Football and Netball 2022 by McPherson Media Group

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WELCOME

MAGAZINE CELEBRATES MILESTONE Pop the champagne, the McPherson Media Group’s annual Football and Netball Magazine turns 18 this year. In many ways, the format has come a long way since it debuted in 2005. Initially a 48-page football product, the mag now encompasses football and netball content from more than 60 clubs in the region, as well as district and representative junior leagues, masters football and the umpiring fraternity. It is also 80-pages long and still bursting at the seams. But in key areas, the essence and aim of this edition remains the same as it did all those years ago.

To pack as much information — as well as a few pie-inthe-sky predictions — into the one publication as possible, giving you a veritable bible of previews to not only consume now, but to also look back on throughout the season. There always seems to be late-breaking news as magazine deadline approaches, and this year was no different with the news that Ardmona would be heading into recess for 2022. But hopes are high for full seasons out on the fields and courts of the Goulburn Valley League, Kyabram District League, Murray Football Netball League, Picola District Football Netball League and Goulburn Murray

Cover picture: After a tumultuous past few seasons for country football and netball due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a new dawn is on the horizon. Shepparton’s Anthony Andronaco, Shepparton Swans’ Erin Hopkins, Shepparton United’s Ruby Williams and Mooroopna’s Chris Nield gathered at Deakin Reserve to launch the new season.

4 Football and Netball 2022

Junior Football League — the new name for the Goulburn Campaspe, Seymour District and Shepparton District junior football leagues — while the Northern Country Women’s League was lucky enough to crown a champion team in 2021 and will look to do so again, with the addition of the youth girls competition to its umbrella. The Shepparton Netball Association action is set to excite once more, but as with all clubs and leagues more volunteers are needed to help facilitate the program. Goulburn Valley Giants are keen for another season on the park, and at the other end of their careers the AFL and NAB League

Contributors: Aydin Payne, Zac Standish, James Kleeman, Daniel Webb, Max Stainkamph, Josh Huntly, Bransen Gibson, Gus Underwood, Rohan Aldous, Laura Green, Tyler Maher. Photographers: Rodney Braithwaite, Megan Fisher, Bruce Povey, Aydin Payne, Luke Hemer, Cath Grey, Steve Huntley, Karl Phillipson, Ray

exports we follow so closely each week are as well. And it all would not be possible without the hard work of the umpires of the region at every level. On that note, this publication would not be possible without the efforts of the journalists, photographers, sub-editors and creative and advertising designers who have once again all pitched in to make it happen. My shift to the Shepparton News editor role has meant senior sports journalist Aydin Payne has steered the ship, while Zac Standish, James Kleeman and Daniel Webb make up the rest of the sports team.

Sizer, Holly Daniel, Julie Mercer, Tyler Maher, Brenden Paddock, Wayne Herring, Meredith Tolliday, Bec Flisher, Rodney Woods, David Rak, Charmayne Allison, James Bennett, Jenna Bishop, Julia Jones, Les Garbutt, Werribee FC, AAP. Sub-editing: Ron Anderson Advertising inquiries: Simone Dunne, 5820 3134

In Echuca, Josh Huntly and Bransen Gibson will be your experts on all things along the Murray — while as always, Gus Underwood’s byline fills the Kyabram Free Press sports section. Collectively we’ll bring you all of the news, reviews, previews, newsletters, podcasts and live coverage you can consume — and hopefully more — across the season. But before it all begins, make sure you read this publication from front to back to be in the know for the campaign ahead. – TYLER MAHER, EDITOR

Published by Shepparton News

Melbourne Rd, Shepparton Phone 5831 2312 www.sheppnews.com.au facebook.com/SheppNewsSport twitter.com/sheppnewssport

TIPSTERS Tyler Maher

Aydin Payne

Zac Standish

News editor

News senior sports reporter

News sports reporter

PREMIERS

PREMIERS GVFL: Seymour GVNL: Shepparton United MFL: Tongala MNL: Nathalia KDFL: Stanhope KDNL: Tallygaroopna PDFL: Katamatite PDNL: Katunga Morrison Medal: Ben Giobbi (Euroa) Wellman Medal: Maddison Wong (Mooroopna) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kyle Mueller (Kyabram) Story of the year prediction: After a wait of 1099 days,

Shepparton United returns to the scene of despair and takes out the GVL A-grade title.

James Kleeman

GVFL: Euroa GVNL: Seymour MFL: Tongala MNL: Nathalia KDFL: Avenel KDNL: Nagambie PDFL: Katamatite PDNL: Waaia Morrison Medal: JD Hayes (Euroa) Wellman Medal: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United) GVFL leading goal-kicker: JD Hayes (Euroa) Story of the year prediction: Euroa star JD Hayes’ time-consuming

commitments with Lindsay Park force him to spend less time in the midfield for the Magpies and more time in the forward 50 — a revelation for the club as he boots a ton on the way to a famous premiership.

PREMIERS GVFL: Euroa GVNL: Shepparton United MFL: Tongala MNL: Rumbalara KDFL: Avenel KDNL: Shepparton East PDFL: Strathmerton PDNL: Katunga Morrison Medal: BJ Squire (Shepparton Swans) Wellman Medal: Ellie O’Sullivan (Seymour) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kyle Mueller (Kyabram) Story of the year prediction: Behind big name recruit Jamason Daniels, Numurkah shocks the Murray Football League and makes the grand final.

Daniel Webb

Joshua Huntly

PREMIERS

GVFL: Echuca GVNL: Seymour MFL: Barooga MNL: Moama KDFL: Avenel KDNL: Shepparton East PDFL: Waaia PDNL: Katunga Morrison Medal: Sam Reid (Echuca) Wellman Medal: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kyle Mueller (Kyabram) Story of the year prediction: Benalla to rally under the guidance of

GVFL: Euroa GVNL: Shepparton United MFL: Barooga MNL: Moama KDFL: Nagambie KDNL: Stanhope PDFL: Strathmerton PDNL: Strathmerton Morrison Medal: Zac Keogh (Kyabram) Wellman Medal: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Chris Nield (Mooroopna) Story of the year prediction: Shepparton will play finals footy and

GVFL: Echuca GVNL: Shepparton United MFL: Tongala MNL: Rumbalara KDFL: Lancaster KDNL: Stanhope PDFL: Strathmerton PDNL: Strathmerton Morrison Medal: Zac Keogh (Kyabram) Wellman Medal: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kyle Mueller (Kyabram) Story of the year prediction: Kyle Mueller to reach the magical

News sports reporter

Saints stalwart Will Martiniello to make a late finals push against all odds.

Riverine Herald sports reporter

be in the conversation for the premiership.

figure of 100 goals.

Bransen Gibson

Gus Underwood

Ron Anderson

Riverine Herald sports reporter

Kyabram Free Press sports reporter

News sub-editor

PREMIERS

GVFL: Echuca GVNL: Shepparton United MFL: Tongala MNL: Nathalia KDFL: Avenel KDNL: Stanhope PDFL: Strathmerton PDNL: Katunga Morrison Medal: Kane Morris (Echuca) Wellman Medal: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kyle Mueller Story of the year prediction: Undera netball will bounce back from a

GVFL: Echuca GVNL: Echuca MFL: Tongala MNL: Moama KDFL: Avenel KDNL: Nagambie PDFL: Strathmerton PDNL: Katunga Morrison Medal: Sam Reid (Echuca) Wellman Medal: Chicky Barr (Kyabram) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kyle Mueller (Kyabram) Story of the year prediction: Mansfield to be the surprise packet

GVFL: Seymour GVNL: Mooroopna MFL: Moama MNL: Rumbalara KDFL: Violet Town KDNL: Tallygaroopna PDFL: Strathmerton PDNL: Strathmerton Morrison Medal: Sam Reid (Echuca) Wellman Medal: Maddison Wong (Mooroopna) GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kyle Mueller (Kyabram) Story of the year prediction: They’ll be painting the town red when

winless season last year to make a surprise finals appearance in 2022.

and play finals.

Violet Town wins the premiership.

GVL FOOTBALL LADDER AYDIN PAYNE

TYLER MAHER

ZAC STANDISH

JAMES KLEEMAN

DANIEL WEBB

JOSHUA HUNTLY

BRANSEN GIBSON

GUS UNDERWOOD

RON ANDERSON

Seymour

Euroa

Echuca

Euroa

Echuca

Seymour

Echuca

Seymour

Echuca

Seymour

Euroa

Seymour

Echuca

Kyabram

Seymour

Kyabram

Echuca

Kyabram

Rochester

Kyabram

Euroa

Kyabram

Euroa

Kyabram

Mooroopna

Kyabram

Mooroopna

Mansfield

Mooroopna

Rochester

Mansfield

Rochester

Mansfield

Mooroopna

Rochester

Benalla

Shepparton

Mansfield

Rochester

Mooroopna

Rochester

Mansfield

Rochester

Mooroopna

Shepparton

Tatura

Shepparton Swans

Shepparton

Mooroopna

Shepparton Swans

Tatura

Shepparton Swans

Mansfield

Shepparton

Benalla

Shepparton Swans

Mansfield

Shepparton Swans

Tatura

Shepparton Swans

Shepparton

Shepparton Swans

Shepparton

Tatura

Shepparton

Benalla

Shepparton United

Benalla

Tatura

Benalla

Shepparton

Shepparton Swans

Shepparton United Shepparton United Shepparton United Shepparton United Shepparton United Shepparton United Shepparton United Shepparton United Benalla

Football and Netball 2022 5

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GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

PREMIER 2019

Kyabram

A CASE OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS FOR 2022 GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE SEASON For the leading contenders in the Goulburn Valley League, it’s a case of unfinished business in 2022. Echuca, Seymour and Euroa return to the field next month for the first time since last year’s sudden announcement to cancel the season on the eve of finals action. That decision, prompted by COVID-19, left the trio inside the top three pegs on the ladder and on nine wins each. Only percentage could separate the three talented outfits, but it was Echuca which walked away with the minor premiership. League followers may have been robbed of what was certain to be a captivating finals series, but after more than eight months, the fire that was sparked in 2021 will once again ﬂare up. Most pundits see the Murray Bombers, Lions and Magpies as the teams to beat this campaign and it’s hard to argue against that sentiment. Glance back 12 months and nobody had Seymour pencilled in to make finals. However, you would struggle to find anyone who isn’t chips in on Seymour this time around.

Ben Davey’s outfit — overﬂowing with stars such as reigning Morrison medallist Jack O’Sullivan and VFL guns Michael Hartley and Louis Pinnuck — is hungry for success. Echuca is the first cab off the rank to challenge the Lions. Andrew Walker and Simon Maddox return to steer the Murray Bombers again for another tilt after falling at the last hurdle in 2019. Could former AFL talent Sam Reid be the side’s missing puzzle piece? Euroa is arguably one of the most exciting teams in the competition. Boasting class performers such as JD Hayes, Erish Uthayakumar, Jack Hellier, Ben Giobbi, Noah Hura and former AFL ruckman Paul Hunter, Euroa will prove hard to beat. The Magpies are in the box seat to end their 32-year premiership drought. And don’t go writing off Kyabram. The reigning premier may look a touch different from 2019, but with superstar coach Paul Newman back at the

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE PAST PREMIERS 2019: Kyabram 2018: Shepparton 2017: Kyabram 2016: Kyabram 2015: Benalla 2014: Shepparton Swans

2013: Kyabram 2012: Tatura 2011: Shepparton United 2010: Shepparton United

helm, you can guarantee the Bombers will factor come September. Elsewhere, Mansfield mentor Chad Owens has quietly been assembling his troops. The Eagles have added quality to their ranks, most noticeably former VFL gun Jack Hutchins, and shape up as a potential finals outfit. Mooroopna, led by maestro coach John Lamont, will once again prove to its opponents that it has what it takes to play finals football. Meanwhile, the return of Rochester product and North Melbourne great Shaun Atley will give the Tigers a considerable boost to their chances of climbing the ladder. Tatura, Shepparton and Shepparton Swans look like the next handful of outfits that will push sides, but all with young lists, still look some years away from challenging for silverware. Benalla has struggled for numbers during the summer break, while Shepparton United has faced an exodus of players and faces a genuine rebuild in the coming season. – AYDIN PAYNE

PAST MORRISON MEDALLISTS 2021: Jack O’Sullivan (Seymour) 2019: Mick Mattingly (Kyabram) 2018: Nik Rokahr (Shepparton) and Sam Martin (Benalla) 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)

Football and Netball 2022 7

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

BENALLA SAINTS

Jordan Wolff

FAST FACTS

It’s no secret that Benalla’s off-season has been fraught with difficulty. After a player exodus during the break, the Saints were forced to issue a desperate call for help in late January, citing COVID-19 and movement to neighbouring leagues as contributing factors. “Benalla Saints are at a crossroads as we look toward season 2022,” its Facebook call-out in January read. “Our football sides have been decimated with an abnormal amount of off-season departures.” The loss of its core group, including last season’s leading goal-kicker Nick Warnock, best-and-fairest Callum Crisp and 2018 Morrison medallist Sam Martyn would have a major impact on any side, and leaves the Saints with big shoes to fill. New coaches Mark McKenzie and Will Martiniello will be tasked with not only ushering through the next crop of Saints youngsters, but with building a side which can remain competitive at

Goulburn Valley League level this season. “It’s been a challenge, there’s no secrets there,” McKenzie said of the Saints’ pre-season. “We’d love another dozen players at this stage, everyone that left had their reasons and that’s fine, we can only deal with what we’ve got, do the best we can and see where we end up from there.” The return of 2015 Saints premiership star Josh Marchbank has helped invigorate the depleted side in recent weeks, with a number of other ex-Saints throwing their hands up for season 2022. Brody Webster has returned from Whittlesea and Riley Johnson from Goorambat, two big ins which will further help fill spots. “Those training are keen — we’ve had a few young kids down training, a few older guys who maybe thought their footy career had finished, coming down and having a run to help the club out which is fantastic to see,”

McKenzie said. “Whilst we’re in a tough situation, the morale is really good.” A major positive for the Saints is in the two men they have navigating the club through troubled waters. McKenzie and Martiniello have spent significant parts of their careers at Benalla and have every faith they will get this proud club back where it needs to be. Their first test of the season won’t be an easy one: a trip to Seymour to face a Lions outfit which many expect to go all the way this season. They’ll have their work cut out this year, but if there’s one thing the Saints are known for, it’s their fight. “We’re realistic about where we sit, but we just want blokes that’ll have a go,” McKenzie said. “We will turn up every week and enjoy what we do — good, bad or indifferent, we want to to have fun and learn and enjoy what we do, that’s they key.” – JAMES KLEEMAN

JOINED LEAGUE: 1896 TO 1946, 1998 TO PRESENT NICKNAME: SAINTS GROUND: BENALLA SHOWGROUNDS COACH: WILL MARTINIELLO AND MARK MCKENZIE PRESIDENT: LLOYD JOHNSON PREMIERSHIPS: 1940, 2015 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: T. PASQUALI (1999), R. PRIEST (2008 JOINT), L. MORGAN (2013), W. MARTINIELLO (2014), S. MARTYN (2018 JOINT) 2021 FINISH: SEVENTH (5-6) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: CALLUM CRISP 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: NICK WARNOCK (23)

Thinking of selling and

actually selling are quite different things

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 8 Football and Netball 2022

Ph: 5762 2266 22 Bridge St E, Benalla

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

“

BENALLA’S SEASON FIXTURE

Both Will and I, we’ve got the club’s best interests at heart, we’ll do what we can do get through.

“

— MARK MCKENZIE, CO-COACH

Josh Marchbank

James Davies

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Josh Marchbank (Diamond Creek), Brody Webster (Whittlesea), Riley Johnson (Goorambat), Myles Aalbers (Rand Walbundrie Walla), Tom Downie OUT: Callum Crisp, Nick Warnock, Sam Martyn (Myrtleford), Riley Moran, Lachy Thompson (Benalla All Blacks).

GAME CHANGER

JOSH MARCHBANK: Marchbank’s return marked a serious resurgence to the mood at the showgrounds. He’s a player who has tasted premiership success at Benalla and is sure to inject a competitive edge back into the Saints’ ruck after the departure of Crisp. His link-up with Martiniello through the middle will be vital if the Saints are to remain competitive this season.

ROUND 1

SEYMOUR (A)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

TATURA (H)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

MANSFIELD (A)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

KYABRAM (H)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

ROCHESTER (H)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

MOOROOPNA (H)

MAY 21

ROUND 8

EUROA (A)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

SHEPPARTON (H)

JUNE 19

ROUND 11

ECHUCA (A)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

SEYMOUR (H)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

TATURA (A)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

ROCHESTER (A)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

MANSFIELD (H)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

KYABRAM (A)

AUGUST 13

ROUND 17

SHEPPARTON (A)

AUGUST 21

ROUND 18

EUROA (H)

AUGUST 27

FINISHING RANGE

9TH–11TH: This will be the year of the rebuild for the Saints. Despite the return of a number of important players, the bad outweighs the good. The side looks far different to the one it did last season and a drop in placings is to be expected. That said, Saints faithful will back their side all the way in and those that underestimate them may do so at their own risk.

The Benalla Saints News

Tune into Saints Radio 99.3

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or call 0499 771 437 Football and Netball 2022 9

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

ECHUCA MURRAY BOMBERS Ash Byrne, the man at the helm of the Goulburn Valley Football League’s champion club of 2021, expects that having everything in place off the field will again inﬂuence the on-field results of his club. At the end of an interrupted netball and football season the Echuca president said when the club looked back on the season — while pleased with its performance — there wasn’t any celebrating its status on top of five Goulburn Valley League netball and football ladders. He said the club would reload in 2022 and was looking forward to playing finals football in September. The club will officially launch its season at a sponsor event on March 25 at the American Hotel. The next day it will play its second, and last, practice match, against Bendigo league powerhouse Eaglehawk, on March 26, at Victoria Park. “We play Wangaratta on March 19 and then Eaglehawk,” Byrne said. “The seasons starts on April 9 when we play Rochester, at

Ben Reid

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10 Football and Netball 2022

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Sam and his wife Elissa and son Elijah are now looking to buy a house in Echuca-Moama. Aside from his enthusiasm for Sam Reid’s arrival, Byrne said there was significant excitement surrounding the youngsters on the playing list. He said there was a dozen 18 to 21-year-olds who had all put on five or six kilograms, courtesy of the club’s gymnasium, ready to step up. “The gym has been really well received by footballers and netballers and you can see the benefit,” Byrne said. While the club’s leadership group is yet to be announced, captain of the past four years Kane Morris is expected to continue in the role. “He was captain in Andrew and Simon’s first year and I can’t see that changing,” Byrne said. “We expect the leadership group to be announced shortly. “We are very lucky in that regard (leadership), both with the level of our young and older leaders.”

JOINED LEAGUE: 1909 TO 1942, 1974- NICKNAME: MURRAY BOMBERS GROUND: VICTORIA PARK CO-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) 2021 FINISH: 1ST (9–2) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: KANE MORRIS 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RUORY KIRKBY (24)

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Rochester, which will be a cracking game. “We expect the team will be pretty similar, there may be some kids that come into the side.” Byrne is not ashamed to admit he is a huge fan of gun recruit Sam Reid, who will play his first game with brother Ben at senior level on April 9 against Rochester. “From a football point of view the off-season has been positive, the addition of Sam Reid has been great,” Byrne said. Ben Reid played juniors with Echuca, but has been away and back two or three times. He won the best-and-fairest in 2016 and then played with Geelong VFL. “He has a business in town and he and Danika are about to have their first baby,” Byrne said. “Sam and Ben may have played together when they were little, but not as seniors. “Sam’s leadership and his preparedness to work with the young blokes has been fantastic. “I am looking forward to watching them and the team.”

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GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

“

ECHUCA’S SEASON FIXTURE

Sam’s leadership and his preparedness to work with the young blokes has been fantastic...

– ASH BYRNE, PRESIDENT

Kane Morris

Sam Reid

GAME CHANGER

PLAYER CHANGES

SAM REID: Fresh off a 108-game AFL career with the Western Bulldogs and GWS, Sam Reid returns to his home-town Echuca Murray Bombers with premiership aspirations front of mind. Set to bring some extra polish to this already stacked line-up, Reid will slot in wherever coaches Simon Maddox and Andrew Walker require and send shivers through opposition players. A game changer in every sense of the word, fans across the region will love watching Reid go about his business.

ROUND 1

SEYMOUR (H)

APRIL 3

ROUND 2

BENALLA (A)

APRIL 10

ROUND 3

KYABRAM (H)

APRIL 17

ROUND 4

ROCHESTER (A)

APRIL 24

ROUND 5

UNITED (A)

MAY 1

ROUND 6

MANSFIELD (H)

MAY 8

ROUND 7

SWANS (A)

MAY 15

ROUND 8

SHEPPARTON (H)

MAY 29

ROUND 9

TATURA (A)

JUNE 5

ROUND 10

MOOROOPNA (H)

JUN 12

ROUND 11

EUROA (A)

JUNE 19

ROUND 12

UNITED (H)

JUNE 26

ROUND 13

KYABRAM (A)

JULY 3

ROUND 14

ROCHESTER (H)

JULY 17

ROUND 15

SWANS (H)

JULY 24

ROUND 16

SEYMOUR (A)

JULY 31

ROUND 17

TATURA (H)

AUGUST 14

ROUND 18

SHEPPARTON (A)

AUGUST 21

FINISHING RANGE

1ST–3RD: Claiming the minor premiership in 2021, Echuca rightly comes into the new season as one of the ﬂag favourites. Stacked with talent right across the ground, the Murray Bombers will be determined to make up for the missed opportunity of last year’s cancelled finals series and bring the cup to Victoria Park.

IN: Sam Reid (AFL)

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GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

EUROA MAGPIES

Andrew Smith

FAST FACTS

Optimism. That is the feeling among players and coaches at Euroa heading into the 2022 Goulburn Valley League season, as it looks to break its 22-year premiership drought and finally bring the title back to Memorial Oval. Well and truly in the hunt for the ﬂag before COVID-19 spelt a premature end to the 2021 season, all signs point to a team capable of improving on its 9–2 record, with the continued development of its young list and some marquee signings sure to have Magpies fans salivating. Highlighting the list of additions is former Adelaide and St Kilda ruckman Paul Hunter, who, while also aligned with Port Melbourne in the VFL, will bolster the Magpies’ already plentiful ruck stocks of Andrew Smith and Jacob Brereton. Former Western Bulldogs midfielder Will Hayes will also make a return to his hometown Magpies, forming a tantalising duo with brother JD that will without doubt thrill crowds across the Goulburn Valley. Along with these new additions, Euroa has also been able to lock away a number of its existing stars,

with the likes of ultra-consistent Jack Hellier, spearhead Tristan Davies and livewire Ben Giobbi set to don the black and white again. Coach Scott Rowan, who will embark on his third year in charge at Memorial Oval, said spirits were high as the season approaches. “There is some excitement around because realistically we are pretty sure we will have a good season and our squad is very much the same, so we are really looking forward to getting started,” Rowan said. “I’m very confident in what the group can achieve this year, we started last season with 11 injuries on our senior list, so at the beginning it was just about getting everyone back, before we really started to hit our stride heading into the finals. “I see no reason why we can’t contend strongly again and am excited to see the boys continue to improve.” With numbers strong and intensity high on the track, Rowan highlighted a couple of boys he believed would take their game to the next level. “I think our key forwards in Tristan Davies and Erish

Uthayakumar have had great pre-seasons after a good first season last year,” he said. “Nate Trotter and Jacob Gleeson are also moving quite well which is exciting to see, while Ben Bath is one, I’m expecting to have a real breakthrough year.” Player retention has been a highlight of the Magpies’ off-season, with Tom Pannuccio’s departure to Geelong’s VFL set-up the only major omission from Rowan’s 2021 squad. He said having such a settled list would pay dividends as he looks to expand upon the eye-catching brand of football that thrilled supporters last season. “I think we will just play our attacking brand of footy that we have been trying to develop over the past couple of years,” he said. “We were easily the league’s highest-scoring side last year, so we know we can put points on the board, the challenge is just to tighten up a bit in defence as we hope to get that blend right and have a great season.” – ZAC STANDISH

JOINED LEAGUE: 1971 NICKNAME: MAGPIES GROUND: MEMORIAL OVAL COACH: SCOTT ROWAN PRESIDENT: SCOTT WATSON PREMIERSHIPS: 1971, 1990 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: ADAM BARKER (1998) 2021 FINISH: SECOND (9–2) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ANDREW SMITH 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TRISTAN DAVIES (28)

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GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

“

EUROA SEASON FIXTURE APRIL 9

ROUND 2

ECHUCA (A)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

SEYMOUR (H)

APRIL 24

ROUND 4

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

MAY 7

– SCOTT ROWAN, COACH

ROUND 6

MOOROOPNA (A)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

KYABRAM (A)

MAY 21

ROUND 8

BENALLA (H)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

MANSFIELD (A)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

ROCHESTER (H)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

TATURA (H)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

SHEPPARTON (A)

JULY 3

ROUND 13

ECHUCA (H)

JULY 9

ROUND 14

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

SEYMOUR (A)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

MOOROOPNA (H)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

BENALLA (A)

AUGUST 27

“

JD Hayes

IN: Will Hayes (AFL), Noah Hura (Mandurah), Paul Hunter (AFL) OUT: Tom Panuccio (Geelong VFL)

MANSFIELD (H)

I see no reason why we can’t contend strongly again and am excited to see the boys continue to improve.

Paul Hunter

PLAYER CHANGES

ROUND 1

GAME CHANGER

JD HAYES: After registering three games last year, former Magpies senior coach and multiple best-andfairest JD Hayes is gearing up for a big 2022 season. Hitting the track hard over the pre-season, the prospect of playing alongside brother Will looms as a major motivator for the classy midfielder, who’s ability to gather the ball and use it well makes him a real X-factor for Scott Rowan.

FINISHING RANGE

1ST–4TH: It’s no secret that Euroa comes into the new season as one of the league’s genuine premiership contenders. Adding extra star power and depth to a unit that finished second in 2021, the Magpies will without doubt thrill crowds with their attacking style of play and are as well placed as ever to snap their 22-year premiership drought.

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Football and Netball 2022 13

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

KYABRAM BOMBERS Paul Newman is well aware he is on a hiding to nothing when he takes Kyabram into the 2022 season. Newman, who has taken the reins from Brad Edwards and Mick Mattingly after a two-year spell, boasts an unprecedented country coaching record with the club with 83 wins from 84 games — including three premierships. But without eight of the Bombers’ last premiership side of 2019 there has to be question marks on what the Bombers can and will achieve this season. Premiership players from 2019 in Morrison medallist Mick Mattingly, Patrick Wearden, Josh Vick, Tom and Sam Sheldon, Axel Child, Nick Coulstock and Josh Pell have been departures from the Bombers’ hangar in the past two COVID-19 ravaged seasons. The Bombers have also missed

out on a star midfield recruit, former VFL and Canberra star Jordan Ludica, who according to Newman priced himself out of playing with the club. On the credit side, three members — four times best-andfairest winner Josh Morgan, Tom Holman and Jake Reeves — have returned to the club and another key player Brad Mangan, who suffered a season-ending injury early last year, will also be back hopefully early in the season. Holman and Reeves were members and stars of the 2019 premiership side and Morgan missed that grand final through injury. In addition to this recruits in former Girgarre coach Billy Barnes, Lancaster trio Zac Cerrone, Billy Ryan and James Ross and former player Ben Holman are adding extra depth to the Bombers.

Anthony Depasquale from the Bendigo Pioneers, who played at senior level last season, is also fulltime this year. Newman remains positive that despite the Bombers’ departures his team can still be competitive against the better sides. He has been more than happy with the club’s pre-season campaign with good numbers at training. He believes with the likes of class players Morgan, Mangan, Lachie Smith, Zac Norris, goals wizard Kyle Mueller, Jake Reeves and super veteran Kayne Pettifer, Kaine Herbert and Aidan Robinson Kyabram still has the nucleus of a talented side. “We will be looking to our emerging players and some district recruits to step up a rung or two and we can still be very competitive,” Newman said. – GUS UNDERWOOD

Kayne Pettifer

FAST FACTS

JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BOMBERS GROUND: KYABRAM RECREATION RESERVE COACH: PAUL NEWMAN PRESIDENT: PETER LEARMONTH PREMIERSHIPS: 1919, 1921, 1922, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1948, 1950, 1958, 1975, 1996, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: J. COOPER (1958, 1961), C. STEWART (1963), R. CLAY (1964), P. GITTOS (1987), B. GUGLIOTTI (1993), M. MATTINGLY (2019) 2021 FINISH: FOURTH (8–3) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ZAC KEOGH 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: KYLE MUELLER (34)

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“

KYABRAM’S SEASON FIXTURE

We will be looking to our emerging players and some district recruits to step up a rung or two and we can still be very competitive.

“

– PAUL NEWMAN, COACH Kyle Mueller

Kyabram’s Zac Keogh

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Billy Barnes (Girgarre), James Ross, Zac Cerrone, Billy Ryan (Lancaster), Tom Holman, Josh Morgan, Jake Reeves OUT: Mick Mattingly (West Adelaide), Patrick Wearden, Josh Vick, Tom Sheldon, Sam Sheldon, Axel Child, Nick Coulstock, Josh Pell

ROUND 1

TATURA (A)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

ROCHESTER (H)

APRIL 15

ROUND 3

ECHUCA (H)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

BENALLA (A)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

SEYMOUR (H)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

EUROA (H)

MAY 22

ROUND 8

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

JUNE 5

ROUND 9

SHEPPARTON (A)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

MANSFIELD (H)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

ROCHESTER (A)

JUNE 26

ROUND 12

TATURA (H)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

MOOROOPNA (H)

JULY 9

ROUND 14

SEYMOUR (A)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

ECHUCA (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

BENALLA (H)

AUGUST 13

ROUND 17

MANSFIELD (A)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

AUGUST 27

GAME CHANGER

ZAC KEOGH: Reigning best-and-fairest winner Zac Keogh appears primed for another stellar GVL campaign. A pre-season fancy for the Morrison Medal, the gun midfielder will have to step up in the absence of running mate Mick Mattingly this season and will be pivotal to the Bombers’ hopes of defending their 2019 crown.

FINISHING RANGE

3RD–5TH: It feels strange placing the Kyabram juggernaut outside of the Goulburn Valley League top two, but with so much talent elsewhere it appears it could be on the outside looking in. However, with the likes of Zac Keogh, Kyle Mueller, Kayne Pettifer and Kaine Herbert still running around in the red and black, the Bombers will still be an incredibly tough task for all opponents and will be right in the thick of it come finals time.

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Football and Netball 2022 15

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

MANSFIELD EAGLES

Jayden Howes

FAST FACTS

The 2021 assessment of Mansfield brought about the idea that a decimated Eagles list would require their youth to take the next step. Having had time to settle in at the helm coach Chad Owens has built a side in his image. That includes nine signings since the last time Mansfield took to a footy field, with VFL star Jack Hutchins headlining a huge Eagles off-season recruitment drive. “We’ve recruited really well, got nine new boys in we’re really excited about,” Owens said. Having gone 5–6 last season, Owens and his squad will be intent on converting themselves from a steady mid-table side to a genuine finals contender. The ex-Queensland premiership coach is confident his side’s pre-season efforts will show come round one, despite pandemic interruptions having an impact. “It’s been different every week, a bit hard with numbers fluctuating and a different

person going down with COVID, but we’re really happy with where we’re at,” he said. “We’ve got a Melbourne group as well, they’ve been training really hard and it’s allowed us to work on a few different things.” There’ll be a lot to like about Mansfield this season, Owens says, who anticipates spectators will be surprised at the size of a number of Eagles set to run out in April. “Last year we were probably a bit small and skinny, but this year we’ve got some young blokes who I think will go to another level,” he said. “We’ve added a weights coach this year which is making a big difference — boys like Tom Dunstan, Harry Mahoney and Luke Murray have all been in the gym over the off-season and added probably two or three kilos.” Hutchins’ arrival is expected to take some of the pressure off the Eagles’ 2021 best-and-fairest Tas Clingan, who was a rock at

the back last season, and may look to present further forward this year. Patty Marks is also tipped for another big year in the Eagles’ engine room; the inside mid starting to have a major impact through the middle of the park after committing on a full-time basis last season. An enhanced Mansfield outfit is sure to offer an interesting challenge to all it comes up against this year, in what could be a thrilling year for the men in gold and blue. – JAMES KLEEMAN

JOINED LEAGUE: 1998 NICKNAME: EAGLES GROUND: MANSFIELD RECREATION RESERVE COACH: CHAD OWENS PRESIDENT: RAY ROBINSON PREMIERSHIPS: 2004, 2009 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: T. HOTTON (2007) 2021 FINISH: EIGHTH (5–6) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TAS CLINGAN 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: WILL FOSTER (22)

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GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

“

MANSFIELD’S SEASON FIXTURE

Having had time to settle in at the helm coach Chad Owens has built a side in his image.

