All lined up –ready to go – racing and we are away into the 2010 Season. The recruiting and clearance action over the summer has been huge with 110 players moving on from the GDFL, but 227 players coming into the competition. This influx of players can only boost the competitiveness of the entire league.
Inverleigh v Geelong West
Two clubs that have recruited heavily have been Geelong West and Inverleigh who meet out at Inverleigh tomorrow. Geelong West have an entirely new spine with the exception of experienced campaigner Damien Cerni. Chris Carlon and Leigh Callahan both from Forrest come in as Centre Half Back and Ruck Rover respectively. Ben Doyle from St Marys goes into the pivot with Will Fitzgerald from St Joeys at Centre Half Forward and Cameron Addie from the Amatuers at Full Forward.
So it will be interesting to see how the side gells together.
Inverleigh on the other hand have not only recruited but have experienced hands returning, particularly Toby Prendergast returning from a stint at Bright. Matt Mruphy and Marcus Forbes have transferred from Belmont along with Nicl Popovski from The Hill and Rob McHenry from Lara. Given how competitive the Hawks were last year this boost of experienced hands must put them in the ascendancy over the Cheetahs.
Bell Post Hill v Winchelsea
The broadcast match on 94.7 the Pulse is Bell Post Hill v Winchelsea clash at Myers Reserve. Winch are another side that have recruited heavily, particularly from South Barwon and Forrest. The backline sees Sean Johnson, David Kennedy, Jeremy Sezun and the returning Matt Worland all new to last years lineup.
Taking on last years runners up at home will be a big challenge. Brett Grigc has taken over from Rob May and have new recruits Shane Tobin (Spotswood), Andrew Mason (Lexton), Matt Jovanovic (Ocean Grove) along with Aaron Langsworth (Leopold) and Trevor Fletcher (Aberfledie) who will add some grunt to the midfiled. Also interesting to note is regular goalkicker Rob Cavka starting on the bench.
Bell Post Hill for me.
East Geelong v Anakie
Premiers East Geelong take on Anakie at the unfurling of their flag. East under Adam Skrobolak have been in the news with the Rick O’Toole clearance but have also signed some key position players in Kiel Robertson (Kerang) at Centre Half Back and Luke Nyko (Apollo Bay) in the Centre. These guys will need to cover the loss of Marcus Hildebrand and Michael Johnston.
Also Skrobolak himself and Rob Chamberlain will be serving suspensions so Anakie may be meeting the Premiers at the right time. Club and local footy legend Darryl Bissets return to the club is very much in the rebuilding mold. Of the recruits attracted not many are taking to the park for the Roos so the Eagles should win comfortably.
Corio v Thomson
Corio, who were on the poor end of the O’Toole article take on Thomson at home. Leopold recruits Cameron Chalmers and Brad Huhn are the notable in’s as Karl Fedke looks to rebuild based on his juniors. What is good to see is Reserves leading goalkicker for the past few years up front for the seniors.
Thomson on the other hand are hard to judge. Significant outs in last years coach Glen Wallce, veterans Gardiner, Harriot and Maheras and loss of Sam Calder to Cairns and young Brent Macleod to the Falcons makes you wonder about the Tiges. Julian Carr (Stawell) comes into CHF and Aaron Atkinson (Heathmore) to the cnetre.
Logic says that given that amount of change you should tip Corio at home but some spys who have seen some of the Devils practice matches suggest there is a way to go so it’s the Tigers.
Werribee Centrals v North Geelong
The Centurions are home at Galvin Park hosting North Geelong. Frank Foiani believes his side is well prepared after also recruiting well. Five players at least will debut for the Magpies including Taylor Reynolds(Lara), Bruno Gerace (VAFA), Jordan Heis and Paul Bregut (Ocean Grove) along with Mark Harvey transferring from Corio.
Young gun Blake Hutchinson has transferred to the Hampden league but it is the young centerline of Fletcher Watts and Bryant who came through the successful junior program who will be worth watching.
Werribee Centrals at this time of year can be hard to read. They launch a huge recruiting plunge on the Glenorden club with Travis Johns, Kurt Tietze, Craig Rosenzweig, Brad Bunsworth and Nathan Lovell all lining up for the Centurions. Another to watch will be David Hall from Bacchus Marsh on the wing.
David Leatch maybe quietly confident and I think they may win.
Belmont Lions v Bannockburn
In the final game Belmont Lions take on Bannockburn at the Winter resort.
Talk about recruiting, Belmont have gone nuts in the rebuilding process. 19 outs and 48 ins. Go the university stock, Grant Ward may need to consider a name change. State representative Luke Mahoney is the notable out along with John Tate. Of the ins unsure where to start with Matt Tooheys troops so will go with watch this space.
The country Tigers though have not bee immune to movement. Peter Riccardi's move to North Shore has seen Gibbs Dylan Watt and James Hobbs all go with him along with the loss of Ben Naylon and Justin Bliss. So it is a new looking side for Ron Pilgrim. Lots of juniors from Dale Smyths side are ready for senior footy and the ins list includes some familiar Bannockburn names such as Dillon, Dando and Sheedy. Travis Grigg from Lexton Plains at CHB maybe the one to watch. Tigers by 3 goals.
Last Modified on 09/04/2010 11:36