoura, Mitchell also spent time at Echuca United and time in the Kyabram District league is her next challenge. Taking on the role of playing coach, Mitchell will be a valued member of the side’s midcourt. She is thrilled to welcome back Dani Jones and Jac Gihan after each spent time away from the game following pregnancies. The pair will slot into the shooting circle, with Mitchell making sure the side was well drilled in preparation for the season. “We’ve (had) a couple of practice matches to make sure set plays are working and to keep lots of positive talk on court to build up the team confidence in each other,” she said. “It’s been really good, we’ve had plenty of girls turning up and I’ve had good feedback on training.”

LANCASTEr FAST FACTS >> COACHES: LAURA THOMSON AND BEC MONK 2017 FINISH: NINTH (7-1-10)

Laura Thomson and Bec Monk will be allowing their side time to jell after some changes in the off-season. Star goaler Leanna Couston has departed, with Emma Roberts heading to GVL powerhouse Kyabram and some young players making the move for university. But Thomson remained confident about what the year would bring for those returning. “We’ve probably just stepped up our side from other girls who are here, there are a few new to the club and some who haven’t played for a while, so it’s good for them to get back into it as well as getting to know new players and seeing how they slot in,” she said. Both coaches will also play, with Thomson letting Monk take the lead this year. “She was assisting me (last year), so this year we’re reversing the role a little bit … I sort of

Toni Watson is the sole A-grade player from Longwood’s team last year to return and will line up as playing-coach. Former co-coach Kait Carracher and Jenna Fitzgibbon will be missed as the goalers of the side, but Watson has brought in a versatile player to fill their shoes. Millie Lowe comes across from Merrigum with an ability to play at either end of the court, although Watson is keen to use her in order to form a strong defensive end alongside Gabby Sutherland. The duo will allow Watson to move into the midcourt from her previous defensive posting with various areas available for improvement. “Hopefully we have a few more wins under our belt, we only had one win last year, I’m pretty confident if they want to listen we can,” Watson said. “We’ve got a great group of girls willing to learn new ways of playing and wanting to improve, so I’m looking forward to a competitive season.”

MErriGUM FAST FACTS >> COACH: LOUISE RICHARDS 2017 FINISH: EIGHTH (8–10)

Louise Richards takes on the role as playing coach at Merrigum, moving across from Shepparton United. She steps into the role vacated by Katie Cordingley, another GVL export. Having finished eighth for the past two seasons, Richards was confident she could bring success across the grades. “The club is really positive this year and they’ve recruited well within the juniors as we work towards making the seniors stronger,” she said. “It’s a developing year for the juniors and hopefully we’ll make finals in the seniors.” Richards is a coach with a strong emphasis on under-17 talent, having coached previously in the Central Murray and Sunraysia leagues. Caitlyn Morris comes across from Mooroopna while reigning A-grade best-and-fairest Allana Adams is set to make an impact again in defence for the Bulldogs.

and they were all putting in,” she said. “It looks like we’re going to keep that momentum going.” Georgia Eddy will be a loss as she moves to Bendigo, but Teagan Kohn joins sister Taylah bringing skills from her time goaling at Euroa, with Shae Ewart stepping into the midcourt. “They’re both really great girls and they bring a lot of experience, I think they’ll slot in nicely,” Cunningham said.

NAGAMBiE FAST FACTS >> COACH: ABBY MISITI 2017 FINISH: PREMIER (18–2)

Nagambie coach Abby Misiti is backing her side to build a season as successful as last year’s. Having produced a remarkable year only to lose against Avenel in 2016’s decider, the Lakers returned to record a sterling extratime win in last year’s grand final against Tallygaroopna. After boasting the fitness to run out the extended match, an even fitter Nagambie side will take to the court after personal trainers took five weeks of pre-season training. Nagambie loses midcourt general Katie Sullivan and defensive star Rachael Mundy to pregnancy, but will gain Misiti back after she gave birth last year. Misiti said the side had plenty of depth to cover Sullivan’s and Mundy’s absences. “We’ll maybe look at juggling the side around, players like (league best-and-fairest) Sharni Lloyd are very versatile and can play both ends,” she said. Morgan Zotti and Sarah O’Sullivan will travel to play for the Lakers, despite moving out of the area, and will continue to be crucial in the side’s quest for its fifth premiership since 2009.

