The long days of summer subside away and day light saving is switched off. Smell of liniment is in the air as the six Mid West teams enter the season with renewed hope and expectation. The hard slog of pre season done and game plans reset. The Bulldogs won back to back premierships in 2015 and 2016, however lose some keys this year. Who is up for the challenge to play the last match of the year at Minnipa?
Central Eyre The Bulldogs carried all before them in 2016, looming very large again this year. Big scores were the norm for these high flyers, with strength and speed on every line, Jake Bruce bagging his third Mail Medal and State honours again for Zac Fitzgerald. Out go Dan Kwaterski (South Whyalla), Lachlan Heath (Lock), Jack Sampson (Elliston) and the word is that Tom Freeth wont be lining up. In comes young Jayden Fridd (Eastern Ranges) and veteran David Moyse (Wudinna United). No doubt after such a convincing season last year they will be the team to beat, a great mix of experience with younger legs, and the passion for ongoing success. Jesse Stringer, Zac Fitzgerald, Tasman Fitzgerald are all experienced at higher levels, wonderful midfielders of Jake Bruce, Jake Sampson, Jared Sampson, Clint Winter, the guile and strength of Kane Sampson, Wade O Brien, old fella’s yes, but age shall not weary them! The club boast great depth, covering inevitable injuries with capable A graders. Great to watch the ‘dogs in full flight, fast scoring play on football, a mean defence and big bodies, teams will need a game plan to beat the ‘dogs if they want to hold the cup aloft in September!
West Coast Hawks The Hawks battled manfully in the 2016 Grand Final and were nipping at the heals of the ‘dogs all year. Major personnel changes in the wind will see a revised outfit for 2017. Outs include Isaac Galliver (BBH), Tom Shaw (BBH), Declan Edmonds (Central Yorke), Liam Edmunds (CMS Crows), Shaun Day (Imperials), Jaxon Galliver (Jamestown Peterborough), Phil Hargans (Strathalbyn) and the old war horse Brent Bascombe (Kimba Dist.) Dillon Montgomerie’s future is unclear with rumoured linkage with Roxby Downs and Port Lincoln, he would be an enormous loss! Balancing these outs are the return of Cam Montgomerie (BBH), new players Cody Allen (Port District), 2008 Mid West Mail Medallist Braden Holmes (Blues), and big man Kyall Renshaw (Jamestown Peterborough). Full backs from the later part of last Century will have nightmares of his father Gary prowling the goal square for Rovers, kicking double figure match goals! With so many changes, it may well take a few matches to settle into the team style, but be sure that this proud club will do just that. Dillon Kelsh, Dale Montgomerie, Nick Schumann are classy midfielders, Aiden Whitford, Kirk Montgomerie and Derick Freeman seasoned campaigners, young legs of Jay Johns and Jake Mc Evoy, still very much to like at the Hawks Nest. Some good recruiting so expect a September appointment for these boys.
Wirrulla The Bombers performed well last year with club legend Troy Olsen taking the reigns for his first year as coach. Looked all the way to be the main challenger to the top two, and will take confidence into this year. They do have some big names out however, so remain on the recruiting trail. Jarden Stoetzer (Western United) will be a big out, providing great service to the Bombers in recent times, Paul Haynes (Blues), Reegan Mastrangelo (Blues), Lachlan Norman (Blues), Cody Colbung (Boulder City), Shannon Haynes (Old Ignatians) lead the list of outs, with early season ins of Jerome Newchurch (Koonibba) and Bradley Pittaway (Houghton). A challenge to replace the volume of key outs, however the club won the reserves premiership last year and enjoys great depth. No club plays with more pride for their jumper and willingness to sacrifice for their mate, so they will be highly competitive this year. Keys include the mercurial Jason Henderson, Simon Webb, the passion of Ryan Watson, Lachlan Ross, William Mayhew, and Rob Holmes. Maybe a few appearances from Joe Pedler also. Never discount the Bombers, some lost personnel but they will win their share.
Wudinna United The Magpies returned to the finals last year under coach Henry Zwar, with Darryl Marshall taking on the role and overseeing and enthusiastic group leading into the season. Can they retain their spot in September? Outs include Jack Wilkins (Eudunda Robertstown), Luke Harradine (South Whyalla), and the big loss of young star Ian Jericho (Waybacks). A very handy lists of ins include Billy Campbell (Lincoln South), Bronte Ingomar (Koonibba), Matt Lewis (Western Districts), Killian Mantle (Bostons), Josh Mitchell (Bostons), Lloyd Raftery (Western Districts) Brett Watkinson (Morphett Vale) and Richard Miles . Young players at college may be available during the year. Key players from last year include Neil Seaman, Henry Zwar, Remi North, Tyson Jackson (prior to another sorty offshore), coach Darryl Marshall, Tom Dupree, Dallas Waters and Adam Jericho. Look out for the emergence of Ryan Lymn this year. The Maggies will need to find improved scoring avenues, their defence works well and they win plenty around the mid field. Don’t mind the hard tough close games and will look forward with expectation of another finals appearance.
Elliston The Roosters three wins in 2016 all came prior to Mortlock, with their season fading in the second half, injury taking a heavy toll on so many of their key players. Don’t be fooled however, the strong core at the club remains, and a better run with injury will see the Rooster crowing again. At this stage, no registered outs, but some good ins with Jack Sampson (Central Eyre), Adam Smyth (PHOS Camden), Glen Tonkin (Tasmans), Thomas Wedd (Cummins Kapinnie). Adam Hurrell will spend time at Port Adelaide, but will return home from time to time. Keys include Jay Williams, a club and league leader, Jordan Newton, Ross Bascomb, Liam Newton, Ben Hurrell, Tom Rumbelow, Thomas Bascomb, Steve Paul, Brody Kenny. Looking at the list, it doesn’t take too much imagination to see a red and white re emergence to the finals, maybe a deep sorty into September, so much rests with keeping players fit. The Roosters can sweep goals very quickly, often surging for twenty minute periods that can yield six to ten goals. A great side to watch when they are playing well and enjoy some of the League most vocal supporters. Must make their home a fortress!
Western Districts The Tigers have been the most active of the clubs in playing personnel changes, so may take time to settle into a game plan. Expect a trip upwards on the 2017 ladder, there is an air of expectancy in the club. Out go Brodie Falciani (Bostons), Ben Forrest (Westminster OS), Lloyd Raftery and Matt Lewis (Wudinna United). A big and impressive list of ins -: Lucas Anderson (Lincoln South), Samuel Beare (Bostons), Kirk Hull (Westminster), James Kellett (Eastern Ranges), Blake Montgomerie (Eastern Ranges), Kenneth Newcombe (Mallee Park), Stephen Rees (Tumby Bay), Jack Shanley (Bostons), Charlie Williams (Blues). Add to this some early game permits, the Tigers are likely fast starters. Evergreen Scott Feltus leads the way, with Shannon Horgan, Damon King coming off of great 2016s. Zane Montgomerie has matured into a key position player with great skill, and look for the emergence of Josh Horgan and Steven Brands in 2017. Districts look very much an improved side and will hope for early wins to re establish their finals credentials.
Central Eyre start the year in poll position, favourites for a three peat, but everyone is watching what they do, you cant hide in finals! Early season matches set sides up for the cold winter ahead, there will be some entertaining games played as each club stakes their claim.
Good luck to all teams as the season is upon us. Let the games begin!
Last Modified on 11/04/2017 17:57