Weekly Times | INTERLEAGUE football is back for the South West District league and there is a buzz among the competition.
The South West District will play its first game of representative football since 2009 this Saturday and coach Mick Ford said the atmosphere could not be better.
“It’s pretty exciting. There’s a good feeling around the league and we’re pretty keen to throw our hat back into the ring,” he said.
The Tyrendarra coach credited the interest generated within the league for the revival of representative football.
“It’s really brought the clubs together, having that bond. We haven’t had an opportunity like this for quite a few years,” he said.
Heywood’s John Bell would captain the South West District side, Ford said.
“(Bell) has been an advocate for interleague footy for a while now, trying to get interest up and running,” he said.
“It’s just reward for a fella that puts his club and the league first.
“He’s a fantastic player and a great leader, we’re lucky to have him.”
Bell’s top-three placing in the league’s leading goal-kicker tallies for the past three seasons highlights his consistency and forward prowess.
The South West District Football League will come up against the Mininera and District league in the WorkSafe AFL Victoria Community Championships at Melville Oval in Hamilton.
The Mininera squad will have their work cut out, with a number of key players unavailable.
Interleague coach Justin Eales said Ben Hunt, Nigel Otto, Chris Eales and Chris Thornton were all tipped to represent Mininera and District before falling to injury.
Eales was also ruled out from taking the field after the playing-coach broke his hand two weeks ago for Penshurst.