MUrCHiSONTOOLAMBA FAST FACTS >> COACH: ALICE CUNNINGHAM 2017 FINISH: FIFTH (11–8)

Murchison-Toolamba made strong inroads under coach Alice Cunningham last season and the Grasshoppers are well poised to again be on the way up. Having lost to Stanhope in the qualifying final, Cunningham said the side’s motivation was the reason it brought up 11 wins. “With the playing group we had last year, everyone was up for it and wanted to improve

Tahla Sidebottom

KYABRAm distRict netBAll leAGUe “Chicky Barr just brings a lot of experience to our side, we’ve got a core group of girls working together for a number of years and Chicky just seems to complement them … I think she’ll have a big influence both at training and on game day,” Gray said. “ We’ve played some good netball and we’ve been able to play finals, but there comes a time when you need to push past the first round of finals and push deep.” The loss of Sarah West will leave a hole in the defensive stocks Gray needs to fill.

TALLYGArOOPNA Abby Misiti

rUSHWOrTH FAST FACTS >> COACHES: KATRINA OGDEN AND CHRISTIE THOMAS 2017 FINISH: 10TH (6–2–10)

Katrina Ogden and Christie Thomas are hoping for a little more luck in their first year co-coaching Rushworth’s A-grade side. Having been long-term players at the club, last year the pair saw injuries decimate their side. Hoping for a healthy list, Ogden was aiming to improve on the side’s six wins this season, but remained refreshingly realistic about what the Tigers could achieve. “We started off alright and then we had everyone go down with injuries (last year),” she said. “I’d like to say we can win at least half of the rounds, I don’t think we will make finals this year because you always have to go up against teams like Avenel and Nagambie.” After returning to Rushworth last season, Moana Waasdorp has decided to retire, although Grace Dent’s inclusion will bolster the Tigers’ defence.

FAST FACTS >> COACH: LISA CROSIER 2017 FINISH: RUNNER UP (17–5)

Tallygaroopna’s tilt at last year’s premiership yet again came to an agonising end. After being eliminated in the 2016 season following a one-goal loss in the preliminary final, last year Nagambie defeated the Redlegs in extra time in the grand final. But a major change has resulted in playing coach Julie Telford returning to the Shepparton Swans. Lisa Crosier will commit fully to the role of coach, having split her time between playing for Mansfield and Tallygaroopna last season. The Redlegs can push to progress deep in finals again as Crosier said the addition of Sarah Weideman would help fill Telford’s position as someone who could play at both ends. “The side is looking pretty similar to last year … we’re really looking to filter through the junior talent this year and putting a focus on good depth across grades,” Crosier said. A packed turnout at trials meant there will be plenty of competition for spots across the grades.

ViOLET TOWN FAST FACTS >> COACH: YET TO BE CONFIRMED 2017 FINISH: SEVENTH (9–9)

Following a reasonable season on court last year, Violet Town had a nightmare off-season. With under-17 premiership coach and former A-grade coach Pip O’Donoghue choosing to return to Benalla, a host of players followed her. That left the club with just eight players across its senior sides less than two months out from the start of the season. Club secretary Hannah Sharp said the club would only know final playing numbers shortly before its first game against MurchisonToolamba.

“It’s the worst it’s been since I’ve been playing at Violet Town, our footballers made it to the grand final, so it’s bizarre because usually when the footy is going well, it brings netballers,” she said. “It’s a very good club with a really good social side and our netball is very successful; we won the under-17s last year and all our higher grades finished in the finals and the A-grade just missed out. “We’re quite successful; it’s just a change in time and people moving on.” LauREN BoRDiN

UNDErA

STANHOPE

FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: AMY REID AND AMANDA GLEDHILL 2017 FINISH: SIXTH (10–1–8)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: KERRI GRAY 2017 FINISH: FOURTH (13–7)

“Restore the roar” is Undera’s motto this season and that is exactly the mantra Amy Reid and Amanda Gledhill will bring to the A-grade side. Reid has coaching experience from Geelong and joins forces with Katandra premiership player Gledhill. The pair are looking to build on last year’s qualifying final exit to Tallygaroopna under former coach Kate Murphy. “We want to be using our enthusiasm to bring new things to the club, they did have

Stanhope can reliably be counted on to make the finals, but the dangerous side has not progressed past the semi-finals in recent years. Coach Kerrie Gray has secured the weapon that could help her side gain a grand final appearance with the signing of Kyabram gun Chicky Barr. The ace shooter should dominate the competition as the Lions continue to build on last year.

a successful year under Kate, who took them to finals, so we want to keep building on that and making sure we have a team, culture and environment where everyone is made to feel welcome,” Reid said. Plenty of new faces will don the Lions’ dresses and Reid said some former players would also return to the club.