“

– CHAD OWENS, COACH

Brett Mahoney

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Jack Hutchins (Casey Demons), Lachy Christopher (Bacchus Marsh), Frazer Dale, Tom McDonagh (Myrtleford), Sam Lynch, Jono Aujard (Old Scotch A Premier Amateurs), Tom Anderson, Mitch and Harry Sier (Heidleberg), Josh Stefanutti (Knox) OUT: Luke Van Der Feen, Lachlan Ritchie, Mitch Wareham, Tom Burley

GAME CHANGER

JACK HUTCHINS: The acquisition of the hometown hero will no doubt lift all those associated with the Eagles. The former Casey Demons star will add height and muscle to the Eagles’ back half and, perhaps most importantly, the added experience of playing footy at the highest level.

Chad Owens

ROUND 1

EUROA (A)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

SEYMOUR (H)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

BENALLA (H)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

ECHUCA (A)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

SHEPPARTON (A)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

TATURA (H)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

MAY 22

ROUND 8

MOOROOPNA (A)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

EUROA (H)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

KYABRAM (A)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

SEYMOUR (A)

JUNE 26

ROUND 12

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

ROCHESTER (A)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

SHEPPARTON (H)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

BENALLA (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

MOOROOPNA (H)

AUGUST 13

ROUND 17

KYABRAM (H)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

TATURA (A)

AUGUST 27

FINISHING RANGE

5TH–8TH: Hutchins’ arrival and the off-season efforts of many young Eagles coming through the ranks may well have Mansfield challenging the competition’s top sides regularly this season. Having retained most of its list, it’s clear for all to see Mansfield is building something formidable.

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Football and Netball 2022 17

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

MOOROOPNA CATS A “winning season” is the goal for Mooroopna this year as the Cats look to build on a sixth-placed 2021 finish. Coach John Lamont will have his troops raring to go at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve with new signings Ryan Kilpatrick and Mitch Jones adding to the squad. For Lamont, this year is all about having a winning season, with a goal of being competitive in every game. “I’ve been really pleased with the core group,” Lamont said. “It’s been a pleasing pre-season, everyone’s training well and looking forward with cautious optimism that the season is not going to be effected like the last two have been.” Lamont said the Cats were approaching this season as an extension of last year. “We’ve sort of looked at it as

almost like one year, almost like a 30-game season,” he said. “We are hoping that we can pick up where we left off.” The Cats finished last season strong and Lamont wants to build on that. “I talk about having a winning season, we want to be competitive in every game, that’s a week-toweek thing,” he said. “It’s around your preparation and making sure that when Mooroopna people come to watch their team, they’re coming out at quarter-time and we’re in the game and then they come out to the break at three-quarter time and we’re in the game. “We might not be in front, but we’re in it and we’re some sort of realistic competitive chance for people to be hanging in there, watching the footy and knowing that the team’s got a chance right up until the 20-minute

mark of the last quarter, that’s an objective.” Lamont’s winning season mentality should have the Cats play finals football this year and, with a young group, many of whom have been around each other for a couple of years now, the Cats should work well as a unit. “If you have a winning season in a 12-team comp that plays a top six and you have had 10 wins and eight losses, you’ll play a final,” Lamont said. “We’re not aiming at top two or anything like that, but just that winning season, that’s underpinned by that attitude of being competitive and being in every game, home and away, that’s our objective and as a young group we’ve still got a way to go with that.” – DANIEL WEBB

Chris Nield

FAST FACTS

GROUND: MOOROOPNA RECREATION RESERVE COACH: JOHN LAMONT PRESIDENT: BILL DOWLING 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) 2021 FINISH: SIXTH (5-1-5) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: CHRIS NIELD 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: CHRIS NIELD (28)

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GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

“

MOOROOPNA’S SEASON FIXTURE

We’ve sort of looked at it as almost like one year

– JOHN LAMONT, COACH

John Lamont

PLAYER CHANGES:

IN: Ryan Kilpatrick (North Shore), Mitch Jones, Jack Johnston, Ethan Hunt, Liam Mackie OUT: Trent Freer, Michael Coad, Nathan Turner, Matt Gorman

GAME CHANGER:

BEN HICKS: Mooroopna vice-captain Hicks is a versatile player and definitely one to look out for this season. Playing in a variety of roles last season and coming off a solid pre-season this year, Hicks is fit, ready to go and maturing into the leadership role, with a lot of potential to turn a few games upside down for the opposition.

MORE THAN A GOLF CLUB

ROUND 1

SHEPPARTON (A)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

APRIL 24

ROUND 4

SEYMOUR (A)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

TATURA (H)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

EUROA (H)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

BENALLA (A)

MAY 21

ROUND 8

MANSFIELD (H)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

ECHUCA (A)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

JUNE 19

ROUND 11

SHEPPARTON (H)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

ROCHESTER (H)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

KYABRAM (A)

JULY 9

ROUND 14

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

SEYMOUR (H)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

MANSFIELD (A)

AUGUST 13

ROUND 17

EUROA (A)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

ECHUCA (H)

AUGUST 27

FINISHING RANGE:

4TH – 8TH: The Cats will be there or thereabouts this year, but it is hard to think they are a true premiership contender. Coach John Lamont has a reputation for getting his side to do big things and, with a small number of signings and a youthful look, the Cats should remain a top end mid-table side for another season.

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Football and Netball 2022 19

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

ROCHESTER TIGERS Rochester has developed its squad on every line, welcoming a former AFL player, club best-and-fairest and a league rising star to the Tigers den as it looks to improve on its fifth-placed finish last season. North Melbourne defender Shaun Atley will make his Rochester homecoming, joining brothers Joe and Jacob at Moon Oval, while the midfield has also been bolstered by the return of Rochester’s 2018 club best-andfairest Doug Wren after a stint at Goulburn Valley League rival Shepparton United. Rochester’s forward line will keep opposition defenders on their toes, with Steven Stroobants set to welcome the company of top-five Picola District Football League goalkicker Isaac Johnson down forward. Johnson booted 38 goals for Mathoura in 2021 and the pairing

of the two live-wire forwards will be exciting to watch for the Tigers faithful. Heathcote District Football League’s Rising star Mitch Cricelli has also crossed over from Elmore to don the Tigers’ sash. After yet another extended pre-season, Stroobants’ team has been in training since early November, and will come into the season as one of the fittest clubs in the league. He will be hoping the side can get off to a faster start than its 2021 campaign, with expectations of arresting the inconsistencies of last year. “All the boys are excited to get back into it,” Stroobants said. “It’s a long season when you think about it; we were still training when the season got called off. “We didn’t get off to a great start losing our first four games,

but we started to string some good footy together, and we’ll look to improve on that.” The only blemish for Rochester is the loss of best-and-fairest Logan Austin and Dillon Williams. “We’re happy with how we’ve recruited and with our young guys coming through,” Stroobants said. “We expect to be thereabouts again and improve on what we showed last year.” Another positive for Rochester is the return of its thirds after a hiatus last season, adding another element to the depth of the Tigers. Rochester’s round one hit-out against minor premier — and arch-rival — Echuca will clue the league into the prospects of the Tigers, but they now look primed to make a splash come finals time. – JOSH HUNTLY

Shaun Atley. Photo: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

FAST FACTS

JOINED LEAGUE: 1913 TO 1914, 1973- NICKNAME: TIGERS GROUND: MOON OVAL COACH: STEVEN STROOBANTS PRESIDENT: JEFF BRIGHT PREMIERSHIPS: 1914, 1992, 1999, 2008 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: M. KEENAN (1988), P. MORGAN (1994), G. CAMPBELL (2011), A. WATSON (2015) 2021 FINISH: 5TH (5–5) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: LOGAN AUSTIN 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: STEVEN STROOBANTS (28)

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20 Football and Netball 2022

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

“

ROCHESTER’S SEASON FIXTURE

We’re happy with how we’ve recruited and with our young guys coming through.

“

– STEVEN STROOBANTS, COACH

Steven Stroobants

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Shaun Atley (AFL), Mitch Cricelli (Elmore), James McPhee (Lockington Bamawm United), Isaac Johnson (Mathoura), Doug Wren (Shepparton United) OUT: Logan Austin (Bairnsdale), Dillon Williams (Eaglehawk)

GAME CHANGER

DOUG WREN: Rochester’s 2018 best-and-fairest will add further grunt to the Tigers’ midfield. Wren is moving into the prime of his career according to Steven Stroobants and showed his class at Shepparton United last season.

Doug Wren

ROUND 1

ECHUCA (H)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

KYABRAM (A)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

TATURA (H)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

BENALLA (A)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

SHEPPARTON (A)

MAY 21

ROUND 8

ECHUCA (A)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

SEYMOUR (H)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

EUROA (A)

JUNE 19

ROUND 11

KYABRAM (H)

JUNE 26

ROUND 12

MOOROOPNA (A)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

MANSFIELD (H)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

BENALLA (H)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

TATURA (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

SHEPPARTON (H)

AUGUST 27

SEASON PREDICTION

3RD–5TH: Fit, firing and with several handy inclusions, Rochester will be a danger side in 2022. If Rochester can amend the inconsistency that plagued the early stages of last season, its football will speak for itself. At worst, it’s a list that can push the Goulburn Valley League’s top clubs — at best it’s a side that can push deep into finals.

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GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

SEYMOUR LIONS The surprise packet of 2021, Seymour comes into the new season filled with expectation as one of the Goulburn Valley League’s early premiership fancies. But after enjoying a breakout season, the big question for the Lions is can they sustain the form that saw them become a genuine contender, or was 2021 just a ﬂash in the pan? Sporting an exciting list filled with exuberant youth and seasoned campaigners, coach Ben Davey has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal as he looks to bring the ﬂag back to Kings Park for the first time since 2007. Reigning Morrison medallist Jack O’Sullivan comes into the new season with a reputation as arguably the league’s best player and will lead a talented on-ball brigade that features the likes of Josh Alford and Dylan Scopel. While the likes of Kyle Winter-Irving, Hudson Kaak and Kier Bol will be imposing figures across the ground filling the key position roles. Coming to the end of what has been a strong pre-season, Davey said the focus had simply been on continuing to improve as he hoped to build a period of sustained success. “It is similar to last year where we are just training and getting ready to get the season up and running again, it doesn’t really matter what everyone else thinks,

Hudson Kaak

FAST FACTS Russell Mawson

it is just really important that we improve from what we did last season,” Davey said. “If you stay the same and don’t get better everyone else will go past you, so we have just been working on getting improvement from our entire team and getting better every training.” The Lions made headlines in November, when they unveiled star AFL recruit Michael Hartley, with the former Bomber and Hawk set to don the maroon when not required by Collingwood’s VFL team. Seasoned Werribee midfielder Louis Pinnuck also makes his way to the den, as Davey said the addition of AFL and VFL experience would do wonders for the group. “Michael played AFL footy last year and was in the system for eight years, he’s got good mates at the club as well, so he has been around the group a bit, so it is great to get him on board and he’ll be really good in a coaching sense as well as on the field playing in what we hope will be 6–10 games,” he said. “Louis is part of the Werribee leadership group and is an important part of their team, so we may not see much of him, but we really look forward to having him around the club and into the future as well, he will definitely give our guys a lot of guidance.”

Currently having nine players completing pre-seasons at VFL clubs and a strong contingent of local boys hitting the track hard, he highlighted a few individuals that looked set to take their game to the next level. “Josh Alford and Nathan Beattie at North Melbourne are going really well, Riley Mason is at Coburg and is ﬂying, while Jack Murphy at Northern Bullants and Dylan Cook at Richmond are also looking good,” he said. “On our home track, a lot of the young guys who took the step last year into senior footy are really pushing each other hard, guys like Ben Rigoni, Ben Cooney, and Dylan Scopel all look very strong and fit and I can’t wait to see what they produce this year.” With all the pieces in place, it is now up to Davey to steer them in the right direction, as he hopes to take advantage of his team’s youth and speed with an attacking style of play. “There isn’t a real particular style, but we want to be play fast and be really clean with the ball and ideally us have it (the ball) more than the opposition,” he said. “We are aiming to make finals from the start and be a top four team in the Goulburn Valley League, which is very hard to do, but I am confident in the guys we have, and our style of play will stack up.” – ZAC STANDISH

JOINED LEAGUE: 1940; 1976 TO PRESENT NICKNAME: LIONS GROUND: KINGS PARK COACH: BEN DAVEY PRESIDENT: GERARD O’SULLIVAN PREMIERSHIPS: 1976, 1981, 1982, 1991, 2005, 2006, 2007 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: C.FROELICH (1940), G.LIDDELL (1978), J.SOLOMON (1989), S.SCHOTTNER (2004) J.O’SULLIVAN (2021) 2021 FINISH: THIRD (9–2) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JACK O’SULLIVAN 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: HUDSON KAAK (24)

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GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

“

SEYMOUR’S SEASON FIXTURE

I can’t wait to see what they produce this year.

“

– BEN DAVEY, COACH

Jack O’Sullivan

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Michael Hartley (Hawthorn), Louis Pinnuck (Werribee), James Wooster (Lancefield), Riley Mason (Lancefield), Max McLean (Avenel), Todd Lawrence (Avenel) OUT: Ariek Lual (Melton)

ROUND 1

BENALLA (H)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

MANSFIELD (A)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

EUROA (A)

APRIL 24

ROUND 4

MOOROOPNA (H)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

ECHUCA (H)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

KYABRAM (A)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

MAY 21

ROUND 8

SHEPPARTON (H)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

ROCHESTER (A)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

TATURA (A)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

MANSFIELD (H)

JUNE 26

ROUND 12

BENALLA (A)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

KYABRAM (H)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

MOOROOPNA (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

EUROA (H)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

TATURA (H)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

AUGUST 27

GAME CHANGER

Michael Hartley

JACK O’SULLIVAN: One of the key figures behind Seymour’s sudden rise up the ladder in 2021, reigning Morrison medallist Jack O’Sullivan comes into the new season primed to lead the Lions to premiership glory. As reliable as they come through the middle of the ground, O’Sullivan is a ball-gathering machine that runs hard both ways, provides great defensive pressure and gives his all whenever he takes the field.

FINISHING RANGE

1ST–4TH: Managing expectations will be the toughest task for the Lions this year as they enter the new season as one of the competition’s genuine premiership contenders. With class oozing out of every line and incredible depth, this team should have Seymour fans incredibly excited as they hope to bring the ﬂag back to Kings Park for the first time since 2007.

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Football and Netball 2022 23

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

SHEPPARTON BEARS Things are looking up for Shepparton, with a youthful squad set to head out onto Deakin Reserve this season. The Bears will be looking to improve on a disappointing last place in season 2021, where they picked up two wins. New playing coach and Bears premiership captain Ted Lindon said things were looking optimistic in pre-season. “There is obviously every chance we won’t be ﬂag favourites, but it’s been a really exciting summer program,” Lindon said. “We have been able to bring in some mature bodies to complement the younger boys, which has been great and we’re really looking forward to it.” Not being around the club last year, Lindon was not overly critical of the team’s results. “We’re just trying to complement the platform laid from last year and continuing to develop

the younger guys and hopefully win a few more games would be nice,” Lindon said. When talking about goals for the year, he made it clear there was no definitive results-based goal for the club. “There is no ceiling on the goal, whether it’s to play finals or finish on top, there is no goal like that, it’s just more about developing the younger boys,” he said. “Anything can happen, so there is no ceiling in terms of a goal, but very confident, the boys have trained the house down over the summer and there is no reason why we can’t surprise a few in 2022.” Lindon said he was well supported by his assistants to fulfil his role and was enjoying it. “Personally, I’m really enjoying it, the challenge of coaching and playing will obviously be different, but I have got great support,” he said.

“We’re keen to re-engage with the fans, we want them to get down to Deakin, obviously it’s been a disjointed last couple of years, and watch a side that obviously makes them proud to be a Shepparton supporter. “There is every chance we’ll be a blue-collar team with a layer of exciting 18–21-year-old talent which they should be excited about.” Lindon said Jacob Watts, Conor Flemming, Jayden Dhosi and Jed Warrin had been impressive this pre-season. With an up-and-coming squad, a strong history to build on and a fresh face in the coach’s seat it is sure to be an interesting season for the Bears. Finals are not out of the question, but neither is missing them. One thing that is certain is that it will be a big year at Deakin Reserve. – DANIEL WEBB

Anthony Andronaco

FAST FACTS

HSA FORKLIFTS • • • •

HSA HSA HSA HSA

JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BEARS GROUND: DEAKIN RESERVE COACH: TED LINDON PRESIDENT: MARK WASHINGTON 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, 2018 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), N. ROKAHR (2018 JOINT) 2021 FINISH: 12TH (2-9) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: N/A 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ANTHONY ANDRONACO (15)

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GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

“

BEARS’ SEASON FIXTURE

There is no ceiling on the goal, whether it’s to play finals or finish on top, there is no goal like that, it’s just more about developing the younger boys.

“

– TED LINDON, COACH Ted Lindon

Bryce Stephenson

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Miles Rowlands (Waaia), Hamish Rowlands (Waaia), Tyler Larkin, Ted Lindon, Jordy McGregor OUT: Orien Kerr (Congupna), Tom Boyd, Matt Shannon

GAME CHANGER

BRYCE STEPHENSON: Stephenson will be one to watch for Shepparton this year, with the hard worker set to light up the league. His work ethic, versatility around the ground and experience will hold him in good stead for a big season. If the Bears are to play finals this year Stephenson is definitely a player that could help them get there.

ROUND 1

MOOROOPNA (H)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

APRIL 15

ROUND 3

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

TATURA (A)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

MANSFIELD (H)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

ECHUCA (A)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

ROCHESTER (H)

MAY 21

ROUND 8

SEYMOUR (A)

JUNE 4

ROUND 9

KYABRAM (H)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

BENALLA (A)

JUNE 19

ROUND 11

MOOROOPNA (A)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

EUROA (H)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

JULY 9

ROUND 14

MANSFIELD (A)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

ECHUCA (H)

AUGUST 13

ROUND 17

BENALLA (H)

AUGUST 21

ROUND 18

ROCHESTER (A)

AUGUST 27

FINISHING RANGE

6TH-10TH: The Bears will certainly not be dominating the competition this year, but they are sure to put up a good fight. Shepparton is a side full of youth and with premiership captain Ted Lindon at the helm as playing coach it is sure to play some exciting footy. It would not be surprising to see this side playing finals this year.

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Football and Netball 2022 25

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

SHEPPARTON SWANS The promising rebuild at Princess Park is set to continue this season for Shepparton Swans. The off-season had the passing of the baton from champion clubman and coach Paul Hawke to one of the club’s favourite sons Andrew Riordan. Supporters of the Swans can expect Riordan to continue on the valuable work done by his predecessor in the past couple of years. Brett Warburton, who coached the Swans to a ﬂag in 2014, and Rob Auld will help assist Riordan through his first season at the helm. “We have a lot to thank Hawkey for after his work over the past few years,” Riordan said. “He’s got us back from a pretty tough place and laid down the foundations for the future. “I learned a lot from (him) and it’s been great to have both Brett and Rob help out as well. “We know our rebuild won’t happen overnight. It will take Andrew Riordan

FAST FACTS

Peter Steele 440 Peter Steele 0414 0414 440734 734 Dave Davies 001 Dave Davies 0429 0429 001885 885

26 Football and Netball 2022

Bowen Calogero (Shepparton United), Joeve Cooper (Shepparton United) and Zac Banch (Yarrawonga) have joined in the off-season. All three new faces have experience in the Murray Bushrangers’ system, while Cooper is still on the Bushies’ under-19 list. Banch will reunite with Batey and Calogero, two of his former Bushrangers teammates when he was a member of the junior program. Riordan described teenage pair Calogero and Cooper as two “top-end talents” who will break through in the senior ranks. When summing up his outfit, exciting was one of the key words Riordan used to describe his charges. “We might lack a bit of experience, but we are a really young and exciting group,” he said. “There is a good batch of players in that 20–22 age bracket.” – AYDIN PAYNE

JOINED LEAGUE: 1946 (AS LEMNOS FOOTBALL CLUB) NICKNAME: SWANS GROUND: PRINCESS PARK COACH: ANDREW RIORDAN PRESIDENT: JARROD SUTHERLAND 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 2021 FINISH: 11TH (2–9) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BJ SQUIRE 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: MICHAEL COOKE (14)

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some time, but there is a lot of excitement to what the future will bring.” Once an easy-beat of the Goulburn Valley League a short time ago, the young Swans showed glimpses of what the future has in store for them during 2021. Two wins and a handful of character-building close losses highlighted Hawke’s last season at the helm. It has been a long process, but one that Riordan is keen to continue under his watch. “We’ll look to play a similar style to what Hawkey brought in over the past few years,” Riordan said. The Swans’ youth of yesteryear, Nathan Rachele, Ty Collison and Rylen Damianopoulos, mixed with the next slab of youngsters, Diesel Batey, Zac Clohesy, Steele Simpson and co should have the Swans’ faithful hopeful for the year ahead. That group has risen through the ranks, while new additions

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

Bowen Calogero

“

SWANS’ SEASON FIXTURE

We’ll look to play a similar style to what Hawkey brought in over the past few years.

“

– ANDREW RIORDAN, COACH

BJ Squire

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Bowen Calogero (Shepparton United), Joeve Cooper (Shepparton United), Zac Banch (Yarrawonga) OUT: Charlie Hill (Numurkah), Angus Harrington (Tallygaroopna), Ryan Pfeiffer, Tom Campbell (Shepparton East), Luke Moore, Jessie Finnen, Zac Alderton

GAME CHANGER

BJ SQUIRE: Each year it feels like a bit of a copy and paste job when writing about the game changer at the Swans, but the star midfielder is one of the competition’s best performers. Squire is renowned for his ability to cover the ground, gather disposals at ease and slice open opposition defences. Another club bestand-fairest under his belt last season cements his place as one of the finest to have donned the red and white.

ROUND 1

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

MOOROOPNA (A)

APRIL 16

ROUND 3

SHEPPARTON (A)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

EUROA (H)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

KYABRAM (H)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

ROCHESTER (A)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

MANSFIELD (A)

MAY 22

ROUND 8

TATURA (H)

JUNE 5

ROUND 9

BENALLA (A)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

MOOROOPNA (H)

JUNE 19

ROUND 11

SHEPPARTON UNITED (A)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

ECHUCA (H)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

SEYMOUR (H)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

EUROA (A)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

SHEPPARTON (A)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

TATURA (A)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

ROCHESTER (H)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

KYABRAM (A)

AUGUST 27

FINISHING RANGE

8TH–10TH: The Swans have come from a long way back, but with the foundations of a strong rebuild in place and a bright future ahead expect them to take another step in the right direction this season. The departures of Alderton, Finnen and Hill will be a blow, but they have brought in three classy young guns. Expect the Swans to push sides again and pop up with some upset wins.

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Football and Netball 2022 27

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

SHEPPARTON UNITED After a turbulent off-season filled with dramatic turnover on and off the field, 2022 serves as an opportunity for Shepparton United to reset as it embarks on a full-blown rebuild. Finishing ninth after registering four wins in 2021, the Demons have seen the likes of Brock McLean, Jhett Cooper, Dwain Vidler, Fitzroy Greenwol, Tyler Pedretti and Matthew Rendina walk out the door, paving the way for some up-and-coming youngsters to take the next step. Former Tatura coach and last year’s senior assistant Paul Serra steps up to take the top job in 2022, tasked with rebuilding this proud club from the bottom up. Sporting an incredibly young list of largely unproven players at Goulburn Valley League level, Serra said the group had attacked training hard during the pre-season. “It has been pretty solid, we have been putting the hard yards in and it has been everything I have expected it to be,” Serra said. “I think our fitness will definitely hold up and we are doing a lot of

Kaedyn Napier

FAST FACTS

as a number of guys step up to bigger roles, obviously it is a good standard of footy the GVL, so just by having that experience I think we will see a lot of improvement.” Rebuilding a list is something that does take time, however, which is something he certainly understands as the club tries to get the right people in place to build a culture of sustained success. “Obviously we have a young group, and we know how challenging that is going to be, but it is something we look forward to and hope to have fun with,” he said. “There will be teams that are difficult and times that are easy, but we are really concentrating on what we can bring to each individual game and not looking much further ahead than that. “It is definitely a transition period for us where we just need to get things rolling along and give our young guys a chance to prove themselves at senior level.” – ZAC STANDISH

JOINED LEAGUE: 1950 NICKNAME: DEMONS GROUND: DEAKIN RESERVE COACH: PAUL SERRA PRESIDENT: REBECCA MONK PREMIERSHIPS: 1954, 1955, 1956, 1962, 1967, 1974, 1980, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2010, 2011 2021 FINISH: NINTH (4-7) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: KYLE CLARKE 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ELLIOT CAVALLARO (16)

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28 Football and Netball 2022

work on that, the guys have been really determined on the track and committed to getting better.” While many will focus on the long list of outs, United has been busy trying to attract young talent,with the likes of hard-nosed midfielder Mitch Booth, talented utility Jared Service and imposing key forward Mitch Oliver set to be vital additions to the Demons. They join an exciting core of returning players that include reigning best-and-fairest winner Kyle Clarke, up-and-coming star Ryan Wenske and the ultrareliable Kaedyn Napier. Serra said he would be looking to bring his own fresh game plan to the table as he hoped to see growth out of his young list. “I just go with my style, that is how I will look to attack it, we had a certain game plan last year and I will just add my spin onto things, at the end of the day footy is a pretty simple game and we will just look to bring that effort and intensity,” he said. “We have a very young list, so I probably expect we will get a lot of growth out of our players

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“

SHEPP UNITED’S SEASON FIXTURE

Obviously we have a young group, and we know how challenging that is going to be, but it is something we look forward to and hope to have fun with.

ROUND 1

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

SHEPPARTON (H)

APRIL 15

ROUND 3

MOOROOPNA (A)

APRIL 24

ROUND 4

ROCHESTER (H)

APRIL 30

– PAUL SERRA, COACH

ROUND 5

EUROA (A)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

BENALLA (H)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

SEYMOUR (A)

MAY 21

ROUND 8

KYABRAM (H)

JUNE 5

ROUND 9

TATURA (A)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

ECHUCA (H)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

MANSFIELD (A)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

SHEPPARTON (A)

JULY 9

ROUND 14

MOOROOPNA (H)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

EUROA (H)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

ROCHESTER (A)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

ECHUCA (A)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

SEYMOUR (H)

AUGUST 27

“

Ryan Wenske

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Mitch Booth (Deer Park), Mitch Oliver (La Trobe University), Jared Service (Hawthorn AFC), Jamie Atkinson (Rumbalara) OUT: Brock McLean (Tongala), Dwain Vidler (Shepparton East), Thomas McCluskey (Shepparton East), Matthew Rendina (Shepparton East), Jhett Cooper (Tungamah), Fitzroy Greenwol, Tyler Pedretti (Shepparton East), Bowen Calogero (Shepparton Swans), Joeve Cooper (Shepparton Swans)

GAME CHANGER

Kyle Clarke

KYLE CLARKE: The Demons’ reigning best-and-fairest winner, Kyle Clarke, comes into the new season with a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. Starring across halfback last year, Clarke is blessed with elite game-breaking ability with his blistering speed and silky skills sure to be a focal point of Paul Serra’s fresh game plan.

FINISHING RANGE

10TH — 12TH: It’s no secret 2022 will be a rebuilding year for the Demons as they usher through the next generation of young talent. It won’t be about the wins and losses for Paul Serra and the United brainstrust this season, rather getting valuable experience into the list and building for an exciting future.

Football and Netball 2022 29

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

TATURA BULLDOGS

Rhys Damon

FAST FACTS

A talented crop of youth, mixed with a solid base of experience and topped off with an impressive summer of training and Tatura coach Paul Kirby is optimistic of the year ahead. The pre-season sessions at Tatura Park have showcased that the Bulldogs are blessed with a good blend of young guns and old heads. Kirby, about to embark on his third campaign at the Kennel, is excited by the efforts of the club’s emerging stars. “We have had some good numbers at training and I’m really happy with how pre-season has been travelling,” Kirby said. “I’m super excited for the year ahead because we have got some ripper young talent. “Guys like Will Russell, Sean McAllister and Xavier Hutchinson are ﬂying on the track and you add them in with the experience of Tom Sullivan, Linc Wellington, Chris Ryan and those type of boys and there’s a lot of excitement. “I’ve really liked the way Jimmy (James) Bennett has gone about his pre-season, as well as both Curt Ryan and Tim Wilson.” A quick glance at Tatura’s

departures in the off-season highlights one glaring omission from last year’s roster. Gun on-baller Nick Fothergill. The silky mover is off to the Ovens and Murray League, alongside former Tatura teammate Jordan O’Dwyer, to play at Yarrawonga. Fothergill’s departure has left a sizeable hole at the club. “Foz is a pretty hard player to replace,” Kirby said. “He’s a superstar player and a terrific bloke as well, so it was tough to see him go.” Despite the challenge that comes with replacing a player of Fothergill’s ilk, Tatura has done a mighty job in filling the gaps. Former club captain and current VFL talent Tom Miller has nominated the Bulldogs as his home club. When the class defender isn’t running around for Southport, expect to see him donning the red, white and blue again which will no doubt bring a smile to the Tatura faithful. Ben Cosgriff has joined the Kennel and will link up with former teammates.

– AYDIN PAYNE

JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BULLDOGS GROUND: TATURA PARK COACH: PAUL KIRBY PRESIDENT: JAMES PYKE PREMIERSHIPS: 1898, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1904, 1905, 1952, 1953, 1995, 1998, 2003, 2012 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: W. PRITCHARD (1947), J. GREENWOOD (1969 AND 1970), N. SMITH (1974), T.ESLER (1995) 2021 FINISH: 10TH (2–9) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TOM SULLIVAN 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: NICK FOTHERGILL (15)

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30 Football and Netball 2022

Cosgriff is a decorated key-back and has shifted from Northern Football League outfit Heidelberg, where he is a premiership player. “Ben is a big fella who’s very fit and he’ll play down back. You’ll notice him when he’s out there,” Kirby said. “We’ve also picked up Billy Cooper’s cousin Rhys Damon, who is very skilful and really quick. And Aubrey Coote is back after a few years off and he’ll bolster our ruck stocks.” Kirby highlighted the one area his charges had been knuckling down on ahead of the 2022 season. “One of the big things we probably want to try and tick off this season is our skill execution,” he said. “Our errors with ball in hand really let us down (last year). “We have been working hard on our ball movement and skills and hopefully we can see improvement in that this season.”

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Tom Sullivan

TATURA’S SEASON FIXTURE

I’m super excited for the year ahead because we have got some ripper young talent.

“

– PAUL KIRBY, COACH

James Bennett

PLAYER CHANGES

GAME CHANGER

IN: Ben Cosgriff (Heidelberg), Aubrey Coote (returning), Tom Miller (nominated), Rhys Damon (Katandra), Fraser McCarty OUT: Nick Fothergill, Jordan O’Dwyer (Yarrawonga), Brayden Sutton, Morrie Serra (Numurkah)

TOM SULLIVAN: Sullivan is coming off an outstanding 2021 season, one where he walked away with the Bulldogs’ best-and-fairest. Losing Nick Fothergill may direct more opposition attention his way, but expect the talented on-baller to back last year’s performance up with another standout campaign.

