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2019 LET THE BATTLE BEGIN

SOUVENIR PREVIEW 36 PAGES OF LOCAL FOOTY AND NETBALL

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INTRODUCTION

Let the games begin

N 2018, there were two stories on the mind of our sporting community. One was what might be; the other was considered the best bet since Phar Lap won the Melbourne Cup. Kyabram, the giant of country football, was the sure thing. It had completed back-to-back perfect seasons and was going for history and an undefeated third season. Which would mean 63 wins in a row — not even Winx or Black Caviar would consider that. It went beyond our valley, making headlines in papers across the footballing world and being a point of discussion in any medium where our great game was talked about. It would come down to the dying seconds of the GVL season where the Bombers’ juggernaut would come up two points short to the Shepparton Bears. In the battle for the magical number 63, it was Shepp who got there first, kicking 9.9 (63). The might be was the resurgence

of the co-coached Echuca Football Club and could it have a Cinderella season and go all the way. It didn’t. But going from the wilderness to finals football in the first season under Andrew Walker and Simon Maddox has sent a very loud message to the rest of the GVL. On the netball courts, however, Echuca was writing history of its own. In the A grade grand final, the Murray Bombers created the sole red mark on an otherwise perfect Shepparton Bears season by bringing home the flag. Great stories happen in football and netball. It’s why we are so captivated by the sports we love. We watch week in and week out to see which sides will emerge from the shadows to become contenders, or which giant will take an untimely fall. We stand in awe as one player turns a game on its head in a matter of minutes and we are excited by the

youth of our clubs as we keep an eye on the future. And we barrack from the stands in the hope our club will be the last one standing. With the 2019 season awaiting us, we wonder who will be the story of this year. Moama netball or LeitchvilleGunbower football could dominate the front page, fighting to do what few in their sports have done by taking the premiership for a third season in a row. Or they may be in the headlines as they fall away, the challenge of staying at the top proving too much. Will we sit, stunned, as Heathcote or Elmore make an unlikely charge towards the finals, leaving the basement they both know all too well behind? Perhaps a match between local rivals, where a Three Jacks Cup is decided by just a few points, or where a heated match between two ends of the same road, such as Stanhope and Girgarre, provides a

OUR COVER

Moama’s Luke Dunham will once again be a key player for the Magpies in the Murray Football League.

match of the year. Rochester could re-emerge, returning to the finals after a rare poor season where they sat out September. Maybe Tongala will return to the top of the Murray League netball heap and finally break through for the premiership that has eluded them for so long. There is hype around the bottle green as the Walker/Maddox era enters year two, but no one would dare write off the almighty Kyabram, especially now it has more to prove than ever. We don’t know what the stories of this season are going to be. Honestly, we are as excited as you are to see what happens in season 2019. But whatever the story, we are going to bring it to you. The pages of the Riverine Herald, Kyabram Free Press, The McIvor Times

and Campaspe News will continue to provide our award winning football and netball coverage throughout the year. With stories about the biggest names and the events that shape the season for our football and netball competitions, 2019 is shaping as an incredible season. Game On.

WORDS >> ANDREW JOHNSTON, FRASER WALKER-PEARCE, LACHLAN DURLING PHOTOS >> CATH GREY, LUKE HEMER, STEVE HUNTLEY, BRUCE POVEY, SITTHIXAY DITTHAVONG, AFL MEDIA, PORT ADELAIDE FOOTBALL CLUB DESIGN >> JACQUI MASKELL Football and Netball 2019 Page 3

LOCAL AFL

An era of firsts for our AFL footballers Footballers from the twin towns have achieved some remarkable milestones with Ollie Wines our first AFL captain and Clayton Oliver our first AllAustralian — but their games will still be watched very, very closely

WO AFL players will be under the microscope this season — Ollie Wines and Clayton Oliver. Both had career making moments in recent months, with Wines made co-captain of Port Adelaide and Oliver becoming the first player from Echuca-Moama to be named an AllAustralian. The Power has gone with new leadership, with Wines and teammate Tom Jonas replacing Travis Boak to become the first co-captains in the club’s 150-year-history. The question for wrecking machine Wines is not about his leadership, but rather how will his shoulder hold up. Wines suffered an injury in January after an accident while water skiing. He avoided a full shoulder reconstruction, but it is hard to believe his body will be at 100 per cent when he finally gets on the field — and that won’t be round one. Wines is a king of the contested

ball, averaging 12.1 contested touches a game with 12.3 uncontested, to go with close to five tackles a game. It is a style of play that is tough on the body, and with Wines rumoured to be in line for more surgery in the off-season to fully fix the shoulder, it is unclear how his game will be impacted. The positive sign was Port showed no hesitation naming him co-captain. His leadership has been a talking point since he arrived in the AFL, and was highly rated by Port and he will unquestionably be a key part of its battle to return to finals. Clayton Oliver is also a rarity in the AFL. After three seasons at the top of the sport, he has more contested possessions than uncontested possessions by close to 100 touches. Sparking the common criticism of Oliver; that he handballs more often than he kicks, though he increased that in 2018. Not that it mattered to the experts of the game, with Oliver awarded his first All-Australian blazer. Becoming one of the competition’s most promising players at a young age, and in a Melbourne side with some of the best ruck service in the game, he has the ability to become a genuine star of the competition. Melbourne made a preliminary final in 2018 and many have predicted they are going to improve even further in 2019. If Oliver has another season of 2018 calibre, he may well be helping

Ollie Wines, centre, with co-captain Tom Jonas (left) and vice captain Hamish Hartlett.

to guide a grand final — or even premiership — quality side. A surprise of 2018 was the growth of Cohuna’s Collingwood rookie Flynn Appleby. With the injury-riddled Magpies Appleby managed to play nine games as a rookie in a side that went to the grand final. Appleby is still an unknown — he averaged roughly 12 disposals a game — and has a strong side to force his way into this year.

But there are positive signs for the young gun as he looks forward. He is still on the rookie list at the club for 2019 and if he can get more opportunities at senior level, he may force his way onto the big stage in 2020. Echuca-Moama’s Aidyn Johnson played five games in his third season at Port Adelaide in 2018, but unfortunately didn’t set the world on fire. His disposals were down overall Clayton Oliver

Page 4 Football and Netball 2019

and after 10 matches at AFL level he averages fewer than 10 touches a game. Johnson has been limited by a lack of opportunity but when he does get selected he needs to force himself on the game. He’s on the list this year but if he wants to remain at the club long term, will need to have a big season, AFL or SANFL. With the opening round on our doorstep, two local names are emerging. Marty Hore and Lachlan Schultz have similar stories — mature aged players drafted to the AFL after successful tenures in the VFL. Schultz has the better chance of game time, coming into a Fremantle side that has made calls to let some senior talent go and continue to rebuild, meaning opportunities will be there to take. As a forward who can go into the midfield, he isn’t limited to where he can appear. He could play multiple games if everything goes his way, but the goal will still be to just appear on the field. Marty Hore will find it tougher to get a position in the seniors. Despite being a VFL Team of the Year member and winning the past two best and fairest awards for Collingwood VFL, he will now have to force his way into a Melbourne side already looking like a premiership contender. It will be a challenge to get to the side, but Hore has shown in his two years at VFL level he is willing to fight for his chance.

MARTY HORE

Marty Hore has always looked the part — and now he is There would be no easy path into the AFL for the farm boy from downtown Leitchville. But Marty Hore kept racking up awards, success and status until finally the big leagues had no choice but to go and get him

OOKS aren’t everything — unless you are an AFL recruiter. If you’re a strong, big bodied midfielder like Ollie Wines — bang — you’re a top ten pick If you’re a tall, imposing key position player like Paddy McCartin or Jacob Weitering — bang — you’re a top 10 pick. If you don’t have the height or the size, you have to get there the hard way. You have to go to the VFL and prove, irrelevant of size that you are good enough to play at AFL level. That was the journey for Leitchville’s Marty Hore. A journey that has finally landed the 23-year-old battler a spot on an AFL list. “It’s been an interesting journey,” he said. “I spent a few years in a belief that I just needed to keep performing, stay on the park and stay fit then I was going to give myself the best possible opportunity to get a shot at the AFL. “I simply had to keep working and make people know I was there and that I was ready to play.” For a long time, his story was the same as any other AFL draftee. Hore was a solid player, playing well enough with LeitchvilleGunbower to earn selection with the Bendigo Pioneers. He played in the system in 2014 and in 2015 returned as a top ager, was runner-up in the best and fairest and also earned an appearance with Essendon’s VFL side that year to

further boost his draft prospects. His then coach Brett Henderson said at the time he was “almost a definite” to be drafted. But come draft night, his name wasn’t one of the 70 called. At the start of the 2019 season, 24 players from that class of 2015 had played fewer than 10 games. Eight of them never appeared at AFL level. Hore didn’t get the chance at all; instead he had to get clubs to notice him. “It wasn’t easy,” he said. “I put in a lot of hard work to get the opportunity. “But I also always felt like if I did everything the right way, I’d eventually get there.” The club that threw him a lifeline was Collingwood’s VFL side, who had a spot to be filled in defence. He wasn’t a regular in 2016, but did enough in his nine appearances in black and white to get a second year with the club. It was in that second season that he made a statement. Hore became one of the premier defenders in the VFL — and the best player at Collingwood. And he was recognised as such — Collingwood awarded him the Joseph Wren Memorial Trophy as the club’s best and fairest. The VFL selected him as a member of the VFL Team of the Year. And most importantly with an invitation to the state combine to show his skills with other VFL players in the hopes of getting the

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AFL opportunity he desperately wanted. He was close, but not quite there. “I’d had some interest from a couple of clubs and I felt there was a real chance was of getting picked up.” Collingwood — the AFL side this time — had a look, as did Essendon. Neither pulled the trigger. Having already produced an outstanding season at VFL level, he decided to go around again with the Pies. And the script seemed almost the same — dominant defender, a second Joseph Wren trophy, another Team of the Year selection. And once again an invitation to the combine. This time, more were interested. “I’d had conversations with eight clubs throughout the year and a few in the lead up to the draft,” he said. “So I knew going into that there was interest.” Though he didn’t really expect Melbourne. “We spoke midway through the year, but I didn’t hear from them in the lead up so I assumed they weren’t interested anymore.” But they were — and they were about to pounce. On draft day, Hore was back at home in Leitchville. He was out on a tractor, not focusing on the fact that his life may have been about to change. At pick 56, it did. Hore was a Demon. It took a while for the red and blue

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work, the changes in level is big, but I believe I have done the work and am in a good position. “Hopefully I’m able to get the chance to play a game at AFL level.” It will have been well earned when it comes.