Chicky Barr

Alice Cunningham

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picolA distRict netBAll leAGUe soUtH-eAst

TUNGAMAH FAST FACTS >> COACH: DANIELLE O’SHEA 2017 FINISH: FIFTH (6–13)

PrEMiEr 2017 DOOKiE UNiTED FAST FACTS >> COACH: LAURA HENDERSON 2017 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (13–9)

Three goals separated Dookie United from the A-grade premiership last year and the heart-breaking defeat means there is no lack of motivation heading into the new season. Grand final player Laura Henderson steps up to coach the side looking to help it take the extra step. “There’s heaps of new girls, and more players than we’ve had in the last few years, which made putting teams together diﬃcult,” she said. “There’s fire in the belly as a result (of the grand final) and we can’t wait to get out there and come out firing.” Off-season priorities became jelling a newlook team after plenty of personnel turnover, but Henderson remained confident United would be around the mark again. “We’ve really worked on fitness, and with a lot of new faces there’s been a focus on bringing a new team together,” she said. “We’re looking to build on the skills we’ve been developing, and with new juniors coming up we’re hoping to help them develop too. “As with every club we’re hoping to be in the finals, and to win finals. It’s what we train for, the ultimate prize.”

KATAMATiTE FAST FACTS >> COACH: RIA HODGE 2017 FINISH: EIGHTH (3–15)

An influx of young local talent has reinvigorated the Katamatite A-grade squad as it embarks on a quest up the ladder. A wooden spoon season is in the past with new coach Ria Hodge returning to the club from the Shepparton Swans. Others returning to their home club include Natalie Lukies (Benalla) and Madison Brown (Numurkah). “It’s exciting, it’s such a young group, I’m young myself, but I’m probably one of the oldest players and people around the club,” Hodge said. “We’re young, eager girls excited to play some good senior netball.” Juniors Eliza Flanigan and Lily Kennedy will also play A-grade, covering the loss of former coach Kate Azzopardi (pregnancy) and Caitlin McNamara. After a fitness-focused pre-season, Hodge Page 80 Football and Netball 2018

Waaia said helping a young group grow was her top priority. “We’re just looking to make finals and develop our girls because there’s a lot of potential there,” she said. “We can help mould them to how we want them to play — they’re a beautiful bunch of girls.”

KATANDrA FAST FACTS >> COACH: MICHELLE MCKAY 2017 FINISH: SEVENTH (6–12)

New Katandra coach Michelle McKay has two decades of coaching experience under her belt and will bring that to a side needing all the help it can get. The Kats were 6–12 last year, but missed finals on percentage, finishing seventh with only one win in their last seven outings. McKay said a fresh-looking squad would be the basis of an effort to move up the table. “We’ve had good numbers and there will probably be more new players than old faces,” she said. “It’s always good coming in new with everyone having a clean slate. “Of course there are players whose ability you know from around the netball circles, but we’re starting fresh with new ideas.” After coaching at Ardmona, Undera, Mooroopna and the Shepparton Swans, McKay had last year off and her anticipation to get the new campaign rolling is shared among her players.

KATUNGA FAST FACTS >> COACH: AIMEE SIDEBOTTOM 2017 FINISH: THIRD (14–7)

Katunga was one of the competition’s standouts last year, but did not produce its best in September, bundled out in a preliminary final against Dookie United. Aimee Sidebottom returns as coach, and hinted a handful of last season’s squad had departed due to work and study commitments. But she remained confident in the side’s ability to cover the losses through recruiting combined with internal promotions. For example Grace Tyack will become a regular fixture in A-grade after starring in B-grade across the past two seasons. Sidebottom herself remains the side’s key after a top four finish in last season’s Lukies Medal count.

Rachael Howden had an excellent last season too, while Kristy Eddy will be in the line-up, returning from a knee reconstruction.