269

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STIHL SHOP SHEPPARTON

ROUND 1

KYABRAM (H)

APRIL 9

ROUND 2

BENALLA (A)

APRIL 15

ROUND 3

ROCHESTER (A)

APRIL 23

ROUND 4

SHEPPARTON (H)

APRIL 30

ROUND 5

MOOROOPNA (A)

MAY 7

ROUND 6

MANSFIELD (A)

MAY 14

ROUND 7

ECHUCA (H)

MAY 22

ROUND 8

SHEPPARTON SWANS (A)

JUNE 5

ROUND 9

SHEPPARTON UNITED (H)

JUNE 11

ROUND 10

SEYMOUR (A)

JUNE 18

ROUND 11

EUROA (A)

JUNE 25

ROUND 12

KYABRAM (A)

JULY 2

ROUND 13

BENALLA (H)

JULY 16

ROUND 14

ECHUCA (A)

JULY 23

ROUND 15

ROCHESTER (H)

JULY 30

ROUND 16

SHEPPARTON SWANS (H)

AUGUST 6

ROUND 17

SEYMOUR (A)

AUGUST 20

ROUND 18

MANSFIELD (H)

AUGUST 27

FINISHING RANGE

6TH-9TH: Trying to predict where Tatura finishes in 2022 is a hard one to decipher. Injuries rocked the squad last year and rarely did the Bulldogs have their best 22 fit and on the park. They’ve lost three walk-up starters, but have added some class as well. The spine looks strong which is a key ingredient to any outfit and the Bulldogs may just surprise a few.

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Football and Netball 2022 31

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

LADDER PREDICTIONS: 1: Shepparton United 2: Mooroopna 3: Echuca 4: Seymour 5: Shepparton Swans 6: Tatura 7: Shepparton 8: Euroa 9: Kyabram 10: Rochester 11: Benalla 12: Mansfield

PREMIER 2019

Seymour

READY FOR ACTION Following what can only be described as an exhausting and long off-season, we are only days away until the return of the Goulburn Valley League A-grade season. After fans and players were cruelly robbed of what was set to be a cracking finals series, anticipation is high for what this season has in store. Glance back 12 months and Shepparton United was odds-on favourite to secure the title, but this time around you have multiple raging favourites. United, which secured the minor premiership in 2021, is undoubtedly still in the box seat. Two-time Wellman Medal winner Jessie Barnes headlines the star-studded line-up, while long-time teammate and friend Kara Blizzard has stepped up to the coaching ranks following the departure of

WELLMAN FAMILY MEDALISTS 2021: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United) 2019: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United) 2018: Emma Ryan (Tatura) 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)

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE PAST PREMIERS 2019: Seymour 2018: Echuca 2017: Kyabram 2016: Kyabram 2015: Seymour

Tania Orchard. Zoe Davies may struggle for appearances at the start of the season following her inclusion as a training partner for Collingwood in the Super Netball, but the Dees still have the likes of Laura Cole and Olivia Kirby at their disposal. Mooroopna looks primed for a finals assault. Di Hanslow has gathered an impressive list together with United duo Sarah Bohn and Hannah Onley joining the likes of Maddie Wong, Elle Brooks and Bree Hanslow. Echuca still has the nucleus of a team set to challenge, however, multiple personnel changes might have it drop away from Mooroopna and United. Seymour looks set to defend its longstanding premiership from what seems a

lifetime ago. The 2019 reigning premier has welcomed star goaler Ellie O’Sullivan to the coaching panel. O’Sullivan was quick to bolster the squad with the inclusion of Casey Adamson and VNL talent Ella Tenant. We have seen a familiar face step aside from the coaching ranks, with Shepparton Swans’ Jana Bruinier replaced by Courtney Simpson. The Swans have kept majority of their list from 2021 and look set to challenge for finals. However, we still have the experience of Tracey Brereton behind the clipboard for Shepparton, with the classy mentor at the helm of a young and exciting list. Tatura, led by first-year coach Fiona Boyer, and Euroa look to be the next two

2014: Shepparton United 2013: Shepparton Swans 2012: Kyabram 2011: Kyabram 2010: Shepparton United outfits that can put their hand up for a spot in the finals. The Bulldogs have added exciting teenager Molly Kennedy to their list, while Euroa mentor Ellie Warnock expects her side to push for finals. Meanwhile, Kyabram may surprise a few with the inclusion of two-time Warren medallist Chicky Barr and United’s Liv and Jemma Hall. Rochester will be led by Rachel Whipp, who takes over an outfit that will be no easy pushover and lastly Benalla and Mansfield will have fresh looks. Benalla legend Kellie Keen is back to help out her old club, while Mansfield’s Nelle Cousins has stepped up to spearhead the Eagles. – AYDIN PAYNE

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You’ll find us here: | 5831 1800 | www.gagliardiscott.com.au We wish all the Football & Netball players best of luck for their 2021 season 32 Football and Netball 2022

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

BENALLA

With Kellie Keen gearing up for a full season in charge of Benalla’s A-grade netball outfit, it’s anyone’s guess as to how far this side can go in 2022. Keen’s return last season was music to the ears of the Benalla faithful; she brings with her a kind of netballing wisdom that can only be procured through the amount of time spent around the game that she has. Building on the foundations set within this side will be a big priority for the Saints legend. Under Rhiannon Dolahenty’s guidance Benalla cruised to an impressive eighth-place last season, the side’s best finish since 2017. Netball co-ordinator Meg Morrison has every faith this burgeoning side can mix it with the Goulburn Valley League’s best this year. “We have got some real exciting new girls — Sally Washfold, she’s quite a handy shooter — tall, fit, she’s a really handy pick up for us, we’ve needed a strong shooter for quite a few years now, so it’s quite exciting to have her on board,” Morrison said. “We’ve got players — Benalla-based players, now it’s just a matter of getting the team together and working on positioning and things like that.” Hayley Martiniello also returns to her home club from Bendigo to offer her assistance, giving Keen a

handy option through the middle of the court. The experienced Stacey Emms steps in to guide the Saints’ B-reserve outfit, lending her netball nous to the side’s youngsters this year.

Kelsey Pallpratt

COACH: KELLIE KEEN 2021 FINISH: EIGHTH (4-6)

ECHUCA

Stephanie Vick is about to start the third year of her coaching career with Echuca’s A-grade Goulburn Valley League netball team and she has one hope, no interruptions. “My entire senior coaching experience has been during the pandemic to this point. In 2020 we didn’t get to play a single game, even though we did a full pre-season,’’ Vick said. “Fortunately we stayed connected throughout most of the year.” Last season, when Vick spent all but one match on the sidelines due to her being pregnant with son Isaac, the team played 13 games — losing only one of those and finishing second, on percentage, to Shepparton United at the end of the home and away season. “We did have the opportunity to play them again and we won that one,” she said. Vick, who grew up in Echuca-Moama and has only recently returned with her football playing husband Josh, said she would have expected her 2021 team to have done well come finals — given the chance. “Our big aim this year is to enjoy every single week that we get to play together. Being at our best and hopefully at the end of that process there are some rewards,” she said.

Stephanie Vick Vick will be an on-court leader this year, cast in a midcourt or defensive role. There will be a new look to the team as family commitments, pregnancy and a variety of other reasons force a revamp of the A-grade team. “Probably half of our team from last year are no longer playing. “We haven’t selected our teams yet, but we have a squad of 28 players that will fill the A-grade, B-grade and B-reserve teams,” she said. Her husband will be playing this season at Moama, where close friend Sam Sheldon is coaching “He has tried to retire four times, but because he is close to Sam he has decided to play at Moama,” Vick said.

2022 COACH: STEPH VICK 2021 FINISH: SECOND (10-1)

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Football and Netball 2022 33

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

EUROA

After pulling itself off the bottom of the Goulburn Valley League netball ladder in 2021, Euroa will be hoping for continued growth from its A-grade side this season. Sporting a new-look team last year, the Magpies’ chemistry grew as the season progressed, which is something that excites second year mentor Ellie Warnock as the club managed to retain the entirety of its A-grade squad. “Everything is going really well, we had a lot of numbers at trials which was good, and we basically have our core group from last year returning which is really exciting,” Warnock said.

“I am pretty confident (we can rise up the ladder), I feel like we were really finding our feet last year being a new team and never playing with each other before, and now we are comfortable, we can continue to build on that groundwork from last year.” Having built a strong connection last season, she said the coaching staff was able to broaden its focus in the off-season into building a more solid game plan. “It was just a lot of game plays on the day, last year was just about finding our feet and getting comfortable as a team, so now we can work on strategies on the court and particular plays,” she said. As for what the Magpies will look like in 2022,

Warnock expects the fans to quickly pick up a distinct style as she hopes to push for finals action. “A lot of one-on-one game style from us and just lots of communication and chit-chat on the court, I think people will find us to be a very loud team,” she said. “Hopefully we can just build on what we achieved last year, towards the end of the season especially we really started to improve, so hopefully with a bit more continuity and structure to our game plan we can keep on getting better.”

Ellie Warnock

COACH: ELLIE WARNOCK 2021 FINISH: NINTH (3–6–1)

KYABRAM

Improvement is the aim of the game for Kyabram this Goulburn Valley League netball season. Undergoing a nightmare 2021 campaign, the Bombers lost all 10 of their contests to come in dead last on the table when the season was prematurely cut short. But don’t expect to see the same story in 2022. A slew of returning stars, headlined by Kyabram District League best-and-fairest Chicky Barr, will without doubt boost the A-grade side as excitement builds to what coach Sara Kent is hoping to be a bounce back season at Kyabram Recreation Reserve. “The group is really excited to be honest; the

shortened season last year has certainly led to increased enthusiasm and our group certainly got back into training a lot earlier, which was great,” Kent said. “We are certainly looking to put last season behind us, it was an up and down year and we were very low on numbers with injuries and pregnancies and things, so we are certainly excited to turn that around this year. “Our team is all Kyabram locals; we have the two Halls in Liv and Gemma returning and have Chicky Barr returning after having a baby, so it is really exciting, they’re back where they belong and will add fantastic depth to our squad.

“I am confident we will be a lot more competitive across all grades this season.” As for what she hopes to get out of the season, Kent said she hoped implementing a fast-paced game plan would bring about a sharp rise up the ladder. “I think with fitness on our side it will be a high pressure, high intensity sort of game, particularly defensively, so just that quick ball movement and just get it down there quickly as we utilise our strong midcourt,” she said. “We certainly have goals to improve and hopefully be more competitive as we look to play finals in the not-too-distant future.”

Chicky Barr

COACH: SARA KENT 2021 FINISH: 12TH (0-11)

MANSFIELD

After a mixed 2021 season, Mansfield coach Nelle Cousins is highly optimistic her girls will be prepared to give it their all come round one. Stepping into the role at the conclusion of 2021, Cousins says a positive pre-season has her full of confidence. Mansfield is looking to rise up from last year’s position where it finished second-last on the A-grade ladder.

The first-year mentor said the summer months had brought an inﬂux of new faces to the club. “We’ve had some really good numbers on court over the last few weeks, we’ve had a lot of girls that have stayed on and a couple of new young girls that look like they’ll be super solid,” Cousins said. Eagles stalwarts Grace Hood, Ellie Kipping and Dempsey Parsons will line up again this season, with their expertise sure to show in all three areas of the court.

Amy Dixon-Reilly is set for another superb season in attack, after a breakout 2021 had her claim the Eagles’ best-and-fairest. A club camp in late February offered the squad an opportunity to boost pre-season fitness, as well as a chance for the team’s new faces to mix with the Eagles’ veterans.

Nelle Cousins

COACH: NELLE COUSINS 2021 FINISH: 11TH (1–10)

MOOROOPNA

Excitement fills the air at the Mooroopna netball courts heading into the new season, as the Cats appear poised for another premiership push. Di Hanslow returns as coach for another season and has an embarrassment of riches at her disposal, sporting a squad filled with seasoned Goulburn Valley League campaigners and up-and-coming stars. “We are looking very similar (to last year) as far as team structure goes and that is a massive positive for us going into the new year,” Hanslow said. “Ash Lancaster is back, fit and ready to go after only playing a handful of games towards the end last year, Dayna Williams is continuing to grow as a player and will be massive for us this year, Maddie Wong appears set to continue on from her great

year in 2021, while Georgia Gattuso will just keep getting better as well and leads an exciting group of youngsters. “Shelby Britten is with us full-time now as well and just gives us another injection of pace through our midcourt and Sarah Bond has come on board this year as well, so it really sets up as an exciting year for us.” Caught up in the logjam that was the top of the ladder in 2021, Mooroopna’s 9–1 record was only good enough for third place as it constantly jostled with the likes of Shepparton United and Echuca for the top gong. Hanslow said she expected a similar story this season, with her goal being to maintain her team’s

COACH: DI HANSLOW 2021 FINISH: THIRD (9-1)

34 Football and Netball 2022

status as one of the competition’s best all-round netball units. “I think most teams who were in the top four or six last year will be hoping to be finals contenders and I don’t think we are any different to your other Shepparton clubs and the likes of Echuca and Seymour,” she said. “The expectation for us would be to do well and make the finals series and be a factor in it, we are just looking to really grow our game, grow as a group and see what we can achieve. “Being one of the strongest teams in the competition is obviously where we want to be, and I feel with our squad we can do that this year.”

Ash Lancaster

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

ROCHESTER

With plenty of experience to lean on and talented youth coming through, Rochester has a promising group to work with. “We have maintained our core senior group and we’ve got some good younger girls coming up too,” Whipp said. “We have some top age 17s that will get the chance to play through the open grades to give them that senior experience. “We’re definitely aiming for finals.” Under-17 duo Teal Hocking and Charlee Roulston have been earmarked for further opportunities in A-grade, while

best-and-fairest Ellie Cuttriss, Bridgette Holt and Maddie Egglestone will provide an experienced on-court presence. Hocking and Kasey Conder will also bring Victorian Netball League experience after both were selected in the league earlier in the year. “The goal is to maintain some consistency and play four quarters of netball. We can go out there and match it, but in the past we might just lapse for a quarter,” Whipp said. “We’re just looking to maintain fourquarter efforts.”

COACH: RACHAEL WHIPP 2021 FINISH: 10TH (2-8).

SEYMOUR

The last team to hoist the Goulburn Valley League netball trophy aloft, Seymour comes into season 2022 with similar ambitions as it once again goes about defending its 2019 crown. After an off-season full of action, Ellie ‘Sullivan takes the reins as A-grade coach from Ronni Hager with a talented list stacked with exciting youth and seasoned campaigners at her disposal. Set to embark on her first foray into GVL A-grade coaching ‘Sullivan said spirits were high at Kings Park as the season quickly approaches. “Everyone is really excited, we just finished our trials, so we have got some really good talent and really good numbers at the club this season,” O’ Sullivan said. “We are hoping that we will get five really strong teams and I know the vibe within the girls is really just excitement and anticipation to get back out on the court. “Our goal as a coaching unit this year is to

Teal Hocking

keep pushing and developing our local talent as well as using our experienced players to push for the finals and beyond.” Finishing the 2021 season in fourth with seven wins and two losses, the Lions made a recruiting splash late last year, bringing back premiership stars Casey Adamson, Sarah Szczykulski and Jess Lallo, as well as welcoming VNL talent Ella Tenant. ‘Sullivan said she expected the inclusions to bring a major boost to her side as it eyes off premiership glory. “It is a mix of players that have played with us before and some new girls to the region, so I am really excited to see how we all combine together and what we can produce on the court,” she said. “We want to prioritise enjoying our netball, on paper we have a very talented squad, so it is about building those connections so that we can come out on court with as much strength as we can.”

COACH: ELLIE O’SULLIVAN 2021 FINISH: FOURTH (7–2)

Ellie O’Sullivan

SHEPPARTON BEARS Boasting an ever-growing crop of young talent, mixed with its more experienced core, Shepparton will be a force to be reckoned with this year. Veteran A-grade coach Tracey Brereton enters an incredible 15th season at the Bears’ helm. After a mid-table finish in the shortened 2021 season, the Bears mentor expects her young guns to inject some electricity into her side this year, as it looks to push itself up the Goulburn Valley Netball League ladder. “We selected our side before Christmas, I think the team will have a bit of a different make-up this year,” Brereton said. “It’s a great opportunity for our new brood of youngsters to step up, it’s an exciting looking list in our under-17s and 15s, a few of them will definitely make the transition to

seniors this year.” One of those could be young-gun Mackenzie O’Dwyer, who had Bears fans on their feet in 2021, taking out the GVL Jacqui Hudson under-15s medal. Shepparton has also secured the services of dynamic goal-attack Caitlin Hill, who brings with her years of Victorian Netball League experience with the City West Falcons, where she has been a part of multiple premierships. Brereton says her “usual suspects” are all expected to go around again, with Ella Sidebottom, Ash Cann and Jacinta Todd all expected to feature in the side this year.

COACH: TRACEY BRERETON 2021 FINISH: SEVENTH (4-6)

Tanner Edwards

Football and Netball 2022 35

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

SHEPPARTON SWANS Shepparton Swans may be entering a fresh dawn under the leadership of first-year coach Courtney Simpson, but the puzzle pieces are already in place for 2022. Simpson has brought in her own style and ﬂair, but the incoming mentor will take the reins of an A-grade roster with an already strong foundation. The Swans have only witnessed two changes to their roster, with the departures of former playing coach Jana Bruinier and defender Tiarna Steel the only exits. The Princess Park outfit, which was entrenched inside the Goulburn Valley League top six last season, will have familiar faces return this winter. Talented shooter Sophie Atkinson will again be a focal point in the Swans’ line-up, while emerging defender Niamh Thorn will anchor the defensive end. “We have maintained 80 per cent of our roster from last season which has been great to be able to do,” Simpson said. “Jana laid down the platform last year and it’s been nice to come into the role with a settled group.

“I’m proud of the club environment at the moment, it’s a very welcoming place. “There is already a good connection in our defensive and goal ends and I’m excited to see the team take that next step.” Simpson said the Swans would look to blood more game time into its emerging crop of stars. “We have got some bright players in that under 25 age bracket,” Simpson said. “Ash (McMahon) is a midcourter; real tough and puts her body on the line. “And Ella (Kightly) is a really athletic defender.” Simpson revealed that the Swans had been learning off a world-class netball coach in the summer months. “I have had plenty of support since coming on board,” she said. “Julie (Hoornweg) has been assisting our coaches as a mentor and it’s been a great opportunity to learn off someone who is incredibly experienced. “It’s a big role and it’s been a big change from what I’ve been used to, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

COACH: COURTNEY SIMPSON 2021 FINISH: FIFTH (7–4)

SHEPPARTON UNITED As has become custom, an all-star squad has been assembled at Shepparton United as it prepares for another full-blown Goulburn Valley League netball ﬂag tilt. With veteran A-grade coach Tania Orchard transitioning into a junior development role this year, she’s passed the reins on to none other than lifelong Demons star Kara Blizzard. Under her leadership, United looks well-set for a premiership assault, with a frighteningly talented group of core players now built around her. Those include dual Wellman medallist Jessie Barnes and gun defender Zoe Davies, who both know their way around a premiership and bring with them a load of Victorian Netball League experience.

Sophie Atkinson

Jessie Barnes

They’re joined again by defender Laura Cole and young gun Ellie Dowling, who also earned VNL selection honours this year. On top of that, the Demons’ youngsters will be in the mix this year, their coach says, with last season’s B-grade stars Alice Clurey and Sophie Garner tipped as ones to watch. With no shortage of top-end talent, Blizzard says managing her side’s expectations this year will be integral to its success. “Obviously we’re a side with a lot of ambition, but it’s all about trusting the process we’re building,” she said. “We want to be there at the end, but that doesn’t come without a lot of hard work and dedication that we have to keep up year

COACH: KARA BLIZZARD 2021 FINISH: FIRST (9-1)

TATURA

For incoming Tatura A-grade netball coach Fiona Boyer the goal is simple — play finals in 2022. After slaving away at the bottom of the Goulburn Valley League netball table for much of the past decade, the Bulldogs enjoyed a breakout campaign last year, finding themselves in sixth position when COVID-19 brought the season to an early end. With an exciting squad of young players at her disposal, Boyer said this season was all about consolidation as Tatura looks for sustained success in its netball program. “His is a building year, being my first season coaching the A-grade I am hoping to consolidate

what the girls achieved last year,” Boyer said. “Finishing sixth in the shortened season last year, we really want to go out there this year and earn that sixth position or even higher and become a factor in that finals series — that is our goal.” Hoping to continue their rapid rise up the ladder, the Bulldogs have sought reinforcements, with the recruitment of star Shepparton United prospect Molly Kennedy sure to bring some class to an already blossoming A-grade unit. “Molly has come across from United and we are very excited to have her, she made it to the last round of the state netball trials, so she comes into the season playing at a really high standard and

COACH: FIONA BOYER 2021 FINISH: SIXTH (4-5-1)

36 Football and Netball 2022

will be amazing for our team,” she said. “Of the existing group Steph Smith-Gorrie is one to really watch out for, while I am also proud to say we will have two girls in the A-grade that have come up from the junior program in Charlotte Gray and Elsie Boyer.” As for the game style she is looking to build, Boyer said it was about creating a culture that breeds long-term success. “I want to make Tatura a place people want to be, come and have fun, learn and just be competitive,” Boyer said.

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UMPIRES

UMPIRING A UNIQUE JOB EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER It’s the hardest job on the field, it has the most scrutiny and often goes unnoticed, but umpiring can offer unique skills and experiences that cannot be found with other jobs. Due to how spread out the Goulburn Valley League is, players and umpires are required to travel far and wide for their games, giving them the opportunity to visit towns that have their own unique football identity. Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association (GVFUA) president Simon Walsh believes the opportunity to travel to these towns, as well as the skills that are learnt are reasons why so many of its umpires have returned to the league this year. “We have a lot of unique towns in the Goulburn Valley, with very unique football environments and becoming an umpire allows you to travel and visit these places which you might have not normally visited otherwise,” Walsh said. “Being an umpire is often a very under-recognised role in the football world, but the skills you can develop are quite unique. You can really build your level of confidence and your conﬂict management through umpiring as well as building your fitness levels, which is great.” While COVID-19 has impacted sport during the past two seasons, Walsh said the returning number of umpires was promising. “We’re seeing a lot of our umpires return which is great,” he said. “We are always needing to stock up and train new umpires, but we’re seeing a healthy number of

umpires return with enthusiasm to get back into it which is good.” Each week the association provides more than 200 umpires for about 50 games across the district, providing field, boundary, and goal umpires. While there has been a promising number of umpires return for the upcoming season, new umpires are always welcome and needed to help the association provide every game with skilled and highly competent umpires. “We’re always looking for more umpires to get on the field,” Walsh said. “Whether you are a goal, boundary or field umpire, your skill is always needed. “Our focus is getting these three areas covered so we can get numbers to fulfil games with a good level of quality. “It might not be the most desirable role in the football world, but it is a really important role. “Umpiring gives you the opportunity to be part of the community as well as ensuring that football has a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment that the Goulburn Valley is known for. “I’d encourage anyone who wants to try, to give it a go.” Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association held Come and Try days throughout March for those interested in picking up a whistle for the upcoming season. But if you missed those and are interested in umpiring this season, phone Andrew Moore on 0427 349 912.

Get involved: Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association is always looking for new members.

MASTERS

JAMES LONGLEY TAKES THE REINS AT GOULBURN VALLEY GIANTS Goulburn Valley Giants will have a new man at the helm in 2022, with James Longley taking on the senior coaching role. A long-time servant of Katandra Football Club, Longley joined the GV Giants AFL Masters set-up last year and instantly became a favourite among the playing group. Longley said he was thrilled to be taking over the top job. “It is really exciting, it is a great club to be involved with and I can’t wait to step up and coach the group,” Longley said. “The thing about the GV Giants and AFL Masters competition as a whole is it is all about playing footy for fun and the club is also very supportive of men’s health, which is something I too am very passionate about.” When approached by the club to take this opportunity, he said it was a no-brainer as he hoped to use some prior life experiences to help guide the team forward on and off the field.

38 Football and Netball 2022

“About six years ago I probably wasn’t the best person to be a role model, but due to a lot of changes in life I have managed to overcome a lot and really change as a person,” he said. “So, to take on a role like this it shows my kids and other people close to me that with a bit of perseverance you can change and become a role model to others.” As the season approaches, Longley outlined what he hoped to get out of the campaign. “As long as everyone has fun and comes away uninjured, because at our age we do take a long time to heal, that is all I want to see,” he said. “AFL Masters is very social, we love going out there, having a kick and then having a beer after the game, so that is really all I want to see again.” The Giantsâ€™ Masters campaign begins in late March, and all are welcome at training at Kialla Park Main Oval every Wednesday from 6 pm.

James Longley

JUNIOR FOOTY

JUNIOR FOOTY GETS A REVAMP A new era in junior football has arrived with the Goulburn Campaspe, Seymour District and Shepparton District junior football leagues merging. The merger will have the three leagues compete in the Goulburn Murray Junior Football League (GMJFL), with the it set to be split into three divisions. While all three leagues will now be competing under the one competition, the three divisions; the Southern Conference, Central Goulburn Murray Conference and the Murray Conference, will mean clubs will still play against the teams in their former competitions. However, to encourage more competitive football, youth teams may play against teams in other divisions who are of similar ability. “The new league will allow for more teams to play against each other to make the competition tighter and more enjoyable,” chairman of the AFL Goulburn Murray Junior Advisory Board Mark Lambourn said. “We conducted a review in 2017 and the findings were that this merger would help bring about the most competitive and enjoyable football.” The new league will also see a change in age groups, with under-9, 11, 13 and 15 to replace under-10, 12, 14 and 16 competitions. Lambourn believes dropping the age groups will bring more players to the competition, as well as keep players at clubs as they grow older. “We see it as being beneficial for us to drop the age groups,” he said. “The Goulburn Valley League has under-16s and it hasn’t worked for us to try and compete with them, so we’ve

come down an age group to try and catch those kids that may be a little behind in their development or where there are too many players in the GVL. “It’s all about keeping kids in the game and playing footy. “We saw a decrease in numbers last year, except in Auskick, where we saw an increase in the region.

“We hope that going down an age group, we can capture that growth coming out of Auskick and rebuild again.” Lambourn said clubs were reporting good numbers for their youth teams after their first few pre-season training sessions and hoped this continued with their junior sides. – THOM MONAGHAN

Changing tactics: The region’s junior football leagues will look different this season.

JUNIOR NETTY

SNA SEEKS SUPPORT Volunteers are the backbone of community sport and it’s the same for Shepparton Netball Association. Whether it be timekeepers, coaches, team managers, umpires, scorers or association members, volunteers are the cogs that help the netball clock move. Sadly though, the amount of people who are willing to put their hands up to volunteer is decreasing every year and SNA president Tracey Toy is worried that if more people don’t put their hand up, associations like hers will be forced to fold in the future. “A fairly high concern that I have for the future is that people won’t put their hand up to volunteer, our existing volunteers will burn out and our association won’t be able to operate,” Toy said. “The days are gone where volunteers put up their hands as long as Val Barrass or Val Sutherland has.” Barrass has been volunteering for the association for 79 years where she works in the control box as an officiator. In 2018 she was named Netball Victoria’s Volunteer of the Year.

Sutherland was inducted into the Goulburn Valley Sports Hall of Fame earlier this year for her contribution to netball and has been a member of the association for almost 70 years. She continues to volunteer for the association with her latest role being a mentor for young umpires. “Val Sutherland actually put up her hand to be president when I said I would step down because no-one else was willing to take on the role and she didn’t want kids to miss out on playing netball,” Toy said. “It just shows that there are some beautiful people who are willing to volunteer to ensure that the kids playing, can continue playing. “We would love to get some young people to come through and learn the ropes and learn some life skills, so we can have the next crop of Val Sutherlands and Val Barrasses, who will hopefully stay with us for a while to come. “If we have volunteers who come and put their hands up and umpires who come and join, then we can get back to doing what we do best which is playing netball.

Tully Simpson

“As I said in my address last year to the association, I really need people to step up and help out or else our current volunteers will be burnt out by season’s end.” The association’s season will begin on April 30, after a delay due to it struggling to fill all committee spots.

Football and Netball 2022 39

LEAGUE FIXTURES KYABRAM DISTRICT LEAGUE Round 1

Sat, April 2 Undera v Tally Violet Town v Longwood Dookie v Shepp East Nagambie v Avenel Stanhope v Merrigum Rushworth v Murch-Tool Girgarre v Lancaster (SUN)

Round 2

Sat, April 9 Avenel v Dookie Longwood v Undera Shepp East v Violet Town Murch-Tool v Stanhope Tally v Girgarre Lancaster v Rushworth Merrigum v Nagambie (SUN) EASTER BYE — 16 April

Round 3

Sat, 23 April Violet Town v Avenel Dookie v Merrigum Rushworth v Stanhope Girgarre v Longwood Lancaster v Tally Undera v Shepp East (SUN) Nagambie v Murch-Tool (SUN)

Round 4

Sat, 30 April Avenel v Undera Merrigum v Violet Town Murch-Tool v Dookie Stanhope v Nagambie Shepp East v Girgarre Longwood v Lancaster Tally v Rushworth (SUN)

Round 5

Sat, 7 May Undera v Merrigum Violet Town v Murch-Tool Rushworth v Nagambie Girgarre v Avenel Lancaster v Shepp East Tally v Longwood Dookie v Stanhope (SUN) Round 6 — SPLIT ROUND Sat, 14 May Murch-Tool v Undera Stanhope v Violet Town Nagambie v Dookie Shepp East v Tally (SUN) Saturday, May 21 Avenel v Lancaster Merrigum v Girgarre Longwood v Rushworth

Round 7

Sat, 28 May Undera v Stanhope Violet Town v Nagambie Lancaster v Merrigum

Tally v Avenel Longwood v Shepp East Girgarre v Murch-Tool Rushworth v Dookie (SUN)

Round 8

Sat, 4 June Nagambie v Undera Dookie v Violet Town Stanhope v Girgarre Murch-Tool v Lancaster Merrigum v Tally Shepp East v Rushworth Avenel v Longwood (SUN) GENERAL BYE — 11 June

Round 9

Sat, 18 June Undera v Dookie Rushworth v Violet Town Girgarre v Nagambie Lancaster v Stanhope Tally v Murch-Tool Longwood v Merrigum Shepp East v Avenel

Round 10

Sat, 25 June Dookie v Girgarre Nagambie v Lancaster Stanhope v Tally Murch-Tool v Longwood Merrigum v Shepp East Avenel v Rushworth Violet Town v Undera (SUN)

Round 11

Sat, 2 July Undera v Rushworth Violet Town v Girgarre Dookie v Lancaster Nagambie v Tally Stanhope v Longwood Murch-Tool v Shepp East Merrigum v Avenel

Round 12

9 July Girgarre v Undera Tally v Dookie Longwood v Nagambie Shepp East v Stanhope Avenel v Murch-Tool Rushworth v Merrigum Lancaster v Violet Town (SUN)

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE Round 14 — SPLIT ROUND Sat, 23 July Tally v Undera Longwood v Violet Town Shepp East v Dookie Avenel v Nagambie Saturday, July 30 Merrigum v Stanhope Murch-Tool v Rushworth Lancaster v Girgarre Round 15

Sat, 6 August Undera v Longwood Violet Town v Shepp East Dookie v Avenel Nagambie v Merrigum Stanhope v Murch-Tool Girgarre v Tally Rushworth v Lancaster

Round 16

Sat, 13 August Shepp East v Nagambie Avenel v Violet Town Merrigum v Murch-Tool Lancaster v Dookie Rushworth v Undera Tally v Stanhope Longwood v Girgarre (SUN)

Finals Fixture Elimination Final

August 20–21

Qualifying Final

August 27–28

Semi Final

September 3–4

Preliminary Final

September 10–11

Grand Final September 17

Round 1:

Sat, April 9 Rochester v Echuca Tatura v Kyabram Shepp v Mooroopna Swans v United Seymour v Benalla Euroa v Mansfield

Round 2:

Fri, April 15 United v Shepp Benalla v Tatura Kyabram v Rochester (N) Saturday, April 16 Mooroopna v Swans Echuca v Euroa Mansfield v Seymour

Round 9:

Round 3:

Round 4:

Sat, June 18 United v Echuca Tatura v Seymour Euroa v Rochester Kyabram v Mansfield Sunday, June 19 Benalla v Shepp Swans v Mooroopna

Sat, April 23 Kyabram v Echuca Rochester v Tatura Shepp v Swans Mansfield v Benalla Sunday, April 24 Mooroopna v United Euroa v Seymour Sat, April 30 Tatura v Shepparton United v Rochester Seymour v Mooroopna Swans v Euroa Benalla v Kyabram Echuca v Mansfield

Round 5:

Sat, May 7 Mooroopna v Tatura Swans v Kyabram Seymour v Echuca Euroa v United Benalla v Rochester Shepp v Mansfield

Round 6:

Round 13

Round 8:

