The smell of liniment is in the air, as clubs gear up for the 2014 season ahead. The West Coast Hawks look to defend their hard earned 2013 crown, the five other clubs will be seeking to displace them for 2014 spoils. Everyone goes forward with hope and expectation.
Elliston
The Rooster supporters have had a rollercoaster ride in recent years, more peaks and troughs than Dreamworld. Last placing in 2011, premiership 2012, last again 2013, so the form guide suggests this will be a big year at the home of big surf. Where will the improvement come from? Have a gander at a list of in’s -: Shannon Minhard, Tom Haarsma, Joel; Paech, Adam Green, James Bascomb, all from Great Flinders, Jack Bascomb from Tasmans,, Bill Bascomb a former club captain, back from Adelaide. Big names, along with an extra couple of players on “working” permits, a fast Elliston start look is likely. Unfortunately Jay Williams will be unavailable for the most of the year due to shoulder surgery, but may appear late if the Roosters are finals bound. Tom Rumbelow, Adam Haarsma both come off of excellent 2013 seasons. Elliston play particularly well at home, and no club travels further on the Eyre Peninsula. Chad Fleming is again senior coach, he knows the side and is well respected in football circles. Elliston could well be the big improvers this year, so long as they can get some away form happening, look out for the red and white come finals time.
Wirrulla
The Bombers had a difficult 2013, but were never really over run, just a bad quarter here and there show that they are not far off. 2008 premiership coach Mick Kessell is back at the helm, an astute football tactician and leader, who will draw the best out of his players and team. Welcome to Jarden Stoetzer from Cove. Wirrulla have a good mix of young and old, probably in transition up forward as older players step back. Simon Webb is one of the best forwards in the league, quick and elusive. Bomber youngsters are great, Mitchell Gum , when home, Andrew McEvoy, Jack Evans all have big futures and of the seniors Evan Whillas, Zac Halman and Rob Holmes are established big time players. The Bombers can ill afford injury this year, like many clubs need to have their best on the park. Have a reasonable draw early, with home games against the Roosters and Tigers, and will want early wins to set up their season.
Wudinna United
Narrowly losing the 1st semi-final to the Tigers last year, the outlook for the Maggies is unclear, they have lost and gained quite a few, so will need to gel in the early stages. Club, League, EP and State legend, Ryan DuBois is the head coach, returning after undertaking the role as a player previously. Welcome to the Magpie nest is Brayden Chambers from Cowell, Matthew Greatbatch from Wirrulla, Michael Mitton from West Augusta. Wudinna United have some future stars who will feature at senior level this year. Logan Elliott, Remi North and Jack Wilkins when home. Dallas Waters is coming of a great 2013, Mark North, Henry Zwar, Troy Klante provide poise and experience. Look out for a big season from Derek Williams. Wudinna United will be looking to stay in the finals race, then use their fleet footed younger players later in the year to capitalise. Need a good run on the injury front.
Western Districts
Once again coached by the evergreen Scotty Feltus, the Tigers have a feel that they are just about ready to take on the big guns, but must look to kick higher scores. To the Tigers lair, Kieran Vermelan, Rhys Bawden from Lincoln South, Toby Lynch, back to the club from Wayback FC, and a couple more possible yet to be signed. Question mark over key big man Jerel Fromm with a back issue! The Tigers always get plenty of the ball, and boast class players, such as Scotty Feltus himself, Shannon Horgan, Wayne Moroney, Brayden Hedley-King and Damon King-O Loughlin. Districts are a mean defensive outfit, and really enjoy the arm wrestle type games, such as the 1st Semi Final last year, where they just find a way to win. Will feature in the finals again, and challenge all in front of them.
Central Eyre
Club, League and EP legend Wade O Brien takes over the head coach role this year, and he has inherited a well-oiled machine just needing a final tinker to add silverware to the shelf. Fit and fired up in 2014, the Bulldogs played an epic 2013 season, in particular against the Hawks, only wilting in the last quarter of the Grand Final after a two all ledger to that point. Class recruit Jake Sampson is hoped to join a team right on the brink of success, with Tom Freeth to return from knee reconstructive surgery later in the season. In naming keys, there are too many, Jake Bruce, obviously, consecutive mail medals, Clint Winter, leading goal kicker last year while spending time on the ball, mid field including Jarrad Sampson, Tyler Chapman, Brett McComb. Big man strength, of Ty McKenna, Kane Sampson, and coach Wade himself. Big years are expected from the up and coming stars such as Lachlan Heath and Hayden Heath. Should injuries be kept at bay, the Bulldogs will post some big wins along the way to another finals series. Expect them to be challenging right to the end again this year, they are good enough to go all the way.
West Coast Hawks
Undoubtedly the team of the past decade, the mighty Hawks ooze class. Premiers of 2013, most other clubs try to develop a game to counter the Hawks, if you can do that, you can cover mostly everything. Dillon Montgomerie, newly married, continues as coach in 2014. The Hawks big in is Dale Montgomerie, returning from Waybacks, add the returning world traveller Brent Bascombe, they deserve early favouritism again, if for nothing else than the ability to continue with a proven team game style. Strength in the mid, forward and back, expect a long season again from the Hawks. Dylan Kelsh, Joe Danis and Steed Sutherland are formidable big men, up and coming champions Jake McEvoy, Lance Appleby, Dylan Cabot and the expertise of at least four Montgomeries, Tyson, Kirk, Dillon, Gerard. More experienced Jake Sargent, Aiden Whitford and Derick Freeman are big game campaigners. Hawks have set up quite a rivalry with the Bulldogs in recent years, and they start 2014 with a Grand Final rematch The Hawks play an entertaining, highly skilled, fast game of football, they know how to rattle on quick goals, but equally impressive in holding teams out from scoring zone. Would expect a grand final appearance as a minimum pass mark from supporters who have been treated to many years of success.
Check out the clearances menu above from a listing of all player movements in and out of the League
The Mid West season starts on Saturday 12th of April, then a week recess for Easter. Good Luck to all teams as they set sail for 2014 success.
Last Modified on 10/04/2014 10:58