Danielle O’Shea starred for Tungamah last year with a top four finish in the Lukies Medal, and this season takes the reins as coach of the Bears. They snuck into the finals, despite only six wins last year, and could not match it with Shepparton East falling by 14 goals. “There’ll be quite a new few faces, which is exciting, and having such good numbers meant selections were tough,” O’Shea said. “A big thing for us is continuing our junior development, I think we were at a really good stage by the end of last season, but hopefully we can take another step forward.” Midcourter Victoria Bruce is pregnant, but might be the only A-grade player missing. The Bears won three of their last five games to scrape into finals and will look to continue that form. “We actually want to take a few steps forward, we think we can give a few teams a really good run and really test some of the teams at the top of the ladder,” O’Shea said.

rENNiE

WAAiA

Ria Hodge

FAST FACTS >> COACH: PAULA MIFKA 2017 FINISH: SIXTH (6–12)

Rennie will continue to expose its youngsters to senior netball, keeping an eye towards the future with numbers tough. The future looks bright for the Grasshoppers after claiming the under-17 premiership in a thrilling extra-time win against Tungamah. Netball president Meegan McInness said backing in youth was the best way forward. “There were four really good juniors who played A-grade last season and they will continue to work with the team,” she said. “Where we are being Rennie, it’s good if we can encourage the juniors to stick around by giving them that chance in the higher grade, and reward them for their hard work.” Last season yielded just a 6–12 record, but the Grasshoppers were only kept out of finals by 0.6 per cent. Chelsea Beavis and Lexie Nolen impressed in the A-grade squad last year and will look for improvement, with no big name imports headed to the squad.

SHEPPArTON EAST

FAST FACTS >> COACH: KIRBY SHANAHAN 2017 FINISH: PREMIER (19–1)

Coming off a breakthrough premiership season, getting back to the pinnacle of the Picola District league south-east is Waaia’s goal for the new campaign. A 17–1 regular season was capped off with a dramatic 50–47 grand-final win against Dookie United, and coach Kirby Shanahan said repeating that would take even more effort. “We have to push to have another successful season, things have changed around the club, but we’re looking for the ultimate success again,” she said. “Myself and my assistant coach Taylah Shanahan are going to make a few changes and search for a bit of a different dynamic, and hopefully that can lead to more success. “You have to keep the players thirsty and hungry and we’ve got some new faces in which will challenge some players.” Taylah Shanahan looms as the Bombers’ key after a Lukies Medal-winning season, with other big name additions covering the loss of star midcourter Emma McDonald. aLEX MiTCHELL

FAST FACTS >> COACH: ERYNN HUESTON 2017 FINISH: FOURTH (11–9)

A late appointment to the coaching role, Erynn Hueston joins Shepparton East from Echuca United, looking to take her success from coaching the junior ranks to the A-grade squad. East fought on well last year to finish fourth, winning a knockout final before falling a week later to eventual grand finalist Dookie. Hueston said from what she had seen of the group, success was part of the culture. “So far through pre-season the squad has been really hard-working and very dedicated,” she said. “There’s a lot of talent there and we’re going to be a competitive side. “We want to be competitive every week and make finals — that’s obviously what we play for.”

Danielle O’Shea

picolA distRict netBAll leAGUe noRtH-West of their best players Isobelle Bradford and had made no major signings. On a positive, the club is hopeful to field an under-15 side after not fielding a team last year and will have strong numbers with other junior teams.

BErriGAN FAST FACTS >> COACH: SABRINA FINCH 2017 FINISH: FIFTH (7–10)

Berrigan’s rapid climb in A-grade is set to continue with the appointment of a playing coach from Lavington, Sabrina Finch. The Saints made an exciting return to A-grade after not fielding a side in 2016 — making finals for the first time in 15 years. While having lost star shooter Emma-Jane Schifferle, Berrigan has signed midcourters Annie Bell (Lavington) and Nat Ferguson (Mulwala). Assistant coach Bec Ware is expected to have another big year and with the added talent at Berrigan, she should see plenty of the ball in her shooting ring.