Sat, June 4 Seymour v Shepp Euroa v Benalla Mooroopna v Mansfield Sunday, June 5 Echuca v Rochester Swans v Tatura United v Kyabram Sat, June 11 Echuca v Mooroopna Shepp v Kyabram Tatura v United Rochester v Seymour Benalla v Swans Mansfield v Euroa

Sat, May 14 Rochester v Swans Echuca v Shepp Kyabram v Seymour Mooroopna v Euroa United v Benalla Mansfield v Tatura

Round 7:

16 July Undera v Lancaster Violet Town v Tally Dookie v Longwood Nagambie v Shepp East Girgarre v Rushworth Stanhope v Avenel (SUN) Murch-Tool v Merrigum (SUN)

GENERAL BYE: Sat, May 28 Interleague GV v O&M @ Mooroopna

Sat, May 21 Shepp v Rochester Seymour v United Benalla v Mooroopna Sunday, May 22 Kyabram v Euroa Mansfield v Swans Tatura v Echuca

Round 10:

Round 11:

Sat, June 25 Mooroopna v Shepp United v Swans Euroa v Tatura Echuca v Benalla Sunday, June 26 Seymour v Mansfield Rochester v Kyabram

Round 12:

Sat, July 2 Kyabram v Tatura Mooroopna v Rochester Swans v Echuca Benalla v Seymour Mansfield v United Shepparton v Euroa

Round 13:

Sat, July 9 (Split Rd) Shepp v United Euroa v Echuca Kyabram v Mooroopna Sat, July 16 Swans v Seymour Tatura v Benalla Rochester v Mansfield

Round 14:

Sat, July 23 Echuca v Tatura United v Mooroopna Seymour v Kyabram Euroa v Swans Rochester v Benalla Mansfield v Shepparton

Round 15:

Sat, July 30 Tatura v Rochester Swans v Shepp Mooroopna v Seymour United v Euroa Benalla v Mansfield Echuca v Kyabram Round 16 (Split Round): Sat, August 6 Tatura v Swans Seymour v Euroa Rochester v United Saturday, August 13 Shepp v Echuca Kyabram v Benalla Mansfield v Mooroopna

Round 17:

Sat, August 20 Swans v Rochester Echuca v United Seymour v Tatura Euroa v Mooroopna Mansfield v Kyabram Sunday, AUGUST 21 Shepp v Benalla

Round 18:

Sat, August 27 Mooroopna v Echuca Kyabram v Swans Rochester v Shepp United v Seymour Benalla v Euroa Tatura v Mansfield

Elimination and Qualifying Finals

September 3 & 4

1st & 2nd Semi FinaL September 10 & 11

Preliminary Final

September 18

Grand Final

September 25

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LEAGUE FIXTURES PICOLA DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE Round 1:

Sat, April 2 Mathoura v Rennie Blighty v Jerilderie Strathmerton v Waaia Deni Rovers v Katunga Tungamah v Katandra Berrigan v Picola United Tocumwal v Yarroweyah BYE: Katamatite

Sat, May 21 Picola United v Tocumwal Berrigan v Katandra Tungamah v Katunga Deni Rover v Waaia Jerilderie v Strathmerton Blighty v Rennie Katamatite v Mathoura BYE: Yarroweyah

Round 14: Sat, June 9 Deni Rovers v Berrigan Strathmerton v Tocumwal Yarroweyah v Blighty Mathoura v Picola United Katandra v Katamatite Rennie v Katunga Waaia v Jerilderie BYE: Tungamah

Round 2:

Round 9:

Round 15:

Sat, April 9 Jerilderie v Katamatite Waaai v Mathoura Katunga v Blighty Katandra v Strathmerton Picola United v Deni Rovers Yarroweyah v Tungamah BYE: Rennie, Tocumwal, Berrigan Round 3 — Easter Thu, April 14 Rennie v Katamatite Fri, April 15 Tocumwal v Berrigan

Round 4:

Sat, April 23 Rennie v Waaia Katamatite v Katunga Mathoura v Katandra Blighty v Picola United Yarroweyah v Strathmerton Deni Rovers v Tocumwal Berrigan v Tungamah BYE: Jerilderie

Round 5:

Sat, April 30 Katunga v Jerilderie Katandra v Rennie Picola United v Katamatite Mathoura v Yarroweyah Tocumwal v Blighty Strathmerton v Berrigan Tungamah v Deni Rovers BYE: Waaia

Round 6:

Sat, May 7 Katandra v Waaia Jerilderie v Picola United Yarroweyah v Rennie Katamatite v Tocumwal Berrigan v Mathoura Blighty v Tungamah Deni Rovers v Strathmerton BYE: Katunga

Round 7:

Sat, May 14 Picola United v Katunga Waaia v Yarroweyah Tocumwal v Jerilderie Rennie v Berrigan Tungamah v Katamatite Mathoura v Deni Rovers Strathmerton v Blighty BYE: Katandra

Round 8:

MURRAY FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

Sat, May 28 Tocumwal v Tungamah Yarroweyah v Deni Rovers Strathmerton v Picola United Katandra v Blighty Katunga v Mathoura Waaia v Katamatite Rennie v Jerilderie BYE: Berrigan

Round 10:

Sat, June 6 Yarroweyah v Katandra Katunga v Tocumwal Berrigan v Waaia Jerilderie v Tungamah Deni Rovers v Rennie Strathmerton v Katamatite Blighty v Mathoura BYE: Picola United

Round 11:

Sat, June 11 Yarroweyah v Berrigan Tungamah v Picola United Deni Rovers v Katandra Katunga v Strathmerton Waaia v Blighty Mathoura v Jerilderie Katamatite v Rennie BYE: Tocumwal

Round 12:

Sat, June 16 Strathmerton v Berrigan Katamatite v Deni Rovers Tungamah v Rennie Jerilderie v Berrigan Tocumwal v Waaia Katunga v Yarroweyah Picola United v Katandra BYE: Blighty

Round 16:

Sat, June 23 Blighty v Katamatite Rennie v Strathmerton Jerilderie v Deni Rovers Waaia v Tungamah Berrigan v Katunga Tocumwal v Katandra Picola United v Yarroweyah BYE: Mathoura

Round 17:

Sat, June 30 Rennie v Mathoura Jerilderie v Blighty Waaia v Strathmerton Katunga v Deni Rovers Katandra v Tungamah Picola United v Berrigan Yarroweyah v Tocumwal BYE: Katamatite

Round 18:

Sat, June 18 Blighty v Deni Rovers Mathoura v Tungamah Katamatite v Berrigan Rennie v Tocumwal Jerilderie v Yarroweyah Waaia v Picola United Katandra v Katunga BYE: Strathmerton

Sat, August 6 Katamatite v Jerilderie Mathoura v Waaia Blighty v Katunga Strathmerton v Katandra Deni Rovers v Picola United Tungamah v Yarroweyah Berrigan v Tocumwal BYE: Rennie

Round 13:

Elimination Finals Qualifying Final Semi Finals Preliminary Finals Grand Final

Sat, June 25 Tungamah v Strathmerton Berrigan v Blighty Tocumwal v Mathoura Katamatite v Yarroweyah Picola United v Rennie Katandra v Jerilderie Katunga v Waaia BYE: Deni Rovers

Round 1: Sat, April 2 Mulwala v Nathalia Deniliquin Rams v Barooga Cobram v Finley Numurkah v Congupna Tongala v Echuca United Moama v Rumbalara Round 2: Sat, April 9 Barooga v Tongala Finley v Numurkah Congupna v Cobram Echuca United v Deni Rams Rumbalara v Mulwala Nathalia v Moama Round 3:

Fri, April 15 Mulwala v Congupna Deniliquin Rams v Finley Numurkah v Rumbalara Tongala v Nathalia Moama v Echuca United Sat, April 16 Cobram v Barooga

Round 4: Sat, April 23 Congupna v Tongala Barooga v Mulwala Rumbalara v Deniliquin Rams Finley v Moama Echuca United v Cobram Sun, April 24 Numurkah v Nathalia Round 5:

Sat, April 30 Mulwala v Echuca United Deniliquin Rams v Congupna Moama v Barooga Cobram v Rumbalara Nathalia v Finley Tongala v Numurkah

Round 6:

Sat, May 7 Nathalia v Cobram Moama v Tongala Congupna v Rumbalara Barooga v Echuca United Numurkah v Deniliquin Rams Finley v Mulwala

Round 7 (split Round)

Sat, May 14 Cobram v Numurkah Deniliquin Rams v Nathalia Echuca United v Congupna

Sat, May 21 Mulwala v Moama Rumbalara v Barooga Tongala v Finley

Round 14:

Round 8: Sat, May 28 Cobram v Tongala Finley v Rumbalara Mulwala v Deniliquin Rams Congupna v Barooga Nathalia v Echuca United Moama v Numurkah Round 9:

Sat, June 4 Rumbalara v Moama Deniliquin Rams v Cobram Barooga v Nathalia Echuca United v Finley Numurkah v Mulwala Tongala v Congupna

Round 10: Sat, June 11 Congupna v Numurkah Nathalia v Tongala Mulwala v Rumbalara Echuca United v Moama Finley v Deniliquin Rams Barooga v Cobram Round 11: Sat, June 18 Numurkah v Finley Tongala v Barooga Deni Rams v Echuca United Cobram v Mulwala Rumbalara v Nathalia Moama v Congupna Round 12:

Sat, June 25 Echuca United v Numurkah Barooga v Rumbalara Nathalia v Congupna Deniliquin Rams v Moama Mulwala v Tongala Finley v Cobram

General Bye – July 2 Round 13:

Sat, July 16 Echuca United v Tongala Barooga v Finley Nathalia v Mulwala Rumbalara v Numurkah Congupna v Deniliquin Rams Moama v Cobram

Round 15:

Sat, July 23 Tongala v Moama Deniliquin Rams v Rumbalara Mulwala v Barooga Finley v Congupna Cobram v Echuca United Sunday, July 24 Nathalia v Numurkah

Round 16 (split Round): Sat, July 30 Congupna v Moama Barooga v Deniliquin Rams Rumbalara v Tongala Sat, August 6 Finley v Nathalia Numurkah v Cobram Echuca United v Mulwala

Round 17: Sat, August 13 Deniliquin Rams v Numurkah Moama v Nathalia Mulwala v Finley Barooga v Congupna Rumbalara v Echuca United Tongala v Cobram Round 18: Sat, August 20 Cobram v Deniliquin Rams Congupna v Mulwala Echuca United v Barooga Finley v Tongala Nathalia v Rumbalara Numurkah v Moama 1st Elimination Final August 27

2nd Elimination Final August 28

2nd Semi Final

Sat, July 9 Rumbalara v Finley Numurkah v Barooga Cobram v Nathalia Congupna v Echuca United Moama v Mulwala Tongala v Deniliquin Rams

September 3

1st Semi Final September 4

Preliminary Final September 10

Grand Final September 17

General Bye: Sat, June 2

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Football and Netball 2022 41

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

BLUES LOOK HARD TO BEAT Heading into season 2022 there is one question on every Murray Football Netball League fan’s lips. Can anyone beat Tongala? After romping their way through the 2021 home and away season with a perfect 13–0 record, COVID-19 denied the Blues a chance to atone for their defeat in the 2019 decider and claim that elusive maiden Murray league crown. But with star recruits Brock McLean and Ryan Nyhuis on

board for 2022, Tongala presents as even more of a force than last year, a proposition that will rightfully frighten the remainder of the competition. But football isn’t a game played on paper, with a worthy list of contenders set to clip at the Blues’ heels. Mulwala has stocked up on its quality list and is ready to strike, adding the likes of Matt Gorman, Jamie Smith and Josh Tonna to a line-up that already features the

PAST A-GRADE BEST AND FAIRESTS 2021: Emily Taverna (Moama) 2019: Elenoa Naimalua (Rumbalara) 2018: Tessa Bruni (Cobram) 2017: Amelia Wyatt (Deniliquin) 2016: Jessie Barnes (Rumbalara) 2015: Alicia White (Tongala) 2014: Tamara Skinner (Numurkah) 2013: Leanne Rawson (Numurkah) 2012: Renee Judd (Numurkah) 2011: Rebecca White (Deniliquin)

O’DWYER MEDALLISTS 2021: Coby McCarthy (Tongala) 2019: Jackson Gash (Mulwala) 2018: Brodie A’Vard (Barooga) 2017: Rhys Archard (Moama) 2016: Ned Morrison (Finley) 2015: Rhys Archard (Moama) 2014: Marcus Smith (Barooga) 2013: Ash Morris (Deniliquin) 2012: Rowan Priest (Echuca United) 2011: Ryan Bongetti (Cobram)

deadly midfield duo of Jackson Gash and Bodhi Butts. After consolidating on its rapid rise up the ladder in 2019, Congupna has an opportunity to stamp itself as a force with a young group ready to take the next step, while Rumbalara will without doubt thrill crowds with its exciting game plan and attacking ﬂair. Numurkah will be excited to roll out its new-look squad, with the addition of Jamason

Daniels, Charlie Hill and Morrie Serra — and the return of Braydon Sutton — sure to shoot the Blues back towards finals contention. And then there is five-time reigning premier Nathalia, which won’t be giving up its crown without a fight. On the court the competition will be as tight as ever, with a number of teams capable of pushing for premiership glory. Nathalia rocketed up the

NETBALL

2019: Nathalia 2018: Nathalia 2017: Nathalia 2016: Nathalia 2015: Nathalia 2014: Rumbalara 2013: Echuca United 2012: Nathalia 2011: Deniliquin 2010: Moama

2019: Echuca United 2018: Moama 2017: Moama 2016: Echuca United 2015: Echuca United 2014: Numurkah 2013: Mulwala 2012: Finley 2011: Mulwala 2010: Numurkah

PREMIERS 2019

Nathalia

– ZAC STANDISH

LADDER PREDICTION

PAST 10 PREMIERS: FOOTBALL

table last year and, with Emma McDonald back at the helm, the Purples look primed towards another premiership tilt. Perennial powerhouse Rumbalara and an ultra-talented Deniliquin squad will once again be among the contenders, while 2019 premier Echuca United will be hoping to bounce back from an indifferent campaign last year.

FOOTBALL

NETBALL

TONGALA

RUMBALARA

MULWALA

NATHALIA

DENILIQUIN

CONGUPNA

MOAMA

COBRAM

TONGALA

NUMURKAH

RUMBALARA

ECHUCA UNITED

MOAMA

CONGUPNA

DENILIQUIN

FINLEY

BAROOGA

MULWALA

FINLEY

BAROOGA

ECHUCA UNITED

COBRAM

Wendy Lovell MP

Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Region

GOOD LUCK TO ALL CLUBS FOR THE 2022 SEASON p: (03) 5821 6668 e: wendy.lovell@parliament.vic.gov.au /wendylovellMP Authorised by Wendy Lovell MP, 222 Wyndham Street Shepparton. Funded from Parliamentary Budget

42 Football and Netball 2022

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

BAROOGA HAWKS NETBALL

FOOTBALL Local stars, AFL talent and a focus on fitness might be the perfect mixture for Barooga, as it looks to bounce back from a tough 2021 season. The Hawks, who finished 10th last year, made off-season headlines when it was announced former Melbourne AFL and Essendon VFL talent Kyle Dunkley would suit up for the side. Dunkley will be joined by newcomers Jansen Peterson, Will Clarke and the returning Wade Demasi among a raft of big ins at Barooga Recreation Reserve. Ex-Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs star Jackson Trengove will be wearing the coach’s hat this year, with former coach Tim Hargreaves stepping down due to other commitments. Trengove has placed a big focus on fitness and said his side, like most others, was looking fit and strong leading up to the campaign. “The boys have done some really hard work throughout the pre-season, so we will start the season off hopefully in good stead and good health and we’ll see how we go as we kick along,” Trengove said. “I think for us, fitness is definitely

one aspect we identified that needed some work, so our program has changed a fair bit.” Local boy Riley Gow is one player that has benefited from the new program, with Trengove praising the way he has applied himself in pre-season and outlining him as one to watch for the year. Trengove said he hoped supporters would see a different Barooga this year. “We’re not going to put any cap on what we can achieve, we’ve got a really good young list, we’ve got some local boys that have come on and are probably the fittest they have ever been,” he said. “We have got some experience coming in, from other clubs that have played with us before and obviously Kyle Dunkley from the VFL adds a fair bit of talent. “As far as goals I think it’s probably just to improve each week and build throughout the season, it will hopefully be a full, long year and we’ll keep improving each week and become the best side we can become.” – DANIEL WEBB

Riley Gow

Making finals remains the goal for Barooga this season, with coach Matt Healey taking the reins once again. The Hawks will look a bit different to last season, with people moving away for various reasons and some new faces coming in. Something the team will certainly be doing better is working together as a collective, with Healey identifying this as somewhere it can improve on from last year. “Our team structures last year, we had a lot of trouble with consistent numbers at training, a few girls travelling from school and stuff like that, they weren’t able to train and then they’d come on a Saturday and we’d really struggle to get our structures consistently across four quarters,” Healy said. “You get them in patches, but not enough, so say tactically and structurally I want to be a lot more consistent.” – DANIEL WEBB

Barooga’s Skye Nash

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Kyle Dunkley (Essendon VFL), Jansen Peterson, Wade Demasi (Berrigan), Tom McNeil, Will Clarke (SFNL Melbourne), James Hazelman, Grant Martin (Berrigan), William Gorman OUT: Brodie A’vard

FAST FACTS

COACH: JACKSON TRENGOVE. MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1992,1993,1994,1997. 2021 FINISH: 10TH (3–10). 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: CALLUM LEIGHTON-DALY. 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DANIEL JOHNSTON. GROUND: BAROOGA RECREATION RESERVE. NICKNAME: HAWKS.

COACH: MATT HEALEY 2021 RESULT: SEVENTH (4-8)

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Football and Netball 2022 43

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

COBRAM TIGERS

NETBALL

FOOTBALL Giving young up-and-comers the opportunity to play senior football is one of the main goals from a Cobram side that has not changed a lot this year. Mark Baker has joined the club from North Melbourne VFL, with no fewer than 13 top-age players coming out of thirds footy. After a second-placed finish last season and an 11–2 record, Tigers coach John Brunskill appeared more focused on developing young players than setting a definitive results-based goal for the year. Brunskill said it was so far so good for his side’s preparation, with a squad much the same as last year and a focus on youth set to underline the season. “We’ve got 13 top-age kids coming up out of thirds footy and so just giving them the opportunity to play senior footy,” Brunskill said. “We couldn’t really afford to go out and recruit a heap of players, we just retained what we’ve got, which are mainly local players anyway and are just going to promote from there. “We’ll put our best foot forward and see what happens.” Brunskill said the word on the grapevine was that most other clubs had recruited well and would improve a fair bit. He made note of the youth coming through the Cobram ranks, notably

Harry Beasley

NAB League Murray Bushrangers star Harry Beasley. “Harry Beasley comes out of Bushrangers, he was the captain of the Bushrangers, he is playing with us this year, so he’ll be ideal, one to keep an eye on,” he said. “And just our young kids coming around, players like Hugh Hyde, Ryan Mele, Lachlan Adams, Jack Beasley, they played senior footy last year, when they were top-age thirds.

FAST FACTS

“Just hoping for them to improve as well and take that next step. “They were playing on-ball last year at top-age thirds for us, even seniors when they came up, so we know they can play senior footy, it’s just to keep developing them.” Brunskill said he had one main goal heading into the season. “Just to be the best we can, just give all the kids the opportunity.” – DANIEL WEBB

After a difficult year last year, Cobram is looking to rebuild and establish itself once again in Murray Netball League. New coach Fran Redman will be steering a young side full of local talent, new faces and returning players who are sure to be competitive this year. She said that while a few players had moved away, people were keen to wear the black and yellow for season 2022. A big signing for the Tigers is the return of Lillieth Ukich who has played across the river at Barooga. “We are so happy that she is back with us,” Redman said. “We’re in a sort of transition realm at the moment, I suppose, and we just need to build, rebuild with confidence and some power out there and establish us back in at least the top five would be an ideal start.” – DANIEL WEBB

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Mark Baker (North Melbourne VFL) OUT: Nil

Lillieth Ukich

COACH: JOHN BRUNSKILL MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1947, 1948, 1955, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1969, 1974, 1984, 1985, 1998 2021 FINISH: SECOND (11-2) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TYRON BADEN 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DARCY MCCORMACK (41) GROUND: SCOTT OVAL NICKNAME: TIGERS

COACH: FRAN REDMAN 2021 FINISH: 12TH (0-12)

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44 Football and Netball 2022

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

CONGUPNA THE ROAD

NETBALL

FOOTBALL After solid growth during the past two seasons, the question on everyone’s lips at Memorial Park is — will 2022 be the year Congupna becomes a genuine force of Murray Football League? Finishing fifth last year with eight wins and an impressive percentage of 134.67, The Road proved themselves more than able to compete with the league’s top sides. The challenge for new coach and club legend Kevin O’Donoghue will be to maintain that strong form and continue to improve with a list of incredibly talented youngsters at his disposal. But with the competition set to be as tight as ever, he said his squad had been hard at work in the pre-season trying to get better. “We hope we can improve on last year; we have maintained our list very well and added a few, but it is a very strong league with a lot of teams recruiting really well, so it is going to be very difficult and something we look forward to,” O’Donoghue said. “Over the pre-season we haven’t really looked to improve too much, we were there or thereabouts last year, so we are going to try and keep things more or less the same and just work on the basics in our skill level, fitness and game style.” With perennial Murray league spearhead Daniel Campbell set to headline a potent forward line and Jimmy Boyer, Matt Di Bella and Fraser Hicks leading the charge

FAST FACTS

through the midfield, there is no lack of star power to this Congupna line-up. Throw in the return of familiar faces Tate Mifka and Lachie Sidebottom and the addition of Shepparton product Orien Kerr and O’Donoghue said fans could expect to see an attacking and free-ﬂowing style of football from his team. “We have got a very young and exciting list, so my philosophy is just let them play footy,” he said. “We want to be quite attacking, but also get that balance right with our defence, but really our goal is to score as much as we can. “Our midfield is quite strong and with a pretty potent forward line, so we have to utilise that as much as we can.” As for his expectations for season 2022, he doesn’t want to put any limitations on what his team can achieve. “We have no goals or expectations, we are just going to take each week as it comes, respect our opposition and go from there,” he said. “It is quite exciting where we are at right now, we have a young list and there is a lot of potential there, but there is also a lot of hard work to do as well.” – ZAC STANDISH

Jimmy Boyer

Ash Warren

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Orien Kerr (Shepparton), Tate Mifka, Lachie Sidebottom OUT: Glenn Boyd (retired), Sam Buxton (moved interstate) COACH: KEVIN O’DONOGHUE MFL PREMIERSHIPS: NONE 2021 FINISH: FIFTH (8-5) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JIMMY BOYER 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DANIEL CAMPBELL (43) GROUND: MEMORIAL PARK NICKNAME: THE ROAD

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There is a scent of excitement in the air at the Memorial Park netball courts this year, as fresh faces and up-and-coming talent has the brainstrust at Congupna confident of a sharp rise up the ladder. Registering three wins last season, a 10th-placed finished left many disappointed after it came into the campaign with high hopes of pushing for finals. But a new year offers a new opportunity for coach Ash Warren, who said her team was as determined as ever to bounce back. “We are all very excited, having not played to our full capacity over the last couple of years everyone is pumped to get back out there and, with a lot of newcomers joining the group, it is quite refreshing,” Warren said. “I am very confident we can shoot up the ladder, we have bolstered our squad with some experienced recruits, so we are definitely aiming to get a lot more wins on the board and hopefully play finals.” The Road are set to be bolstered by the arrival of Anna Chalkley (Shepparton), Steph Chappell (Shepparton East) and Sarah O’Sullivan, who’s experience will without doubt add to the defensive style of game Warren is trying to build. “We do have a few structures we are trying to implement more consistently in our game, and obviously having those players come in and imparting their knowledge will help with that,” she said. “My goal is for us to be that real dark horse against those teams who may have pegged us as easy beats and shock a few by making those finals.” – ZAC STANDISH COACH: ASH WARREN 2021 FINISH: 10TH (3–8)

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

DENILIQUIN RAMS NETBALL

FOOTBALL Tyndall was a member of the Rams’ opportunities,” Morris said. 2011 premiership side and has since “With a focus on ball movement, to served in Blighty (PDFL) coaching compete with the best we need to be positions before returning to the Rams able to hit the scoreboard, whilst still in 2020; the pair takes over from being a solid defensive unit.” long-serving club members Sam Hall Along with skills development, and Tim Holobowski. Morris hopes recruits Reid Crowe, In introducing his personal tone to Angus McKay and Angus Durnan will the role, Morris says he doesn’t “buy strengthen the on-field structure. into the notion of setting goals” based Standing at 201 cm McKay is a on a simple win-loss record. former South Fremantle Colt. And it seems his team is on the He comes to Deniliquin from same page, with many of it hungry for Newtown Chilwell Football Club and personal improvement, as well as success. Geelong VFL, but an ACL injury “We talk a lot about matching high ended those playing hopes early and standards with high enjoyment and with rehabilitation he hopes for a want to approach each training session stable season as a Ram. and game with a willingness to compete, Crowe, a “classy, goal-kicking whilst still maintaining a strong culture midfielder” is a Shepparton United of fun and connection,” Morris said. best-and-fairest winner, and comes to But that doesn’t stop the men in the Rams from Kyabram in Goulburn blue and gold taking it seriously. Valley League. Mainstays John Anstee, Todd Durnan joins the Rams as a former Gallagher, Blair Whelan, Clay and Nick Wagga Tigers premiership player. Howe, Jayden Pitts, Ricky Gittens and Key defender Anstee will captain Bryce Scoullar are some of the familiar the side after a slow 2021 season faces returning to the senior side. due to a broken foot, with support And while this combination deals from vice-captain Lachie MacDonald opponents a punishing blow in the and leadership group members Matt midfield, the Rams will need to shore MacDonald and Jake McManus. up their forward line to put scores on The Rams finished seventh on the the board. Murray Football League ladder last season. “We have recruited and planned They will play Barooga at home in training with intentions to increase round one. our capacity to create scoring – LAURA GREEN

FAST FACTS

Rams Todd Gallagher and Clay Howe. Rhiannan Maxwell

Rhiannan Maxwell’s experience speaks for itself. The Deni Rams’ A-grade mentor played at Finley Netball Club growing up, before moving to Melbourne and coaching Watsonia Saints in Northern Netball League, followed by a stint with the North East Blaze in the VNL in 2015. On returning home to Finley in 2016, Maxwell joined Blighty from 2017 to 2018, before getting involved with the Rams in 2019. And she took home the club’s best-and-fairest in the 2021 season, with rising star Ella Harvey as runner-up, who has signed on for another year with the Rams. Maxwell says her energy will be focused on bringing home the premiership. The squad for this season includes Annie and Ella Harvey, Steph Birk, Rachel Bull, Charlea Clarke, Alana and Keely Coates, Molly Cochrane, Hannah Ford, Macie Free, Sam Hughes, Kayla Hussey, Ellie Parsons, Min Seignior, Chloe Way and Bec White. – LAURA GREEN

PLAYER CHANGES IN: Nil OUT: Nil

CO-COACHES: TIM HOLOBOWSKI AND SAM HALL MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1957, 1966, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1985, 1986, 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2011 2021 FINISH: SEVENTH (5-8) 2021 BEST AND FAIREST: BRAYDEN HALL 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TODD GALLAGHER (23) GROUND: HARDINGE ST OVAL NICKNAME: RAMS

COACH: RHIANNAN MAXWELL 2021 FINISH: THIRD (9-2)

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

ECHUCA UNITED EAGLES NETBALL

FOOTBALL Twenty-eight years after the union of Echuca East and Echuca South football clubs, to form Echuca United, the club is looking for a little bit of history repeating to improve on its 2021 season finish. This season holds a lot of hope as it attempts to improve on its one win from the 13 completed rounds of the season last year. While the club won only three of its 26 senior football matches, seniors and reserves, it finished with eight wins and in fifth position in the under-17 competition. This year, having had several of its under-age players compete at senior level, the club is poised to surprise the other 11 clubs — on the back of its teenage playing personnel having significant senior exposure in 2021. Echuca United director of football Todd Ramage said in previously successful periods of the club’d history it had relied on “home-grown talent” to inﬂuence its status in the competition. That will be the case again as a favourite son of the club, Farran Priest, returns as coach. He was a winner of the club’s bestand-fairest in its only premiership since formation. While United finished bottom of the ladder in 2021, a recent focus on

developing its juniors and bringing young footballers through to senior level is expected to pay dividends in 2022. “We focused on that last year. At one stage last year we had 25 kids under 22 years of age playing throughout the seniors and reserves,” Ramage said. Oliver Poole is part of the Pioneers program and is still eligible for under-17 level football. He played six or eight games in the seniors, mainly on a wing. Another under-17 player, Fayte Belmont-Wickliffe, is in the same situation as Poole as a teenager with half a season of senior experience. Nineteen-year-old Darcy Ramage rucked the entire season as an 18-year-old, despite being undersized in the role. He will be better for the experience. Jesse Garner, another teenager, kicked four goals in the club’s only win of the season. He is an example of the club’s in-house development program, having been at the Eagles since he was 10. “We have recruited reasonably well, there are four or five new players,” Ramage said. “Three have come from Elmore, which is where Farran brieﬂy played last year.”

FAST FACTS

Darcy Ramage

Remy Day

PLAYER CHANGES IN: Nil OUT: Nil

Priest played only four games before an ACL injury ended his season. “If we are pushing toward finals that would be a good thing,” Ramage said.