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to sink in, but within days he was on his way to Melbourne for a meet and greet with the club, before hitting the track with his new teammates. Now, he is aiming to get on the park. “It’s been tough getting through preseason,” he said. “It has been a lot of hard

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ECHUCA FOOTBALL CLUB

E chuca must take the next step FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1909–1942, 1974 NICKNAME: MURRAY BOMBERS GROUND: VICTORIA PARK COACH: SIMON MADDOX, ANDREW WALKER PREMIERSHIPS: GVL — 1977, 1979, 2001, 2002. OTHER LEAGUES — 3 PRESIDENT: ASH BYRNE 2018 FINISH: 4TH

HERE was always a belief Echuca was going somewhere. From missing the finals in 2017 to getting within a few kicks of the 2018 grand final, the Murray Bombers improved in leaps and bounds. Now they must be looking to go even further in 2019. “We learnt a lot about ourselves last year,” co-coach Andrew Walker said. “Finishing 13–5 showed us more than anything what we are capable of when we play our brand of football. “The group has come back firing, I’ve been able to step back and watch at times when they train and see just how committed they are to getting better and taking this side to the next level in 2019.” Echuca’s side has improved, but very little of it has come from the outside. The club has retained their under-18 premiership players, with many

making the jump to senior football. “Those guys have some premiership experience and their passion and understanding of finals is something they are showing to the senior group — which is further motivating them.” Walker said the growth and development of the club’s younger players has been huge already. “They’ve had a really big pre-season,” he said. “We set them a program to do outside their regular training over the break and they have done a great job with it. It has them a bit more physically prepared for the season, but also shows their desire to play at that level.” The team will regain Ruory Kirkby, who missed 2018 with a knee injury, and his return will bolster a young forward line that was a shining light for the Murray Bombers in 2018.

Andrew Walker

Echuca seemed to have all the injury bad luck in the world in the front half of the season — and a clean run of health may have the biggest impact of all. Another huge impact will be Peter Faulks — the club’s marquee signing. The former Fremantle and Williamstown defender will call Vic Park home in 2019. Faulks was dominant in his sole appearance for Echuca last year, and his intercept marking will combine well with an emerging backline. The Murray Bombers are still a work in progress, and after years in the wilderness they have a taste of success — making them one of the sides to watch in 2019.

IN: Peter Faulks (Willimastown), Corey Gregg (Boort) OUT: Liam Wilkinson, Shaun Gannon, Lucas Denton, Ben McGlynn

ECHUCA

LUCKY LOTTO How do you choose your lotto numbers? Page 6 Football and Netball 2019

196 Hare Street at the crossing 5482 3812

ECHUCA NETBALL CLUB Echuca celebrate their A-grade premiership. IN: Farin Gregg, Jess Bussell,

Ash Campbell, Stephanie Vick

OUT: Lisa Drysdale (Echuca

United), Marni Rickard (uni), Tina Battye (pregnant), Erin Florence (pregnant), Sheridan Townrow (travel), Olivia Hannon (travel), Maree Gray (retired)

Why fix it if i t ain’t broke? G

INA Pearson has an attitude about her netball sides. They don’t need to be their best in round one; but they need to be there on grand final day. Echuca wants wins, but they also want to get things right. It led them to the premiership in 2018.

So why change? Echuca netball is going into 2019 with the same attitude — work hard, improve week by week, and be there at the pointy end when it matters. “We are feeling pretty good about the side for 2019,” Pearson said. “We’ve had fantastic numbers through that selection period,

plenty of new faces as well as some returning ones. “We’ve had a few members of our A-grade side move on, but some very good juniors are coming through; which will be huge.” The excitement of winning the premiership in 2018 is a feeling Pearson hopes her players never forget, but also one they are able to put to the back of their minds as the year begins. “It’s a new season and a new group. We have already changed quite a bit from the side that won in 2018,” Pearson said. “Every year I like to do things differently, looking at our players and adjusting around that,” she said. “With the players that we’ve lost, we will be playing a completely different style and I don’t think it will be until round six or so that we will fully know what that looks like. “That has worked for us though. I’ve always said we need to win and keep improving, but we don’t need to hit our peak until finals. “It’s worked for us in the past, and I hope it works for us again.” But that excitement will always be there. “Our club has had that feeling of success. We felt it as a whole club last year and that definitely breeds that excitement. “That helps in their preparation, it has brought them back in a great frame of mind and I think that will help as we start to build our game for 2019.”

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Football and Netball 2019 Page 7

KYABRAM FOOTBALL CLUB

All-conquering Kyabram’s got a point to prove FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BOMBERS GROUND: KYABRAM RECREATION RESERVE COACHES: SAM SHELDON, PAUL NEWMAN PREMIERSHIPS: 1919, 1921, 1922, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1948, 1950, 1958, 1975, 1996, 2013, 2016, 2017 PRESIDENT: MARK SCHUMANN 2018 FINISH: 1ST (GRAND FINAL LOSS)

OCKED by their two-point grand final loss, the Kyabram Football Club once again has put the foundations in place for a fairytale season. And Paul Newman’s swansong — what better way to celebrate that than one more flag. Despite losing more than 20 senior and reserves players in the off season, the Bombers have recruited vigorously to bring in top-end talent and once again look to be GVL title contenders. The club has a new-look coaching setup too — 2018 senior coach Newman has been joined by co‑coach Sam Sheldon with the idea of retiring at the end of the year and Sheldon taking over as head coach. Newman said he sees the changing of the guard as a positive for the club — working closely with Sheldon and their assistants as the season progresses. “As it progresses I guess he takes more control leading into 2020 and I start taking a step back,” he said. “Having assistants also helps spread the load so this will be something of a learning experience for us all. “That said I am absolutely convinced the future of the club is in great hands.” Newman and Sheldon will be supported by assistants Daniel Kent and Brenton Shepherd, and will have

the invaluable voice of Ken Sheldon as a consultant to the coaching panel. In the 2018 pre-season the Bombers brought in just two fresh faces — Mick Mattingly and Bailey Bell — but this time around has thrown the net much wider to bolster the ranks. “I believe we will have our strongest team for some time, having kept all our key players and picked up a few new ones along the way,” Newman said. “We also have some exciting talent moving up through our reserves and thirds and will be looking at ways to bring them on to the level required. “I believe we have added some real depth and strength to the team we played in 2018 — some of that is from proven players coming back after a break, or having been away with work, and others are new to the side. “It is important that pressure remains on all players for selection because it gives you an edge and ensures everyone is putting in their absolute best.” Jake Reeves has returned from Geelong and a season in the AFL Barwon, while Jack Sheldon has touched down from a stint in the American college football system as a punter and made the move across from Echuca. Reid Crowe has also made the

IN: Jake Reeves, Billy Burstin,

Josh Vick, Reid Crowe, Jack Sheldon

OUT: Liam Ogden, Liam Barrett

move to Ky from Chelsea FNC in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean FNL, which is ranked higher than the GVL, and should be an influential midfielder for the red and black. Newman said the playing group was in good nick thanks to the club’s strength and conditioning coach. “The pre-season has been looking good, with the work we are doing here in Ky, especially with Russell Jarrett, who as our fitness and strength coach adds so much to the side,” Newman said.

Mick Mattingly “In Melbourne guys like Kayne Pettifer, Josh Dillon, Billy McLay and a few others are also working well together. “After the grand final the players took a break to get over that, over the end of the streak and they have come back pumped and ready to go. “We will continue to evolve our game plan, and at the same time are hoping it will be a more even competition this year, the kind of games everyone likes to play, no-one likes a flogging — whether you are giving it or receiving it.”

Newman said releasing reserves or senior fringe players to pursue first team football was tough during the off-season, but it was to be expected. “I suppose something like that was inevitable, and I understand it — everyone wants to play senior footy,” he said. “But although we did lose quite a few I am happy to say we kept a couple of the real talents there. “I would be comfortable saying we have 25 or so genuine senior players on our list right now.”

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KYABRAM NETBALL CLUB Holly Butler

New coach fronts old team first up E

MMA Ryan will be both dreading and relishing the moment the first whistle blows. The former Tatura player, and reigning Wellman Family Medal winner, will line up in the red and black of Kyabram against — you guessed it — Tatura in round one. Ryan is a huge coup for what was in 2018 a struggling Kyabram netball side, a shadow of its former self. It feels like it’s been five, maybe six years since Kyabram’s netballers were atop the Goulburn Valley League. But in reality, it was 2016 that Ky lost just three games all year, breezing their way to a 51–45 grand final win over Seymour. The Bombers new coach Sara Kent wants her side to recapture that winning culture the team once had. Playoffs, she said, are most certainly in their sights. “Certainly getting back to playoffs is the aim — the depth we’ll have, and the promotion of these players will help the club as a whole,” she said. “Not only will it mean we’re successful, but we’ll have more longevity as a club as well. This year it’s certainly more about local talent and their family ties.

“Lauren (Clymo) and Emma Ryan already have partners here, so they were a good fit. Finals is a goal and is a real aim, and we hope that will filter from A-grade down to the juniors.” It is a completely new-look Bombers side that will take to the courts this year, with only three 2018 players keeping their spots in the starting seven. Shani Clark, Holly Butler and Heidi Morris will remain in the A-grade, while the other four are likely to be filled by a combination of Ryan, Clymo, Ash Mangan, Eesha Clarke and Elle Groves. “Most clubs have to rebuild again after they slope away from the top, where we were, and I just hope that this is our rebuild, and we can begin to climb the ladder once more,” Kent said. “The potential of having a strong combined football and netball club this year is great. We really want to start our season on the right foot, so managing to have (Emma Ryan) around the club, and being the great player and person she is, we want to beat Tatura and get that on the board.”

IN: Emma Ryan (Tatura), Ash Mangan, Eesha Clarke (Rochester),

Lauren Clymo, Elle Groves (returning player)

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PAUL NEWMAN

Architect of history. Legend. Or just a good bloke It could so easily have been the number that would haunt generations of Kyabram footballers. For Australian cricketers it is 87. For the Kyabram Bombers it could have, should have, been 63. They had won 62 games on the trot, 63 would have completed three perfect seasons. But in that third grand final, game 63, they lost to the Shepparton Bears, who kicked 9.9 (63). The 63 that should have been Ky’s crowning glory but would forever be beyond their reach. The reason it will be lost in the mists of the insignificant is down to just one man, and ANDREW MOLE spoke to him.