BLiGHTY FAST FACTS >> COACHES: MOLLY COCHRANE AND RHIANNAN MAXWELL 2017 FINISH: THIRD (13–5)

Rhiannan Maxwell will join Molly Cochrane in the coaching ranks this season, as the Redeyes look to build on their preliminary final appearance from last year. Maxwell will add a wealth of knowledge from her time playing with Wandin in the Yarra Ranges competition in its premiership winning side in 2016, before joining the Redeyes last year. The star shooter is expected to be the player to watch this year, having finished as runner-up, along with teammate Demi Blake, in last year’s league best-and-fairest despite missing half the season. The Redeyes will also welcome back utility Chelsea McNamara after having a baby last year and shooter Georgia Bradford, returning to Blighty after being away for school. Unfortunately for Blighty, it will lose young midcourter Anna Druitt and shooter Emily White.

But with Maxwell, Blake, McNamara and reigning club best-and-fairest Nat Tremble still around, the Redeyes should find themselves near the top of the ladder once again this year.

DENiLiQUiN rOVErS FAST FACTS >> COACHES: GRANT MATTHEWS 2017 FINISH: RUNNER UP (15–5)

After filling in as an assistant last year, premiership winning coach Grant Matthews will take the reins of the Rovers’ A- and B-grade sides this season. Matthews’ netball involvement has spanned more than two decades, including coaching stints at Mathoura (PDNL north-west), Echuca (GVL), Katandra (PDNL south-east) and Echuca United (MNL). The Rovers will once again be licking their wounds heading into this season, having lost to Tocumwal in the grand final for the third year in a row. However, Deniliquin will be boosted this year with MNL league best-and-fairest runner-up Gracie Berryman joining from Echuca United. Other key inclusions to the line-up will be Iesha McGee (Rumbalara) and Brittany Kirby and Carissa Thommers, who both return after having a baby. Reigning league best-and-fairest Lucy Howard has again committed to the club, with the Rovers only losing defender Nat Henthorn (pregnancy).

JEriLDEriE FAST FACTS >> COACH: YET TO BE CONFIRMED 2017 FINISH: SEVENTH (5–11)

Bleak is the best word to describe the upcoming season for Jerilderie. At the time of going to print the team was struggling with player numbers and had no coach. The team will be weakened by the loss of one

STrATHMErTON

PiCOLA UNiTED

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: AMY CARTER 2017 FINISH: FOURTH (11–7)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: LEESA HOOPELL 2017 FINISH: SIXTH (7–9)

Strathmerton narrowly missed out on a preliminary final appearance last season after a three-goal loss to Blighty. But spirits are high at pre-season training, with coach Amy Carter looking for a top three finish. Hope Lindhe will return from an extended break away from the club and will also coach the under-17 side. She will be joined by Ruby Pinnuck and Brittany Brunskill from the Murray league and Kasey Baker from Katunga. Rachael Olson will also join the Bulldogs after making the move from Melbourne. “The only player we have leaving is Izzy Caughey. She will be a big loss, but I think we have enough talent coming in to cover the gap,” Carter said. Carter said the team was consistent last season, but plenty of improvement was needed to compete with the likes of Deniliquin and Tocumwal.

Picola United’s A- grade netballers have their sights set on a finals birth in the new season. After narrowly missing the top five last season, the club has been recruiting. Sophie Lindsay, Leslee Grame, Jenna Smith and Ashleigh Brewis will join the side and the rest of the team will remain unchanged. Coach Leesa Hoopell said she believed the club had plenty of talent, including last season’s best-and-fairest Jacinda Barnes, to challenge for a finals spot. Hoopell said last season was a positive result, despite missing out on finals. “Overall numbers were great and we played well. We hope to improve on that with our new players,” she said. “I’ve never had a team with two shooters, so that will give us some freedom and some options. “We want to work hard early so it doesn’t come down to the wire like it did last year.” Millie Ferguson

around me who will offer advice. “That close bond between players is so vital to the success of the team and I have no doubt that will help us this year.”

MATHOUrA FAST FACTS >> COACH: KAT WIPPEL 2017 FINISH: EIGHTH (2–14)

Mathoura A-grade coach Kat Wippel is confident her side can be much more competitive this year. “We’ve had a lot more numbers on the training track this year,” she said. “There’s most definitely a much more promising outlook on the season ahead.” Although losing reigning club best-andfairest Rebecca McCluskey (university) and league B-grade medallist Shannon Mills, the Timbercutters will welcome some handy inclusions. Defender Codie Haywood will make a return after two years away from the club and Shannon Worsnop is expected to play a full season in A-grade. Mathoura will also welcome defender Shanae Hales to the side, filling the hole created by McCluskey’s absence.

