Teams will be aiming to begin the season on the front foot when North Gippsland Football Netball League kicks off on Saturday 29 March.
The stage is set for an action packed opening round with the anticipated replay of last year's Grand Final and the introduction of the new kids on the block Yarram among the highlights.
Early talk is centering on the recruitments clubs have made, while many avid followers of the league are tipping this seasons silverware will be just as hotly contested as last season. With eight of the competitions 10 sides fighting it out to secure a top five berth in 2013, expect early season wins to be more crucial than ever before.
Leading the pack in last season's premiership race, runners up Heyfield look the goods with a strong list which remains relatively unchanged.
Many feel that it might be the year for an outside smoky to take the flag. So if the Kangaroos are to be disposed, who is the mostly likely to supersede them? TTU is a likely contender, however will need to build on the dominance they displayed under coach Matt Stolarczyk who returned to the helm and elevated the side to a whole new level making their first finals appearance in a decade.
The reigning premiers Glengarry won't have their wings clipped despite the departure of several key premiership stars and then there is the folk from down south way, Woodside and Yarram who are keen to make an impact on shaping the top five.
Decorated Gippsland League player, Hayden Burgiel's resume commands success. The new man at the helm of the Bulldogs has been behind a number of movements at the kennel in order to add depth and make a tilt at finals glory.
Cowwarr knows that with perseverance they can improve on their win loss ratio, Gormandale will be out to rebuild, while Dean Pratt knows that his new look Bombers, Boisdale/Briagolong have plenty to prove in his first season at the helm.
YARRAM DEMONS–
Griffin Underwood
Ins – Michael Lush Glengarry
New kids on the block Yarram will make their debut in the North Gippsland Football Netball League when they play host to TTU.
Appointing former local and one of the clubs most decorated juniors Griffin Underwood as senior coach, Demons President Shane Richards said that the club is confident of continuing the form of past seasons which saw the club contest finals in the Alberton League.
"Griffin is one of the most decorated juniors we have had at the club, he has played interstate and represented Victoria, he loves footy and just loves playing, we are very pleased to have appointed him as senior coach," said Richards.
"Like every club we want to play finals footy, we don't see any reason why we can't do that as we have played finals the last two seasons.
"Obviously we don't know exactly what we are up against being new to the league, we are going in blind not knowing what type of game plans the clubs will bring and it might take some time for the side to adjust.
"The players are crisp enough and ready to go."
HEYFIELD KANGAROOS– GRAND FINALISTS - 14 wins, four loses, Minor Premiers
Adrian Cox and Damien Birss
2012 Premiers
Ins- Lucas Jenkins Yarram, Brett Hudson Sale, Josh Scott Kangaroo Flat
Outs- Jordon McMillan Maffra, Jesse Leeds
In his third year at the helm of the Kangaroos', Adrian Cox ensured his club once again dominated the competition with Heyfield advancing to consecutive grand final appearances with a strong game plan rattling opposition sides.
While the script didn't go the way of Heyfield, the man at the helm will not be content on the side sliding backwards.
No stranger to being tagged the "hunted" the Kangaroos are again tipped to be the benchmark side of the competition, with dual coaches Damien Birss and Cox holding high expectations for the club.
"There is no denying that the grand final loss hurt the club and players, it has driven the guys over the preseason to train harder and be fitter then what they were last year," said Cox.
"Certainly our aim is to make finals, Birssy this year will have a more hands on role which will allow me to free up Saturday and concentrate on the game, we have high expectations and want to get the absolute best out of the side.
"We have a pretty good list, one where guys will need to earn their spot which is what we want.
"We haven't recruited anymore then opposition clubs; we have got some quality recruits and may have a few more signings to come.
"We have lost Jesse Leeds which will leave us with a big hole to fill, however we have recruited Brett Hudson who we hope will fill that void."
