A new look Mallee Football League again sponsored by the Speed Mallee Machinery Field Days, is set to commence season 2015.
With Jeparit Rainbow departing the league to join Horsham Disctrict, and the amalgamation of Beulah and Hopetoun Football Clubs to become the Southern Mallee Giants, the league is now at 5 teams.
Another busy off-season has ensued as clubs scoured local and interstate leagues in search of new recruits. Looking over the list of inclusions there is no doubt the typical high standard of the Mallee Football League will certainly be retained.
In game one reigning premiers Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers will take on the newly formed Southern Mallee Giants at Sea Lake.
The Tigers have been a consistent performer for many years now and off the back of a premiership and strong retainment and recruitment of players, they will head into the season, and this game, as favourites. They have many strengths across the ground, especially in key position players Luke Martin, Simon Weekley, Jason Collins and Cliff Ryan. Their on-ball brigade headed by experienced performer Col Durie, as well as Tom Summerhayes and Matt Elliot will be bolstered by the return of 2009 league best and fairest Scott Weekley. The inclusion of Bradley Collins will aslo add firepower to an already strong line-up for the Tigers.
Meanwhile the Giants face the task of coming together as a unit after many years of fierce battle as opposing teams. It is an amalgamation that, even just a few years ago, would have seemed an extremely unlikely event, however finally proved a necessity for both teams. As well as last year's players coming together, the Giants will welcome the return of Kain Robins and Clint Burdett and new players Sam Weddell and Ryley Norris. The team will miss the departure of Dennis Redden, Shaun Monohan, Andrew Hughes, Tim McIntosh and Tom Hallam who have all move on to new clubs.
Game two has Walpeup/Underbool take on Ouyen United at home.
Returning players seems to be a theme with clubs this year and the Roos have certainly capitalised on this. They have been able to lure back SANFL duo Ryan Anderson and Ben Fisher who will add great running power to the team. The Roo's onballers will also enjoy getting first use by ruckman and new recruit Brad Dabrowski. He also has a wealth experience at SANFL level. These inclusions along with new coach Shane Birss will hold them in good stead for this game and the year to come.
Ouyen United may have trouble matching this injection of experience, but they will certainly have endeavor and youth on their side. The Demon's success at junior level has, and will continue to provide them with great young talent. The development of these players and the addition of a handful of fit and skillful players from the Northern Territory, will see them line up as a strong outfit.
We look forward to seeing the impact of new recruits and the development of local young guns alike during the first few rounds of the season. Teams will want wins on the board in the early part of the season, and as only one team will miss out on a finals berth, every game will be important.
By Dale Shannon