TOCUMWAL

YArrOWEYAH FAST FACTS >> COACH: MIRANDA BOND AND KIRRILY JONES 2017 FINISH: DID NOT FIELD A TEAM

For Miranda Bond and Kirrily Jones, the directive is simple — make Yarroweyah competitive again. Once a powerhouse in the PDNL, Yarroweyah is looking to return to its former glory under their guidance. Sick of losing, Bond and Jones decided to form a sub-committee at the end of last season in order to raise the profile of the netball club and map out a path to success. After spending most of her playing career at Tungamah, as well as a stint at Barooga, firsttime coach Bond said the job appealed to her because of the people involved with the club. “It is a really inviting club, almost like a big family,” she said. “I want to work really closely with the under17s coach and bring those girls into the side. “I want to start a rotating roster and get them into the senior side so they can experience it and really build their skills.”

FAST FACTS >> COACH: MILLIE FERGUSON 2017 FINISH: PREMIER (18–0)

Millie Ferguson will take the reins as Tocumwal attempts a fourth straight premiership in this year’s Picola District Netball League north-east competition. The star midcourter — who claimed the beston-court medal in last year’s three-peat — takes over from premiership teammate Kate Bird as coach. “I’m looking forward to the challenge; it’s not often you go for four premierships in a row at a club,” she said. “They’re a great group of girls who I know will support me. “I think my experience at the top level is important and I get along well with the whole squad, from A-grade down to the reserve grades. “I know that if I’m struggling with coaching then there are plenty of experienced players

Lucy Howard Football and Netball 2018 Page 81

tAc cUp

Zane Barzen

Millie Brown

MUrrAY BUSHrANGErS FAST FACTS >> JOINED TAC CUP: 1993 GROUND: NORM MINNS OVAL, WANGARATTA COACH: LEON HIGGINS TALENT MANAGER: MICK WILSON PREMIERSHIPS: 1998, 2008 GRAND FINAL MEDALLISTS: M. STEVENS (1998), S. SIDEBOTTOM (2008) MORRISH MEDALLISTS: D. MURRAY (1997), F. PRIEST (2008), C. OLIVER (2015) 2017 FINISH: FIFTH (10–9) 2017 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ANGUS HICKS 2017 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DANIEL JOHNSTON (45)

his year’s AFL National Draft should be rewarding for football talents in the region.

The Murray Bushrangers side is bursting with players showing clubs what they are worth, headlined by AFL Academy member Zane Barzen. The classy player is far from being the only Shepparton United footballer with enticing prospects, with Kyle Clarke, Jye Chalcraft and Ed Adams all looking to put their best foot forward.

Tatura is excited to have Charlie Hill in the squad, its first Bushranger in a handful of years and Mooroopna, Shepparton and Benalla also have rising stars in the squad. Jordon Butts (Shepparton), Laitham Vandermeer (Mooroopna) and Tom Boyd (Nathalia) will be gunning for another chance to reach the big time, with the Bushrangers investing another year into the trio as top age talents. Butts will be joined by his brother

James in the program, who is one of the new breed of bottom age talent rising through the ranks. Shepparton United’s Angus Hicks was honoured to be named the club’s best-and-fairest winner last year, with Jordon Butts coming in equal runner up alongside North Albury’s Ben Paton. After only playing one game at Deakin Reserve last season, the Goulburn Valley will have a chance to see the Bushrangers for an

gotafe.vic.edu.au | 1300 GOTAFE (468 233) GOTAFE is the trading name of Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (RTO 3094 | CRICOS 03654D) Page 82 Football and Netball 2018

additional match. As part of a stellar opening round of football across the region, Murray will host the Bendigo Pioneers on Friday, March 30 before again taking to Deakin Reserve against the Eastern Ranges on July 22. The TAC Cup youth girls program has also been extended from four to nine rounds this season. The skill level of Bushies talents has plenty of prospects in line for a call up to AFLW action, with Benalla’s Bec

Webster at the forefront. A member of the AFLW Academy, Webster will co-captain the Bushies alongside Mooroopna’s Millie Brown. Shepparton Notre star Grace Egan will play football in Richmond’s inaugural VFL women’s side as the Bushies look to replicate last year’s season, where they finished undefeated. LauREN BoRDiN

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