TTU BOMBERS– First Semi Finalists - 11 wins, seven loses, second position
Matt Stolarczyk
2004 Premiers
Ins- Jake Power Rosedale, Ryan Jacobson Traralgon, Ashleigh Dugan Traralgon, Mark Gibb Kilsyth, Michael Hincksman Mooroolbark
Outs – Sky Hammer
The Bombers were by far the biggest improvers in 2013 finishing the season in second place some five places higher than the year prior. Returning to the club to address the "unfinished business" he had, Bomber coach Matt Stolarczyk catapulted the side back into finals for the first time since the clubs premiership season in 2004.
Bowing out of the flag race in straight sets Stolarczyk and his side are keen to build on the experience and make amends for lost opportunities which has spurred many along during the preseason with motivation high among the list.
"It's hard to say just where we will be right now, we know there is room for improvement and we are aiming to correct a few things from last year," said Stolarczyk.
"We have kept the majority of the list from last season which is a credit to such a young side to stick together, and have added a few recruits to the mix which will complement the side.
"Like any side we would hope to start the season off well however history has shown that it doesn't matter if this isn't the case, when you look at where Glengarry was early last season and then what they went on to achieve it didn't hamper them, although it puts you in good stead winning early on."
GLENGARRY MAGPIES– GRAND FINALISTS - 11 wins, seven loses, third position
Ryan Potter
2013 Premiers
Ins – Stuart Brooks Traralgon
Outs – Lochie Little Morwell, Matt Royal Morwell, Michael Lush Yarram, Dermott Berkhout Woodside
While reigning premiers Glengarry went against the trend of early season wins registering a one – five win loss ratio, winning just 11 games in total, it all proved irrelevant when the side held aloft the premiership cup.
Admitting the feeling of winning provides added motivation, premiership coach Ryan Potter will be fielding a new look side in Saturdays grand final replay with just 10 premiership players to take to the field.
"We will be a bit of a new look side this year, we have lost a number of players for different reasons, Lochie Little and Matt Royal have stepped up to the Gippsland League and Michael Lush has headed to Yarram.
"I'm quite excited to see how others in the side stand up and to see the development of a number of the talented thirds kids we have. There will also be opportunities of guys from the seconds side to play at a higher level," said Potter.
Drawing the top three sides from last season, Potter knows that the going won't be easy earlier on however views it as an opportunity to see just where his side is at.
"We play the top three sides of last year first up, so we will want to get off to a good start. Certainly our goal is to get off to a better start then we did last year and aim for a top three finish.
"Despite the departure of some key players, we have recruited well and I think that we will could repeat last year's efforts and go back to back."
CHURCHILL COUGARS – Elimination finalists - 11 wins, seven loses, fourth position
Alan Chandler
2008 Premiers
Ins- Coach Alan Chandler Newborough, Chris Weller Newborough, Matt Burney AFL QLD, James Haywood Nilma Darnum, Dillon Leys AFL Townsville
Outs – Daniel Hawking Fish Creek
It has been over a decade since league powerhouse Churchill has been led at the helm by an outsider with past club champions assuming the reigns in recent times. Despite being a newcomer to Churchill, former Newborough coach Adam Chandler isn't overawed by the prospect, rather he is ready to take command of a talented list.
One thing is certain that the Cougars will view nothing but a finals berth as a pass mark at the end of the season.
"I am aware there was a log jam of seven sides last year that made a bid for finals, and I would hope that with the recruits we have secured including assistant coach Chris Weller from Newborough and ruckman James Haywood from Nilma Darnum that the side would be part of that again.
"We are aiming to get off to a good start in the first three games ahead of the Easter break and build on that momentum. If we could win two or even three of the opening games that would be a great start," said Chandler.
With the clubs list boasting both the depth and ability to shape and push deep into September action, expect the Cougars to have finetuned their game plan and be ready to assert their authority on the competition.