OMETH the hour, just ever so occasionally; cometh the man. Paul Newman was silently making his way around the playing surface at Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve. His players, his boys, had all collapsed onto the ground; more than a couple in tears, all in abject despair. Right up until the siren sounded, ending the 2018 GVL grand final against Shepparton Bears, the Kyabram Bombers had won 62 consecutive games, two premierships, broken all records, dominated headlines; were unbeatable and unbackable. And they had just lost. By just two points. Newman, their coach, who said little at the best of times, said

nothing now. Just silently drifted from player to player; a pat here, a hug there, a few handshakes. It was their worst result in three years but it was the definitive moment for what, and who, Newman believes himself, certainly wants himself, to be. He was not, ever, caught up in the hype of the streak. Nor, by and large, were his players. Certainly not in 2016 when it started but was hardly ever mentioned. By the end of 2017 he was still keeping a lid on it although it had been gaining traction in the ranks of old Bombers who rarely missed a home game; and was bounced around the local newsagent’s as people picking up their Ky Free Press

Brenton Sheppard Ass Coach, Sam Sheldon Co Coach, Paul Newman Sen Coach and James Lovison Res Coach

quizzed each other about how long it would last. It ruled the lunchtime and afterschool kick to kicks of a generation of pre-pubescent Bombers and was being played out in ever larger headlines by local media. In 2018, however, it was inescapable, as the story of success spread far and wide and the metropolitan media started taking an enthusiastic interest in what was being played out the length and breadth of the Goulburn Valley; week in and week out. Everyone had an opinion on this unparalleled feat, the likes of which the GVL had never seen. Midway through 2018 Kyabram was a juggernaut on and off the field. By which time Newman was probably the only person who had nothing to say about it. Ever. Not privately, not at training, not during games and certainly never to the media. This low-profile architect of football history knew all too well you are only as good as your next game and cannot let that result be influenced by what you had done. Last month, sitting in his office at M&S Accounting in Kyabram, Newman knew he had just lost an hour of his life he was never getting

back. By reluctantly agreeing to an interview about the past three seasons — and about what the encore could possibly be in 2019. He focused on being polite, on not rolling his eyes and tried, but didn’t quite succeed, masking his disinterest, even dislike, of the process by frequently leaning as far back as he could in his chair. But at all times was unfailingly polite and friendly. Then, in a classic thrust to rattle the opposition, delivered his bombshell. “This is my last season as coach,” he said, as if discussing yesterday’s breakfast. “After three years of doing it on my own we have Sam Sheldon as co-coach this year and at the end of the season he will be taking over,” Newman explained. “We have also Daniel Kent and Brenton Shepherd as assistant coaches — and Ken Sheldon is on board as a footy consultant if we are looking for a different take on anything.” The Sheldon name is GVL football royalty; brings VFL/AFL legend with it and two members of the extended Sheldon clan will be taking the field for Ky in 2019. Newman has surrounded himself with a small army of adjutants with

his end game being no more games as the man in charge. That he is going to such lengths to hand over his team in the best possible shape to a coaching unit that will have to prove itself under his eagle eye is, simply, Newmanesque. Newman is, was and always wants to be, a Ky man. As a youngster he was lured to South Melbourne to play grade cricket (he is as fearsome with the willow as his charges are with the Sherrin) and had been added to Melbourne’s 2004 rookie list as his potential preceded his arrival in the big smoke. “I didn’t like it,” he pronounced. “Not the cricket or the footy, I just didn’t like the city, and knew I had to get out of there,” he added. “I had just had enough of being there and while cricket took me to town my first love has always been the footy, so I came home to play.” Newman won’t rank or rate his ability, but doesn’t need to. Others are more than happy to take up the story. Gus Underwood, the crusty septuagenarian who has been playing in, coaching and covering Ky sport for the local paper for more than 60 years, is their spokesman. And in those 60-plus years he said no-one got close to Newman in

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PAUL NEWMAN terms of natural sporting talent. “Make that freakish sporting talent,” Underwood amended. “Few country footballers or cricketers have had the ability to surround themselves with awe, the way Newman has managed, during their sporting careers,” he said. “As a key forward Newman embarrassed the best defenders in the GVL in his prime with his uncanny marking ability — when on song he was impossible to beat in the oneon-ones. “Only Brad Campbell could be mentioned in the same breath as him when it comes to naming the most talented cricketers in my time in Kyabram and district. “As a left handed batsman Newman is both graceful and punishing and is in attacking mode from the first ball he faces” — a subtle reminder of last cricket season when gastro swept Kyabram Fire Brigade on the second day of the semi-final and Newman was one of those struck down. He didn’t even arrive at the ground until tea and only batted at seven because the team needed him. When Newman retired on 106, after smashing eight fours and seven sixes in an unbroken match-winning 163-run partnership for the sixth wicket, he had to immediately leave the ground and head for home and his sick bed. Underwood said Newman might come across as a bit of a laidback, even distant, character but pointed to a steely resolve within to achieve. Something Newman has been doing for years. “He has thoroughly earned his reputation as one of the most outstanding sportsmen — cricket and/or football — in the Goulburn Valley and beyond,” he said. “And that is why he has been so successful as a football coach. Players don’t just admire him; they all want to please him by meeting his expectations of them. “This translates into why Kyabram Football Club holds the record of the longest winning streak in Aussie

Rules in Victoria. “For one I feel very privileged to have been around to see and admire Newman’s sporting genius,” Underwood concluded. Had Newman been there with all these comments gushing out he would not just have waved it away, he probably would never speak to Underwood again and would have fled the scene before being asked what he thought. Because when it comes to sport he can only think club and team. There are no individuals in Paul Newman’s world. For a coach who could name his own price Newman coached 2016 and 2017 for nothing. In 2018 he only accepted a small stipend to mostly cover costs. His players matched him, many agreeing to skip match payments at various times to keep everything within the league rules. No-one held a gun to their heads; they didn’t have to. You don’t play footy for the money, Newman said. You “play it for the memories and the mates, no money is going to buy you that”.

strength coach adds so much to the side. “We will continue to evolve our game plan, and at the same time are hoping it will be a more even competition this year, the kind of games everyone likes to play, no-one

Few country footballers or cricketers have had the ability to surround themselves with awe the way Newman has managed, during their sporting careers

“After the grand final the players took a break to get over that, over the end of the streak and they have come back regenerated and ready to go,” Newman explained, eager to shift the questions away from himself. “The pre-season has been looking good, with the work we are doing here in Ky, especially with Russell Jarrett, who as our fitness and

likes a flogging — whether you are giving it or receiving it.” If 2019 is going to be his swansong, Newman is already working overtime to make it a winning final performance. “I believe we will have our strongest team for some time, having kept all our key players and picked up a few new ones along the way.

“We also have some exciting talent moving up through our reserves and thirds and will be looking at ways to bring them on to the level required. “And we have added some real depth and strength to the team from 2018 — some of that is from proven players coming back after a break, or having been away with work, and others are new to the side. “It is important that pressure remains on all players for selection because it gives you an edge and ensures everyone is putting in their absolute best.” That’s something Newman expects, and has given, throughout his sporting career. To him it would be the minimum commitment, simply a foundation on which to build. Funnily enough, the only person hardly interested in any of that is Newman himself. Sure, he came, he saw and he conquered but when asked to put the streak in perspective he doesn’t hesitate. To him it was fun but in the longer game of life it counted for nothing. “I said to some of the boys after the grand final ‘how important do you think it really was?’

“Earlier in the season Kyle Mueller, one of our players, was in a car crash before we played Rochester in round 18 and it could have been much worse than it was,” he reflected. At the time it had initially looked bad, really bad; Mueller was airlifted to hospital in Melbourne but later released having been cleared of serious injury. “So we lost a game. Kyle is still alive. Who’s the winner now?” Newman married Elarna (they had gone to school together in Ky) and they have three children — Tayte, 9, Lylah, 7, and Madyn, 3. He has a family in Ky, he has a home in Ky and works in Ky. And he plays for and coaches Ky. When it’s all over and he finally walks away, Newman already knows what he wants his legacy to be. “I would be really happy if someone I had coached came up to me in the street years down the track and said ‘thanks mate, I really enjoyed playing with you; you were a good bloke’.” If you had looked into his eyes as he said that you would see it was the most serious he had been for the past hour.

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ROCHESTER FOOTBALL CLUB

Topped-up Tigers ready to roar FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1913, 1974 NICKNAME: TIGERS GROUND: MOON OVAL COACH: JAMES FLAHERTY PREMIERSHIPS: GVL — 1914, 1992, 1999, 2008. OTHER LEAGUES — 4 PRESIDENT: MAX HAHN 2018 FINISH: 8TH

ITH an influx of new and exciting players donning the black and yellow this season, hopes are high at the Rochester Tigers. After what most in Rochy called a disappointing 2018 season, the Tigers will be out to prove a point this year — starting with their round one match against the old foe, Echuca. Tigers coach James Flaherty, in his fifth year at the club, has high hopes for his team this year, pointing to the addition of quality midfielders and young guns as the reason Rochy will make the top six this time around. The club has been steadily dropping

down the Goulburn Valley League ladder since its second place finish in 2016, where Rochy lost the grand final to Kyabram by an agonising 13 points. Since then the Tigers have finished fifth (2017) and eighth (2018). But Flaherty said he has a plan to halt the downward trend — music, no doubt, to the ears of the Rochester community. “We are trying to improve our ball movement and ball use as best we can, and we were happy with some boys who came into the midfield last year, the likes of Jackson McEwen who was up there in our best and

fairest count,” he said. “It’s always hard to tell what other clubs have done in the off-season, but we expect Kyabram and Shepparton to be really strong this year, so we just worry about ourselves and what we can influence, really. “We hope to improve on our record last year, 8–10, because finals is something we expect out here and we want to improve that and get back to where we want to be.” Flaherty said the team will be far more settled and regimented this season than it has been in previous years. “We were going through a fair

Bailey Wileman

changeover last year and we started the season well, and finished well too, it was just the middle part where we lost three or four games by a few goals that let us down,” he said. “If you win those matches you’re in finals. So with that, we were disappointed not to play finals. “We are pretty happy with our recruiting, it’s the complete opposite

to last year, where last year we lost quite a few, but we’ve done the opposite and kept everyone and gained four or five this year. “We’ve got a few thirds coming up, but in terms of coming in from outside the club, we’ve got a few making the step up to the GVL this year and some returning to the club.”