Echuca United has had to wait three years to defend its status as Murray Netball League’s top team, so preparation for the 2022 season is on in earnest. Head of netball Chris Day will be leading the defence of the club’s four netball premierships from 2019 when the new season starts in less than a month. “We are still the reigning premier in A-grade, C-grade, C-reserve and under-17 grades. And there are still quite a few players involved in those teams,” Day said. “COVID has not been kind, however, we had a big drop off in 2020. It was almost a disaster, but we will be fielding all eight teams this year. “There are 80 players on the books and numbers with the four junior sides are very strong this year.” Such is the strength of numbers that the club will field an under-13 development team in Echuca District Netball Association. “We did it a couple of years ago at under-15 level,” he said. “There has been a bit of a push from EDNA, so kids that miss out still have an avenue to play netball.” Echuca United’s A-grade team should be similar to last year, when the team had a 50–50 win-loss record at season’s end. Club president Anthony Chapman said the netball club had a strong ﬂow from its junior ranks, into senior competition, which the football club was hoping to emulate. – ROHAN ALDOUS

– ROHAN ALDOUS

COACH: FARRAN PRIEST 2021 FINISH: 12TH (1-12) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MATT LIAS 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: PETER QUANCHI (24) GROUND: ECHUCA SOUTH RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: EAGLES

CO-COACHES: REMY DAY, JESS SAUNDERS, ELLE MOLLUSO 2021 FINISH: SIXTH (6-6)

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Football and Netball 2022 47

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

FINLEY CATS FOOTBALL And the former Western Australian Football League player knows how he wants to get there. His newly-built team is yet to prove itself, but it is already rounding out with some impressive talent. Returns include Spencer and Lachlan Hawkins, Shaun Kable, Luke Bramley, Reilly Rennick, Nick Lunn and Liam Osborne. Recruits include Benji Neal, Ethan Reeves, Isaac Corvo, Charlie Ford and Sam Hatty. Tall man Corvo, who can play at half-back, midfield or forward, spent two years playing state-level under-18 football in Queensland, followed by a stint in NEAFL for the Brisbane Lions. Last season he was him in form in the Victorian Football League for Aspley. Reeves, a quick midfielder, played with Corvo in the NEAFL, and most recently Southport Sharks. His versatile style means he can show up as a pressure forward or midfielder. He is a hard runner and strong midfield contester. Neal is a former VFL player

NETBALL for Port Melbourne and strong midfielder who also enjoys a run on the forward line. At 178 cm Neal has a rugby background, which makes him fantastic in the centre contest. Ford, “highly skilful with a fierce appetite for a contest” will add dominance in the midfield and forward line. Hatty makes his senior debut after playing for the Cats as a junior. Robertson got his start with the Cats’ juniors from age 15 to 17 before competing in Geelong Football League for St Mary’s School. He returned to Finley and played for the seniors under Tom Doyle last season. A strong pre-season and training tailored to each individual is key for Robertson; he has employed analytics to collect statistics on players and their skills, along with providing a visual training aid for his team. “I think one thing about a good coach is understanding each person he’s coaching and trying to get the best out of each individual. That creates a team that is not scared to make mistakes and put their

FAST FACTS

best foot forward and so each member can try to get the best out of their own ability as a footballer,” he said. Finley finished 11th on the ladder at the end of 2021, only beating out Echuca United. It will be put to the test in an away game with Cobram in round one of the Murray Football League season. – LAURA GREEN

Maicie

Lachie Hawkins

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Isaac Corvo (Aspley), Ethan Reeves (Southport Sharks), Benji Neal, Charlie Ford, Spencer Hawkins, Lachlan Hawkins, Shaun Kable, Luke Bramley, Reilly Rennick, Nick Lunn and Liam Osborne OUT: Nil

COACH: ANGUS ROBERTSON MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1952, 1954, 1958, 1971, 1981, 1982, 1988 2021 FINISH: 11TH (2-11) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ANGUS ROBERTSON 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ANGUS ROBERTSON (14) GROUND: FINLEY RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: CATS

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Wilson says communication and a harmonious structure on the court is vital for success in this year’s Murray Netball League. “The implementation early of team communication and working together will create a positive team mindset and determination,” Wilson said. Players to look out for are Daisy Daniel, Cassidy Reynolds and Jordan Gray who will play a vital role in Finley’s senior sides. The trio got a taste of senior netball in 2021 and will be seen in senior ranks this year. They will form “strong combinations”with experienced seniors players continuing on, including Ruby Russell and Shania Bentley banding together for a third year. Katie Archer and Maicie Close will again provide fierce play and strength. Wilson is conscious of mentoring and giving confidence to the portion of players who have moved into seniors this year. “This year we know as a young side we will be hit with pressure, and it will come down to a mental game. I am positive that the girls will be able to control their mind to execute and get them over the line with the leadership of our senior players,” she said. The Cats will play away against Cobram in round one of Murray Netball League. – LAURA GREEN COACH: SAVANNAH WILSON 2021 FINISH: EIGHTH (4-8)

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

MOAMA MAGPIES FOOTBALL

NETBALL Zach Stovell

The Magpies are building out at Moama Recreation Reserve, with many tipping the black and white to challenge for finals on the back of a productive off-season. Moama has been the big movers in the Murray Football League off-season, causing a buzz throughout the competition after attracting a swathe of experienced footballers to the nest. In his first season at the helm, senior coach Sam Sheldon has attracted a swag of Goulburn Valley League champions and former teammates to the club, including Axel Childs, Tom Sheldon and Josh Vick, crucial cogs in Kyabram’s all-conquering team of the 2010s. Sharpshooting duo Chris Horman (Kinglake) and Stuart Taylor (Moonee Valley) have also joined the club from Melbourne to bolster the forward line stocks, with long-time spearhead Luke Eldridge opting to retire at the end of last season following a decorated career. Tongala’s Dylan Joyce is also onboard coming from the unbeaten Blues squad of 2021, and with much of the senior squad re-signed, Moama looks poised to climb the ranks of the league despite the loss of reigning best-and-fairest Fraser Verhey, who has made the switch to Bendigo

Football League outfit Eaglehawk. “We’ve managed to get a full pre-season away during COVID, so that’s been positive,” coach Sam Sheldon said. “The boys are pretty fit and we’ve had pretty good buy-in. Callum Doyle and Mitch Lake are both young blokes who have had really good pre-seasons, both running really well and making good decisions with the footy. “We’ve had a pretty successful recruiting run. There’s obviously a lot of new faces though, and the boys haven’t played with one another yet.” Courtesy of last year’s revised finals structure, Moama finished in the top eight, and it’s finals where Sheldon is hoping to land with his new-look squad. “We would be aiming for finals,” he said. “Get there and then anything’s possible.” – JOSH HUNTLY

Under reigning Murray Netball League A-grade premiership coach Lisa Drysdale and with some handy recruits to boot, Moama looks set to challenge for the ﬂag once again. The Pies have been bolstered by the return of Steph Watson and Liv Taverna and have also welcomed Goulburn Valley League defender Tiarna Steele to the fray. Reigning A-grade best-and-fairest Emily Taverna has departed the Pies’ nest along with Chelsea Wright and Corey Drennan, but Drysdale is confident her experienced line-up can make a splash come finals time. “From what we’ve heard there’s going to be about five or six pretty strong teams,” Drysdale said. “We know we’ll be a top six contender, but it’s just where to from there. “The likes of Nathalia, Rumbalara — who we thought were completely out of this world with skill — along with Deni and Tongala will be major contenders. “It will depend on which teams figure out their systems first and who gets on the board quickest.” – JOSH HUNTLY Lisa Drysdale

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Axel Childs (Kyabram), Tom Sheldon (Kyabram), Josh Vick (Kyabram), Chris Horman (Kinglake), Clay Poidevin (Mathoura), Stuart Taylor (Moonee Valley), Matthew Costello, Kristian McNichol (Wycheproof), Dylan Joyce (Tongala) OUT: Luke Eldridge (Retired), Fraser Verhey (Eaglehawk)

FAST FACTS

COACH: SAM SHELDON MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 2010 2021 FINISH: EIGHTH (5-8) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: FRASER VERHEY 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LUKE ELDRIDGE (21) GROUND: MOAMA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: MAGPIES

COACH: LISA DRYSDALE 2021 FINISH: FOURTH (8-4)

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Football and Netball 2022 49

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

MULWALA LIONS FOOTBALL Mulwala will sport the same threepronged coaching unit it debuted last year with a slight twist, as Rohan Davies joins Bodhi Butts and Jackson Gash as the club’s senior mentors in 2022. Davies will be a full-time coach for the Lions this year, after injuries wrecked the accomplished midfielder’s 2021 campaign, while Butts and Gash will lead the way on the field as playing mentors. Entering the coaching fold at Mulwala, Davies said it had been a smooth transition into the top job. “It is going great, Bodhi and Jackson are two awesome guys to work with, so we have had no dramas at all,” Davies said “I think it has worked really well, we’ve all had really good pre-seasons and all the feedback we have been getting from the guys has been fantastic, so I can’t wait to get into the season and show what we have been working on.” Attacking the off-season hard with big name recruits Matt Gorman (Mooroopna), Jamie Smith (Hurstbridge), Thomas Wilson (Berrigan), Josh Tonna (Yarrawonga) and Harry Meade (Yarrawonga), Mulwala has made its premierships aspirations clear to its Murray league competitors.

NETBALL Throw in the likes of existing midfield guns Gash and Butts and spearhead Sean Robinson and fans at Lonsdale Reserve should be salivating at the prospect of watching their team run around this year. “Everything is going well, everyone is really fit and ready to go, we have recruited very well in the off-season, so we are going to be strong and looking forward to a good year,” he said. “Our supporters can expect an attacking brand of footy, I rate our midfield as the best going around, so we will be relying on getting that first use and giving our forwards good one-on-one opportunities. “We will definitely be a hard team to beat and I am confident we will improve on last year and I am sure a few clubs will be wary of how we recruited and how the squad is shaping up.”

Jackson Gash

Tess McNamara

– ZAC STANDISH

Well-positioned in fifth at the conclusion of the 2021 season, Mulwala looked set for a well-deserved finals berth as its crawl up the Murray Netball League ladder continued. Having solidified themselves as perennial contenders for a number of years, returning coach and last season’s bestand-fairest Bre Flanagan will be intent on continuing the Lions’ ascendancy this season. “We’ve had a bit of a changeover with a few girls moving away and a few new faces coming in,” Flanagan said. “We’ve got a great core in Tess McNamara and Steph Hammond, they’re both guns and will make a huge difference again this year.” Going 5–4 last season, Flanagan said her side was starting to gather serious momentum before the season came to a close, with her side keen to pick up where it left off. “We were a bit unlucky last year for the season to finish when it did; the girls are enjoying training and just enjoying being back out there,” she said. – JAMES KLEEMAN

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Jamie Smith (Hurstbridge), Matt Gorman (Mooroopna), Thomas Wilson (Berrigan), Wally Thompson (Tungamah), Josh Tonna (Yarrawonga), Harry Meade (Yarrawonga), Owen Conway (Yarrawonga) OUT: Harry Crossley, Glenn Dominick (Tocumwal)

FAST FACTS

COACHES: ROHAN DAVIES, JACKSON GASH AND BODHI BUTTS MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1990 2021 FINISH: THIRD (10–3) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JACKSON GASH 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: SEAN ROBINSON (29) GROUND: LONSDALE RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS

COACH: BRE FLANAGAN 2021 FINISH: FIFTH (5-4)

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

NATHALIA PURPLES FOOTBALL Five-time reigning premier Nathalia will be out to extend its record run at the pinnacle of Murray Football League this season. The Purples have undoubtedly been the dominant force in the league for the past two decades, winning an astounding 10 premierships since 2005. But for all their recent success, there were signs last season that their grip on the league might be slipping. Nathalia finished fourth on the ladder in 2021 — its lowest finish since 2014 — and its four losses in 2021 were more than it had in the previous two seasons combined. Last season’s results should still be taken with a grain of salt — what could be considered a “down year” for the Purples could be considered a great success by other clubs — and a top-four finish is still a proud achievement.

NETBALL That a 9–4 season might be considered underwhelming also highlights just how successful the club has been in recent years. While other challengers to its reign may have emerged, Nathalia will no doubt still be hungry to continue its historic run. Malcolm Barnes will be back at the helm for the Purples this season as the club chases a record-extending sixth consecutive premiership. Barnes coached the side to the ﬂag in 2019 and is also a five-time premiership player with the club.

Brodie Ross

– BRANSEN GIBSON

PLAYER CHANGES IN: Nil OUT: Nil

FAST FACTS

Nathalia has its eyes firmly set on a drought-breaking premiership this year as it looks to overcome the disappointment of last year’s cancelled season The Purples were ﬂying in 2021 before COVID-19 brought the season to an early end, sitting in top spot with 10 wins and a solitary defeat. Head coach Emma McDonald is at the helm again this season and said the disappointing end to last season still had a positive element. “It was devastating we couldn’t finish what we started, but I feel we have now built a platform for more long-term success,” McDonald said. “I think we have the right mix of girls currently and if anything, this COVID setback has really brought us a lot closer.” Looking ahead, McDonald said there was only one goal for this season. “I think we all have the same aspiration for 2022 and that is to bring home a ﬂag,” she said. “2007 was the last time that the netball club won a premiership and with the football club being so successful we really want to complement that — the eye is definitely on the prize.” – BRANSEN GIBSON

Tamara Skinner

COACH: MAL BARNES MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1939, 1949, 1963, 1978, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 2021 FINISH: FOURTH (9-4) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ALEX HICKS 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LIAM EVANS (37) GROUND: NATHALIA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: PURPLES

COACH: EMMA MCDONALD 2021 FINISH: FIRST (11-1)

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MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

NUMURKAH BLUES FOOTBALL Big name recruits, returning stars and a blossoming young list has the brainstrust at Numurkah confident it can rise up the ladder sharply in 2022. The Blues made arguably the biggest splash of the Murray Football League off-season in luring former Tatura mentor Jamason Daniels to the club, with his AFL pedigree exactly the star power required to get this team back into finals contention. Throw in the return of Josh Evans and Jack Millen and the inclusion of seasoned Goulburn Valley League talents Charlie Hill, Morrie Serra, Braydon Sutton and Sean Thompson and the new-look Blues could become immediate contenders after a ninth-placed finish in 2021. Second-year coach Sean Harrap said the club was determined to hit the off-season hard as he prepares to lead the Numurkah revival. “Last year was a bit of an odd one, I thought we were really competitive, and I was really happy with what we did with the list we had, and off the back of that we knew what we needed to go and recruit in terms of high-end talent,” Harrap said. “That’s where Jamason Daniels coming on board and Charlie Hill, Braydon Sutton, Morrie Serra,

all these guys who played some good Goulburn Valley footy, that is exactly what we needed and will bring a lot to our group. Along with the star-studded list of recruits, Numurkah will also be excited to see the continued growth of reigning best-andfairest winner Rhys Cason with the 17-year-old taking home the league rising star award after a standout 2021 campaign. Sporting an ideal blend of youth and experience, Harrap said he would be looking to introduce a more attacking game plan with a return to finals at the top of his agenda. “We want to play an attacking brand of footy, defend really hard and just be a team that people are excited to go and watch,” he said. “We plan to play finals; I want to have realistic expectations of the group and having been involved over the past two years I certainly believe we can achieve that. – ZAC STANDISH

FAST FACTS

Sarah Kerr

NETBALL

Jamason Daniels

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Jamason Daniels (Nagambie), Joel Kimberly (Tallygaroopna), Charlie Hill (Shepparton Swans), Rob Carmichael (Rowville), Will Newman (Katunga), Haydn Wyatt (Strathmerton), Travis Down (Milawa), Matt Fitzpatrick, Lucas White, Morrie Serra (Tatura), Braydon Sutton (Tatura), Josh Evans (Billabong Crows), Ty Grinter (Katandra), Brett Kimberly, Gianni Serra (Longwood), Sean Thompson (Shepparton United), Aiden Orton (Tallygaroopna), Jack Millen, Harry McLeod OUT: Josh Hoffman (Queensland), Ben Wellington (retired), Trent Baker (retired), Brad Crowther (Katunga), Dylan Craven (Canberra), Tim Arnel (overseas)

COACH: SEAN HARRAP MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1932, 1933, 1937, 1938, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1962, 1970, 1977, 1979, 1999, 2000 2021 FINISH: NINTH (4-9) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: RHYS CASON 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JOSH WELLINGTON (19) GROUND: NUMURKAH SHOWGROUNDS NICKNAME: BLUES

This year serves as the dawn of a new era for Numurkah netball as the Blues return to the Murray Netball League A-grade competition. Club stalwart Sam Carnie takes the reins as Blues coach after an accomplished playing career and will without doubt impart her years of knowledge on the young group. She said excitement was at an all time high at Numurkah Showgrounds as the season quickly approaches. “Everything is looking really good, we have had great numbers to training and just finished trials which were fantastic, so everything is really clicking into gear,” Carnie said. “We were a grade short last year, only having three teams instead of four, but we won’t have to worry about that with all our squads set to be filled, which is awesome, and we also have some fantastic young talent coming through. “The feeling around the club is really just excitement at the moment, having the four senior sides will make things easier as we take strides towards getting the club back up and going again after what has been a tough couple of years.” A number of returning players, highlighted by the talented Sarah Carr, and continual growth out of the junior program has those at Numurkah confident of a successful return to the A-grade competition. Carnie outlined the style of netball she would look to implement and some goals for the upcoming season. “I think first and foremost we will be looking at playing an attacking style of netball, taking the game on, but also defensively making sure we are hard to play against,” she said. “Expectations will come back to individual performances and individuals improving on whatever they need to and then the team coming together — if we are doing all that correctly I’m sure we can get some wins along the way.”

– ZAC STANDISH COACH: SAM CARNIE 2021 FINISH: N/A

THE LEADING TEAM GOOD PEOPLE | GREAT RESULTS

You’ll find us here: | 5831 1800 | www.gagliardiscott.com.au We wish all the Football & Netball players best of luck for their 2021 season 52 Football and Netball 2022

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

RUMBALARA

NETBALL

FOOTBALL Rumbalara sets up as an incredibly interesting proposition heading into season 2022, with a plethora of young talent and an exciting game plan sure to thrill crowds across Murray Football League. Jason Traianidis continues as coach for another season and will be buoyed by the improvement his side showed last year, climbing up to sixth spot before the season was cut short by COVID-19. With continued improvement the key for Rumba this season, Traianidis said he was confident his squad could compete with the best. “We are going to be a young side with just a couple of old heads, but I am just looking forward to coaching the young group and trying to get them on a roll, sometimes with young blokes when they get going, they are hard to beat,” Traianidis said. “Obviously this year we are looking to play finals again, it is what you play footy for, so the aim is to get up there and see what we can do. “I blooded a few young blokes in the seniors last year as well, some 15 and 16-year-olds, so we will be keen to pump some more games into a few different guys and just get our talented young core some

more experience.” Joint best-and-fairest winners Kane Atkinson and Justin Terlich will lead the charge for Rumba on the field once again, with the pair set to receive great support from spearhead Ryan LovegroveHudson and a group of exciting youngsters pushing up from the thirds. “A lot of young guys are really standing out on the track, Ben McGowan who is a 15-year-old is probably one of the fittest I’ve got at the moment, and he is really putting his hand up to play a lot of senior footy this year,” he said. “Kane Atkinson and Justin Terlich have had really good pre-seasons and are looking very fit, Steve Stallion is another one who has lost a few kilograms over the summer, so it is very promising from a coaching point of view to have our best players dominating on the track.” As for what the fans can expect from this Rumba team, Traianidis said he would implement a relatively simple game plan which plays to his side’s offensive ﬂair. “We want to play just basic, defensive footy and beating our opponent first and then running off and creating,” he said.

FAST FACTS

Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson

Elenoa Naimalua

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Andrew Ralph (Undera), Malachi Atkinson (Returning), Rivva Karpany (Fitzroy Stars), Gundo Winmar (Tatura) OUT: Clayton McCartney, Allan Norris (Fitzroy Stars)

A perennial powerhouse of Murray Netball League, Rumbalara comes into the new season filled with premiership aspirations. The dynamic Jess Bamblett will resume her duties as A-grade coach and will again form a lethal duo with prolific shooter and 2019 league best-and-fairest winner Elenoa Naimalua. Natasha Bamblett returns to the club after a couple of years away, while Lacey Paaka will bring some Goulburn Valley League experience after making the move to Rumba from Mooroopna in the off-season. With a potent list at her disposal, Bamblett said she was excited to see what her team could achieve on the court this season. “We are still in pre-season and looking really good at this stage, everyone is really excited after the COVID-19 shortened season to get back into it and the squad is looking very strong,” Bamblett said. “Leading into the finals last year we had knocked off the top two sides, so we are very confident heading into this year with a few new faces set to add a lot to our line-up.”

“Our boys are pretty creative, so I don’t have to tell them what to do too much, they just play on their natural ﬂair, the defensive part is what I’ve tried to work on over the last couple years and I feel we are really starting to see some improvement in that area. “The teams that kick the most goals win at the end of the day, so that is what we are going to try and do.”

–ZAC STANDISH

– ZAC STANDISH

COACH: JASON TRAIANIDIS MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 2014 2021 FINISH: SIXTH (7-6) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: KANE ATKINSON AND JUSTIN TERLICH 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RYAN LOVEGROVE-HUDSON (28) GROUND: MERCURY DRIVE SPORTS COMPLEX NICKNAME: RUMBA

COACH: JESS BAMBLETT 2021 FINISH: THIRD (9-2)

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Football and Netball 2022 53

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

TONGALA BLUES

NETBALL

FOOTBALL Tongala looks unlikely to be displaced from the top of the Murray Football League hierarchy in 2022. Undefeated last season, the Blues have experienced minimal list turnover, and have only strengthened their hand with the addition of an ex-AFL duo. Former Melbourne and Carlton midfielder Brock McLean made the move from the Goulburn Valley League, while the Blues’ Top End connection grows stronger with ex-Fremantle defender Ryan Nyhuis set to bolster the squad. Nyhuis joins vaunted Northern Territory Football League trio Cam Ilett, Darren Ewing, and Jack Monigatti in a side that will no doubt attract ﬂag favouritism once again. Tongala will also boast the reigning O’Dwyer medallist in Coby McCarthy, while other key memebrs have been hard at work in pre-season. “Corey Nexhip and Alex Williams

have had really good pre-seasons, they’ve taken the next step in their football over the last couple of years,” Tongala coach Jordan Souter said. There’s barely a weak spot in the Blues’ line-up, but Souter isn’t buying into talk that the premiership is a foregone conclusion. “Other clubs are probably making some ground up on the recruiting front,” Souter said. “We think the competition will be pretty strong this year. Instead of being the hunters, we’ll be the hunted — it’s a whole different kettle of fish. “Our goal is to finish high enough in finals to give us a bit of a tilt at the ﬂag, but there’s a lot of hard work to go into that before you even start talking about that sort of thing. “You can have the best team on paper, but if things aren’t working together or if injuries come into it then it can pan out a whole different way.”

FAST FACTS

Brock McLean Jordan Souter

Tongala’s youth and the addition of some extra talent will have the Blues challenge for Murray Netball League finals once again. After finishing fifth before the 2021 season cancellation, Blues coach Paige Wade is keen to see her side go one step further and push the league’s best clubs. “Last year we would have loved to have played finals to see where we were at,” Wade said. “We were around the mark against the top teams and we definitely have what it takes to push those teams and be a bit of an underdog. “We have a really fit young bunch of girls with a good turn of speed.” Corey Drennan and Chelsea Wright have crossed over from Moama, while VNL goal shooter and reigning Tongala A-grade best-and-fairest Milly Brock will continue to threaten MNL backcourts. – JOSH HUNTLY

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Brock McLean (Shepparton United), Ryan Nyhuis (Nightcliff ) OUT: Dylan Joyce (Moama), Beau Joyce, Talbot Varcoe (Girgarre)

Coby McCarthy

COACH: JORDAN SOUTER MFL PREMIERSHIPS: NONE 2021 FINISH: FIRST (13–0) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: NICK JAMIESON 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DARREN EWING (38) GROUND: TONGALA RESERVE NICKNAME: BLUES

Milly Brock COACH: PAIGE WADE 2021 RESULT: FIFTH (7–4)

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We are thrilled to bring you the 2022 Football and Netball Season

Chairman: David Roff

We’re so pleased to bring you GOTAFE Goulburn Valley League football and netball action as we return on 9 April 2022. After a year that saw only 11 rounds played due to the impacts of COVID-19 in 2021, we are eagerly looking forward to the return of Football and Netball in 2022. Round 1 kicks off on Saturday 9 April. We are pleased to also announce that clubs will host at least one home game on a Sunday this season. This is to help alleviate any umpire shortages that we saw during 2021 and expect to see this season as we see the return of community sport. The Sunday games will be a real feature of our fixture with some key clashes scheduled, such as the Traditional ANZAC day matches Mooroopna V Shepparton United and Euroa v Seymour. If you are thinking of umpiring, we strongly encourage you to get in touch with the Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association (GVFUA). It’s a great way to be involved in the game and stay fit.

There are two split rounds scheduled and the 28 May will see Interleague action return as the GVL play hosts to the Ovens & Murray League. 2021 has shown just how vital Community Football and Netball is. It’s more than just a game. It’s about the connection people have to their clubs and its members, as well as to the league. We are looking forward to Season 2022. We’re so pleased to be able to present a fixture that sees all 25 club requests met which will go a long way in assisting clubs financially with key games, premiership reunions and traditional clashes scheduled. Thank you to all our sponsors, including naming rights sponsor GOTAFE, our media partners, including a special thanks to McPherson Media Group and everyone at all our clubs. Our amazing volunteers are working tirelessly to get everything in place for what is sure to be a bumper season of fantastic football and netball.

Bring on Season 2022!

Interleague is back for 2022! The GOTAFE Goulburn Valley League takes on the SS & A Ovens & Murray League in football and netball action. When: Saturday May 28th | Where: Mooroopna Recreation Reserve

The GOTAFE GVL is proud to support its loyal partners and we encourage you to support them too.

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NORTHERN COUNTRY WOMEN’S LEAGUE

FRIDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S FOOTY GIVEN GO AHEAD An extended 12-game season has been confirmed for the 2022 Northern Country Women’s League season, with two extra games to be played this year The move has been made to ensure the senior women’s competition and the youth girls play the same number of games throughout the season, as last year the youth girls played 14 games as opposed to the senior women 10 games. Last year, the league spoke about its desire to play curtainraiser Friday night games, instead of Sunday games, and operations manager Julian Perta confirmed the senior women’s season would kick off with a Friday night game on April 1 for all teams. “We decided to start prior to Easter this year, then have a break and then get back into the rest of the season,” Perta said.

We’re trying to use this year to explore the possibility of playing our games on Friday night, which is why we have fixtured a few games for Friday nights this season.” This season six teams will be vying for the premiership, with Shepparton, Echuca, Benalla, Mooroopna, Nathalia and Tatura fielding a senior women’s side. “Each team this year is going to be competitive,” he said. “Some of the teams have more players than others, but every team has enough to field a side, so were expecting a strong competition.” The number of teams in the youth girls league is still unconfirmed, with four to six teams being likely due to numbers. – THOM MONAGHAN

Excited for the start of the season: NCWL action returns in April.

NAB LEAGUE

BUSHRANGERS READY FOR THE BIG LEAGUE

Big year: Murray Bushrangers are set for an exciting season.

56 Football and Netball 2022

Murray Bushrangers will be entering this year’s NAB League as one of the youngest sides in the competition according to Bushrangers talent manager Mick Wilson. This year’s side will have only six under-19 players in the 40-man squad, with 20 under-18 and 14 under-17 players making up the rest of the list. “We’ll be a pretty young team in the competition, compared to most of the other teams, but we believe we have the talent to be competitive,” Wilson said. “We have 26 players that will be eligible for the draft this year and we have a few players that are well and truly on the draft radar.” Due to COVID-19 restrictions the Bushrangers’ selection process was disrupted with scouts having to hold testing sessions and trial games to identify talent. “Traditionally we usually have

local matches as a guide and local competitions to help us in the scouting process, but COVID has really impacted that,” he said. “In June and July clubs were asked to nominate players for the testing programs and through this club nomination we were able to observe and recruit.” Even though the Bushrangers were forced to change their recruitment process, Wilson believes there are some players that are potential draftees, with Shepparton Swans player Max Clohesy being one to watch. “We have a few players that are well and truly on the draft radar and Max Clohesy is definitely one who will be putting up his name. He played as a small defender last year, but will be transitioning into the midfield this season. “All of the boys have shown great talent and from a draft standpoint are definitely in the

mix, but it really depends on who’s on the radar and what the AFL clubs are looking for. “Every player on our list is good enough to be drafted.” Wilson also believes a few players in the girls team will be draft prospects in this year’s AFLW draft. “We have some really good prospects for this year’s draft, with a few of the girls making a statement early in the season,” he said. “Cassidy Mailer, Tayissa and Madison Gray and Zara Hamilton have all had brilliant starts to the season.” Hawthorn, Essendon, Sydney and Port Adelaide will be joining the AFLW in 2023 which will mean more draft picks and opportunities. “Hopefully this will give some of our girls a good opportunity to join the competition,” Wilson said. – THOM MONAGHAN

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LOCAL STARS DOMINATE IN NATIONAL LEAGUE The AFL will welcome two new Goulburn Valley players this season with Shepparton Swans’ Josh Rachele joining the up-andcoming Adelaide and Mooroopna’s Tom Brown being picked up by one of the league’s powerhouses, Richmond. Rachele will line up in the red, gold, and blue with Shepparton’s Jordon Butts as the Crows try to build on last year’s 15th-placed finish. Shepparton’s Angela Foley has been recovering from her ACL injury, which she suffered in the 2021 AFLW grand final, and has taken on a game-day role feeding messages between the coaches’ box and coach Matthew Clarke on the bench. Fresh off his maiden premiership Mooroopna’s Clayton Oliver will be leading the midfield brigade at Melbourne, hoping to go back-to-back after a stunning season last year. Alex Keath (Kialla), Josh Schache

GV’S AFL PLAYERS

Jordon Butts — Adelaide (Shepparton) Josh Rachele — Adelaide (Shepparton Swans) Brodie Kemp — Carlton (Echuca) Caleb Marchbank — Carlton (Benalla) Jamie Elliott — Collingwood (Euroa) Steele Sidebottom — Collingwood (Tallygaroopna)

David Mundy — Fremantle (Seymour) Will Brodie — Fremantle (Shepparton) Lachie Schultz — Fremantle (Moama) Josh Treacy — Fremantle (Cohuna)

(Seymour) and Laitham Vandermeer (Mooroopna) will be trying to go one better in 2022, after Western Bulldogs’ heartbreaking loss to Melbourne in the 2021 grand final. Bonnie Toogood (Mansfield) and Aurora Smith (Shepparton United) have pulled on the jumper this year, in what has been an up-and-down season for the Bulldogs’ women. Last year’s Brownlow medallist, Ollie Wines (Echuca), will be leading the fight at Port Adelaide, along with Tom Clurey (Katamatite) and Todd Marshall (Deniliquin). Over in the west, David Mundy (Seymour) will be playing his 17th season for Fremantle and will be joined by Shepparton’s Will Brodie, who has moved from Gold Coast. Lachie Schultz (Moama) and Josh Treacy (Cohuna) will also be donning the purple for

Tom Hawkins — Geelong (Finley) Esava Ratugolea — Geelong (Cobram) Nick Holman — Gold Coast (Kyabram) Lachie Ash — GWS (Invergordon) Will Shaw — GWS (Deniliquin) Daniel Howe — Hawthorn (Rennie) Harry Morrison — Hawthorn (Benalla) Jarman Impey — Hawthorn (Shepp and Shepp Swans)

Clayton Oliver — Melbourne (Mooroopna)

the 2022 season. Fresh off a new long-term contract extension Lachie Ash (Invergordon) will be hoping to cement his spot at GWS this year, while Deniliquin’s Will Shaw will be hoping to make his elusive debut. Daniel Howe (Rennie), Harry Morrison (Benalla) and Jarman Impey (Shepparton Swans) will be a part of Hawthorn’s rebuild as Sam Mitchell takes the coaching reins from four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson. Mooroopna’s Jy Simpkin (North Melbourne) and Kyabram’s Nick Holman (Gold Coast) will be searching for more success this year after a difficult 2021 season in terms of results for their respective outfits. Carlton will be led by Michael Voss this year with Brodie Kemp (Echuca) and Caleb Marchbank (Benalla) hoping to get more game time.

