With less than three months to our 2012 kickoff, most clubs appear to be in a reasonable position player wise and if a couple of signings come between now and season start on Saturday April 14th for most clubs they would add to the present stocks and have the faithful believing that the 2012 year may be the one for our club and only time will tell. As we have seen in past years, practice form for most has been a little misleading. By the time clubs get to their practice matches most players would have lost a lot of sweat and a few excess kilo's but all would be happy to be back. Looking around during pre season there will be some new faces at most clubs but on the down side some of the faces from last year may not be there for some reason or another . 2012 brings four new coaches to our league, with three coaches from last season being re-oppointed. New appointments are David Cox at Boort, Brendan Jennings takes over at Donald, the Demons have appointed former player and Feeny Medalist in James Coatsworth as thier mentor for 2012 and at St Arnaud James McNamee has been given the task of lifting the Saints up the ladder. In all other grades most clubs are yet to appoint their coaches. Premiers from 2011, Wedderburn look as though they will be a strong contender in 2012 to defend the title they won in 2011, when they defeated Wycheproof-Narraport by 9-points at Charlton. Daniel Gash has been re-appointed to lead their title defence. Runners-up Wycheproof-Narraport have lost some players from the side which contested last years grand final, but have been able pick up a couple of very handy players, plus they will have some players who missed the Grand Final through injury ready to go in 2012. Boort look to have maintained their playing list from 2011 and with some inclusions for 2012 look like they will again be well in the mix to challenge for the Halfhide Cup. Donald, if reports are right, look to be the side which may have the hardest job to challenge for a top four position, with some player departures believed to be happening and combining this to the plus side where there doesn't appear to be a lot coming in, but there is a way to go before we start our 2012 season, giving the Royals time to add to their list. Charlton have re-appointed Anthony Judd to take charge of the Navy Blues and with the inclusion of some new players will push strongly to challenge for a top four position. Birchip-Watchem have had a couple of years they would like to forget, they had some good players in those years but injuries played a big part in their on-field performances. This season the word is that they have been able to recruit some key players to their playing list and this has also been strengthened with some local talent returning in 2012, Zac Holmes will again coach the Bulls. At St Arnaud there is big buzz when football is mentioned, with a near new committee, a new coach and a list of recruits which includes former AFL player in Shannon Motlop the town is looking for the 2012 season to start, as they look to make big improvements from their form of the past few seasons. Most of last years list look to being faithful and remaining with the Saints. This Season the North Central will play inter-league against another of our neighbouring leagues in the Loddon Valley Football League on Saturday May 26th, at present a venue has not been officially decided on, but strong indication are it will be played in the North Central. Charges for the 2012 season remain the same as in 2011 with Home & Away games being $8.00 and all Finals $12.00 with the Recorder being $3 for all games. Finals will be played on September 1st, 8th, 15th and the Grand Final on September 22nd. The 2012 "Feeny Medal" Vote Count will be held at Charlton and Donald will host the Lightning Premiers for our Under 12's.
On behalf of the Chairman and Board Members welcome back to all North Central Sponsors, Officials, Supporters and all players involved in Football, Netball and Hockey, lets hope we have an enjoyable and injury free year. To all new persons joining the North Central Football, Netball and Hockey teams welcome and enjoy your time in the North Central, I'm sure you'll have many good memories of your time with the club you have chosen to represent.
Last Modified on 13/02/2012 12:03