IN: Dan Russell (Heathcote), Isaiah Miller (South Bendigo), Liam Bartels

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ROCHESTER NETBALL CLUB

Time to get behind Tigerettes A

STEADILY improving Rochester netball side looks set to continue its progress in the GVL this year. Under the tutelage of A-grade coach Linda Rasmussen over the past two years, Rochester has gone from winning four out of 18 games and finishing 10th in 2016, to 10th a year later, and up to eighth in 2018, with six wins to its name. And the Rochester community is ready to throw its support behind a team on a steady incline. Rasmussen said her team could barely have been handed a tougher task in round one, when reigning premiers Echuca travel to Moon Oval on April 6. But that doesn’t mean the Tigers will lie down and prepare to start the season 0–1. “Up against the reigning premiers in the first week, and a local rivalry too, is a big ask. No doubt we’ll leave everything out there though,” Rasmussen said. “Eighth was good (in 2018), it was an improvement on the year before. I think we still have a really strong side. “We always want to win more than we lose and from that we’ll start to become a top six side. First thing though, we will start being competitive with those top sides. “We had a few close games which

Sahra Brooks

didn’t go our way last year, and I think that came down to a last quarter or last-half push, which we are working on, along with our team structure.” But in pushing for a top six spot, Rochester must contend with a seemingly ever-changing A-grade squad due to work or school commitments. “Ideally we’d like to build on last year’s results. We’re trying to build every year, but at the moment we do struggle against the bigger clubs to get numbers and in particular, players back from university in Melbourne. We don’t have the pulling power that a football club might have,” Rasmussen said. “Nevertheless there’s always talk around the town about the winter season around Rochy. I’m looking forward to seeing our really strong juniors come through to the A-grade. “We’re definitely seeing some junior talent coming through and we’re really hoping for that talent to stick around the club for years to come.” IN: Brielle O’Meara (promoted) OUT: Eesha Clarke (Kyabram),

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ECHUCA-MOAMA ROCKETS

Rockets turn 10 in season 2019 The Rockets must be the most enthusiastic football team in the twin towns. Playing 20 games a season across five weekends – one a month – the Rockets train hard all season and with the team turning 10 this year are also planning some major celebrations as the season goes on

HE Rockets might not win too he said. many games but when it comes “The Auskick also gets a lot of to playing the game the teams from support from local clubs, especially Echuca-Moama is in a class of its own. in this case from Moama and Echuca The club celebrates its 10th United. anniversary this season and Mark “Each year Moama has our players McGann has been part of the over for a joint training session with coaching program for the past eight the juniors, followed by a pie night of those years. – it’s a fantastic event and the kids And will be there again when really look forward to it.” the season kicks off at 4.30pm on This year the senior Rockets Wednesday April 24 for the Auskick will play 20 games spread across players and the same day from five weekends in the northern 5.30pm for the seniors. conference of the Victorian FIDA But Mark said first up was the (Football Integration Development Auskick come and try registration Association) Football League, which night, which will be held on the 208 is under the AFL umbrella. oval on Wednesday April 3 from The conference has teams from 4.30pm. Bendigo, Wangaratta, Wodonga and “Auskick is open to players aged Shepparton and there are five Sunday between five and 16 and in most games on a monthly basis, with four years we get about 20 players and games played each round. hope to get at least that many again Mark is one of the three coaches this season,” Mark said. for both the junior and senior sides “We take the players – boys and and said the 2019 season for the girls – through basic drills and skills seniors starts on Sunday April 28 at and really like to get the parents and/ Wodonga. or carers involved because there is a He said between each round there fair bit of one-on-one in the sessions,” are two training sessions and the first

run will be Wednesday April 17 from 5.30pm at the Echuca United oval on High St. “We have an hour of training but with the seniors we don’t need as much involvement from parents/ carers as a lot of our work is more standalone,” Mark added. “For the first 30 minutes we tend to focus on skills and the second half usually ends up with a bit of a scratch match to put them into practice,” he said. “We don’t win all that many games as the other teams have much bigger populations on which to draw and as a result a lot of them have a higher level of ability than some of our players, which also makes it a bit more challenging. “But the Rockets just love playing and between the umpiring and the friendly nature of the games we more often than not come away with the spirit of footy award.” Mark said like any football team there is an annual changing of the guard as players come and go but he still has some who were there when

it began 10 years ago, such as Jordan couple of training sessions, head to Betts. Melbourne together and provide A player, Mark said; who loved to them with a great experience for 14 kick a goal – and celebrate it. minutes with a boundary run high “We also have great support from five finishing off a brilliant day”. the other clubs in town, last season Mark also thanked the club’s major Andrew Walker brought the Echuca sponsors Moama Bowling Club, players down for a joint training Moama Bakery, Villawood and session, which was fantastic, United McConnell’s Buses at Tongala. has been helping us and the EMUs, “The sponsors have all been great the masters group share the oval with and as transport is a big issue for us and also help out,” he said. that number of players all at the “And every two years we have the same time the bus sponsorship is a One & All inclusion game which lifesaver.” involves the wider community with the Rockets and Rockettes.” Rockets program Mark said the team is Round 1: Sunday April 28 at Wodonga also set to play its ninth Round 2: Sunday May 26 at Echuca annual halftime grid Round 3: Sunday June 16 at Shepparton game at either Etihad or Round 4: Sunday July 7 at Bendigo the MCG this season. Round 5: Sunday August 4 at Wangaratta He described it as For further information contact the following: “another great Rockets’ Email: emrockets@gmail.com initiative where local Suellen Betts: 0418 324 327 junior football players Mark McGann: 0408 160 996 aged under 12 and 14 Facebook Echuca Moama Rockets buddy up with the Auskickers through a

TEAM EFFORT: Kane Morris of Moama Bakery, Rockets president Phillip Evans, Villawood marketing manager Jennifer Turner, club secretary Suellen Betts, Moama Bowling Club sales and marketing manager George Santos and Rockets coach Mark McGann celebrated the team’s new uniforms for the 2019 season. Page 14 Football and Netball 2019

ECHUCA-MOAMA ROCKETS

GOLDEN GIRLS: Celebrating their big win in 2018 were Rockettes (back row from left) Carmel Beck, Krystell Lloyd, Sophie Ryan, Katrina Delaney and (front row) Erin Gumbleton, Kellie McIntosh, Amelia Dea, Jaymee-Leigh Upton. Absent was Mikayla Armstrong.

Rockettes line up a big challenge for 2019

HE Rockettes had a huge 2018, culminating in their upset victory at the Netball Invitational Games in Adelaide in November. But according to Margaret Gumbleton that’s nothing compared with the goals in 2019. Margaret said the girls in the team were targeting the All-Abilities competition in Mooroopna in September and staging the Victorian Invitational State Games in Echuca on September 14 as a stepping stone to higher competition. She said as a state invitational the event provides a pathway to national games.

“The girls are also targeting the Special Olympics as another opportunity,” she added. “Right now most of the girls in the team are training for Johnno’s Run and that will be a big part of their pre-season,” she said. The Rockettes are a C-grade fixture at EDNA — the Echuca District Netball Association — where they have been playing for years and Margaret said that season gets underway in May. “We have training every Wednesday from 5 pm once the season gets underway,” Margaret added. “Carmel Beck will be coaching

the team again with Karen Upton and I helping out where and when required and we are looking at a pretty busy year,” she said. “We are also looking for new players — we have eight regulars but there is always room for more so we would love to hear from any interested players.” Speaking after the Rockettes’ big win in Adelaide, Coach Beck, who is currently overseas, said the looks on the faces of the cheer squad of parents, grandparents and siblings “to have seen the girls do so well, it was priceless”. “It was,” she added, “a weekend that

rewarded everyone.” In their qualifying rounds the Rockettes (aka Victoria) defeated South Australia 15–10; hammered NSW 13–2, held off the All Starz 11–8 before rolling over the SA Starz 14–4. For the grand final they were confronted by a combined side of players from all states trying to slow down the Rockettes juggernaut. Not a chance — the girls romped it in 19–6. Even if she did not wish to discuss it, Beck could not but help feel pretty special herself after years coaching the side to finally achieve

this result. “The Rockettes truly deserved the win and I am very proud to have coached the team for so many years. But as their coach my biggest joy was not only seeing the players do so well but to have been there to see the joy and delight of the parents and supporters. “That will always be my golden memory.” Interested players can contact Carmel Beck on 0400 571 954 or Margaret Gumbleton on 0413 597 713.

Football and Netball 2019 Page 15

ECHUCA UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

Campbell calls finals spot early

Justin Cantwell

Peter Quanchi

FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1997 NICKNAME: EAGLES GROUND: ECHUCA SOUTH RECREATION RESERVE COACH: GUY CAMPBELL PREMIERSHIPS: 2013 PRESIDENT: LUCAS WALKER 2018 FINISH: 8TH

ITH only weeks until the first ball is kicked, Echuca United is already naming a top three finish as the benchmark in the Murray Football League. And with more than 20 new recruits joining the seniors and reserves ranks, the Eagles have more than enough firepower to attain their lofty goal. The key, Eagles coach Guy Campbell explained, has been the progress made over the past two seasons as the club works its way towards a double chance in finals. Those foundations, along with a whole host of new faces, he said, are the reason the Eagles will take the MFL by storm this year. “The last two years have been not necessarily successful in the way of winning premierships — a lot of people base success on that — but they have been successful in setting

that foundation for this season and the seasons to come,” Campbell said. “The more you play together, the more you grow as a team. I’m hoping that (Tom Curnow) brings a different lot of skills to the team, Tom has leadership which will be critical, and his experience in big games and living the occasion is hugely important.” Spectators at Echuca South Recreation Reserve can expect an “explosive” and “exciting” style of play from their Eagles in 2019. “We’re going to play a really exciting brand of footy, we’ve been working hard in pre-season to be fit and healthy, so it’ll be a quite explosive game this year,” Campbell said. “It’s something I wanted to implement in my first year but you really have to have the right players on the paddock to do so, and I think we do now.”

United starts their season on April 6 against Deniliquin away from home — a side that, despite their bottom of the ladder finish, beat United during the regular season. “The first thought that comes to mind with that game is taking points, but in saying that, we struggled against them last year and lost to them at home. I’m hoping we have no problems there this time.

“We’re gunning for a top three finish this year. To do that we have to keep our list healthy, any list in country footy you have to maintain the top five or six players.” United has scheduled two practice matches so far, on March 2 at home against University Blacks, a premier side from Melbourne, and away against Rochester on March 23.

IN: Reece Blake (Pyramid Hill), Cameron Brownhill (Tongala), Jordan Burgess (Huntly),

Ash Carmody (Waaia), Lachlan Carmody (Waaia), James Deighton (returning), Brodie Dixon (promoted), Ben Fulford (Canberra), James Hayes (returning), Nick Kellow (Elmore), Zac Lucic (returning), Andrew McCartney (promoted), Charlie McLay (Kyabram), Josh Mellington (Caroline Springs), Matthew Nettlefold (Elmore), Jack Ogilvie (Moama), Rowan Priest (Girgarre), Andrew Pryde (Kyabram), Luke Schwenke (Mathoura), Jack Steel (promoted), Chevy Williams (Trentham), Phil Hubbard (returning), Tom Curnow (Kyabram), Patrick Murphy (Sawtell Saints).

OUT: Jack Hajro (Undera), Paul Kirby (Tatura), Robert Kirby, Reyd Thorpe (Huntly).

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ECHUCA UNITED NETBALL CLUB Tanner Edwards

S ame, same but different in 2019

CHUCA United will not settle for the same old results this time around. Coming off the back of a fifth place finish in the Murray Netball League regular season in 2018, the Eagles A-grade side has been completely reshaped ahead of the new campaign. That starts at the top with former A-grade coach Rohan Starkey moving back to hometown Mathoura, where he has taken over the program for the Picola and District Netball League hopefuls. At United, former Echuca player Lisa Drysdale has moved to Echuca

South Recreation Reserve to take charge of the Eagles A- and B-grade squads. The two teams are training together as one outfit, with up to 20 players there at any one time. It allows for flexibility in regards to what drills can be run. Numbers determining whether the day will be focused around fitness, a fast five game, or Drysdale’s own game style which she began implementing months ago. Drysdale said fitness has become a mainstay of her pre-season training regimes.