Jy Simpkin — North Melbourne (Mooroopna) Tom Brown — Richmond (Mooroopna) Ollie Wines — Port Adelaide (Echuca) Tom Clurey — Port Adelaide (Katamatite) Todd Marshall — Port Adelaide (Deniliquin) Tom Cole — West Coast (Seymour) Alex Keath — Western Bulldogs (Kialla) Josh Schache — Western Bulldogs (Seymour) Laitham Vandermeer — Western Bulldogs

Grace Egan (Shepparton) had a strong start to the year for Carlton before sustaining two broken ribs and a punctured lung, forcing her into a stint on the sidelines, but has returned in great fashion. Collingwood will also be under new leadership, with veteran players Jamie Elliott (Euroa) and Steele Sidebottom (Tallygaroopna) being crucial in the club’s hope for a swift return to the top of the ladder. Geelong will have fan favourite Tom Hawkins (Finley) and Esava Ratugolea (Cobram) return to Kardinia Park as it seeks to make amends for its preliminary final loss to Melbourne last year. Becky Webster (Benalla), Annabel Johnson (Echuca) and Julia Crockett-Grills (Kyabram) have all lined up for Geelong this season. – THOM MONAGHAN

GV’S AFLW PLAYERS

Angela Foley — Adelaide (Shepparton) Grace Egan — Carlton (Shepparton) Annabel Johnson — Geelong (Echuca) Becky Webster — Geelong (Benalla) Julia Crockett-Grills — Geelong (Kyabram) Aurora Smith — Western Bulldogs (Shepparton United)

Bonnie Toogood — Western Bulldogs (Mansfield)

(Mooroopna)

VOLUNTEERS

COME ON DOWN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUBS ACROSS THE REGION When it comes to country football netball clubs there are no more important figures than the volunteers. Performing the vital roles of manning the bar, running the canteen, setting up the ground, registering the statistics and regulating COVID-19 protocols, just to name a few, games simply couldn’t go ahead without the hard work and sacrifice volunteers put in. So as clubs continue to rebound from the two years of chaos the virus presented, the role of volunteers becomes all the more important, as the sporting community calls for all the support it can get. One of the region’s premier sporting clubs, Mooroopna Football Netball Club, has always had a long-standing group of helpers that

have helped make game day run like clockwork. But with the lack of football in the past two years driving many away from their clubs, Mooroopna stalwart Norm Davis said the situation with volunteers was becoming increasingly challenging. “The situation with volunteers everybody knows about it, and it is not getting any better, the major challenge is we just can’t get any young ones (involved), everyone has work and commitments which has made things tough,” Davis said. “I have been helping out for 37 years, I’m retired now and I just love giving back and assisting where I can, sadly though there just isn’t enough of us anymore.” Joining Davis in the Cats’ band of volunteers is Graham Ferguson, who heads to the club every week

58 Football and Netball 2022

due to his passion and love for the game. “Passion (is the reason I come down), I love the footy club and have been doing it for 26 years coming up and I still love it, so not being able to do it very much over the past couple of years has been hard,” Ferguson said. “I have been here since I was a kid running around and playing footy, now I’m out there running the water and it is just great to be part of it.” While the situation is dire for Goulburn Valley League clubs, district leagues are really feeling the brunt of the situation, as Ardmona’s Les Wilson explained what he believed to be the source of the problem. “When I started back in the early ‘80s nobody got paid, now everyone gets paid from your

Backbone of football: Long time volunteers Les Wilson (Ardmona), Bill Dowling, Norm Davis and Graham Ferguson (Mooroopna).

players down to your water boys, so not having volunteers puts extra financial stress on the club,” Wilson said. “The volunteers we usually have are getting older, so they are slowing down and the younger people aren’t stepping up, they always need to get paid for doing

something and that is killing football.” So, as clubs across the region gear up for a new season, head down to your local football ground and netball court and support the revival of country sport. – ZAC STANDISH

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KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

BACK ON DECK Kyabram District League is undoubtedly entering one of its most promising years in recent memory. In the off-season the league opted to adopt a top eight finals system, up from its usual six sides, with finals now set to run across five weeks. And it’s come at a time when the league is on the cusp of a bonanza year, on the field and court. In the senior football, the competition has been fiercely competitive for the past few years. Avenel, Stanhope, Lancaster, Nagambie, MurchisonToolamba and Merrigum occupied the top six last season, however, Violet Town, Dookie United and Shepparton East threatened to play finals. Expect Avenel to once again be a force in the competition, with Kasey Duncan to lead his side for another campaign. Mark Patten and Denis Grinter have assembled a strong outfit at Stanhope, as well as Murchison-Toolamba mentor Nick Iorriani, with the Hoppers to be a serious threat. You can always count on Nagambie playing finals football, with the September specialists certain to contend come later this year. Lancaster has lost some of its elite talent to Kyabram, but with a side boasting reigning McNamara medallist Tom Davies, the Wombats should

PAST PREMIERS

2019: Nagambie (football) and Stanhope (netball) 2018: Tallygaroopna and Nagambie 2017: Nagambie and Nagambie 2016: Nagambie and Avenel 2015: Merrigum and Nagambie 2014: Nagambie and Lancaster 2013: Murchison and Rushworth 2012: Violet Town and Nagambie 2011: Lancaster and Stanhope 2010: Nagambie and Lancaster

PREMIERS 2019 still be thereabouts. Shepparton East has welcomed back a plethora of past premiership winners and will rise up the ladder, along with Dookie United — with the Thunder stocking up on plenty of Goulburn Valley League talent. Merrigum and Violet Town will no doubt surprise a few and play finals, while Rushworth could shock some opponents after a strong off-season. In the netball ranks it’s much the same, with two outfits looming as the ones to beat. Tallygaroopna secured the minor premiership in 2021 and Fiona Down is back again to steer the talented outfit towards finals glory. Shepparton East looks like Tally’s closest rival, with the Eagles primed for an assault on the ﬂag. Girgarre is set to fall away from those two opponents, with retirees and player movement leaving the Roos with three regulars from last year’s squad.

Merrigum boasts a class outfit and no doubt the Bulldogs will be knocking on the door, along with powerhouse Nagambie. But despite the excitement of what supporters and players are to witness this winter, the sudden announcement earlier this month that Ardmona would enter recess for the 2022 campaign has left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. Not witnessing the Bush Cats in action this year is a cold reality of how difficult clubs have experienced life since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fingers crossed Ardmona’s absence is a short one. The fall out of Ardmona’s decision will result in the fixture changing in the lead-up to the season. Lastly, players and volunteers will need to remember to set the alarms on Sunday morning. Matches will be contested on a Sunday to help combat umpire shortages.

WARREN MEDALLISTS 2021: Holly Butler (Girgarre) 2019: Chicky Barr (Stanhope) 2018: Chicky Barr (Stanhope) 2017: Sharni Lloyd (Nagambie) 2016: Kathryn Hard (Avenel) 2015: Renee Lea (Merrigum) 2014: Ellie Lothian (Lancaster) 2013: Sharni Lloyd (Rushworth) 2012: Gemma Barry (Nagambie) 2011: Michelle Hill (Lancaster)

MCNAMARA MEDALLISTS 2021: Tom Davies (Lancaster) 2019: Kaine Herbert (Undera) 2018: Kaine Herbert (Undera) 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)

LADDER PREDICTION FOOTBALL 1: Avenel 2: Stanhope 3: Murchison-Toolamba 4: Nagambie 5: Lancaster 6: Shepparton East 7: Dookie United 8: Merrigum 9: Violet Town 10: Girgarre 11: Undera 12: Rushworth 13: Tallygaroopna 14: Longwood

NETBALL

1: Tallygaroopna 2: Shepparton East 3: Nagambie 4: Merrigum 5: Murchison-Toolamba 6: Girgarre 7: Dookie United 8: Stanhope 9: Violet Town 10: Avenel 11: Lancaster 12: Rushworth 13: Longwood 14: Undera

PREMIERS 2019

– AYDIN PAYNE

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KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

ARDMONA BUSH CATS FORCED INTO RECESS FOR SEASON 2022 Ardmona has dropped a major bombshell on the eve of the Kyabram District League season, announcing its decision to go into recess for 2022. Taking to social media to break the news, the club cited an inability to attract enough players to field competitive sides as the major factor behind the decision. “It is with great regret and much consideration that the Ardmona Football Netball Club has made the difficult decision to go into recess for the 2022 season,” the club said in its statement. “The club has struggled to secure enough players to field a side that would be competitive this year.” Enduring an incredibly tough period on and off the field, the Bush Cats went an astounding six years — 2121 days to be exact — without winning a game, before Hawthorn legend Shane Crawford came on board as senior coach and inspired a drought-breaking

victory against Longwood last year. A major curveball for the league one month out from the commencement of the season, president Fraser Kerrins said it was disappointing to see one of its clubs be unable to field a side in 2022. “It is disappointing that just one month out from the season we will not be able to have Ardmona participate,” Kerrins said. “We have been working with the Ardmona Football Club over the past couple of years and have been in constant communication with their football and netball directors and their executive committee for the last two months. “Those discussions then intensified earlier in the week and it has been a constant line of open communication that led to them making the decision they made on Friday night.” As for the future of Ardmona Football Netball Club, the statement

stressed this would only be a temporary situation, as the Bush Cats hope to come back “bigger and better” in 2023. “The committee is going into this recess with a firm plan to return in 2023 with a strong junior development plan and with coaching and admin staff that will attract a competitive and enthusiastic group of players,” the statement read. “We realise this will be very hard news to take for our loyal Ardy Army but rest assured that 2023 will see the Bush Cats back bigger and better than ever!”

– ZAC STANDISH

Tom Hooker

AVENEL NETBALL It’s a fresh start for Avenel netball as a new-look side looks destined to shoot the Swans back up the ladder in 2022. Ashley Hansen takes the reins as A-grade coach from Jacinta Jamison and Bree D’Andrea as the club looks to improve on a 2021 campaign that yielded four wins. Maddi Albers makes her way to Avenel Recreation Reserve from Seymour in what is a major coup for the club, as numbers and spirits have been at an all time high in anticipation for what is set to be an exciting campaign. “Everyone is very excited for the season, in terms of turnout to trials we had heaps, which was a nice surprise, and we have had some really great talent come to the club,” Hansen said. “We have a really good mix of experience and young kids ready to go to the next level in the A-grade, while we have also recruited Maddi Albers from Seymour, who is an absolute star that is really agile, quick and doesn’t miss a shot, so we can’t wait to welcome her.” With just two A-graders from last

FAST FACTS

FOOTBALL year set to return this year, Hansen has high hopes for her new-look team. “I think the new-look team will bring some positive results, we have a really good, diverse team in terms of being able to be very ﬂexible on the court with positioning, which is what we definitely need after last year, this year I feel we are well and truly covered,” she said. “I am super confident and think we are going to have a great year.”

– ZAC STANDISH

Building steadily during the past three seasons, the time is now for Avenel to take the final step and break its 28-year premiership drought. Only losing the one game last season, which was good enough for a secondplaced finish when the season was abruptly shut down, coach, Kasey Duncan said his squad was as determined as ever to resume its position atop the Kyabram District League tree. “There is a fair bit of excitement around the group, we have plenty of numbers, the depth of the group has been fairly strong right the way through and we welcome a host of new players who have fitted in seamlessly,” Duncan said. “We take plenty of confidence out of how we performed last year, we were able to play the footy we wanted to and win some big games, and the

challenge is putting that together again and getting better. Tim Karolidis headlines the list of additions at the Swans with his Goulburn Valley League experience sure to bolster this already potent line-up, while former Melbourne Storm rugby league talent Sandor Earl prepares for a code change with his elite sporting experience an added bonus. Throw in the continued growth of reigning best-and-fairest winner Braydon Avola and the continued production of Duncan up forward and the sky is the limit for what this group can achieve. “Our goal as always is to finish in that top two, we are blessed with great depth and I feel we are in a great spot to achieve big things this year,” he said.

– ZAC STANDISH

Braydon Avola

PLAYER CHANGES

Ashley Hansen NETBALL COACH: ASHLEY HANSEN 2021 FINISH: NINTH (4–6)

IN: Tim Karolidis (Mooroopna), Henry Wedding (Undera), Kial Crowe (Finley), Brendon Jack (Barooga), Nathan Gardiner (Bundoora), John Spencer (Ovens and Murray), Mitch Tobin (West Preston), Henry Weding (Undera) OUT: Todd Lawrence (Seymour), Tom Martin (Seymour), Max McLean (Seymour), Jake Anderson (Port Melbourne), Paul Scanlon (Port Melbourne) FOOTBALL COACH: KASEY DUNCAN 2021 FINISH: SECOND (10-1) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BRAYDON AVOLA 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: KASEY DUNCAN (27) GROUND: AVENEL RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: SWANS

Football and Netball 2022 61

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

DOOKIE UNITED NETBALL

FOOTBALL

After a roller-coaster pre-season, life seems to be back on track for Dookie United. The A-grade outfit has been impacted by player departures, due to COVID-19 uncertainty, and along with last year’s coach Maddison Owen expecting a child before the season, it’s been a whirlwind summer. Although Owen — last year’s club best-and-fairest winner — will be out of action for the start of the campaign, talented midcourter Georgie O’Connor has stepped up to lend a hand. O’Connor will co-coach with Owen this year, with the former taking on more responsibility until Owen returns later in the season. “I’ve been thinking about taking on a coaching role for the past few years now,” O’Connor said. “Once I knew Maddi would be missing the start of the season, it kind of all came about very quickly. “It’s been great to learn off and lean on her for some advice. She’s been really helpful.”

With a new campaign and fresh slate just around the corner, there is a buzz of excitement at Mount Major. Dookie United has put the frustrations of 2021 in the rear vision mirror and is looking forward to what the upcoming Kyabram District League season will bring. The club has strengthened its list, announced talented tall Jack Threlfall as co-coach to Daniel Burness and kept majority of its roster from last year. With a positive summer pre-season now under their belt, the Thunder look set on a big assault on finals action. “Hopefully we can have a better run at it than last year,” Threlfall said. “Injuries played havoc on us. “From round one to our last game before the season was cancelled, there was something like 12–13 forced changes

FAST FACTS

Georgie O’Connor O’Connor said the Thunder had witnessed former players have a “change of commitments” since last year’s cancelled season. But in promising signs, the club has been able to welcome multiple new faces ahead of the up coming season.

–AYDIN PAYNE

NETBALL

FAST FACTS

Patrick McMullan to know each other, but it’s been really positive.” Threlfall, who is about to embark on his second season at the Thunder, said he had been relishing his new role as co-coach. “It’s been good to do it with Dan, I’ve really enjoyed it so far,” he said. “There’s also a lot of other leaders around the side that I can lean on as well. Josh (Preston) has been great to work with, it’s been good to bounce ideas off him and everyone.”

-AYDIN PAYNE

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Jarad Newman, Josh Kezerle, Spencer Gillespie, Jye Limosani, Tom Cook, Henry Cook, Mason Irvine, Dylan Mill, (Shepparton United), Lachlan Magee (Tatura), Jordan Trevaskis OUT: Nil

CO-COACHES: GEORGIE FOOTBALL COACHES: DANIEL BURNESS AND JACK THRELFALL 2021 FINISH: EIGHTH (6–5) O’CONNOR AND MADDISON 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ANDY O’CONNOR 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: PAT MCMULLAN (23) OWEN 2021 FINISH: FOURTH (9-2) GROUND: DOOKIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: THUNDER.

GIRGARRE Holly Nelson has left nothing to chance in preparing her new Girgarre A-grade netball squad for the 2022 Kyabram District League season. The Kangaroos coach took charge of her squad for a four week pre-Christmas program and then had the girls back early in the new year to prepare for the opening match, which is on Sunday, April 3 against traditional rival Lancaster. Nelson (formerly Butler), who won the league’s A-grade best-and-fairest award last year, is one of just three regulars from last year’s team turning out in 2022. The others are Kylie Waddingham and Ali Walsh. They will be served in defence by Dani Holmes, who had a season off while having a baby, and 17-year-old Mooroopna recruit — and former junior best-and-fairest Libby Pangrazio. Girgarre C-grade coach, and A-grade goaler, Jacinta Turgoose said Pangrazio had come to the club to join her sister, who plays in the B-grade team.

due to injuries. “Fingers crossed we don’t have to deal with the same amount of injuries this time around.” The summer months have had Dookie United welcome more than 10 players to its ranks, with majority jumping across from Shepparton United. Jarad Newman, Spencer Gillespie and Josh Kezerle are just a few players that have made the switch from the Goulburn Valley League outfit. “It’s been pretty good. We have picked up quite a few new faces,” Threlfall said. “It’s good to have new guys come in, it’s raised the excitement levels within the group. One of the big positives is we’ve been able to keep pretty much everyone from last year. “Pre-season has been spent getting

Waddingham, Walsh, Nelson and Teah Ryan will form the base of the midcourt, with Emily Crocker and Turgoose in goals. Sarah Thorpe is another of the A-grade squad’s defensive players. Girgarre finished second in A-grade at the end of the home and away season last year, dropping just one game, and was fourth in B-grade. The team will be different this year due to injuries and retirement. At junior level the club will have an under-17 team, along with under-13 and under-11.

FOOTBALL

Girgarre’s round one appointment with traditional rival Lancaster will hold extra significance as it coincides with the club’s delayed centenary celebrations. Like just about everything in society there has been a significant delay to the event, which was planned for early in the 2021 season. The Kyabram District League neighbours will clash on Sunday, April 3 — one of the only Sunday fixtures of any regional league that weekend — and the club is taking the opportunity to use the Saturday (April 2) as a centenary celebration. Club president Matt Graetz said the Athol “Doc” McDonald inspired centerary book, They’re Campions You’ll Agree, would be launched on the day It will be the debut of new coach Damian Cupido for the Kangaroos, with at least six new faces in the senior team from last year. The team will be without

PLAYER CHANGES Holly Nelson NETBALL COACH: HOLLY NELSON 2021 FINISH: SECOND (10-1)

62 Football and Netball 2022

IN: Damian Cupido OUT: Billy Barnes (Kyabram)

Damian Cupido

last season’s coach Billy Barnes, who has moved to Kyabram. “We’ve lost a couple of Melbourne players and there’s been a couple of retirements. But it looks pretty good as far as improving our on-field performance goes,” Graetz said. Saturday’s centenary celebration at Girgarre will start at 4.30 pm, with the announcement of the football Team of the Century and a netball Team of the Ages. “We will have a Front Bar segment, with a couple of past coaches and players, then we will induct our first Girgarre Football Netball Club legend,” Graetz said. “It is the first time we have announced a Wilson coached Shepparton Bears club legend, but we will have more going forward. women’s team to a Northern Country “This person stood out for us.” Women’s League ﬂag in 2018. The Sunday match with Lancaster will Mark Parsons, a former player who has also appeared with Stanhope and Lancaster, also be a reunion of the 1991 premiership team — ironically a victory against Lancaster. will coach the club’s under age team. “We are expecting a big crowd. I think He married into Girgarre royalty when he wed wife Charmaine (nee Farrow), it’s the only Sunday game in the Goulburn Murray region,” he said. who is the daughter of club legend Gary Former Brisbane Lion and Essendon “Scrapper” Farrow. player Cupido will have John Wilson as his Rory Young will continue in the role as assistant coach. coach of the reserves team. Cupido was the captain coach of Rumbalara’s 2014 premiership team. – ROHAN ALDOUS

FOOTBALL COACH: DAMIAN CUPDIO 2021 FINISH: 10TH (4-7) 2021 BEST AND FAIREST: BILLY BARNES 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DAMIEN WYND (23) GROUND: GIRGARRE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: KANGAROOS

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

LANCASTER NETBALL

FOOTBALL

Former Lancaster best-and-fairest Michelle Hill has taken the reins as coach of Lancaster’s A-grade netball team. Hill will most likely be coaching her daugher, Millie, who had an outstanding under-17 season with the Wombats in 2020 and has been impressive in the pre-season with the club. It has been 12 years since the last Lancaster A-grade premiership and, while nobody is talking about winning the competition at this stage, there is high hopes for the team. Club president Rod O’Neill said Hill would be a non-playing coach, but she would be bringing with her quality defender Bec Squires. Squires, who spent last season with Girgarre, will face her old team in the opening round. “Our A-grade team will be competitive. We played about 11 games last season and they finished seventh on the ladder,” O’Neill said. “They were not far off.” Millie Hill and Ash Scapin were members of the unbeaten 2020 under-17 team and are expected to

Lancaster will leave the recruiting door ajar in the opening half of its Kyabram District League season as it embarks on its first year with Tom Davies in the sole coaching role. Davies has been joint coach of the Wombats with long-time player and mentor Corey Carver, who has stepped away from coaching and will this year be part of the selection committee. The reigning McNamara medallist, Davies, will be looking to add to the midfield stocks at the club with key playmakers James Ross and Zac Cerrone making the move to Kyabram in Goulburn Valley League this year. Club president Rod O’Neill said while the loss of Ross and Cerrone would be felt, he expected the close connection of the club coach with the Northern Territory Football League to have an impact on playing personnel.

FAST FACTS

Bec Squires slot nicely into the A-grade team. The B-grade coaches are Georgie Ross and Kelsey O’™Neill, while Jo Backway will coach C-grade. “We will have A, B and C-grade senior teams, but at junior level we will only have an under-13 team. We have lost a lot of our under-17 girls to the seniors and will only have an under-13 team,” O’Neill said.

– ROHAN ALDOUS NETBALL COACH: MICHELLE HILL 2021 FINISH: 10TH (5-7)

“Tom is friends with a lot of the boys at the NT Thunder and St Mary’s. We expect to have many players for at least part of the season, including Nick Yarran and Shannon Rioli,” O’Neill said. Yarran has had an outstanding season with St Mary’s. He won the league’s premier media award for his efforts. Rioli is a 200-plus gamer with St Mary’s and former captain of the club. He is the younger brother of Hawthorn great Cyril. O’Neill said being a senior coach was a natural progression for Davies. Brad Tinning is the Wombats’ reserves coach and Michael Mott the under 18 mentor. O’Neill said losing Cerrone and Ross, who finished runner-up and third behind Davies in the best-and-fairest, would be a blow — but allow for the progression of under-age players.

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Shannon Rioli (St Mary’s), Nick McAuliffe (Undera) OUT: Zac Cerrone, James Ross, Billy Ryan, Logan Demasi

Tom Davies The team has also lost Logan Demasi, who has relocated to Queensland. “It is challenging with Kyabram, Tatura and Tongala all going pretty well,” he said. “We have recruited Nick McAuliffe as a key defender, from Undera. “The biggest thing for us is developing our kids, we have won the last two premierships, in 2018 and 2019, and five or six of those kids are playing in the seniors. “Four of them played in the side last year, which was very strong.” “They played a Sunday at our ground a couple of years ago. Our first home game is the second round against Rushworth,” he said. O’Neill said he expected the team to be in the top six again. “We don’t have a gauge on the other clubs yet, but we are confident in our playing stocks,” he said.

– ROHAN ALDOUS

FOOTBALL COACH: TOM DAVIES 2021 FINISH: FIRST (11–0) 2021 BEST AND FAIREST: TOM DAVIES 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ZAC CERRONE (30) GROUND: LANCASTER RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: WOMBATS

LONGWOOD NETBALL It has been a busy summer at Longwood according to head coach Meg Pellegrino. The always-improving outfit has been ticking the legs over earlier than expected. “We have started a bit earlier than in the past to try and raise our fitness levels,” Pellegrino said. “We’ve been on the track since November and we’ve been averaging 20–25 players which has been great.” Pellegrino highlighted some changes to Longwood’s coaching set-up during the off-season. “We have had a totally reconstructed coaching panel which is intended to bring in new skill sets and perspective,” she said. “Kait Carracher will take the B-grade and it’s really exciting to welcome her back to the club. “Carly Murphy will lead the C-grade, Stevie Dickman will take on the 17s again, while Nicole Dowell is a new coach and will handle the 15s.

FAST FACTS

FOOTBALL “Jess Webber is taking on the 13s and one of our most exciting announcements is that teenager Lani Shiner is taking the 11s role on.”

– AYDIN PAYNE

Longwood is about to enter the final stage of life with Michael Galvin as the club’s senior football coach. It has been a challenging tenure for the Redlegs’ mentor, with COVID-19 and other roadblocks standing in the way of a smooth journey. Personal reasons have meant Galvin has opted to step down upon completion of the 2022 Kyabram District League campaign. The club’s beloved leader made the early call in summer to allow the club enough time to organise his replacement. Galvin, who is preparing for his fourth year as coach, hopes the club is well placed when he does sign off come the end of the season. “Everyone knows that this will be my last year at Longy,” he said.

“When I do step aside, I want to make sure the senior side is in a better spot to when I started and is in a good spot heading into the future. “I hope everyone sticks around because there is a bright future for the club with the juniors coming through.’ And he’s not wrong with the crop of talented youngsters rising through the ranks. Dakota Pellegrino is chief among the gifted under-18 outfit, who would have played finals in 2021 if the season did not get cancelled. Ryley and Jack McDonald, along with Tyler Speedy, Harry Skinner and Harry Shiner are in the thirds system, but players who will be handed senior game time. A handful of new faces have walked through the club’s doors since January,

while the Redlegs’ senior leadership group of Mitch Van De Duim, Nathan Watson and Reece Dimech are driving the bus. “Our leadership group has been fantastic over pre-season and have helped me out a lot,” Galvin said. “And Ty (Howard) has done a superb job with our fitness. I’m thankful for the work he has put in.”

– AYDIN PAYNE

PLAYER CHANGES

Stevie Dickman NETBALL COACH: MEG PELLEGRINO 2021 FINISH: 14TH (1–10)

IN: Kyle Withers, Caleb Johnstone, Geordie McMurtrie, Bailey McMurtrie, Ty Howard OUT: Tom Rennie (Stanhope)

Michael Galvin

FOOTBALL COACH: MICHAEL GALVIN 2021 FINISH: 15TH (0–11) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MITCH VAN DE DUIM 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RYAN CUMBERLAND (14) GROUND: LONGWOOD RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: REDLEGS

Football and Netball 2022 63

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

MERRIGUM NETBALL

Merrigum coach Olivia Jackson is eyeing off her side being a challenger come September. The Bulldogs’ A-grade mentor is back at the helm for a third straight year and has a strong belief that her side can rub shoulders with the best. And there is little to argue that the Bulldogs won’t be there come crunch time. Jackson’s charges were destined to play finals in 2021 before COVID-19 wreaked havoc. Now more than eight months on, Merrigum is aiming to go deep into September action. “It’s going to be great to be able to build on what we achieved together last year,” Jackson said. “We’ve had a good start to training. We didn’t start (pre-season) until this year; we just didn’t want the girls to get burnt out too quickly. “We’ve lost a couple from our squad, but we’ve been able to pick up a few as well which is nice. “Our goal is to play finals and we are aiming for a top-four finish.” Talented midcourter Allana

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Adams has departed, along with Siarn Pedretti, however, the Bulldogs have been able to accommodate the departures. Versatile defender Ebony Halliwell is back after a few seasons away, while young gun Latia Doherty is destined to step up and make a presence in defence. Jackson is tipped to return to the court following some years out due to a serious knee injury and will provide another layer of class to Merrigum’s outfit. Madeline Hall will join Maddy Wilson in what will undoubtedly be a slick midcourt, while best-and-fairest winner Kate Sloan will return after a stellar 2021.

– AYDIN PAYNE

A ‘’local group playing for the right reasons’’ will hit the field for Merrigum this year, with the side sure to play some good football. Coach Steve Lawlor said it was a challenge coming out of the two lost seasons, but with strong local support, Merrigum was ready to go. “We tend to stay pretty focused and in our own lane with what we’re doing in Merigum and I think we’re travelling pretty well,” Lawlor said. “There’s been good pre-season attendances and we’ve maintained our list pretty well, which is great to see.” A number of new faces will be joining the Bulldogs, which Lawlor says will not only lift the standard, but provide more depth. He said captain Jacob Chessells and playing assistant coach David

Matthews had been setting the standard in pre-season, while local talents Jack Sinclair, Zak Parkinson, Thomas Cooper and Joel McCarten, among others, had potential to be elite players in the competition. While results on field are always important, Merrigum is looking to rebuild off it also. “I think the most important thing for all football clubs this year is to get communities back together,” Lawlor said. “Life hasn’t been the same without full football seasons and finals, so I don’t think any of us from any club should be getting too worried about the success of 2022 from a premiership stand point. “We just need to get our communities back together and enjoy playing the game, because it has been dearly missed.”

– DANIEL WEBB

Zak Parkinson

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Ryan Martin (Calder Cannons/Aberfeldie), Chris Young, Rhys Bucktin (Milawa), Darcy Collins (Shepparton Swans), Liam McDonell (CDHBU), Liam Scopelliti (Kyabram) OUT: Will McDonell, Mason Scopelliti

Ebony Halliwell NETBALL COACH: OLIVIA JACKSON 2021 FINISH: SIXTH (7–4)

FOOTBALL COACH: STEVE LAWLOR 2021 FINISH: SIXTH (7-2-4) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: RHYS SHANNON 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JOSHUA SMITH (43) GROUND: MERRIGUM RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BULLDOGS

MURCHISON-TOOLAMBA NETBALL The anticipation of a big year ahead is rapidly building at Murchison-Toolamba. Incoming A-grade mentor Sharne Milne has welcomed a handful of recruits and the atmosphere is buzzing for what shapes up to be a memorable year for the club. Milne, a 250-game player at the Grasshoppers, highlighted the enjoyment at Murchison-Toolamaba during the summer months. “Pre-season has been going really good. We’ve had some large numbers at training which has been great,” she said. “It’s really exciting to see new faces at the club, as well as some returning ones. There is a really good vibe at the club and everything is running smoothly.” Milne said the Hoppers had added four fresh faces to their roster. Georgia Foster joins from recent stints at Tallygaroopna and Shepparton East, Sarah Trease comes from Numurkah, while Tatura duo

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FOOTBALL Jade Kay and Darcie Stammers have jumped across. Meanwhile, Murchison-Toolamba has waved goodbye to last year’s mentor Jenni McCluskey, Heidi Merritt and Mikayla Laws. But the first-year coach is hopeful her side can rise up the ladder and feature in the post-season. “We would love to be a competitive team and play finals,” Milne said. “This is the first time I’ve coached and it’s been a lot of fun already. I want to help create an enjoyable and friendly environment for girls to come play netball.”

– AYDIN PAYNE

A continued push towards the Kyabram District League top four is the primary goal for MurchisonToolamba this season.

Nick Iorianni resumes his position as senior coach for another season and, after another active off-season and growth from his budding youngsters, has high hopes he can have his team hopping to success in September. Murchison-Toolamba Football Netball Club president Craig Thompson said the club was in fantastic shape heading into the new season. “We have looked to largely retain our list from last season, while also having an active pre-season with juniors coming up and some recruits coming to join us at the

club,” Thompson said. “Getting back to country football and netball will be fantastic, we are really proud to have every grade filled in football and netball and, with a new club room on the way as well, it is a really exciting time.” Despite losing excitement machine Jordan McGregor back to Shepparton and up-and-comer Nick Watt to Undera, the addition of a quartet from Mooroopna and the Lloyd brothers would have Hoppers fans confident of a premiership push. “This will be Nick’s third year at the helm and he has been a great acquisition for the local community, he’s had a loyal group of players come along with him and each year he has added a couple more which makes for a very promising group,” he said.

“For us at the moment there have been no finals in the past two seasons, so being able to play a full home and away season and hit the finals would be a dream.”

– ZAC STANDISH

Trent Freer

PLAYER CHANGES

Sharne Milne NETBALL COACH: SHARNE MILNE 2021 FINISH: SEVENTH (5–5)

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IN: Trent Freer, Michael Coad, Kallyun Sanders, Brodie Sanders (Mooroopna), Aidan Lloyd, James Lloyd (Shepparton East) OUT: Jordan McGregor (Shepparton), Nick Watt (Undera) FOOTBALL COACH: NICK IORIANNI 2021 FINISH: FIFTH (7–3) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JAMES MILNE 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ASHTON CASHION (20) GROUND: MURCHISON RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

NAGAMBIE

NETBALL

A perennial powerhouse of Kyabram District League netball during the past decade, Nagambie once again comes into the new season as one of the teams to beat. Gabby Finnigan headlines a new-look coaching panel and is surrounded by a plethora of premiership pedigree that will be sure to make her transition into the top job a smooth one. On the court, the Lakers will be looking to continue on from a strong 2021 campaign, seeking reinforcements in Avenel pair Bree D’Andrea and Georgia Velt to really fill out the roster. Finnigan said she believed her squad had what it takes to improve on last season and become a premiership contender. “The squad is looking pretty good, we just finished our trials, and all our focus is now on round one with what we think will be strong A, B and C-grade sides,” Finnigan said. “I think we will be even stronger than last year, we have a few girls coming back who are mainly locals which is very exciting, while we still have our main core from last year with girls like

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Sharni Lloyd set for big seasons. “Expect to see a good strong style of netball from our team as we want to be a hard team to play against both offensively and defensively.” The first-year mentor is hoping to breed a culture of fun and enjoyment on the court this year, with the sky the limit for what she believes her team can achieve. “For me it is always just to have fun, play as a team and go out being strong on the court,” she said. “Everyone is very excited (to get back on the court), our trainings have been quite popular, so it should be a good season.”

– ZAC STANDISH

There are three certainties when it comes to life: death, taxes and Nagambie being a force in Kyabram District League football. Claiming five senior premierships in the past decade and playing finals in the past seven seasons, the Lakers have long been the envy of the entire competition. And it appears not much will be changing heading into 2022 as the Lakers look to improve on their fourth-placed finish last year. Three hundred game veteran Tyrone Muir takes the reins as senior coach and, despite losing the uber-talented Jamason Daniels to Numurkah, has a loaded list of talent at his disposal. “The blokes are pretty excited and pumped to get back into it, having not played much footy over the past couple of years everyone is keen for an uninterrupted season,” Muir said. “The main thing that stands out for us is our experience, we have played quite

a lot of footy together and are quite a close-knit group, pretty much our whole team is born and bred in Nagambie, which is just fantastic. “We take a little bit of confidence out of how we performed last year; we have a reasonably similar side, so we expect to be pretty competitive again towards the top half of the ladder.” Sporting a two-headed monster of Anthony Haysom and Nick Fothergill up forward, along with a balanced midfield and solid defence, Muir said he wouldn’t be looking to change too much game plan-wise. “We hope to be hard to score against and pretty attacking when we get the footy as well, hopefully our ability to transition into defence will hold us in good stead and help us restrict the scoring of other sides,” he said.

