ELLINBANK AND DISTRICT: Teenage Cora Lynn full-forward Darren Sheen has a new lease on life. Article first appeared: 15 September 2007 Herald Sun
Sheen will train with the Box Hill Hawks this pre-season with the ambition to make to the AFL.
The Hawks approached Sheen, 18, during the Ellinbank and District season with an offer to join their VFL squad.
The offer came as a surprise to the former Dandenong Stingray, who was not picked up in the 2006 AFL draft.
"When I didn't get drafted on draft day I thought my chances of making AFL or VFL might be over," Sheen said.
"When Box Hill called me I was pretty excited."
After rising through the junior program at Narre Warren, Sheen was selected to play in the TAC Cup with the Dandenong Stingrays.
The 18-year-old plasterer played 12 games with the Stingrays, but a bout of osteitis pubis last year stalled his career.
Despondent, Sheen joined Cora Lynn in the hope of re-igniting his passion for football.
He kicked 136 goals this season and finished second in the league goalkicking behind Longwarry superboot Ryan Donaldson.
"The last couple of years I've been trying to work hard but this year I was able to relax and enjoy my footy," Sheen said.
"I started pre-season with a mate yesterday so I can give it a real crack when I get to Box Hill in November.
"I'm really looking forward to it."
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS: Daylesford has bounced back from a shock semi-final loss against Waubra to reach today's grand final at Austar Arena, Ballarat.
The Bulldogs are now within reach of their first flag in 46 years after defeating Hepburn by a goal last Saturday.
Standing in their way is reigning premier Waubra, which secured its grand final berth with a nine-point semi-final win over minor premier Daylesford.
Waubra defeated Hepburn by 87 points in last year's grand final and lost only one game this season - in Round 10 against Daylesford.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN: Langwarrin is again licking its wounds after its second minor premiership failed to translate into a flag. The Kangaroos lost one game during the home-and-away season, but dropped out of the finals last weekend after a narrow loss to Frankston Bombers in the preliminary final.
The Mornington Peninsula club also claimed top spot last year but missed out on the flag after losing last year's grand final by three points to Rye.
But Langwarrin's loss is Frankston's gain.
The Bombers play Rosebud in the Nepean league grand final today at Frankston Park.
BETTING: Seymour's odds of winning the Goulburn Valley League premiership have shortened after the side defeated minor premier Shepparton United last week.
Goulburn Valley is one of four country football leagues on offer for the first time this year under Sportsbet's expanded betting program.
Seymour started the season at $2.20 but has shortened to $2.15. United is paying $5.50 for the premiership and Shepparton Swans are at $2.25.
Mansfield has drifted in from $21 to $13.
The Ovens and Murray league premiership is a three-horse race, according to Sportsbet.
This year's favourite Yarrawonga has dropped out and North Albury is now in front at $2.
Wodonga is offering $2.40 for the O & M premiership and Wangaratta is at $3.00.