“General fitness in particular has been super important and things like fast five games,” she said. “So that whether we have low numbers or high, we still have a chance to get some court time. So that we’re still training as a large squad. “I like to keep them together (A and B squads) so that it becomes more of a club feel at training. The whole A and B squad is quite close.” The club could hardly have been handed a harder task over the opening three rounds. Beginning on April 7, United

will travel to 2018 grand-finalists Deniliquin, before hosting semifinalists Rumbalara in round two, then on Easter weekend, United travels across the Murray to visit reigning premiers Moama for the first of two Three Jacks Trophy matches. “(Three Jacks) is always a title we want, we want to beat them, they are the benchmark,” Drysdale said.

“Last year United had a great core of players and I think we now have a really great injection of strength, coming from outside the club. “We’ll look to introduce a fast rotating style of play, so keeping players fit and keeping the opposition on their toes is key. “We’re set to play against Kyabram and Kotunga in practice matches before the season starts.”

IN: Amelia Brock (Seymour), Tamara Cummins (Boort), Lisa Drysdale

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Football and Netball 2019 Page 17

LISA DRYSDALE

United they will stand says Drysdale I

N HER first year at the helm, playing coach Lisa Drysdale is hoping to keep Echuca United just that — united as a club. And, of course, being in the same company as reigning premiers Moama. It’s a bold statement but one Drysdale believes the United players can back up on the court. “If Moama are the benchmark, I want to be right there behind them,” Drysdale said. “The competition will be good — I know (Moama coaching duo) Charlotte Long and Alex Daly well so if we’re both up the top I’ll be pretty happy with that.” And it would be a fair show of the region’s talent if there just so happened to be the two top teams in town. But Drysdale isn’t taking herself too seriously at this stage. “I’m serious about netball but I’m also a fairly jovial person. So I want to bring, as basic as it sounds, a sense of fun back into the game,” Drysdale said. “A-grade is not the best, C-grade is not more important than anyone else, everyone is all there as one club. “I really want to work on the culture of getting the seniors all together and keeping that strength that’s been there in the past. “I want to make sure it’s enjoyable for everyone to play on all levels and I want to be able to help some of the juniors develop some of their goaling skills. Drysdale said a positive club culture was paramount, something she was looking to consolidate with programs such as mixed trainings with the footballers. “When you have a game against the boys you share a mutual respect

Page 18 Football and Netball 2019

Lisa Drysdale

when they see you running around and they go ‘oh, that’s harder than it looks’,” Drysdale said. “It’s good to see their skills with strength and agility and see our skills with the precise movements.” When the season starts, Drysdale said it would be down to business. “We’re not in a building phase so we have no excuses, we’ve got a good strong base so if we’re not successful it probably won’t look very good for me,” she laughed. “We have a good strong team and so I have expectations that we’ll be up there.” One Eagle to watch is Amelia Brock, the fresh blood on court. After her 2017 season with Seymour, Brock took a year off before making the move to Echuca United. “I can’t wait to see her on the court, she’s been out of the game for a year but she brings a lot of strength to the team,” Drysdale said. “Hopefully she’s fit and on track at the start of the season and she can cause some headaches for the opposition.” While the A- and B-grade sides are yet to be nailed down, Drysdale said there has been some promising moments in the pre-season. But she’s after consistency in play, and so she’s whittling it down to a fine list. “Some girls showed some really good glimpses, then a few try and go too fast too soon and don’t quite nail the drills,” Drysdale said. “And in A-grade I don’t want that, I want players to be precise and accurate so I’m still working that out.” Someone who is poised to be in a prime position on the final A-grade list is Tanner Edwards. As the only goaler in the side last year Edwards had her work cut out for her, but Drysdale has grand plans. “I think if we see Tanner in full flight with supportive players around her, she’ll be one to watch for sure — she’ll be a dominant goal attack,” Drysdale said.

LUKE ELDRIDGE

The prodigal premiership coach is back

Moama Football Club has only one Murray League flag — and Luke Eldridge was the man who helped them win it. The big question is whether he can successfully reprise his role, this time as sole coach

T’S not uncommon — especially in country leagues — for a player to come back to their old club. Young people leave town, start a new life, take on a new challenge, only to one day miss the feeling home provides. And just as inevitably when they do return, it’s to open arms. A coach returning is slightly rarer, irrelevant of what they have done with the club in the past. Luke Eldridge isn’t just a former premiership coach at Moama though — he is one half of the only premiership. Eldridge co-coached Moama with Shannon Keam from 2009 to 2011, including the club’s sole MFL premiership in 2010. He spent some time away in the following years, before returning in 2015 when then coach Simon Maddox needed some on-field

leadership. Now he’s back in the box to help grow a young Moama side into a regular finals contender. “I’m excited to be back in this position with the club,” he said. “I’ve taken a different approach this time around, it’s a completely different group and at a different stage in their development. “It’s also different being in a position where I am doing this on my own now. Last time I had Shannon with me, which meant we could bounce ideas off one another. “My perspective on coaching is different now and I think that suits how the club is at the moment.” Eldridge’s initial stint came after a disastrous 2008, where the Pies were bounced from the finals in straight sets. The brief was simple then — we have the group, let’s win now.

That’s not the case this time around. “It’s not about bringing that instant success,” he said. “It’s about what are we going to do to retain youth in our football club. “We want to develop Moama as a club and it begins with keeping our kids in black and white. We are putting in the groundwork for our future success. “We have a clear long-term vision for this football club. We know what we are working towards, everyone is on board and it will be an exciting time for the club as we go forward.” Moama had time to hunt for their new coach, with Mark Lloyd announcing in mid-2018 he would resign at season’s end due to family commitments, giving the Pies an early opportunity to find their guy. And that didn’t take long and Moama were ecstatic with the decision.

Luke Eldridge

“Luke is a wonderful football person,” club president David Grubb said at the time. “We could be out searching for a guy for months who has Luke’s football credentials and skills and we know other clubs are also looking for someone like Luke to take on a role like this. “We decided it was best as a club for Luke to be the new coach going forward and we are grateful Luke and his family want to be a part of the football club in this way.” Eldridge went straight to work in mid-2018 to prepare and says the club is well positioned for 2019. “We have a lot of our young guys coming through who are hopefully going to play a key role in 2019 and in seasons beyond. “It’s going to be an exciting time for the football club.” Football and Netball 2019 Page 19

MOAMA FOOTBALL CLUB

No panic button for Magpies

Ben Welch

FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1997 NICKNAME: MAGPIES GROUND: MOAMA RECREATION RESERVE COACH: LUKE ELDRIDGE PREMIERSHIPS: MFL — 2010. OTHER LEAGUES — 7 PRESIDENT: DAVID GRUBB 2018 FINISH: 9TH

INTH seems a long way from anywhere when it comes to footy and finals. And Moama knows that feeling too well. But the club hasn’t panicked after a disappointing 2018 — it was only percentage out of the finals and knows it could, and should, do better. They want to get better in 2019

and have decided to look inwards to the stars coming up through its junior ranks. There’ll be no blowing the budget chasing big names from the footballing community it’s going to be by focusing on their own. That starts this year. “We’re looking at a different approach this season,” coach Luke

IN: Jack Harland, Fraser Buchanan, Sam Youngman, Jake Ellery, Daine Lowry, Matt Vietch, Lochie Phillips,

Matt Lynch, Matt Palmer, Luke Agg, Shannon Fink, Hugh MacAulay, Adam Virgo, Angus McKindlay

OUT: Rhys Archard, Jeremy Pain, Ayden Walton, Tyler Jones, Alex Daniels, Tom Campbell, Toby Hore

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Eldridge said. “We’ve become more focused on those junior players. We have about eight senior recruits, but for the most part we’ve looked at the under-17 side and tried to make sure we can keep them around Moama,” he said. “There isn’t as much of a focus on instant success right now, it’s about the future. We have a big hole between 23 and 28 for locals. So we are looking at long term filling that gap.” But while planning its future the present has taken a big hit with goal machine Tyler Jones and star Rhys Archard leaving. “Tyler and Rhys were huge for us in 2018 but that also creates opportunities.” Jones and Archard — combined with Angus Grigg — were the

three most dominant players in the Moama side in 2018 — of which Eldridge is very aware. “They scored most of our goals, but we were also relying on them in the midfield as well. We had a solid backline and we have retained that, but our forwards and mids need to be a better spread this year.” For Eldridge the focus is structure and game plan, making sure the team is able to play the same style across all three levels of football. “We haven’t so much discussed our goals (at time of writing) but more we have certain KPIs for the season, and we are going to work towards achieving those as the year goes on. “Where we finish up is unclear, but we need to get everything else right.”

MOAMA NETBALL CLUB

Moama can maintain the rage M

OAMA weren’t perfect in 2018 — but they were damn close. And they were rewarded with their second successive premiership. It’s not unreasonable to expect some apathy may start to build within the playing group after being the best netball side in not only the league, but possibly in the region. But the coaching staff at Moama will not let that happen. Their 2017 premiership coach Charlotte Long will return to the top, having taken the 2018 season off coaching due to other commitments, and will be joined by teammate Alex Daly, who ran a number of games in 2018 due to the absence of coach Jacqui James. Daly said a key to keeping the side motivated was some new blood coming into the system. “We’ve kept the base playing group together, but we have also had a few girls come up from the under-17 system, as well as some new players,” she said. “It holds everyone accountable. We’ve been strong through our B-grade side as well in the past

seasons, so we are able to mix those players up a bit and give a few a run though the A-grade side, and I think that will really help keep our players motivated.” Apart from changes in personnel, there remains an expectation to do things the Moama way — maintaining the skill level and fitness that has become a staple of the most dominant side in the Murray League. “We’ve seen through our trials that those levels seem to be there, but we have some practice matches with Shepp Bears and Mount Pleasant (unplayed at the time of writing) and I think that will show us where we are at, and how much we have to work to get to the level again for 2019.” The goal is clear — Moama wants its three-peat. “We’re not expecting it to just happen, we know we will have to work hard to get there, but that is absolutely the goal for us; to get the win again.” IN: Madison Higgins, Ellen

Bowman, Liv Taverna, Jayda Richardson, Joelle Hore, Rhiannon Gierisch

OUT: Jacqui James, Jodie Lake,

Georgie Crowe

Football and Netball 2019 Page 21

TONGALA FOOTBALL CLUB

So far so good, but is it far enough? FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 2006 NICKNAME: BLUES GROUND: TONGALA RECREATIONAL RESERVE COACH: JORDAN SOUTER PREMIERSHIPS: MFL — NIL. OTHER LEAGUES — 11 PRESIDENT: DARREN MALONEY 2018 FINISH: 13TH

IN: Coby McCarthy, Dom Watt,

Makenzie Ryan, Kyle Halliwell, Matthew Wild, Caleb Smith, Josh Berry, Jayden Tucker

Jordan Souter

HE YOUNG blood of Tongala started to come to the fore as the season went on in 2018. But the big question of 2019 is have they come far enough? The Blues were already one of the youngest sides in the competition and while they have brought a lot of talent into the club, they have stayed pretty young. That’s far from a concern for club coach Jordan Souter. “The key thing with young players is getting them to fit in with the team,” he said. “Fortunately the guys have come in and really taken on the challenge. “They’re doing the hard work that comes with a pre-season, and that’s the expectation we have as a football club. “They’ve embraced the culture and how we want them to be as Tonagla footballers, and that’s exactly what we want from them. The guys are all looking forward to a good season.” The club is still working on what their goal is going to be for the 2019 season, with Souter admitting that will shift as the year goes on. But as with all football clubs; Souter is eyeing September action — preferably this year. “Every football club is aiming for finals. That’s what we all play football for — to be there at the end of the season competing for a premiership. “We haven’t necessarily set a fixed

goal like that for our team for this year as yet. “I think all we want to do is improve week by week and have a better season in 2019. “The younger players started to

really come into their own in the later stages of 2018, and we were able to produce some pretty good performances on the field. “For now, our goal is to continue to get the best out of those young

guys and hope to see them play some good football.” The Blues were unpredictable late in the year, pushing some of the finalists in contests, including a fourpoint loss to Cobram in round 14.