– ZAC STANDISH

Tyrone Muir

PLAYER CHANGES Bree D’Andrea NETBALL COACH: GABBY FINNIGAN 2021 FINISH: FIFTH (7-3)

IN: Blake Laverie (Woodend Hesket), Trent Laverie (Woodend Hesket) OUT: Jamason Daniels (Numurkah), Nick Waterson (North Bendigo), Callum Tardrew (North Bendigo)

FOOTBALL COACH: TYRONE MUIR 2021 FINISH: FOURTH (8-3) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JAMASON DANIELS 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: NATHAN FOTHERGILL (22) GROUND: NAGAMBIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LAKERS

RUSHWORTH NETBALL Confidence. That’s what Rushworth mentor Sarah West is chasing for season 2022 for her charges at Ironbark Stadium. The club, like all, has been knocked about in the past two years due to lockdowns and for a club trying to build back into contention it’s hit Rushworth hard. “On the court we just want to develop the girls’ belief and the belief that they can do it,” West said of the Tigers’ aims. “Losses have wiped the confidence of a few of them, so we want to build that up again.” She said a lack of consistency in 2021 due to lockdowns hurt the side’s ability to bounce back from losses and an interrupted pre-season wasn’t helping. “We’ve got a lot of mums who are playing, so it’s difficult with kids and COVID isolation in the pre-season,“ West said. “We’ll have a couple coming in later in the year who have had injuries and

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FOOTBALL get some reinforcements. “We’re excited to go around again, we’re looking to see some improvement in that.”

– MAX STAINKAMPH

Two amateur footballers from Melbourne have spearheaded Rushworth’s quest to revitalise its hunt for Kyabram District League success. Tom McKay from Old Xavier College Football Club and Theo Ralph from St Kevin’s have joined the club ahead of the 2022 season, with coach Damian Wust excited about the year ahead. He said he wanted to be an agile team on the park. “We’re optimistic for what we can do. We want to be very versatile and ﬂexible on the field and be able to fill in blanks in multiple positions,” Wust said. The club’s re-signed most of its list from last year, while also gaining Drew Gelsi and Shayne Lynch, who have

returned from Nathalia and Waaia respectively, while Troy Damon will also cross from Shepparton United. As for McKay and Ralph, the former is a midfielder who can spend stints up forward, while the latter can play in key posts at either end of the ground and pinch hit in the ruck. “We want to be more competitive in every game and carry that through the season,“ Wust said. “If we keep going well then maybe we’ll push towards the top eight, but at the moment we’re just aiming to be competitive.”

– MAX STAINKAMPH

Drew Gelsi

PLAYER CHANGES

Katrina Ogden NETBALL COACH: SARAH WEST 2021 FINISH: 12TH (3-9)

IN: Tom McKay (Old Xavier), Theo Ralph (St Kevin’s), Drew Gelsi (Nathalia), Shayne Lynch (Waaia), Troy Damon (Shepparton United) OUT: Murphy Bertram, Ed Bourke FOOTBALL COACH: DAMIAN WUST 2021 FINISH: 12TH (3-9) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: KIERAN MALONE 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: KIERAN MALONE (16) GROUND: IRONBARK STADIUM NICKNAME: TIGERS

Football and Netball 2022 65

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

SHEPPARTON EAST NETBALL

The early signs coming from the netball courts at Central Park point to Shepparton East again being a contender for the Kyabram District League premiership. The A-grade outfit has retained its playing list for the 2022 campaign, while welcoming former Shepparton player Kate Durling. The Eagles will again be led by Erynn Hueston as they look to once again narrow their sights on finishing high up the ladder. Shepparton East occupied one of the top three positions last winter and Hueston has hopes of replicating that again. “Every team’s goal is to make finals and we’re no different,” she said. “We want to try and be more consistent and more competitive against those top sides. We want to try and develop our game structure early on and I want to also develop a few of our up-and-coming juniors.” The inclusion of Durling, a former A-grade midcouter with the Bears, is set to bolster an already talented line-up.

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“Kate comes across from Bears and we are rapt to have her on board,” Hueston said. “She is a midcourter who can swing to attack or down back. She is very versatile.”

– AYDIN PAYNE

Kate Durling

The 2022 Kyabram District League season is a homecoming year at Central Park Reserve. Shepparton East has welcomed a plethora of past premiership players back to the club after multiple seasons away. Rob Osborne is chief among them, with the new Eagles’ mentor back at the Nest after a short period at Shepparton Swans. Osborne, who made a name for himself at Central Park, is enjoying life back at his old stomping ground. “We have got a good bunch of blokes and some really talented youngsters. I’m looking forward to what the year has in store,” Osborne said. “I’ve played with a lot of the guys that have come across. We’ve played in premierships together at East. “The best thing too is that out of the

new guys, seven of them are one point players, which will make life a lot easier.” East has welcomed back multiple past premiership players in the likes of Dwain Vidler, David Gillespie and Matt Rendina in the summer months. Add the likes of former United ball magnet Adam Fichera, as well as Shepparton Swans talents Ryan Pfeiffer and Tom Campbell and the Eagles look destined to rise up the ladder. However, Osborne downplayed his outfit’s chances this season, with the firstyear coach putting no limits on his side. “I didn’t want to come in and put any expectations on the group,” he said. “Hopefully we can slide in and make finals with the new system and once you are in finals you can make your own luck.”

– AYDIN PAYNE

Matt Rendina

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Adam Fichera, Matt Rendina, Dwain Vidler, David Gillespie, Tom McCluskey, Tyler Pedretti, (Shepparton United), Tom Campbell, Ryan Pfeiffer, Adem Barroli (Shepparton Swans), Zac Standish OUT: Nic Fichera (Tallygaroopna), Andrew Lloyd, James Lloyd (Murchison-Toolamba) NETBALL COACH: ERYNN HUESTON 2021 FINISH: THIRD (9–2)

FOOTBALL COACH: ROB OSBORNE 2021 FINISH: NINTH (5–6) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JAYDIN DAMIANOPOULOS 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ANDREW LLOYD (41) GROUND: CENTRAL PARK NICKNAME: EAGLES

STANHOPE FOOTBALL

NETBALL Stanhope will be hoping to bounce back this season after a difficult year on the court in 2021. The Lions had made the finals in each of the previous six seasons and finished in top spot in 2019, but dropped down to 11th last year with four wins and six losses. A-grade coach Felicity Hall said the goal this season was a return to finals action. And with the finals expanding to include a top eight this year, she said finals was the minimum expectation. “I think we have the want, the skill and the drive to be successful,” Hall said. Having lost a few players after their stellar 2019 season, Hall said it would be the start of a new era this season. “We’re really in the rebuilding phase,” she said.

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“It’s all about rebuilding and trying to become that dominant force once again.” Hall said some of the new players this season would hopefully add a new dynamic to the team. Look for attacking duo Jemma Wright and Zahlia Burrill-Grinton to have a strong impact this season. – BRANSEN GIBSON

The Lions will be looking to roar in 2022, with their eyes set firmly on winning an elusive ﬂag. Stanhope finished third in 2021 and has been perennial finals contenders, but recent premiership success has evaded it. The Lions have missed the finals once since 1998 – in 2012 – but the club has not won a ﬂag since winning back-to-back premierships in 2007-08. Mark Patten is Stanhope’s co-coach, alongside Dennis Grinton, and he has a simple goal for this year: “Finishing the season would be a good start,” Patten said. He said the club would be aiming to make the finals once again and go as deep as it could. Patten said the Lions’ greatest strength

was their strong local roots. “We’ve always had a good local base at Stanhope, that’s always important,” he said. “We always build a pretty good side around a strong local base and that has stood us in good stead for quite a long period.” The Lions had a top-four finish last season and Patten thinks his side should be strong again this year after recruiting well. “We have recruited strongly and we haven’t lost too many in the wash up,” he said. “We think we’ll improve again, but we know the rest of the competition is improving at the same time too.’’ Ryan Semell headlines Stanhope’s

Stuart Trevana batch of recruits, with the three-time Heathcote District Football League bestand-fairest set to play his first season with the Lions.

– BRANSEN GIBSON

PLAYER CHANGES Cassidy Vick NETBALL COACH: FELICITY HALL 2021 FINISH: 11TH (4–6)

66 Football and Netball 2022

IN: Ryan Semell, Luke Semell, Josh Harris, Chris Gleeson, Lachlan West, Tom Rennie, Rhys Smith OUT: Chris Sanders, Mitch O’Dwyer

FOOTBALL COACHES: MARK PATTEN AND DENIS GRINTON 2021 FINISH: THIRD (9–2) 2021 BEST AND FAIREST: NATHAN O’REILLY 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JONO PEARSON (33) GROUND: GILL COCHRANE OVAL NICKNAME: LIONS

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

TALLYGAROOPNA NETBALL

It is a form of unfinished business for Tallygaroopna A-grade coach Fiona Down and her charges as they prepare for the 2022 season. Last year’s minor premier enjoyed an emphatic 2021 on the court, where it lost one game from 11 appearances. With minimal changes to the A-grade roster, the playing coach is hopeful Tallygaroopna can again occupy the top positions on the ladder. “Absolutely, everyone always strives to compete and challenge for finals,” Down said. “That will be one of our main focuses for this season because at the end of the day we are hungry to finish off last season. “But just getting back out there (on the court), getting community sport back, having fun, enjoying netball and making friendships is what we will also focus on.” Down revealed her squad had retained majority of its playing list, however, Georgi Sidebottom and Sarah Taylor are having a year off.

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But Down, now heading into her second season as coach, said the club had welcomed back former players to its netball ranks. “We’ll be very similar to last year, apart from a few outs, but majority of us are returning,” she said.

– AYDIN PAYNE Fiona Down

FOOTBALL Tallygaroopna coach Daniel Kirchen has one main focus for the upcoming Kyabram District League campaign and that is to lift his charges up the senior football ladder. There were plenty of uncertainties before last year’s season, but not many predicted the dramatic fall of Tallygaroopna. The Redlegs, the 2019 grand finalists, slumped to 13th on the ladder with two wins against their name. A raft of player departures and the interruptions of COVID-19 left the Redlegs as one of the hardest hit clubs. But with Kirchen now entering his second year as coach and with some new faces set to bolster the line-up, expect Tally’s rebuild to be a quick one.

“Our number one aim this season is to go a step better from last year,” Kirchen said. “We want to get better and improve; hopefully we are able to win a few games and get a bit more continuity in our game. “We want to keep moving forward in the right direction.” Kirchen will have some quality reinforcements at his disposal for the upcoming campaign. Premiership player Nic Fichera is back at the club in an assistant coaching role after a year at Central Park for Shepparton East. Angus Harrington has come across from Shepparton Swans and will be a handy tall, while youngster Campbell Steigenberger is another to keep an eye on.

Nic Fichera “(Pre-season) has been pretty good, we’ve been able to add a few new faces,” Kirchen said. “Everyone is looking forward to the season.”

– AYDIN PAYNE

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Nic Fichera, Dylan Butcher (Shepparton East), Angus Harrington, Jacob Butcher (Shepparton Swans), Tanner Hunter (Undera), Campbell Steigenberger (Shepparton United), Dylan Wayman Jake Butcher, Dylan McFarlane OUT: Jarrod Byrne, Jason Byrne, Lachlan Trotman NETBALL COACH: FIONA DOWN 2021 FINISH: FIRST (10–1)

FOOTBALL COACH: DANIEL KIRCHEN 2021 FINISH: 13TH (2–9) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ZAC BRETT 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ADAM BROPHY (20) GROUND: TALLYGAROOPNA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: REDLEGS

UNDERA NETBALL Undera will be hoping for a much better season on the netball court after a rough year in 2021. The Lions finished at the foot of the Kyabram District League ladder after failing to win any of their 10 games They have only made the finals once in the past seven seasons, but A-grade coach Sarah Press is optimistic about the future. “We had a pretty rough season last year,” Press said. “Hopefully we’re looking at better things this year, we’ve started off really strong. “We didn’t win any games last year, so we just want to be competitive, get a couple of wins on the board and just enjoy our netball. “Everyone’s dream is to make finals, you’re out there to win. I just want to see the team enjoy their netball.” Press said the Lions had already hit a key accomplishment before the season had even started, with this

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FOOTBALL year set to be the first time Undera has fielded teams in all junior and senior grades.

– BRANSEN GIBSON

A recruiting boom from Undera aims to spearhead a several-year push towards finals. Seven young recruits have signed on with the Lions for season 2022 and it’s a cause for excitement for coach Mitch Dickason. “The younger guys who have signed, we’re trying to lock them away for a few years so we can build towards something special ... we’re really looking to build long-term,“ Dickason said. Adam O’Brien has joined the club to provide some much-needed grunt. “With Adam we’ve got a lot of confidence he can go in and play a major role in the midfield to support Rhys McKenzie,” Dickason said.

Dickason, who came across from Longwood, brought Ayrton Pierce and Jack Skinner with him, and Daniel Brock (Picola), Murphy Bertram (Rushworth), Nick Watt (Tatura) and Andy Peer He said while he didn’t expect the club to push for the ﬂag this year, he was still going to be focused on the win-loss ratio and improve on the Lions’ 11th-placed finish last year. Dickason said it was a nice vote of confidence from players who stuck around before re-signing, with Matt Burridge and Marc Pengilly to assistant coach.

– MAX STAINKAMPH Rhys McKenzie

PLAYER CHANGES Chelsea Salmon NETBALL COACH: SARAH PRESS 2021 FINISH: 15TH (0-11)

IN: Daniel Brock (Picola), Murphy Bertram, Andy Peer, Ayrton Pierce, Nick Watt, Jack Skinner, Adam O’Brien OUT: Nil

FOOTBALL COACH: MITCH DICKASON 2021 FINISH: 11TH (3-8) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: RHYS MCKENZIE 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DYLAN MONCUR (18) GROUND: UNDERA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS

Football and Netball 2022 67

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

VIOLET TOWN NETBALL

FOOTBALL

For coach Abbie Ellis, excitement is building, as she and co-coach Kolby Wild gear up for their second year in charge of Violet Town’s A-grade side. After many had tipped the Towners to struggle amidst a rebuild last season, Ellis and Wild, who had only just stepped in to coach, defied odds to challenge the league’s top sides and push the Towners all the way. They’ll be keen to build on that this year, Ellis said, with numbers on court a good indication of the exciting direction the team is heading. “Pre-season has been very solid for us, we’ve had a very strong attendance,” Ellis said. With a handful of recruits on the court, the coaches are seeing the fruits of their labour in the positive atmosphere they’ve been trying to cultivate in the past year. “The girls have been very enthusiastic and really putting in

“The Legend Returns”, was the announcement early in Violet Town’s off-season, with news Sean Horsburgh would take the senior coaching reins in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. Having already done it all as a player, Horsburgh will lead from the touchline this year in a non-playing role, the club keen to utilise his knowledge and experience for its young group. As far as the list goes it’s a formidable one; the Towners fortunate to hang on to several key players in the off-season. Gun forward Josh Mellington stole league headlines last season, clinching the leading goal-kicker with an astonishing 113 goals in the shortened season, averaging nine a game. Horsburgh has tipped his skipper — Ryan Jennings — as someone to watch, while

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Heidi Vranek the effort to improve their fitness,” she said. “There’s lots of new faces around the netball club which we’re really excited about.” In terms of ones to watch, both Imy Law and Jayde Burden have recommitted for 2022, bolstering the Towners’ postings across the court.

– JAMES KLEEMAN NETBALL COACHS: ABBIE ELLIS AND KOLBY WILD 2021 FINISH: NINTH (5-6)

Riley Dowell is expected to make the step up from the Towners’ reserves this year. “There’s a few players who played a handful of games last season due to work commitments and that sort of thing to start playing full-time this year,” Horsburgh said. “Our captain Ryan Jennings is someone who I think will be really important for us, and guys like Riley Dowell, who is starting to play in a more full-time role, has been training really hard week in week out.” Jett Bewick’s return after a year in the Northern Territory is predicted to bolster Towners’ finals hopes, with Bewick also assuming the assistant coaching role alongside Horsburgh. The acquisition of key forward Jack Exell will offer Horsburgh another option

up forward, as well as an interesting opportunity in a forward combination with Mellington. “We’ve retained most of our list and brought in a few guys who will really add something, I think we’ve got the squad for it — to mix it with the bigger sides this year,” Horsburgh said.

– JAMES KLEEMAN

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Jack Exell, Jayden Guppy, Jett Bewick (AFL Cairns) OUT: Jared Brennan (Wodonga Raiders), Joel Price

Ryan Jennings

FOOTBALL COACH: SEAN HORSBURGH 2021 FINISH: SEVENTH (6-5) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JOSH MELLINGTON 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JOSH MELLINGTON (113) GROUND: VIOLET TOWN RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: TOWNERS

SUPPORTING OUR SPORTING CLUBS As your local representative in the Australian Parliament since 2016, I am proud to have secured federal funding for a range of upgrades for football and netball clubs across the Goulburn Valley. Among the projects are:

New changerooms at Tungamah Recreation Reserve New netball courts at Longwood Recreation Reserve New netball courts at Merrigum Recreation Reserve New netball courts at Kyabram Recreation Reserve New toilets, showers, and changeroom at Wunghnu Recreation Reserve Funding for Cobram Football Netball Club via the Volunteer Grants program Upgrade of facilities for Yarroweyah Football Netball Club Expansion and upgrade of irrigation system at Nathalia Recreation Reserve Installation of irrigation system, storage tank and boost pump at Victoria Park, Yarrawonga

Visit communitygrants.gov.au for current and future funding opportunities. Inspecting the upgrade at Tungamah Recreation Reserve alongside Rachel Figgins.

Damian DRUM MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR NICHOLLS

426 Wyndham Street, Shepparton, VIC 3630 03 5821 5371 damian.drum.mp@aph.gov.au DamianDrumMP DamianDrumMP Authorised by D. Drum MP, National Party of Australia, 426 Wyndham Street, Shepparton VIC 3630.

68 Football and Netball 2022

damiandrum.com.au

DISTRICT FOOTBALL AND NETBALL

OVENS AND KING FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE BENALLA ALL BLACKS NETBALL

A swathe of new talent descending on the All Blacks this year has returning coach Sam Bochtler keen to pick up where her side left off last year. After narrowly missing out on its first finals berth in more than seven years due to COVID-19, Bochtler is intent on finishing what she and her side started. “We’ve got a very similar side to the one we had last year, we’ve lost a couple, but gained a couple which is great,” she said. “One of our big ones is Marnie (Thorne) who’s come over from the GV league at Shepp United, she’ll be one of our key defenders this year, so it’s great to have her onboard. “A lot of the other girls played together last year, which is nice, and hopefully we can finish off the season as we started last year and become even more solid as a group.” A 9-2 record last season speaks for itself and Panthers fans will be hoping 2022 is the year this side can get hands on silverware.

GOORAMBAT NETBALL

Having established itself as the surprise package of the Ovens and King Netball League competition last year, co-coaches Amelia Gall and Sarah Osborne are excited to continue the surge up the ladder. Sliding in at sixth at the conclusion of 2021, the Bats looked more than ready to have a crack come finals. It wasn’t to be, however, as the season’s perennial contenders were left wondering what could have been for another year. Last season’s best-and-fairest and star defender Olivia Dalton will be on maternity leave this year, with the side’s younger prospects expected to step

GOORAMBAT FOOTBALL

Ally Ellis

BENALLA ALL BLACKS FOOTBALL

Coach Nich Spencer and the movers and shakers at Friendlies Oval have every reason to be pleased with their action-packed off-season, having constructed a Panthers outfit its Ovens and King opponents will certainly be wary of. Cruising in fifth last season, the All Blacks — much like their netballers — looked to be primed and ready for a long-awaited finals showing. A superb 2018 campaign had the side finish third, a placing it has yet to replicate after missing out on finals in 2019. A frightening list of ins has Spencer beaming

up in her absence. “We’ve had a couple of young girls step up from our B-grade side into the A-grade squad this year which is great,” Gall said. “We’ve had two practice matches now and they’re doing really well.” Gall said she and Osborne were intent on pushing for finals come September, with enjoyment off the court as important for this young Bats brigade. “We definitely want to see our A and B-grade teams making finals again, we want to have a good season on the court and enjoy it off the court as well.”

with confidence as his side applies the finishing touches to its pre-season preparations. “Jake Jones comes back from Tungamah, he’s a 150-gamer who brings a lot of experience into our ruck after winning a couple of premierships over there,” Spencer said. In addition to Jones, the Panthers have also secured the services of gun utility Riley Moran and forward option Lachy Thompson, who add versatility to the Panthers’ midfield and forward line.

A new face on Goorambat’s touchline and an inﬂux of new faces heralds an exciting outlook for season 2022 at the Bat Cave. Second-year mentor Sam Gladstone will be joined by Jarred Brennan at the helm this year, who steps in after a move from the Saints where he was an assistant coach during the Jimmy Martiniello years. Teetering on the edge of finals contention at the conclusion of the 2021 season, Brennan is confident his side can convert itself into a genuine finals contender this year. “I couldn’t be happier with how our pre-season’s gone, we’ve gained a few and those that have come in have added to who we’ve already got,” he said. A boom off-season recruitment drive has boosted the mood and it’s clear for all to see Brennan and Gladstone are building a side capable of regularly challenging the top outfits. Blake Uebergang, Jack Spinks, Aaron Blackburn, Jamie Dunne and Marcus O’Brien come into the side, further bolstering the Bats’ already formidable list.

– JAMES KLEEMAN

Tussle: Benalla All Blacks’ Will Ellis challenges Goorambat’s Tom Moloney for the pill.

HEATHCOTE DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE LEITCHVILLE-GUNBOWER

The Bombers finished the season rooted to the bottom of the ladder, going winless. On the netball court, A-grade extracted one win for the year. But the wheels are turning at the Bombers, with the club appointing a new senior coach to succeed the departed Cam Van Florestein. Tim Bannan is now at the helm and he’s keen to see the young Bombers reinstated to the top of the league hierarchy. “I’m really looking forward to it,” Bannan said. “They’ve got some really good young talent. With raw talent it’s much easier to teach them the ways and rigours of senior footy. “It’s a really big challenge, but it’s something that I have done over the years. “The most pleasing thing is their assets are pretty good.” The Bombers have welcomed back premiership player Hoby Bussey, along with Strathmerton midfielder Sam Lewis and Koondrook-Barham

young gun Tom Guerra. Meanwhile, Sona Hore, Gemma Baxter, and Gemma Angove headline the commitments on-court as the Bombers look to improve on last season, while Kate Donehue and Ash Bradley have stepped away from the coaches box.

– JOSH HUNTLY

Reece Bethune

LOCKINGTON-BAMAWM UNITED

On the football front, the Cats are coming off an undefeated season, while the A-grade netball side is aiming for its first victory in three years. Brodie Collins has re-signed as coach of the all-conquering Cats, whose Heathcote District Football League premiership tilt was cut short at 12 wins, 0 losses by COVID-19. While the majority of the senior squad has joined him in recommitting, defender Tom Holman has returned to Kyabram, while James McPhee has made the move to Rochester. But LBU will still be the team to beat as it chases its first ﬂag since 2014. On the courts, Jess Hardess and LBU are looking to turn around a winless 2021 and have been in training since November with that goal in mind. Shellyn Hobbs, Michelle McIntosh and Gemma McNair have departed the A-grade set-up, but the addition of Chelsea Hicks from Loddon Valley club Calivil, along with Maddie Atherton from

Eaglehawk have offset those losses to some degree. With some new faces and the renewed vigour of a season hopefully untarnished by the pandemic, there’s a bit of a buzz at the Cattery to break the duck.

– JOSH HUNTLY

Nathan Bacon

Football and Netball 2022 69

PICOLA & DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

PDFNL RETURN SET TO MAKE NOISE The stage is set for a cracking year of competition in the Picola District Football Netball League. With a COVID-19 interrupted season last year and no season in 2020, all clubs are raring to get back out on the track for what will hopefully be a long and full season. On the football side of things, it will be a fascinating race for the premiership, with a number of clubs looking like they could hoist the trophy come season’s end. Strathmerton has strengthened an already dominant line-up and will be ﬂag favourite. The Bulldogs are boasting a similar team to the one that went 13–1 last

season and as reigning premiers from 2019, will be the team to beat. Tocumwal is a side on the up and is said to be in the best position it has been in for years, with some saying the current feeling at training is similar to 2009 when it won the premiership in Murray Football League. At Katamatite, the Tigers are almost certain to be in the premiership conversation this year, with coach Jedd Wright at the helm of a strong side. Like football, Strathmerton looks to be in a strong position to take out the netball premiership and is reigning premier from 2019.

Yet, Bulldogs coach Olivia Osborne predicted a slow start to the season, which could be costly come finals time. Waaia will also be up there again this year, looking to improve on its fifth-placed finish last season. While Katunga will be putting its best foot forward to replicate last year’s season where it finished on top of the ladder. It should be a great season of football and netball across the league this season and there has never been a more exciting time to get out and support your team.

9 1 0 2 S R E I M PRE

Strathmerton

– DANIEL WEBB

LADDER PREDICTION FOOTBALL 1: Strathmerton 2: Katamatite 3: Katandra 4: Waaia 5: Tocumwal 6: Berrigan 7: Tungamah 8: Jerilderie 9: Katunga 10: Mathoura 11: Picola United 12: Deniliquin Rovers 13: Rennie 14: Yarroweyah 15: Blighty

NETBALL 1: Strathmerton 2: Katunga 3: Waaia 4: Picola United 5: Jerilderie 6: Tungamah 7: Katamatite 8: Deniliquin Rovers 9: Tocumwal 10: Katandra 11: Mathoura 12: Berrigan 13: Blighty 14: Rennie 15: Yarroweyah

PAST PREMIERS 2019: Football: Strathmerton Netball: Strathmerton 2018: Football: Rennie Netball: Deniliquin 2017 NW: Picola United and Tocumwal 2017 SE: Rennie and Katunga 2016 NW: Picola United and Tocumwal 2016 SE: Shepparton East and Katunga 2015 NW: Strathmerton and Tocumwal 2015 SE: Tungamah and Katunga 2014 NW: Jerilderie and Strathmerton 2014 SE: Tungamah and Katandra

PAST PEARCE MEDALLISTS 2021: Chris Marshall (Jerildeire) 2019: John Woodcock (Katamatite) 2018: Ash Thompson (Waaia) and Mark Ryan (Picola United) 2017 NW: Jed Brain (Blighty) 2017 SE: Bodhi Butts (Tungamah) 2016 NW: Andrew May (Deni Rovers) and Dave Daniel (Picola United) 2016 SE: Matt Rendina (Shepparton East), Eamon Reeves (Katunga) and Matt McCarty (Waaia) 2015 NW: Paul Massingham (Berrigan) 2015 SE: Matt McCarty (Waaia) and Nick Doyle (Tungamah) 2014 NW: Andrew May (Jerilderie) 2014 SE: Luke Minogue (Katandra) and Tyson Saunders (Katamatite)

DISPLAY HOMES OPEN 7 DAYS 1pm–4pm

(excluding public holidays)

SHEPPARTON: (03) 5823 2179 Joe Bovalino: 0447 288 368 sheppartonsales@lewishomes.com.au

70 Football and Netball 2022

PICOLA & DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

BERRIGAN

NETBALL

Berrigan’s senior netball sides are likely to have a tough season this Picola District league A-grade campaign. President Sophie Walsh said the club needed to fill A-grade and B-grade teams to avoid potential fines — or worse, going into recess. The Saints’ president revealed that only 10 players had registered to fill four senior teams. “At the moment we are down three teams,” Walsh said. “It is also about the safety of our players. “We can’t just put C and C-reserve players into A-grade, it’s a health and safety issue.“ Despite the turmoil at senior level, Walsh said the numbers at junior level were going strong. COVID-19 has made player retention difficult at Berrigan, so the club is taking a ﬂexible approach to training. Walsh said sessions were on Thursday evenings and everyone was welcome. If you can’t attend training and still

FAST FACTS

want to play, the club wants you to get in contact. You can message Berrigan Football Netball Club’s Facebook page, email berriganfc@gmail.com or phone Sophie Walsh directly on 0408 524 679.

– BRYANNA ROSSOW

NETBALL

FAST FACTS

However, there has been some changes in personnel. Grant Martin and William Gorman haven’t been confirmed as returning players for the Saints. Recruit Tristan Mears is an intimidating addition to the side. Mears is a 193cm power forward and has an knack for booting goals. The Saints will go head-to-head with Picola United in round one of this year’s campaign.

– LAURA GREEN

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Tristan Mears OUT: Will Gorman (Barooga), Grant Martin

NETBALL COACH: TBC 2021 FINISH: 12TH (4-10)

BLIGHTY

Blighty’s netball side is hoping for a ‘‘regeneration’’ coming into the 2022 Picola District Netball League season. ‘‘At the moment we’re looking to regenerate the club — it’s been really hard engaging people the last couple years,’’ netball president Jodi Brown said. ‘‘But we’re getting back on our feet with more numbers on the field.’’ Brown said it was exciting to see new and old faces turn up for pre-season training and, while the junior teams are full, they’re always hunting for some dedicated senior players. Meagan Lowry will lead the A-grade side. ‘‘It’s a great little club and we’re looking forward to growth,’’ Brown said. ‘‘For now, we’re really investing in our juniors — it’s important to keep them engaged because sport is a lifelong thing, whether on the court or volunteering. ‘‘If we can provide young players a good foundation from the start — for people to put themselves out there, that will be our job done.”

FOOTBALL

A large batch of returning players should keep Berrigan in good stead for the upcoming Picola District Football League season. Among those recommitted to the Saints this year are Matt Heazlewood, Matthew Ross, Angus Coldwell, Connor Thornton, Kyle McQualter, Zeke Carruthers, Jake Dalgliesh, Toby Dalgliesh, Fraser Haintz, Jake Beams, Harley Middleton and Adam Way. Haintz and Way were included in the league’s top 45 players list in 2021 and were key contributors to why the Saints finished sixth on the ladder before the season was cancelled. The Saints will be led in 2022 by co-coaches Justin Hoggan and Tim Cooper, with the latter returning to the senior role after a two-year stint in 2012 and 2013.

She hopes the revived atmosphere will create a sense of belonging and keep juniors playing once they graduate to seniors teams. ‘‘It feels like there’s a buzz around the club at the moment.’’ The netballers would love to see more people playing and helping out. ‘‘We love being competitive, but at end of day, it’s about giving everyone an opportunity to get involved,’’ she said. Blighty is also getting involved in mental health by partnering with not-for-profit organisation Sport And Life Training (SALT) holding sessions. The club’s positive energy has translated into these sessions, with more than 60 attendees at a recent SALT event.

– LAURA GREEN

Gabby Clarke NETBALL COACH: MEAGAN LOWRY 2021 FINISH: 14TH (2-12)

FOOTBALL CO-COACHES: TIM COOPER AND JUSTIN HOGGAN 2021 FINISH: SIXTH (9-5) 2021 BEST AND FAIREST: FRASER HAINTZ 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: WILL GORMAN (37) GROUND: BERRIGAN RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: SAINTS

FOOTBALL

The Redeyes seniors spent the majority of the season at the bottom of the Picola District Football League ladder, even struggling to field a team by season’s end. But that seems set to change after close to a dozen proven players signed on or recommitted with the seniors for 2022, bringing a competitive edge to the line-up led by newly-appointed coach Kyel Bain. Bailey Burke, Nick Hay, Luke Hay, Kai Hillier, John Lawton, Kane Morris, Billy Michael, Charlie Waters and Tom Merryless have officially signed on for the Redeyes. Bain, a stalwart of the club, says he compiled the list with a competitive team and an eye on “big-bodied on-ballers” and “quick forwards” in mind. In less than a week, he found both, with Bailey Burke, Nick Hay, and Luke Hay first to sign on for the 2022 season. “We wanted to build a strong competitive team and these blokes tick those boxes,” Bain said. Burke is an experienced player who has played seniors in the Ovens and Murray Football League. He is an on-baller who can also “sneak forward and score goals”, according to Bain.

“I’m very confident that he’ll bring a lot to the team. He’s also an ex-Blighty juniors player, so it’s great to have him back on side.” Nick Hay is a seasoned pro with two premierships under his belt. He will be joining Blighty after a spell in Queensland, where he also played seniors. The defensive forward, and former Deniliquin Rovers player, will be instrumental in Bain’s “go fast, go hard” approach. Joining him is brother Luke, a wingman and back ﬂanker who is quick off the mark and an “attacking machine”. Luke was with Blighty when Bain was coaching the seconds in 2019 — the last time Blighty won a premiership. Though Luke doesn’t remember much of it, having suffered a head knock during the final match. Nonetheless, he won the best-andfairest by 30 votes that same year. Blighty will face down Jerilderie at home in round one of the season.