ROSEDALE BLUES– Preliminary Finalists - 11 wins, seven loses, fifth position
Nick Leechino
2001 Premiers
Ins- Dale Fleming returning Traralgon, Wade Zimbolani Vic Amaturers, Josh Reid, Mitch Marino, Brandon McConnell, Mick McKay, Danny McIntosh
Outs – Jake Power TTU, Brad Caldwell Maffra, Chris Graham Wyndhamvale
Nick Leechino is confident that with a solid preseason behind them and a number of new recruits who add depth to the side, the Blues are set to be again amongst the top of the pecking order.
Leechino has put pen to paper securing personnel to fill the void of the departing trio of Brad Caldwell, Chris Graham and Jake Power, with the Blues coach confident that his astute recruitment will pay dividends as it did last season when Rosedale contested the preliminary final.
"We have had a few departures, a couple of big ones but I am confident that the guys that we have got to replace them will do just as well.
"A mixture of new recruits both experienced and exciting young talent will go a long way to boosting the list which remains relatively unchanged," said Leechino.
And it is the clubs youth that Leechino will be looking to take that further step.
"I'm expecting a lot more of the guys from last year, in particular I am keen for the younger guys at the club to step up and elevate their game.
"With the addition of Yarram it is hard to know what the season will bring we will see what happens, however I am excited as to where the side is at and how we are tracking for round one against Churchill.
"If we can get our full compliment on the park and put it all together then I am confident we will put in a good showing round one," said Leechino.
Especially interesting will be the battle expected to rage between the middle of the table sides, who last year made late runs towards September action. Similarly matched and with plenty to prove Cowwarr, Woodside and Sale City will be sides looking for marked improvement.
COWWARR SAINTS– 10 wins, seven loses, one draw sixth position
Luke Cooper
2006 Premiers
Ins –
Outs – Tim Johnson Traralgon, Jordan Burke Traralgon, Jordan Sandy Gormandale, Luke McLean Gormandale
Enduring an indifferent season, Cowwarr marched up the ladder however costly losses during the season proper caught up with the side as they found themselves two points shy on the premiership ladder standings of a finals berth
With last season done and dusted, Coach Luke Cooper can take confidence that his chargers aren't far off the mark.
The omission of a number of key players including forward dynamo Tim Johnston and nuggetty midfielder Jordan Burke to Traralgon may see the Saints left wanting, and back among the pack. But don't be deceived, with the list another year older the Saints know that their premiership window is right now, and with that comes the expectation of big things. With the disappointment of past seasons still in their mind, Cooper will warrant success and will push his chargers to making another tilt at the ultimate glory.
WOODSIDE and DISTRICT WILDCATS– 10 wins, eight loses, eighth position
Chris Pettit
Ins- Ryan Foat Maffra, 2012 season coach Luke Anneda returns from Boolarra, Demout Berkhout Glengarry, Jack Doderico Maffra, Shane Kilgower
Outs – Rob Michaeladis Morwell, Stephen Lambert
A kick after the siren in the final round of the home and away season sealed the fate of the Wildcats final ambitions. Coming home strong at the pointy end of the season only to fall shy at the final line ensures the fire burns for Wildcats coach Chris Pettit and his chargers who are hungrier than ever to go one better in 2014.
"To narrowly miss out on finals was devastating it certainly has made the guys hungrier for this season," said Pettit.
"What hurt us the most was the flat spots that we had throughout the year and our depth in the squad just wasn't there when injuries played a factor.
"While we have lost a couple of guys, those that we have recruited including former players Ryan Foat, Luke Anneda and Shane Kilgower will really help further the depth in our squad, I would nearly say that we have a luxury of riches which will provide headaches at the selection table.
Hitting the training track hard, the Wildcats have boasted strong numbers with a number of key players impressing with their solid form.
"Justin Staley is as fit as I have seen him for a number of years, he is ready to go and will be one for the opposition to watch," said Pettit.
The experienced campaigner Staley won't be the only one to watch with Pettit noting an injury free Clancy McAlpine as another one to keep in check, with the coach flagging him as a prized recruit after missing the majority of last season.