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If the Blues can continue to push some higher sides and defeat the teams around them on the ladder, it should be an improved season.

TONGALA NETBALL CLUB

They’ve had enough of singing the Blues E

VERY year, Tongala’s netball sides are worth watching closely. They’ve made a habit of being there at the pointy end of the season, making multiple grand finals in the past five years, but have never been able to win the big one. When 2018 rolled around, it looked like it could be the year that all changed. Until everything that could go wrong, did. A hot 6–1 start to the season was lost in an implosion as the Blues

dropped seven of the next eight games, turning their season into a shambles of mediocrity. Major injuries to gun players and an external feeling the team just wasn’t clicking saw serious cracks in the great Tongala club for the first time in the decade. But as bad as that all looked — and

probably felt — it won’t take much to get Tonny back on track. The talent was there, but there was no way of avoiding the impact injury would have on the side. Some of those injuries just won’t go away and will continue

disrupting the A-grade in 2019, and it isn’t yet clear how the list is shaping as a result. But every Achilles injury has a silver lining and Caddison Mulholland will not play this year following her Achilles injury late in 2018 and will instead take charge of the club’s A-grade. Few have her experience at this level, with Mulholland debuting in A-grade netball as a 13 year-old. She knows the players and has seen how good Tongala can be if they play

their best. It will be a tough task to guide them back to the top, but with so many questions about what Tongala will look like in 2019 still to be answered, just how this side performs will be one of the more interesting stories of the season. Mulholland was unavailable to give comment on the side at the time of this magazine’s production.

Caddison Mulholland

Football and Netball 2019 Page 23

ECHUCA WOMEN’S FOOTBALL CLUB

Changing of the guard at Vic Park FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 2017 NICKNAME: MURRAY BOMBERS GROUND: VIC PARK COACH: MICK MCINNES PRESIDENT: ASH BYRNE 2018 FINISH: 3RD

“

HEN one door closes, another door opens” as Alexander Graham Bell so famously said. Obviously he wasn’t talking about football at the time, but the sentiment rings true for the Echuca Women’s Football Club. Captain Fantastic, Leah Thompson, has hung up her boots indefinitely after taking her side to a third place finish in the Northern Country Women’s League in 2018. But Thompson’s departure leaves the opportunity for another member of the leadership group to step up and put her own mark on the Murray Bombers. The Echuca side battled hard in their second season in the NCWL, toppling eventual premiers Shepparton Bears once in the normal season and tying their other encounter. Consistency was the one key part of the game that let the bottle green down, and coach Mick McInnes said making actions muscle-memory was a key part of pre-season training. “Unfortunately with Leah Thompson stepping away from her role as captain it will leave a hole, but it leaves the door open for someone else to step up to the mark, and I’m sure they will,” McInnes said. “We won’t make a decision on captaincy until the practice matches come around.”

Jodie Lake Page 24 Football and Netball 2019

And the practice matches aren’t far away at all. “We have a round robin tournament on March 17 and a few practice matches either side of that,” he said. “We’ve been training (after Christmas) for three weeks, and in that time we’ve had about 30 girls turn up, and a few are still on holidays and have other commitments. But in general numbers have been good. “I’ve been involved for three years now, and each year the new girls have been so excited to be a part of the club, and the new and old (players) are mingling well.” As for the season ahead, McInnes said he was hopeful of another strong campaign, but couldn’t be certain of what his opposition had prepared in pre-season. “I was talking to the girls last night about this season and we agree we will be competitive, but we don’t know what other clubs have done in the off season, so it’s hard to judge,” he said. “It didn’t hurt to finish third last year, it keeps the drive there. They are training well and we want to do well. You don’t want to get too far ahead of yourselves.” OUT: Leah Thompson, (retired)

LEITCHVILLE-GUNBOWER FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

Premiers sans Perri focus on local talent FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 2010 NICKNAME: BOMBERS GROUND: LEITCHVILLE RECREATION RESERVE, GUNBOWER RECREATION RESERVE COACH: DANNY TESKERA PREMIERSHIPS: HDFL — 2017, 2018 PRESIDENT: GARY KERVIN 2018 FINISH: 2ND (PREMIERS)

T WILL be a new look LeitchvilleGunbower in more ways than one in 2019. The Bombers will unveil a revamped lineup following the loss of a number of non-local players, including gun forward Matt Perri. But rather than go hunting new blood in the wider football community, coach Danny Teskera is looking at the two communities to keep their football club at the top. And hopefully deliver another flag. “We have a lot of young guys who have been around the club and around the town for a while now who haven’t had the opportunity to play senior football,” Teskera said. “We’ve also retained five of our under-17 premiership players who are going to make the jump up to senior football.” “We will add Tyler Jones in a forward role for the club, we also have one or two others who are coming in. “It will also be huge for us to have Logan Prout playing this season.” Prout had completed a pre-season with Collingwood’s VFL side, Victoria Weaver

but has chosen to return to the club — where he managed just five games in 2018 due to injury — in order to have guaranteed senior football. “He’s going to try and get another season injury free and then give it another crack in Melbourne,” Teskera said. The biggest battle for the Bombers will be against apathy after two premierships, though new coach Teskera doesn’t believe that will be a huge challenge. “We have a mix of players this year who have never tasted that kind of premiership success, and we also have a few senior players who are getting on in age and know they are running into their final seasons and want to add as many flags as they can before retirement. “All of them are pushing hard in training and doing everything they can to get better, and that’s what we want to see. “I think we have the talent and the drive to push for a flag again this year.”

Youngsters are ready for the next step L

EITCHVILLE-Gunbower went young midway through 2018, and that was a key to prepare the side for this season. Things were not working and the Bombers made the decision to turn the young players of the club into the stars of its future. A number of under-17s were promoted to the main side, and while the team struggled to improve in terms of wins, there was no doubt this youthful infusion would set them up well for the future. Now it is time to see if those choices pay off. On the coaching front, everything old is new again as Sammi Drover returns to the helm and will be tasked with further developing the young guns she played with in 2018.

Whilst every side is playing for finals, it’s unlikely the young Bombers are going to feature at that end of the season, especially with the typical stars of the competition in Colbinabbin and White Hills around. The key for Leitchville-Gunbower will be for the side to add a few wins to their tally. And they cannot be written off. Matches with LBU will be must wins, and lower sides such as Heathcote will likely provide them the opportunity to still get a few wins. If they can pull off a few upsets along the way, it’s not out of the question for the Bombers to maybe push for the finals. Football and Netball 2019 Page 25

LOCKINGTON-BAMAWM UNITED FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

LBU looks to King Kahl to recapture that Cat magic

Marcus Angove

FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 2001 NICKNAME: CATS GROUND: NICHOL TRADING OVAL COACH: KAHL OLIVER PREMIERSHIPS: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 PRESIDENT: COLIN BACON 2018 FINISH: 5TH

T WILL be a new-look Lockington Bamawm United taking to the field next month in the Heathcote and District Football League. The side has been revamped by coach Kahl Oliver during the offseason, in an effort to improve on its fifth-place finish in the 2018 HDFL. Oliver, a premiership player for the Cats during their massive four year reign as kings of the league, is back for another season in charge of his beloved club. And he has big plans for year two as head coach. “There were heaps of positives to

take out of last season, we didn’t win the premiership like we set out to do, but we had a lot to take away,” Oliver said. “We’ve got some players on the improve who are young and willing to put the work in. We recruited really well again, and it’s all local boys this time. “I have no doubt we can go better, we’re not expecting to win every game but we are expecting to finish higher than 2018.” LBU starts its charge for the

top with an exhibition round one match against White Hills — the side which has picked up two former AFL players with Carlton — on April 6. “We’re excited to see the quality those players bring to the league and to White Hills,” Oliver said. “I can only see it as a positive for the league and for White Hills. We won’t be shirking the issue, we’re excited to play them at their home ground. “It will be tough, if they played AFL last year they will be tough and still be able to play to a very good standard.”

Annalesa Turner

NEW YEAR, NEW COACH, NEW ERA

T’S BEEN a case of new year; new coach for Lockington Bamawm United netball. After a disappointing Heathcote and District Netball League season in 2018, where the Cats won just two of their 18 home-and-away matches, a change at the helm could be just what the doctor ordered. The Cats’ former B-reserves coach Kerrie Taylor has taken over from Amanda Walker and put a plan in place to stop the club’s rotten run of form. Going back to basics and getting the foundations right is essential to success in the HDNL, Taylor said. “We tried that form of training with the B-reserves girls and they improved dramatically, we went back to basics and I believe if they had that from the start they would have made finals,” she said. “(The A-grade side) should be

Page 26 Football and Netball 2019

a lot more competitive this time around — we’ve been able to mix the older and younger players far better to have a bit of stability through the court. “We have a few older Lockington players coming back to the club, most are returning after they have had kids and things.” The club now sees unity through the side, along with strong defenders and “a bit of height” through the mid-court. “We’re a lot stronger throughout really,” Taylor said. “We have three pre-season games and we’ll pick a team through those. On top of a good A-grade side we have really good under-17 and under-15 squads. “We’ll also be focusing on bringing the club together off the field — that’s of huge importance to us this year.”

ELMORE FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB Nicholas Kellow

Elmore wants to be the dark horse of 2019 FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1948 NICKNAME: BLOODS GROUND: ELMORE RECREATION RESERVE COACH: DANNY BREWSTER PREMIERSHIPS: 1954, 1960, 1963, 1974, 1985, 2007 PRESIDENT: DAVID TREWICK 2018 FINISH: 9TH

LMORE is the club to watch in this Heathcote and District Football League season. Statistically it has to be because the only way is up. The club that finished dead last with one win to its name believes it is on the rise and has high expectations for the 2019 season. Optimism thanks to new president David Trewick and senior football coach Danny Brewster’s grand plans for their club. Trewick said part of the reason the club struggled in 2018 was a distinct lack of numbers on the training track week in, week out.

