by Daniel Huttig
Another scintillating year of football awaits the followers and players of the Mallee Football League, after an extensive summer recruitment campaign engaged in by all clubs. Woomelang-Lascelles proved that they were the team to beat last year, and this year look to be in a similar position. All teams have seen some quality players move on from last season, but have hopefully recruited well enough to fill the void.
Last year’s premier Woomelang-Lascelles will look to commence the 2014 season where they left off last year, when they battle Ouyen United at home. The fast finishing Cats will certainly be in the mix again this season after recruiting well, despite having lost some handy players, and will by striving for back to back flags. Coaches Joseph Davies and Anthony Foott have been leading from the front on the training track, and have had plenty of players around them over the preseason. Toby Wilson and Paedon Monogan are coming out of the Under 16’s and will be pushing for senior selection. Jake Hogan and Caylan Lyons will add pace to an already fast unit, and Leigh Brady will slot straight into the team. Ouyen United have been active over the summer months and have had pen to paper signing up a number of handy recruits from the nearby Sunraysia League. Coach Peter Caldow will be expecting a top four finish from his players this season, and couldn’t ask for a better test straight up.
The second game of the round see Walpeup-Underbool host Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers in what should prove to be a hard fought match at Underbool. Walpeup-Underbool have lost some quality players throughout the off season, however they have managed to pick up some classy recruits. Ryan Stacey will add some serious pace to the midfield, who should enjoy the work of returning ruckman, Josh Plozza. Key forward Ben Mathews will slot in front of the goals with the ever green Wade Champion, a combination which will yield many goals this season. The Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers have reappointed Jarred Arentz as coach, who has returned from injury and will add depth to the Tigers lineup. Sea Lake-Nandaly will be hurting after their grand final loss last year, and have assembled a list capable of going one better in 2014.. Zac May will be a good asset in the ruck, while Lachlan Gilbert will join an already strong midfield brigade. Strong numbers on the training track have ensured that preparations for the season ahead have gone smoothly, and the club will be looking towards youngsters such as Tommy Considine to start pushing for selection in the Seniors.
Old foes Hopetoun and Beulah front up to the Hopetoun football ground to do battle, in what should prove to be an intriguing match. Hopetoun will be aptly coached by the very experienced Graeme Hatcher, who has put in an enormous summer with his young squad. Hopetoun have had a difficult off season after losing a number of players from last year, but have recovered well with a number of exciting signings from the Ballarat region. Beulah have managed to retain much of their list from last year and have relished having healthy numbers attend most of the preseason training sessions. Peter Lehmann has trained strongly over the summer and will work well with Dennis Redden and Lachy Foott in what looks like being a formidable forwardline. Depth has been added to the midfield through the signing of Michael and Hayden Farrelly, Jason Turnbull, and Brock Orval, who will hopefully fill the void left by Micah Buchanan. Youngster such as Kai Forsyth, Tim Sandford and Tim Phelan have had enough senior football now to be consistent and will add some run and carry to the team.
Jeparit-Rainbow have the bye.
Last Modified on 03/04/2014 23:22