Written by – Peter Doherty (Daily Advertiser)
The Rock-Yerong Creek
In their second season under coach Tom Yates, TRYC loom as something of an unknown quantity.
ARRIVALS: Jim Carroll, Ben Farrell, Lachlan Myers, Sam Lucas, Fraser Yates
DEPARTURES: Lachie Hunter, Luke Hillier, Sam Durnan, Ferg Inglis, Andrew Saddler
2017 FINISH: Fifth (Fourth on ladder, out in elimination final)
Losing big man Lachie Hunter in the pre-season threatens to put a savage dent in the The Rock-Yerong Creek’s season, particularly at a club which saw Sam Durnan and Ferg Inglis return to university in Victoria after last season. Then to have Mitch Stephenson tear an ACL in a pre-season game, well, that wasn’t really helpful either for the Pies.
It’s a dangerous business suggesting TRYC – a club with an incredibly consistent record in recent seasons – may not play finals. But those losses – and the departure of Luke Hillier and Andrew Saddler – will put the pressure on their new arrivals, the former Wagga Tigers players Jim Carroll, Ben Farrell, Lachie Myers and Sam Lucas. While Hunter’s departure means they’ll rely heavily on Josh Meiselbach to be available.
Still, coach Tom Yates, has been happy with what he’s seen of their new faces in the pre-season, which included solid efforts against Murray Magpies, Narrandera and Culcairn. The Pies are also hoping to see the benefits of having an under 17s team again, as they look to remain in contention.
2018 PREDICTION: Sixth
North Wagga
Coach Kirk Hamblin says his side won’t get swept up in the hype as he heads into his third year at the helm.
ARRIVALS: Lachie Steward, Luke Walsh, Josh Hanlon, Tom Bennetts, James Morris, Ben Alexander, Jarrod Conway, Tyler Bruns, Bill Boyes, Nathan Dowdle
DEPARTURES: Angus McRae, Alex Grozinger, Tariku Fitzgerald-Holmes
2017 FINISH: Fourth (Third on ladder, out in two semis)
The Saints are doing things a little differently this season. Already. A host of well-credentialled players have made their way to McPherson Oval in the off-season, many bringing experience and proven records of success. That – and the flow-on effect of genuine depth, meaning serious competition for spots – mean North Wagga will head into 2018 as favourites.
But they don’t need reminding that high expectations won’t win games. The Saints looked like serious contenders in 2016 and then failed to make the finals. Last year, they were pacesetters early. Then later, at least a top-three team. Until finals.
Now, Luke Walsh and Lachie Steward bring leadership support for Kirk Hamblin. Jimmy Morris can cover the concern they’ve had up forward. Josh Hanlon has been handy in the ruck in their practice matches. Midfielder-forward Tom Bennetts also impressed. All of that should help free up their star, Lachie Highfield, give them options with swingman Daniel Jordan, and take the pressure of the other top-tier players in a team that was only lacking in a couple of areas last year. Look out.
2018 PREDICTION: Premiers
Northern Jets
They defied some expectations in 2017 but Mitch Robinson’s Jets have their sights set on finals this year.
ARRIVALS: Josh Avis, Roland Finch, Mick Foster, Shannon Charlie, Daniel Benger, Codan Frankel, Kody Whiley, Matt Carroll, Brad McKinnon
DEPARTURES: Sam Fisher, Darcy McDermott, Jayden McLean
2017 FINISH: Sixth
Some of the gloss on an exciting off-season was lost when the Jets confirmed co-captain Sam Fisher wouldn’t be back this season due to work commitments in Canberra. But their recruitment of a couple of young Darwin speedsters, the return of forward Mick Foster, and some intriguing pick-ups from the Northern Riverina League still swings the needle well in their favour when assessing their comings and goings since last year.
A team that could mount a challenge to most teams last year on the back of their run-and-carry, the Jets could yet be one to watch, if they are able to get consistency into their performances, and find avenues to goal.
The lack of a key forward hurt them last year, but Foster’s return is a big help. And if their new arrivals are able to cover for the loss of Fisher in the midfield, and ease the Jets’ reliance on Clear Medallist Mitch Haddrill, they could find themselves with a few options to make their most of their list.
Josh Avis has a strong resume, Alex Rogers can be electric on a half-back flank, and Jets are hoping to see Darwin pair Daniel Benger and Shannon Charlie getting on the outside.
2018 PREDICTION: Fourth
Barellan
Will Overs returns as coach at a club boosted by a big Canberra signing on top of their returning players.
ARRIVALS: Siale Howe, Sean Ellis, Sean Browning, Darcy McDermott
DEPARTURES: Matt Bernasconi
2017 FINISH: Ninth
The arrival of Sean Ellis was the firecracker Barellan needed to start 2018 with a bang. The gun Canberra midfielder – who had almost come to Wagga Tigers a couple of years ago – was confirmed shortly after Will Overs returned to the coaching role at the club.
Overs says it’s been an encouraging pre-season since, with close to 40 attending training. The recruitment of Sean Browning from Leeton-Whitton came after they’d sought his help organising their fitness preparation. And they’ve also added former Leeton midfielder Siale Howe.
The vastly-improved Two Blues sprang a few surprises last year – not least against TRYC in the second last round – but Overs felt their conditioning let them down. This year, with a solid preparation, they are keen to build on last year’s two wins, when the Canberra arrivals including James McCabe, Will Prowse and Mal Fernie made a big impact.
Ellis slots in for Matt Bernasconi, and impressed in the pre-season hit-out against Molonglo in early March. He should help lift them off the bottom but how far in a level field remains to be seen.
2018 PREDICTION: Eighth
