NEERIM SOUTH – 1st (on ladder & Premiers) Leading goal kicker – Chris Urie (66)
The seasons big Improvers. Its success largely founded on the development of its youngsters led by forwards Lachlan Bambridge and Luke Kinder and midfielders Isaac Fuller, Ash Lockett, Josh White, Lachlan Guy and Nick Caddy. The Cats swept all before them until it suffered its first loss in the 2nd Semi. Up from the get go and had suite of well performed players led by runners Kody Wilson and Nathan Bayne. Recruits Ben Fitzpatrick, Alex Johnson and Matt Edwards all impressed.
BULN BULN – 3rd (Runners Up) Leading goal kicker – Hayden Baker (35)
The Lyrebirds were outstanding after round 12 winning 9 matches in a row to make the grand final. Desperately unlucky o lose the grand final by a solitary point. Its biggest problem all year lay with its poor kicking on goals – 213 goals and 233 behinds in the H&A season. Only four times it kicked more goals than behinds which proved costly twice against Neerim South. Matt Gray and Bob McCallum were the best ruck duo in the competition, midfield recruits Sam Batson and Cam McPhan offered good support for plucky Captain Trent Baker. Jake Pierrehumbert, James Fowler and Sean Symes were consistent and in defence Shaun Beecroft, Tom Axford, Jake Herbel and Brandon Allen the most miserly stoppers in the league.
ELLINBANK – 5th (Preliminary Finalist) Leading goal kicker – Shaun Phelan (23)
While unconvincing in many matches struck form in the finals. Forward Adam Cook and Coach Ben Wragg and veteran Tom Johnson (at both ends) were outstanding, ex Moe & Newborough trio Liam Carolan, Daniel Risol and Anthony Battista ever reliable and the same for utility Mick Urie. Tim Mashado and recruit Zac Holton provided good run and carry while U18 Interleague captain Bryce Joyce shapes as a top prospect and there was a lot to like about youngsters Jake Dean and Gaige White.
TRAFALGAR – 2nd (eliminated in 1st Semi Final) Leading goal kicker – Damian Mann (51)
The bloods were consistent but never quite reached the standard it showed in 2021 when it blew teams away early in matches. It was regularly depleted with many absentees. Showed good depth and commitment to team principles. Ruckman Dylan Farrell, playmakers Klay and Jace Butler, Blake Radford and Mitch Virtue and swingman Tyson Leys all excelled. Matt Van Schajik was solid in the last line of defence while mature forwards Damian Mann (51 goals), Matt Swenson (35) and Blake Slater (26) troubled most defences.
POOWONG – 5th & 12 wins Leading goal kicker – Patrick Harmes (37)
Finished the season on a poor note with a big loss to Ellinbank in the Elimination final but before that it put on a bold show and honest week – week out. Captain Jaemeel Kneckt led a stingy defence bolstered by the presence of veteran recruit Andrew Logan. Jayden Sullivan (29 goals) in a new role across half forward and Patrick Harmes (37) impressed. Conor Cunningham again showed he is among the elite tall in the league. Congratulations to Jack Hazendonk who won his third league best and fairest Alf Walton medal award and was the heartbeat of the side. Was shy of another quality forward and midfielder after Steven McInnes did not play after round 13.
LANG LANG – 6th & 9 wins Leading goal kicker – Daniel Lewis (50)
The Tigers underachieved. It was found wanting in big games – not beating a team inside the top five from nine attempts. Captain Josh Brown led from the front, Sean Dwyer racked up midfield possessions but veteran high flyer Daniel Lewis (50 goals) was too often starved of opportunities. Liam Hetherington and Liam O’Connor did well at both ends, Jesse Hand often prominent, Coach Josh Collie (16) opportunistic however the loss of ruckman Joe Dalgliesh early in the season hurt it badly.
LONGWARRY – 7th & 8 wins Leading goal kicker – Brayden McHugh (39)
With wholesale departures off season the Crows defied the critics with five wins from its opening six matches before its season spiralled downhill with only three more victories. It was a far better team when Russell Lehman played. Jedd Serong (29 goals) presented well, fellow forward Brayden McHugh (39) often gave the opposition plenty of grief and pacy rover Bailey Stephens generated plenty of inside fifties. Has the best crop of under age players ready for senior football led by Cooper Brown, Fintan Fox, Clancy Pope and Lachlan Spinks who all look on the cusp of big things.
YARRAGON - 8th & 7 wins Leading goal kicker – Tom Dovaston (27)
Made strong progress in its third season in the league. Seldom turn its possessions into goals. Lachlan Shaw was a shining light across half back, ruck recruit Damian Allison solid, Tyler Payroli super consistent while former Nar Nar Goon colleague Tom Dovaston a played a pivotal forward role, wingman Tyler Hotchkin launched many forward forays and youngsters Sage Tapner and Harrison Perry showed they had a bright future.
NYORA – 9th & 6 wins Leading goal kicker – Scott Pugh (25)
Struggled to maintain pressure over four quarters against the top five teams. The highlight of the season was the improvement in athletic tall Travis Stewart who won the Warragul Country club 2022 MVP award. Coach Dylan Heylen led by example while Sam Dixon, Kallon Rigby, Jesse Heylen, Jordan Anderson and Sam Dixon were all workmanlike. Recruits Adam and Scott Pugh, Jack Rosenow and Max Mattock showed plenty of competitiveness. A solid base to build on but has a way to go to play finals in 2023 unless it can lure a few more quality players at both ends.
CATANI – 10th & 1 win Leading goal kicker – Lachlan Free (11)
Too few asked to do too much. Continually broke down forward of the centre. Badly needed multiple quality forward targets and players to break the lines. Plaudits to Dylan, James and Brett Williams and veteran Tanny Rodda. Michael Ralph, Jack Hobson and Riley McDonald battled manfully in defence, Tom Keily often adept in ruck, defence or attacking roles and youngster Lachlan Free had his moments.
NILMA DARNUM – 11th & 0 wins Leading goal kicker – Harley Lacunes & Mal Hunter (9)
The Bombers have a mountain to climb to be competitive in 2023. Lacked quality on all lines and depth. Ruckman Nick Carrigy, midfielder Nathan Campbell, Captain Oxley Huson and Jeremy Jarred tried their heart out against the odds. Among its younger brigade, Seb Crowle, Ethan Carlile and Munashe Munjoma offered many strong performances.
Last Modified on 21/09/2022 10:14