“Last year’s lack of numbers has changed and this year we’ve been seeing good numbers on the track each week,” he said. “The under-17s are showing good improvement and with the extra numbers we’ve seen that’ll provide a bit more depth. “We’re certainly expecting to go up the ladder this year. In the past few years we have got some good game time to go into some kids and we’ll expect to see some of those in the side once again this year.” Along with the promising signs on-field, the club now has the ability to host night matches thanks to an

upgrade in lighting. “We have the ability in future to host that type of game and the improved training facility at the grounds means it’s more attractive for spectators,” Trewick said. “The grounds are coming along nicely off the back of some rain recently, so we’re expecting a lot of community engagement and we have plenty of locals playing in the side this year. “A top five finish (in the league) would be fantastic in an ideal world but we have a fair way to go from last year. We’re expecting to go quite well though.”

Aimie Brown

Raw wounds driving netballers to new goals E

LMORE’S elimination final exit is still fresh in the mind of the club’s A-grade netballers. Losing 33–44 to Huntly has only inspired the team to go further this year and with an “extensive” recruitment drive during the offseason it is easy to see where that fiery belief stems from. A-grade coach Susan Borserio has big plans this season, which includes the Bloods’ under-17 HDNL champion squad of 2018. Elmore president David Trewick said the club was ship-shape ahead of the start of the new season, now just

weeks away. “There has been extensive recruiting in the netball scene,” he said. “In regards to the under-17 premiers, they’re coming up this year after back-to-back premierships and there are some handy young recruits amongst all those coming to Elmore. “The A-grade side had a bit of a finals campaign in 2018 and we should be expecting to see a few different grades again in finals this year. “I think we’re looking good for both arenas, both football and netball sides are showing solid improvement.” Football and Netball 2019 Page 27

HEATHCOTE FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

Is Primmer the final missing piece? FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1967 NICKNAME: SAINTS GROUND: BARRACK RESERVE OVAL COACH: WAYNE PRIMMER PREMIERSHIPS: HDFL — 1970, 1972, 1982, 1989, 1992, 2009, 2010 PRESIDENT: REBECCA DICKINSON 2018 FINISH: 8TH

EATHCOTE have had enough of the basement. In the past two seasons, they have won just seven games. And they don’t want it to happen again. Winning; yes. Winning hardly ever; no. The changes have already started at the top of the tree, with former Essendon player Wayne Primmer taking charge. Primmer is a highly experienced coach, with SANFL club West Torrens and GVL club Benalla on his resume — and recently a premiership with Sandhurst. Primmer appears to be the ideal coach for a club looking to rebuild and develop. His attitude towards his players is simple — he will give you the Felicity Hasthorpe

opportunity and then it’s up to you to make it work. “I’ve told our players already that the guys who do the work for us will be given first shot,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where they were in the past, whether guys were playing senior football or playing in the reserves side. If you do the work, I will give you the opportunity at senior football. “I’ll give you the opportunity, but it’s up to you to keep performing and continue to prove that you belong in the side.” So far five signings have been confirmed, including Primmer’s nephew Codie Price, with Primmer saying he is in discussions with a number of other players. While the Saints have struggled in recent years, they haven’t bottomed

out, and while they have been in the basement, have avoided the wooden spoon. It should fill the club with hope going into the new season that it won’t be tough to turn it around. This is a fresh start for all the players at the club. And the opportunity to earn a spot in the senior side will likely create a competition. When young players are competing against each other in that kind of environment, it typically brings out the best in each of them and that can only be good for the side. Few clubs have as much to prove this season as Heathcote, but with all their recent changes that’s exactly what everyone at the club is hoping for — even if only by a small amount. Jake Condon

For Closter the only way is up H

EATHCOTE only has one way to go in 2019. Obviously it’s up because they have already been at rock bottom. Much like their football team, the Saints spent 2018 languishing in the cellar with just two wins. But coach Lorrae Closter, now in her second year at the helm of the Saints netball program, intends to make her side better. Last year was the start of a culture shift for the netball club, and the expectation is 2019 will continue that. “Last season showed a lot of positive changes both on and off the court,” Closter said. “On court we aim to build on the solid framework laid down in the 2018 season. “Once teams are established we will sit down and set goals and a plan for the year ahead. “We are excited for 2019 with some amazing new facilities, including the new court at Heathcote.” The team may have struggled, but there was definitely improvement on

Page 28 Football and Netball 2019

their abysmal 2017, when the side didn’t win a game. But there is more than hope for the Saints. While their A-grade netballers weren’t able to have a great season, A-reserves was. A semi-final berth was a strong showing for the year and proves while the A-graders haven’t been able to perform as well as planned; there is some serious depth to the club. With new facilities, a drive from within and that depth across the club, this could be a huge year for the Heathcote netball side. As the development continues better results will be required, but the expectation for this year will just be to win a few more games of netball. Not necessarily finals, though that is what the team will be aiming for, but adding three to four more wins would be a huge sign the team is heading in the right direction. With all the changes, a sign may be enough for 2019.

COLBINABBIN FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

Hoppers are within sight of success FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1935 NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS GROUND: MJ MORGAN RESERVE COACH: JULIAN BULL PREMIERSHIPS: HDFL — 1939,

1949, 1950, 1975, 1978, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008 PRESIDENT: BERNIE RYAN 2018 FINISH: 4TH

F 2018 proved to be an odd year for the Grasshoppers the season ahead might be redeeming. The football side finished fourth on the ladder and then knocked over quality sides in LBU and Huntly before losing to North Bendigo one step short of a grand final. In the netball, the quest for a fourth straight premiership fell two-goals short at the hands of grand final rivals White Hills. Both sides were strong, but need something extra to get them closer to a flag. For the netballers it is unclear where that will come from, as team

selection was still ongoing at the time of writing. For the footballers, a number of recruits have been added to a side led by new coach Julian Bull, including the huge inclusion of former Richmond Tiger Daniel Connors. It was an easy negotiation for Bull; who went to school with Connors in Echuca. Colbinabbin were on the right track in 2018, and football and netball will only need to fine tune that to become serious contenders but with the teams potentially looking very different in 2019, who knows where they will go.

MATHOURA FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB Jackson Farrel

Timbercutters getting a sharper edge FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1990 NICKNAME: TIMBERCUTTERS GROUND: MATHOURA RECREATION RESERVE COACHES: JACK KEOGH, DARCY ROBINSON PDFL PREMIERSHIP: 1993 OTHER LEAGUES: 1920, 1921, 1929, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1949, 1952, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1984, 1986 PRESIDENT: MELYSSA BANKS 2018 FINISH: 11TH

HE winds of change are blowing at the Mathoura Football Netball Club. The Timbercutters have been steadily improving — year on year — in both the football and netball arenas. And the club looks set to continue that trend in 2019. With football co-coaches Darcy Robinson and Jack Keogh once again at the helm and with another year’s experience under their belts, the footballers are destined to improve on their 11th-place finish in the Picola and District Football League. More than a dozen fresh faces have appeared at the senior squad’s pre-season training and hopes and expectations around the club are high, hoping to reach into the playoff spots this time around. Mathoura’s netballers have also undergone change during the off-season. Former A-grade coach Kat Wippel has

departed to make way for 2018 Echuca United A-grade coach Rohan Starkey. After a breakout season with the Eagles, where the senior side was

filled with youngsters and flew to fifth place on the Murray Netball League ladder in the normal season, Starkey has returned to his home town for the 2019 campaign.

Olivia Brownfield

Football and Netball 2019 Page 29

GIRGARE FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

A new season and a big maybe FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1932 NICKNAME: KANGAROOS GROUND: GIRGARRE RECREATION RESERVE COACH: SHANNON TUCKER PREMIERSHIPS: KDFL — 1952, 1976, 1983, 1991 2018 FINISH: 8TH

AYBE this year will finally be the season for Girgarre. No matter the improvement of recent years, there is an unavoidable fact that this side has not played finals since 1996. And while the 2018 campaign saw the reserves finish in the grand final, the seniors found themselves falling just short. And coach Shannon Tucker, entering his third year at the top of the club, will be desperate to lead his side out of the wilderness. “It was obviously pretty disappointing how our season ended,” he said. “The thing we did take away from the year was that we were on the right path. “Our plan is working, though it will require a bit of tinkering as every team will this year. “The only difference is doing things our way

all the time. We had tendencies to stick to our plan 70 or 80 per cent of the time but occasionally play to our opponents. “We saw that when we play the game our way we have the side to win games of football. “Finals remain our goal. It’s pretty clichéd to say it at this point, but we really head into each week focused on that game, playing our way and getting those results on the board. “It all adds up across the season.” The Roos suffered a huge loss with club best and fairest Jake Hyland departing for North Bendigo but have countered this with a number of inclusions. “It won’t be a case of what one or two individual players are able to add to the team,” he said. “There will be seven or eight coming into this side and I think they have the ability to make a difference.”

Antonio Barca

tough road forward for Girgarre girls G

Kylie Battle

IRGARRE are on the rise on the netball courts. But it’s hard to see them rising far enough. Close to double their 2017 wins in A-grade in 2018 and an under-15 premiership, were welcomed by a club that has struggled for success in any sport. In 2019, the hope is the Kangaroos are going to continue to improve. Coach Chloe Kavanaugh will take both the A- and B-grade sides in a strategy to deliver a finals’ appearance. The Kangaroos, while they improved, were still more than five wins short of making the finals. The biggest problem for all Kyabram District

teams is the lack of talent involved in the competition. As a result, no team can make a huge change in terms of their ability. Girgarre are another team who will fall into this category. With sides like Merrigum and Undera both looking like they will be around the mark again in 2019, it is difficult to see how Girgarre can make the jump above those sides and into the finals. If they can win a few extra games they may finish on the edge of the finals, but it’s highly unlikely the Roos will be a dominant force or push for a premiership.

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LANCASTER FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

Wombats want to wind back the years

Steve Thomson

FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1932 NICKNAME: WOMBATS GROUND: LANCASTER RECREATION RESERVE COACH: COREY CARVER PREMIERSHIPS: 1932, 1980, 1981, 1988, 1992, 2001, 2011 PRESIDENT: ROD O’NEILL 2018 FINISH: 4TH (ELIMINATION FINAL)

ANCASTER is on the charge to the top of the Kyabram and District Football Netball League. With a fourth-place finish in the football and a 10th in the netball behind them from 2018, the club has high hopes for the season ahead. And that starts with the senior footballers. Under the leadership of coach Corey Carver the team exceeded expectations, recording 14 wins and just four losses in the home-andaway season.

Come finals Lancaster was defeated by one kick in a 100–106 elimination final against Dookie United. And coach Carver has been re-signed to continue working his magic with the senior squad. Lancaster president Rod O’Neill said the club was confident in their senior coach’s abilities. “We probably went a bit better than we thought we would last year which

was good,” O’Neill said. “This year we are still aiming to go high up the ladder and with Corey Carver still in charge, we’re quite confident in his abilities. “We’ve picked up about five new players, so we’re adding a bit of quality, they’ve come across from Kyabram reserves and from Shepparton Bears and the Shepparton Swans. “We’ve had one big loss in Drew Barrett, our runner-up best and fairest, who’s gone to Bendigo to play at Golden Square with his brother, and for university.”