– LAURA GREEN

PLAYER CHANGES IN: Nil OUT: Nil

FOOTBALL COACH: 2021 FINISH: FIFTH (11–7) 2021 BEST AND FAIREST: SAM SINGLETON 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: KANE MORRIS (8) GROUND: BLIGHTY RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: REDEYES

Football and Netball 2022 71

PICOLA & DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

DENILIQUIN ROVERS NETBALL

The senior Roos have put in intensive training sessions, with Brittany Kirby leading A-grade. The team has been training together with Tim van Lieshout’s B side, pushing improvement in fitness, ball skills and teamwork. The Rovers take a whole-club approach to success, with no netballer left behind. Succession through the levels of netball was the idea when placing past and present A-grade players in charge of the under-15 and 17 sides. Kirby played for Deniliquin Rams as a junior before getting her start with the Rovers at 15; she was a member of the 2009 premiership A-grade team with Rovers. Despite being a hard and fast centre, Kirby is taking a step back as a non-playing coach in the upcoming season, as part of her role in fostering the next generation of A-grade Roos. She says the key to making it all work is consistency. Kirby hopes a dedicated pre-season will lead the team to a premiership.

FAST FACTS

The Rovers will battle Katunga at home in the first round of Picola District Netball League.

– LAURA GREEN

Deniliquin Rovers are shaping up to develop a robust senior side for 2022, led by 2021 Picola District Football League Coach of the Year Alex Hay. Hay brings a wealth of playing and leadership experience in his return as the Roos’ coach and for him it starts from the top down. ‘‘From my perspective, I think that you have to be a good communicator and treat every player on their merits,’’ Hay said. ‘‘I’ve come across some interesting characters in my relatively short career and managing the personalities can be difficult, but if you’re able to connect with the individual then you’re halfway there. ‘‘I know I’m a grand optimist, but I think getting a full list on the park with the additions of our juniors into full-time senior football, plus a couple of recruits will make a dramatic difference to the

football that we are going to be able to produce.’’ Recruits John Allitt and Nick Sheldon will be exciting additions. Young stars Ray Murphy, Tom Blake, Haydn Mowat and Brock Redden are shaping up as promising senior players; Murphy won the best and fairest in the thirds last season and league Rising star award. The Roos placed 14th on the ladder last season and, while their opponents’ stamina could get the better of them at times, their teamwork is something Hay hopes to continue. ‘‘Keeping local this year — whilst it has not been reﬂected in our win-loss record — the group staying consistent will see us going from strength to strength,’’ he said. ‘‘The nucleus of a really strong team is there. Adding a few tweaks will be an exciting prospect heading into

next season. ‘‘Every team sets up their season to have a run at finals and beyond and that’s certainly where my focus is, but for us it will be about reinforcing what we have been working towards the last 18 months.’’ Hay hopes to leave a legacy of success and a positive environment when he eventually retires from the coaching role. The Rovers will face off with Katunga at Deniliquin’s Memorial Park in round one of Picola District Football League.

– LAURA GREEN

PLAYER CHANGES IN: John Allitt, Nick Sheldon OUT: Nil

NETBALL COACH: BRITTANY KIRBY 2021 FINISH: FOURTH (9-4)

JERILDERIE NETBALL

Jerilderie Netball Club should enjoy its home games this year, after a refurbishment to its courts. A new-look Monash Netball Precinct will pay dividends for players, having undergone extensive renovations and grandstand upgrades since last season. New change rooms and amenities were also included in the $750,000 refresh. The netball club will look to field teams in juniors — including Under-11, 13, 15, 16 and 17 — for the 2022 season. Ella Arnold was one of the Demons’ top performers in A-grade and claimed the best-and-fairest gong last season. Amy Perry starred in defence last season, while Keshia Marshall was one of the side’s dead-eye shooters in attack. Unfortunately, no-one from the club was available to verify how many teams would be fielded for seniors — or if positions remained to be filled.

FOOTBALL

PLAYER CHANGES Amy Perry NETBALL COACH: TBC 2021 FINISH: THIRD (9-4)

72 Football and Netball 2022

Ray Murphy

FOOTBALL COACH: ALEX HAY 2021 FINISH: 14TH (2-12) 2021 BEST AND FAIREST: JAMES GILLIGAN 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JAMES KIRBY (18) GROUND: MEMORIAL PARK NICKNAME: ROVERS

Football president Dean Knight said the Demons would be fighting hard for the 2022 Picola District Football League ﬂag after a solid 2021 showing. “We’ll work on our fitness and help our key position players reach toward that goal,” Knight said. Chris Marshall is the returning seniors coach after leading Jerilderie into fifth place at the close of the general fixture last year. The cancelled premiership rounds, however, robbed the Demons of their chance to take it all. Knight hopes the season will remain uninterrupted to give his club a fighting chance. “COVID is always in the back of our minds — we are concerned some players may not be able to play if they have to isolate, so we might have issues through the year, but hopefully that won’t happen,” he said.

– JOHN THOMPSON

FAST FACTS

FOOTBALL

IN: Nil OUT: Nil

Alex Hay “But down the track we hope to have a good result which includes all grades.” Junior development and mental health is also on the club’s mind. A number of under-14s will be taking part in the Giants Academy training sessions this season, to provide “a bit of progression towards the club’s future”. He hopes the move will benefit the club, which has lost a couple of the younger names on its senior list from 2021. “We’ve got a similar list to last year — minus three or four,” Knight said,

with one recruit returning after a period away from Jerilderie. With a fairly extensive list of Demons stalwarts remaining at the club, Knight says there are no significant signings on the horizon. Sports and Life Training (SALT) sessions are also being held across the region including at Jerilderie, to establish players’ connection to the way their physical and mental health intersect. The Dees will visit Blighty to play the Redeyes in round one of the season.

–LAURA GREEN

FOOTBALL COACH: CHRIS MARSHALL 2021 FINISH: FIFTH (9-4) 2021 BEST AND FAIREST: CHRIS MARSHALL 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: MITCH CONLAN (38) GROUND: JERILDERIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: DEMONS

PICOLA & DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

KATAMATITE

NETBALL

With few changes to its squad from last year Katamatite will be looking to have a more consistent season in 2022. Tesslyn Saunders will again be in the hot seat as coach and will lead a team full of young stars. Saunders was pretty clear when it came to goals for the season, with consistency key. “Just to have a more consistent season, we started off last year really well and then sort of, with all the

disruptions because of COVID, we sort of dropped off a bit and then started to pick up, so just have a more consistent season,” Saunders said. Saunders ﬂagged young talent and reigning league rising star award winner Sophie Bray as one to watch this year, along with Cassia Colbeck and Ria Still. With young stars and few changes, it is shaping up to be a solid year at Tigerland.

Tesslyn Saunders

FAST FACTS

NETBALL COACH: TESSLYN SAUNDERS 2021 FINISH: SIXTH (9-5)

KATANDRA

NETBALL

Consistency is the key for Katandra coach Bec Osmond this year, as she and the club gear up for what they hope will be their first full season back in Picola District Netball League. Great pre-season numbers on courts and an inﬂux of exciting prospects now at the club has Osmond brimming with confidence. “We’ve had really good numbers at our A and B squad training, a full squad for the most part which is

really good to see,” Osmond said. Ushering youngsters through the ranks will also be of utmost importance to Osmond this season, who says a large number of their under-17 outfit is of top age and ready to take the next step. “We’ve got a really strong team in our juniors, we’ll definitely be trying to get them into our starting A-grade team this year to get them that experience.”

– JAMES KLEEMAN

FOOTBALL

Katamatite will once again be in the top four conversation this year, with some solid ins at Katamatite Recreation Reserve. The Tigers welcome former Mooroopna big man Ryan Devine, alongside Josh Wheeler and the returning Tom Pendlebury in what will bolster an already strong squad. Coach Jedd Wright said things had been shaping up well at Tigerland, with the side quite similar to last year. “I don’t think we need to change too much, last year we were good, but injuries probably struck us down a bit, so we have changed our training schedule,” Wright said. “We probably just need to play more consistent footy. “We definitely want to play finals, but we’re probably hoping to finish around that top four and see how we go from there.” Wright said Devine would provide a target up front, while a couple of the side’s middle-aged players were hitting their prime. “Pat Riordan, Nicholas Clurey, these sort of blokes who have probably been a bit injury-prone the last few years, they are tracking really well,” he said.

“We’ve just been going about our business, but I really hope we get an uninterrupted year and that way we can see where everyone sits. “We’re pretty confident that if we play our best footy we will be competitive

most weeks.” The Tigers will be there or thereabouts this year and are certainly in the conversation for premiership contention.

– RODNEY WOODS

Jedd Wright

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Ryan Devine (Mooroopna), Josh Wheeler, Tom Pendlebury, OUT: Sam Fowles

FOOTBALL COACH: JEDD WRIGHT 2021 FINISH: FOURTH (10-4) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: SAM POOLE 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BRODIE MCDONALD (31) HOME GROUND: KATAMTITE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: TIGERS

FOOTBALL

A trio of Smiths are set to transform Katandra into finals contenders this year. Luke, Alex and Jack Smith are all pulling on a Kats shirt this season, with Luke swapping the hoops of Geelong VFL for Katandra. Coach Trent Herbert said his side would have more of a defensive mindset this year, after proving last year it could score quickly on the attack. “If we can work on our defensive style, it will take us a long way to winning more games of footy,” Herbert said. “It’s going to be an unpredictable season, especially with COVID still hanging around, so hopefully we can still get a full season of footy. “One week we might have a full side and then the next week have a couple out with COVID, so if we can just keep positive, build with what we’ve got and have the

belief in each other that’s probably the biggest thing that I’ll be pushing throughout the whole year.” Herbert has added some experience to his side, with Luke Smith joining the club after a spell with Geelong’s VFL side. “Luke Smith will have a big year, he’s probably the best footy player out in this

region to be honest, with just how he goes about things,” he said. The Kats just might be the dark horse this year and it would not be a surprise to see them taking it up to the likes of Strathmerton come September.

– DANIEL WEBB

Corey Hickford

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Luke Smith (Geelong VFL), Alex Smith (Shepparton), Jack Smith (Shepparton Swans), Zach Wild (Shepparton Swans), Lachlan Seddon (Shepparton Swans) OUT: Pat Frappell

Abbey Monk

FAST FACTS

NETBALL COACH: BEC OSMOND 2021 FINISH: 11TH (5–7)

FOOTBALL COACH: TRENT HERBERT 2021 FINISH: NINTH (7-7) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JACK CAIA 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: COREY HICKFORD (31) AND MITCHELL BLACK (31) HOME GROUND: KATANDRA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: KATS

Football and Netball 2022 73

PICOLA & DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

KATUNGA

NETBALL

Finishing what they started is the mantra at the Swans heading into season 2022, with Katunga coach Aimee Sidebottom intent on getting stuck in and tying up loose ends. A superb start to their 2021 season had the Swans perched at the pinnacle of the Picola District Netball League ladder before the season’s cancellation. “We’re looking pretty similar to how we did last season, we’re definitely looking to building upon our previous

year,” Sidebottom said. The Swans will take some beating this year, having retained most of their list, and with a an exciting crop of under-17s ready to bang down the A-grade door. “We’ve kept pretty much the same team from last year, so we’re very keen to pick up where we left off,“ Sidebottom said. “The whole team have still got fire in the belly and we’re raring to go.”

–JAMES KLEEMAN

FOOTBALL

Katunga will be hoping to continue its upward trajectory this season after an improved performance in 2021. The Swans won two games in 2019 and finished a lowly 12th, but they improved considerably last year, ending the season with an 8–6 record. They finished eighth on the Picola District Football League ladder and would have made the finals, had they gone ahead. Senior coach Damien Kennedy said he hoped his side could continue to build on its recent improvement. Lachie O’Hara and Jackson Harris Trent Baker is back after a season with “We’ve maintained 90 per cent of our Numurkah. coming up from the club’s junior teams. list and we’ve added a few to it, so we’re Corey Dunn — the brother of The club will be hoping it can continue looking to improve more,” Kennedy said. reigning Katunga best-and-fairest Jack to build on last season’s improvement as it looks to end a 37-year premiership “We think we’re going to be more — is another local returning to the club, competitive this year, based on last year having spent the past four years in the drought. we are going to be a bit stronger again.” US as a punter for Iowa State University. – BRANSEN GIBSON He said the Swans would be aiming to Kennedy said he’s also excited about finish somewhere in the fourth to sixth a trio of youngsters, with Bailey Smith, range. “Playing finals is obviously our number one goal, but number two, if we could finish fourth that would be a great IN: Brad Crowther, Trent Baker, Sam Arho, Corey Dunn, result,” Kennedy said. Former local and ex-Katunga captain Oliver Small, Willy Chan, Bailey Smith, Lachie O’Hara, Jackson Harris Brad Crowther is returning to the club OUT: Will Newman, Aussie Jones, Mitch Small this season as an assistant coach and

PLAYER CHANGES

Rachael Howden

FAST FACTS

NETBALL COACH: AIMEE SIDEBOTTOM 2021 FINISH: FIRST (10-2)

PICOLA UNITED

NETBALL

After multiple top four finishes in a row in the Picola District Netball League A-grade competition, Picola United is primed for another assault on that elusive silverware. United finished runner-up in 2019 before ending the cancelled 2021 campaign locked in fourth spot. With two new coaches at the helm, Picola United president Clinton Barnes said there was plenty of excitement ahead of the 2022 season. “The numbers have been pretty solid for the senior netballers which is

great. We’ve been able to welcome a few new faces,” Barnes said. “We have two new coaches this year in Clare (Greaves) and Rachael (Morrison), who will take the reins of our A and B-grade sides. “We have kept most of our group from the past few seasons when we finished runner-up in 2019 and fourth last year which is a very big effort from everyone. “We’re looking forward to a big year again.”

– AYDIN PAYNE

FOOTBALL COACH: DAMIEN KENNEDY 2021 FINISH: EIGHTH (8–6) 2021 BEST AND FAIREST: TYLER DUNN 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BRAYDON KEARNS (29) GROUND: KATUNGA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: SWANS

FOOTBALL

Picola United will be out to return to finals this season after a somewhat disappointing year in 2021. United finished 11th on the ladder last season, with four wins and 10 losses. Head coach Darby Walsh said the goal this season was simple — make the finals. “Our minimum expectation is that we’ll be aiming for finals,” Walsh said. “Last year we turned things on their head in the way we wanted to play our footy, and I think another pre-season of knowing that that’s our game plan and game style will certainly benefit us.” Midfielder Blake Jorgensen is likely to be a key player for the Blues once again, having won the past three club bestand-fairest awards, and Sean Solar has impressed in the pre-season. Walsh said Cody Haub was another name to keep an eye on. He only played two games for the

seniors last year, but Walsh said he was looking forward to seeing what the centre half-forward could do in a full season. Other new additions Jeremy Salinger and Charlton Hindle should hopefully bolster United across the half-back line. Walsh said consistency would be one of the keys for his side this season after the Blues were riddled with injuries last year. “We played 44 blokes in our seniors last year, which was just crazy,” he said. “It made it difficult to get any continuity or any consistency with our game or with our teams. “I’m really looking forward to — touch wood — getting a bit more consistency with our senior list every week.” He said versatility would be one of his side’s biggest strengths this season. “Very few of our players are one-position players,” he said.

Blake Jorgensen

– BRANSEN GIBSON

PLAYER CHANGES

Emma Greaves

FAST FACTS

2022 CO-COACHES: CLARE GREAVES AND RACHAEL MORRISON 2021 FINISH: 4TH (9–4)

74 Football and Netball 2022

IN: Cody Haub, Jeremy Salinger, Charlton Hindle, Mitch Hore, Jordan Gattuso, Matt Hore, Laighton Ironside, Ben Turpin OUT: Ben Gill, Corey Cogan, Jacob Barrington FOOTBALL COACH: DARBY WALSH 2021 FINISH: 11TH (4–10) 2021 BEST AND FAIREST: BLAKE JORGENSEN 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BLAKE JORGENSEN (19) GROUND: PICOLA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BLUES

PICOLA & DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

MATHOURA NETBALL After narrowly missing finals last season, a near full-strength Mathoura is expected to come out guns blazing in 2022. Despite the loss of A-grade best-and-fairest Jordan Barrett (relocated), Timbercutters coach Rita Howard is buoyant about her team’s prospects after retaining the majority of the squad. “I think we can be contenders,” Howard said. “The girls have been working hard and there’s been a good turn-out to pre-season and we’ve got the majority of the A and B-grade squad back. “At the start of the (2021) season we struggled — we had five injuries at once. “That put a delay on things, but once everyone returned and everything settled we were powering along.”

FOOTBALL

Mathoura will start the season more settled than its 2021 campaign and the Timbercutters will be one to watch on the courts this season.

– JOSH HUNTLY

NETBALL COACH: RITA HOWARD 2021 FINISH: 10TH (6–5)

RENNIE NETBALL Youth may be the key to unlocking the true potential within Rennie’s A-grade netball side, as the Hoppers prepare for a fresh start in their 2022 Picola District Netball League journey. Rennie’s Team of the Decade goal shooter Paula Mifka returns to guide the side this year after a stint at Barooga, bringing with her an extensive pedigree of junior coaching experience. This can only work in her favour this season, as she looks to impart her knowledge on a Rennie group bursting at the seams with young talent.

“With four or five bigger bodies as well, I think we can be quite competitive. We’ll surprise a few clubs I reckon. “They are quite impressive these young players. The likes of Jack Duggan, Ryan Mann, Rhys Wissell just to name a few, I’m excited to see what they can do.”

It will be a period of rebuild for the Cutters and, while they may not reach the heights of their seventh-placed finish last season, many will simply be pleased to see them run out onto the field.

– JOSH HUNTLY

Go again: The rebuild begins at Mathoura

PLAYER CHANGES Rebecca McCluskey

FAST FACTS

From finals footy to facing recess, Mathoura’s tumultuous off-season was headlined by a player exodus that included its senior coach, reigning best-and-fairest and leading goal-kicker. The rebuild is under way at the Timbercutters and it will go ahead under newly-appointed coach Stan Gilday, who answered the club’s calls for a senior coach. Remaining squad members are giving Gilday cause for hope, with the club looking internally to its graduating thirds side of 2021 to carry it forward in Picola District Football League. And he thinks Mathoura might just have a few tricks up its sleeve. “We’ll surprise a couple of clubs,” Gilday said. “We will be able to put a side on the park. It won’t be big-bodied at this stage, but we’ll be skilful and fast.

IN: Nil OUT: Darcy Robinson (Strathmerton), Jake Ellery, Isaac Johnson (Rochester), Clay Poidevin (Moama)

FOOTBALL COACH: STAN GILDAY 2021 FINISH: SEVENTH (8–6) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JAKE ELLERY 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ISAAC JOHNSON (38) HOME GROUND: MATHOURA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: TIMBERCUTTERS

FOOTBALL Brylee McCarty has been a revelation throughout her junior career at the Hoppers and was duly honoured when she was named on the Team of the Decade interchange last year. She’s one her coach will have an eye on this season, as Mifka looks to usher in and nurture an exciting crop of Rennie young guns. “We’ve got a lot of juniors coming through the ranks,” Mifka said. “Last year our A-grade was almost a whole squad of juniors, they stepped up and held the club together which I’m really proud of.”

– JAMES KLEEMAN

Optimism may be the key for Rennie coach Harry Haley this season as he steps into his first stint in senior coaching at the Grasshoppers’ helm after his move from Yarrawonga. By all accounts Haley’s taken to coaching like a duck to water, bringing enthusiasm and positivity to the role, which may be exactly what the club needs after a tumultuous couple of seasons since its premiership year. “We had our first pre-season run before Christmas, so it was good getting a feel for it early on,” Haley said. “We’ve had really good numbers on the track, a lot of younger boys, so I’m feeling pretty optimistic.” The Hoppers will be keen to harness the attacking strengths of their 2021 bestand-fairest, Chase Strawhorn, again this year after he tormented league defences last season to kick a league-high 62 goals.

Haley, who has previously played for De La Salle in VAFA A-grade, said a move to coaching was perhaps written in the stars, having had time to get a feel for the Hoppers’ magnet board.

“I got asked to take on the role last year and have loved it ever since, I don’t know why I didn’t take it up sooner,” Haley said.

– JAMES KLEEMAN

Coach Harry Haley (right) with captain Jarryd Fountain

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Hamish Curtis (De La Salle), Harry Zaia (De La Salle), Charley Wallace (Bulliah), Harry Haley (Yarrawonga) OUT: Khris Willet (Billabong Crows), Liam Connell (Tungamah)

Under-17 premier, Rennie

FAST FACTS

NETBALL COACH: PAULA MIFKA 2021 FINISH: 13TH (2–10)

FOOTBALL COACH: HARRY HALEY 2021 FINISH: 13TH (2–12) 2021-BEST-AND-FAIREST: CHASE STRAWHORN 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: CHASE STRAWHORN (62) GROUND: RENNIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS

Football and Netball 2022 75

PICOLA & DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

STRATHMERTON

NETBALL

Strathmerton’s A-grade netball team will be looking to go one step further than last season in 2022. Coach Olivia Osborne said the side was looking really exciting, with a lot of girls coming to the club throughout all grades. “Hopefully we can finish a bit better and finish on top, that would be ideal,” Osborne said. The team will be much the same as last year, with Osborne returning from a ruptured Achilles, while Kate Betson and Vanessa Ward will

hopefully return halfway through the season. “We should hopefully be finishing strong when they return,” Osborne said. “We might start a little bit slow, but we’ll be pretty strong towards the end of the season.” The Bulldogs will once again be a team to beat, coming off an impressive season last year and the 2019 premiership. They will be right up the top again come the end of the season.

FOOTBALL

Strathmerton has been the benchmark team for some time now and it will be right up there again this season. The Bulldogs have had minimal changes to previous years and co-coach Tim Bramich said his side was ready to go. “We think we’ve been going pretty well the last two years, so we don’t really want to change too much,” Bramich said. “We haven’t really lost too many and have added a couple of extras and the blokes we’ve added buy in to the way we want to play footy.” These extras include Jessie Finnen, Jake Ellery and Darcy Robinson, with Finnen coming off a season at Shepparton Swans. Ellery and Robinson are two signings sure to make an impact, with the duo coming from Mathoura. Ellery is fresh off a cracking season

for the Timbercutters, winning their best-and-fairest, while former Mathoura coach Robinson will be free from juggling coaching commitments with pulling on a playing shirt. “We’re probably pretty boring to be honest, we think what we’ve had the past

couple of years has been good enough, so we’re not going to be too dissimilar,” he said. Strathmerton is set for another big season and will be hard to beat this year.

– DANIEL WEBB

Tim Looby

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Jessie Finnen (Shepparton Swans), Jake Ellery (Mathoura), Darcy Robinson (Mathoura) OUT: Nil

Vanessa Ward

FAST FACTS

NETBALL COACH: OLIVIA OSBORNE 2021 FINISH: SECOND (12-2)

TOCUMWAL NETBALL

With a new face at the helm and a focus on fun and teamwork, Tocumwal will be looking to climb the ladder this year. Chanai Johnson joins the club as coach with a wealth of experience. “I know that in the past few years we’ve sort of struggled, but I’m super excited, hopefully it’s just a really fun season,” Johnson said.

“My goals are to be a whole club, the football, the netball, all grades to really support and really help each other and just get around each other.” Johnson wants her team to be kind, have fun and ultimately compete for the premiership. It should be an interesting year for the Bloods and they certainly shouldn’t be ruled out of finals come season’s end.

FOOTBALL COACH: TIM BRAMICH AND TIM LOOBY (CO-COACHES) 2021 FINISH: FIRST (13–1) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: SIMON RUSSELL 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TIM LOOBY (53) HOME GROUND: MEMORIAL PARK NICKNAME: BULLDOGS

FOOTBALL

It is shaping up to be a massive year for Tocumwal in what many are saying will be a big turnaround for the club. Coming off a 12th-placed finish in last year’s shortened season, coach Kade Rowe said his side was looking good. “We are looking really good, the club has not been in this position for years really,” Rowe said. “Some of the older heads around the club are saying there hasn’t been this sort of feeling and numbers at training since 2009 when they won the premiership in the Murray league.” With seven new faces in the team and no departures, Rowe was pretty happy with how the Bloods are tracking.

Kade Rowe “They are all senior footballers, so it will create a lot more depth,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of options this year in terms of positional changes.” He said the standard of training had improved and with this comes improvement on match day. Zander Griffin, a former Murray Bushranger, will return this season after playing two games last year due to injury, while Jon-Ross Cardillo is “ﬂying on the track”. “It’s been a pretty solid pre-season, but them two boys are ﬂying which is great.”

– DANIEL WEBB

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Glenn Dominick (Mulwala), Duane Haebich, Trent Osborn, Brock McCabe, Jordan Anthony (Berrigan), Dane Maxwell and Jordan Lavis (Corowa) OUT: Nil

Rose Chamberlain

FAST FACTS

NETBALL COACH: CHANAI JOHNSON 2021 FINISH: 11TH (6–8)

76 Football and Netball 2022

FOOTBALL COACH: KADE ROWE 2021 FINISH: 12TH (4–10) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: KADE ROWE 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER DREW HAEBICH HOME GROUND: TOCUMWAL RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BLOODS

PICOLA & DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

TUNGAMAH NETBALL Avoiding injuries and getting a full season under the belt is what Jayanna Sharp and her A-grade Tungamah outfit is aiming for this season. Sharp will steer the ship solo this season, with Jenny Buerckner stepping down to utilise her experience in the C-grade and under-13 coaching roles. “We’re excited to get under way after a good pre-season,” Sharp said. “We’ve had huge numbers on the track, I think the team will take a bit of a different shape this year with some new faces coming in.” A number of pre-season injuries to their A-grade side made for a lessthan-ideal start to season 2021 for the Bears, with a full-strength side heading into the upcoming season getting Tungamah fans excited. “Our second game last season we had three girls who picked up injuries, so we’re just keen to form as a team in the opening few matches and see how we go from there,” she said.

– JAMES KLEEMAN

FAST FACTS

Work is well under way at the Bear Pit, according to coach Xavier Stevenson, who is gearing up for his second season as Tungamah coach. He’ll be joined at the helm this year by Congupna recruit Sam Ferguson, who will fill the assistant coach role, making the trip from The Road after several fantastic seasons which earned him a best-andfairest medal and Murray Football League representative honours. Ferguson is one of a number of new faces at Jubilee Park this year, with Jhett Cooper also getting Bears fans excited after making the move from Shepparton United. “I’m pretty happy with how things are going, we’ve re-signed the majority and added a few boys who look really exciting,” Stevenson said. A highly-anticipated entry back into

Picola District Football League last year looked to be going swimmingly; the Bears occupying third spot before the season was cut short. Although the loss of last season’s leading goal-kicker Tyson McKenzie will hurt, the Bears have retained all of their core group, placing them in prime position for a premiership tilt this season. Midfield gun Nick Irvine was a revelation through the middle of the park for Tungamah in 2021, announcing himself as a premier midfielder in the competition. “He’ll (Irvine) be really important for us, he had a fantastic year for us last season and is probably one of the best players in the comp right now,” Stevenson said.

– JAMES KLEEMAN

Jhett Cooper

PLAYER CHANGES Thane Pearce NETBALL COACH: JAYANNA SHARP 2021 FINISH: NINTH (6–5)

WAAIA NETBALL

IN: Sam Ferguson, Jhett Cooper (Shepparton United), James Lawless (Colbinabbin), Liam Connell (Rennie) OUT: Tyson McKenzie, Wally Thompson

FOOTBALL COACH: XAVIER STEVENSON 2021 FINISH: THIRD (9-2) 2021-BEST-AND-FAIREST: NICK IRVINE 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TYSON MCKENZIE (30) GROUND: JUBILEE PARK NICKNAME: BEARS

FOOTBALL

Building on last year’s fifth-placed finish will be the goal for Waaia this year, with the Bombers improving on last year’s squad. Co-coaches Milly Foster and Rosie Arnel are at the helm, with Foster outlining the team’s goals for the year. “Obviously our goal and everyone’s goal is to make finals and win a ﬂag, but I think we just want to build on the team and the season we had,” Foster said. “We had quite a few injuries last year and pregnancies and stuff like that, so this year I guess we’re hoping to build on what we had last year and hopefully we’ve got an uninterrupted season too, so it makes it a bit easier.” The Bombers will be one to watch this season, with an improvement on last year’s fifth-placed squad a scary prospect for opposing sides.

Waaia’s stocks are on the rise: the return of prodigal son Mitch Cleeland has bolstered an already stacked Bombers outfit as it gears up for an all-out Picola District Football League premiership push in 2022. It was a force to be reckoned with last year and it won’t be much different this season; the Bombers’ brainstrust keeping its hottest prospects at Waaia Recreation Reserve to have a formidable side brewing. Waaia stalwart Mark Meyland assumes the coaching role again, with Cleeland expected join him in the role of co-coach. “Mitch comes back in after a year away, he’ll have a massive impact and will step in to coach this year,” Meyland said. Along with Cleeland, the Bombers gain Connor Brown back from Nathalia, while Lachie Wright makes the switch from Barooga.

With returnees shoring up positions across their list, Meyland is also excited to see his young Bombers ﬂy this season. “Harvey Walker’s looked really good in pre-season and he’s only 18 years old, Jayden Clarke is another one coming up through the ranks and will be really important for us,” he said. If there’s one thing Bombers faithful want to see this year, it’s for their side to get the job done come finals, having gone down in heartbreaking fashion for the past two seasons.

Mitch Cleeland

– JAMES KLEEMAN

PLAYER CHANGES

– DANIEL WEBB Chloe Thorne

FAST FACTS

FOOTBALL

IN: Mitch Cleeland (Shepparton United), Connor Brown (Nathalia), Lachie Wright (Barooga) OUT: Miles Rowlands, Hamish Rowlands (Shepparton)

NETBALL COACH: FOOTBALL COACH: MARK MEYLAND 2021 FINISH: SECOND (11-3) 2021-BEST-AND-FAIREST: ASH HOLLAND MILLY FOSTER AND ROSIE ARNEL 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: CHARLIE BURROWS (52) GROUND: WAAIA RECREATION RESERVE 2021 FINISH: FIFTH (9-5) NICKNAME: BOMBERS

Football and Netball 2022 77

PICOLA & DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

YARROWEYAH NETBALL

Unfortunately for Yarroweyah netball fans it looks like there will be no A-grade netball side this year. Coach Rebekah Jones said things were not looking good this season. “It’s not very good this season, we don’t have many senior girls returning,” Jones said. “We don’t have the numbers at the moment for an A-grade team. “Everyone’s going away to university and moving away and I think COVID-19 has had a massive, massive part to do with it as well.” At the time of writing Yarroweyah was offering cash incentives to play, while Jones was unsure if it could field just a B-grade team. “We’re going to have to sit down as a club because we don’t even know if that’s an option, if the club will allow that,” she said. Nobody wants to see a club unable to field a side, hopefully the Grasshoppers can rebuild for 2023 and get a competitive squad out on the court.

– DANIEL WEBB

Rebekah Jones

– DANIEL WEBB

FAST FACTS

NETBALL COACH: REBEKAH JONES 2021 FINISH: 15TH (0–14)

FOOTBALL

The Grasshoppers will be in the hunt for finals again this year, with co-coaches Harley Constable and Geoff Benson looking to improve the side across the park. Yarroweyah has not changed much this season, with Benson saying it will probably be in or around mid-table again. “We’ll be pretty similar to last year, sort of middle of the road at this stage, couple out, couple in, nothing too strenuous,” Benson said. “We’ll aim to make finals, but it’s just about improving how we move the ball and the rest will take care of itself. “Getting back to a particular style of running football, we were a bit slow last year, so we got caught out a bit.” Benson said the Hoppers were looking to bring in some youth, with running one area identified as needing to be improved. One of the young players Benson referred to is Corey Percy, who is

back after recovering from a broken collarbone early in the season last year. “Corey Percy will be the one to watch this year. He’ll go to the next level,” he said. “He’ll be our best player by a country mile.” The Hoppers may not be anyone’s tip for premiers, but they are sure to ruffle a few feathers and play some exciting footy this season.

– DANIEL WEBB

Harley Constable

PLAYER CHANGES

IN: Harley Constable (Mooroopna), Logan Mackenna (Shepparton East), Mitch Surrs OUT: Marcus Hill, Lewis Oliver

FOOTBALL COACH: HARLEY CONSTABLE AND GEOFF BENSON (CO-COACHES) 2021 FINISH: 10TH (6–7) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TOM SCOTT 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LUCAS OLSEN (26) HOME GROUND: YARROWEYAH RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS

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