GORMANDALE TIGERS– four wins, 13 loses, one draw ninth position
Luke Henderson
1995 Premiers
Ins – Toby Thornton Woodside, Jordan Sandy Cowwarr, Chris Bell Boisdale/Briag, Kai Alwan Noble Park, Luke McLean Cowwarr
Outs – David Ivey Yallourn North, Daniel Rissol Newborough, Andrew Winter Hill End
Gormandale will be guided by non playing coach Luke Henderson who will enter his second season at the helm.
Enduring a lean 2013 the Tigers were competitive in patches but found themselves with their backs up against the wall more often than not thanks to injury and player availability. Best described as a year of consolidation, Gormandale will be confident that they have laid the foundations for success with a mix of youth and experience from the recruits set to ensure the Tigers improve on their win loss ledger.
With a tough opening clash on the road against Sale City, the Tigers can't afford a sluggish start to the contest or indeed the season if they are to press for September action.
SALE CITY BULLDOGS– four wins, 14 loses, ninth position
Hayden Burgiel
Premiers 2011
Ins - Coach Hayden Burgiel Maffra, Brendon Rathdow Sale, Michael White Boisdale/Briag, Keiran Lamond WA Amateurs, Shay Ferguson Sale
Outs – Joel Brayshaw Stratford, Luke McNally
There has been a changing of the guard at the kennel, which sees decorated Gippsland League Maffra premiership player and coach Hayden Burgiel swap leagues and take up a new challenge.
Making it known he was looking for "a new challenge", Burgiel the consummate professional is confident that the Dogs can reclaim the success of past seasons.
"The guys are adjusting well to a new game plan, they have all taken it on board and certainly talk of finals is definitely on the agenda.
"I believe that we have the ability to play finals footy and certainly that is our aim, but at present it is about getting the boys playing a certain way, playing to a plan that will hopefully result in points on the board," said Burgiel.
Inking a number of signings, it is the clubs second and third year players that Burgiel is looking for big things from, with the coach highlighting Nick Grainger, Mitch Bennett and Byron Shingles as key to the Dogs tilt at finals.
"We have a bunch of young kids coming through, and then there is the second and third year players that I would be expecting to take their game to another level.
"We have a tough start to the draw, we play one home game from the first six, of course this means that we have four home games in a row later in the year.
"We need to make sure that we make the most of our home ground advantage, moving the ball around effectively on the bigger ground so that we come home strong in the second half of the season," said Burgiel.
BOISDALE BOMBERS– Three wins, 15 loses, tenth position
Dean Pratt
1970 Premiers
Ins – Matt Lee Maffra, Josh Tate Heyfield, Sam Howden Lindenow South, Jayden Pratt Maffra, Michael Harrington Lindenow South
Out – John Gooch Sale, Michael White Sale City
One of three clubs to sign a new coach, Boisdale/Briagolong has secured the services of Dean Pratt who is no stranger to the club having played in the red and black strip as junior, with Pratt also the right hand man to Andrew Gieschen who coached the Bombers to their last finals appearance in 2009.
A realist Pratt recognises that it isn't going to be an easy gig, with the side starting way behind the leading pack.
"It's not going to be easy when you think where we are coming from, it is going to be tough and we know that the side will have to work hard," said Pratt.
With a shopping list that included key position players, the Bombers have done well to recruit the right mix and mould of player that will aid the side to emerge from the lower rungs of the premiership ladder standing.
"It's hard to get players that want to play when the club hasn't had a lot of success, but we have done very well, there will be some 12 to 14 new faces in the seniors line-up come round one," said Pratt.
"We will be a new look team having recruited players from Maffra, Sale and Bairnsdale, with Matt Lees our assistant coach coming over from Maffra which is a big plus. Matt has come from a culture all about winning and he will bring another dimension to the team.
"It is important that we get off to the right start, we can't afford a poor start - it's plain and simple, we have got to win games of footy."
By Lauren Carey