Couston is back and means business

Zoe Backway

HE signing of a new A-grade coach has Lancaster netball fans hoping for a finals berth this season. Lancaster premiership player from years gone by, Leanna Couston, has made a grand return to the club, this time as the Wombats’ A-grade coach. In 2018 the club grabbed six wins in 18 games to finish in 10th place in the Kyabram and District Netball League.

But Lancaster president Rod O’Neill said he believed that number was certain to rise. “In terms of netball we only missed out on finals by a few wins and a few spots on the ladder in 2018,” O’Neill said. “We are going through a bit of a club rebuild at the moment — we’ve picked up a couple of young, promising girls from the likes of

Tongala and Kyabram, so we have some good quality there. “Leanna Couston, she’s an expremiership player who knows us and knows the club well. “She went away for a couple of years but she has some great ideas and we’re confident she’ll do well. “I reckon if the girls can make the fifth or sixth spot and see how they go in finals, that’d be fantastic.”

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Football and Netball 2019 Page 31

MERRIGUM FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

Bulldogs ready to bite — and bite hard

Sean Reidy

FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1933 NICKNAME: BULLDOGS GROUND: MERRIGUM RECREATION RESERVE COACH: STEPHEN LAWLOR PREMIERSHIPS: KDFL — 1949, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1957, 1986, 1987, 1990, 2015. PRESIDENT: AARON MOOR 2018 FINISH: 7TH

H, SO close — the Bulldogs would have made the finals in 2018 if it weren’t for the inclusion of Dookie United in the early stages of the season, with Merrigum locked on points with Avenel and missing the finals by the tiniest of margins. But the second year of coach Stephen Lawlor was a successful one for the club none the less. Lawlor, who coached the club’s reserves’ flag in 2017, took the side from ninth to seventh, with only Dookie’s inclusion pushing them out of the six. It’s a good omen for the Bulldogs. Falling ever so slightly short of a spot in the finals is more likely to motivate the players to

take the extra step in 2019. There will be other challengers around them for a spot in the finals — Avenel trying to hold onto its spot in the six, and Girgarre and possibly newcomers Shepparton East both pushing for a spot. As a result, the Bulldogs will need to make another big step to make finals. The key will be beating the teams in the five-to-nine ladder logjam to add to their finals credentials. The Bulldogs are on the right track, but Lawlor will have to keep his side improving to keep their noses in front of the other challengers for a spot in the finals.

The view’s better from the inside M

Ebony Halliwell Page 32 Football and Netball 2019

UCH like their footballing counterparts, Merrigum netballers were left standing on the outside looking in, finishing seventh in A-grade netball in 2018. Though unlike the footballers, the margin between six and seven was a significant three games. Merrigum will be aiming to be something more than a middle of the road side in 2019. The side last made finals in 2015, and since then has been around the mark without setting the world on fire. It’s a position that is eventually going to grate on the players — not moving up in the standings and missing finals isn’t going to keep them happy for long. Merrigum needs to change if for nothing else than to break the monotony of their current situation. Coach Lou Richards has a task on her hands as she returns to the side to see if she can do something different with her group. But the team has high goals. On a Facebook post confirming Richards’ reappointment, the club referred to adding to their premiership glory. Big plans for the club, but something will need to change if it is going to deliver on that level.

RUSHWORTH FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

From bad to worse but the comeback is underway FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1998 NICKNAME: TIGERS GROUND: IRONBARK STADIUM COACH: BRETT PATEMAN PREMIERSHIPS: KDFL – 2004. OTHER LEAGUES – 8 PRESIDENT: PETA WILLIAMS 2018 FINISH: 13TH

POOR 2018 didn’t get much better in the early stages of the off-season for the Rushworth Tigers. A new coach was appointed for the club, and promptly sacked soon after; with the club stating new coach Nemani Valucava’s ambitions did not align with its values. New appointment Brett Pateman, a former club premiership player, is more likely to fit in with the club culture and has the experience to take the Tigers forward. “It was a tough time to come into the club,” he said. “There have been a few challenges for the group, but we are now looking to put that behind us and

keep moving.” But there is no debating the fact the club was already lacking on the field. Only perennial losers Ardmona had a worse season than Rushworth in 2018, with the Tigers winning just two games and conceding more than triple the points they scored in the season. Pateman said while numbers haven’t been huge on the track, they have started to come in. “It’s a challenge for any club to get players at the moment,” he said. “But we now have decent numbers on the track. A few guys have returned, but more importantly

we have some new players coming through the doors and we are really happy with that.” Having a legend of the club help turn around a poor side, especially after the problems with the coaching changes, is a good step, and it’s difficult for a side to be worse than winning two games. Rushworth will not be looking to head towards finals, but simply to have a minor improvement. A season around the five win total would be ideal — a show of growth and improvement to keep players and fans on board the struggling side.

Crystal Pateman

Brett Pateman

Citius, altius, fortius — the Rushy mantra

OR Rushworth netball, there are two plans of attack for the 2019 A-grade side. Get younger. Get fitter. And early season form shows that is possible, according to Rushworth coach Nicky Chillingsworth. “We’ve had really good numbers at our tryouts,” she said. “It’s a huge positive after the past season to have a really good group

turnout and be a part of our tryouts and early stages of the pre-season. “We’ve got quite a few young kids who played in the under-17s last season, two of them who we believe will go straight into our A-grade squad for this season. “They have the talent and a bit of added fitness that comes with being younger.” The Tigers struggled in 2018 with just two wins, and Chillingsworth

thinks the younger brigade will be key to fixing that. “The younger girls we are bringing in are really talented,” she said. “You combine that with the experience that we already have around the club, and it will be a case of getting both groups to work and play well together. “Once we get that under control, I think we will start to see the kind of results that we want from our team.”

Football and Netball 2019 Page 33

STANHOPE FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

Potential is there so bring it on FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1933 NICKNAME: LIONS GROUND: STANHOPE RECREATION RESERVE COACH: COBEY AINSLEY PREMIERSHIPS: 2000, 2003, 2007, 2008 PRESIDENT: DAMIEN MILLER 2018 FINISH: 2ND (PRELIMINARY FINAL)

HE Lions are on the prowl once more this season with the KDFL title set firmly in their sights. Missing out on the minor premier’s tag by an agonising four points in season 2018, Stanhope then missed out on a berth in the grand final — losing to eventual premiers Tallygaroopna in the semi and then to Nagambie in the first preliminary final. With that pain dealt with during the off-season, the Lions have brought in fresh faces and promoted more than a few youngsters into the senior side with the hopes of going one or two games better this time around. President Damien Miller said the club was still hurting from the backto-back losses after performing so valiantly during the normal season. “It was disappointing losing two finals the way they did. It was

disappointing for everyone really, we had a good season and couldn’t quite gel when we needed to,” Miller said. “The opposition (Nagambie and Tallygaroopna) seemed to get that right at the right time. “There have been a few changes in the off-season, probably around seven or eight players to come into the club.” What the club may have lacked in teamwork and camaraderie in the past year they made up for in fitness and skill — the latter is a trend that will continue this year. “(Cobey Ainsley) hasn’t coached before but he played for us last year and unfortunately did his knee in one of the finals,” Miller said. “With him being sidelined for a year and a young bloke with a passion for coaching, we thought we should give him a go.”

Cobey Ainsley

Season 2019 is simple — get Nagambie

Emily Une Page 34 Football and Netball 2019

TANHOPE has set its sights on just one team this year — Nagambie. Reigning minor and major premiers Nagambie were the thorn in the Lions’ side in 2018, inflicting two of the side’s three losses across the entire season. It was enough to ensure the Lions finished second on the ladder, rather than first. And with the new season just around the corner Nagambie still lies in wait. It is a thought that must keep Stanhope A-grade coach Kerrie Gray up at night. Having been at the helm for several seasons Gray once again has high hopes for her side

to represent the club in the only way that matters — an A-grade premiership. Club president Damien Miller said he looked forward to once again seeing what Gray can do with a new cohort of strong netballers. “Kerrie has been around for ages, she has a wealth of experience and knowledge and is as old as the club itself,” he laughed. “She might be into her eighth or ninth year of coaching A-grade now and they’ve picked up two or three new players in the A-grade. “They’re looking strong and feeling confident once again, so we’re hopeful in that arena.”

UNDERA FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

Tough task ahead for Undera’s Lions

Danni Heazlewood

FAST FACTS>> JOINED LEAGUE: 1953 NICKNAME: LIONS GROUND: UNDERA RECREATION RESERVE KDFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1955, 1962, 1968, 1972, 1997, 2009 OTHER LEAGUES: 1891, 1906, 1908, 1925, 1930, 1946, 1947 PRESIDENT: COREY TURVEY 2018 FINISH: 10TH

NDERA have had a lot to work on during pre-season if they are to have a crack at the eight this time around. With a 2018 record of 6–11–1, the club’s footballers cannot afford a repeat of the horror start last year that had it on the back foot from the get go. The club went three rounds without a win before opening its account — albeit against wooden spooner Ardmona in round four. Undera will not be afforded the luxury of a slow start this time around if they have any hopes of reaching into the top eight. Shaun Standley will be an asset the club will look to keep hold of after he booted 39 goals in the 2018 season, an average of 2.29 a game. The benchmark for the eight in the previous season was set by Girgarre, with nine wins and as many losses

from their 18 normal season matches. Kaine Herbert was top of the McNamara Medal charts after 10 rounds of KDFL action in 2018, and with 27 goals at 1.5 per game it’s easy to see why. He dropped to second by the midway point of the season but ended the home and away rounds strongly to overtake Nagambie’s Anthony Haysom and win the league’s Medal with 28 votes. In that time there was a stretch of six games in which Herbert was named best on ground on five occasions. Keeping hold of such players will be crucial to Undera’s success this year as their hopes for a finals finish hang by a thread — even in preseason. Undera FNC club president Corey Turvey could not be contacted for this article.

Netballers set their bar high for 2019

UCH like their footballing counterparts, the Undera netballers have high aspirations of making the finals. With an eighth place finish under their belts in the 2018 season, the Lions have reason to believe the two-spot gap isn’t as large as it’s sometimes made out to be. The club can point to it having the best goal percentage in the bottom half of the table at 100.67, which was even higher than seventh-placed Merrigum (with 84). The Lions were within touching distance with hard-hitting opponents

in the Kyabram and District Netball League. Being just eight goals shy of second-placed Stanhope is a huge achievement, and smoking the teams close by like a 20-goal win over the Girgarre Kangaroos is not to be scoffed at. The challenge now for the Lions is being able to push on and knock over sides already in the top six, to make room for Undera. Matches against the likes of Avenel, Dookie United and MurchisonToolamba need to be targeted by the Lions this season as must-wins — or

at least must-be-competitives. And there is a good chance it’ll happen for Undera. Falling just 10 goals short of a result against Avenel in round six in 2018, along with 13 goals short of Murchison-Toolamba and 10 short of Dookie means the signs are there for an upset. They are effectively ‘eight-point’ games. Meaning the four points gained by the winning team are also four points lost by the opposition, so the winners are eight points ahead of where they were before the game. Football and Netball 2019 Page 35

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