Round 1 Preview
The one-off season opener is completed and now a chance for six other teams to unveil what they have in store for supporters in 2023.
The massive Easter weekend of action in the SS&A OMFNL will see four games played over three days – for Wodonga Raiders they will wait another week with the bye.
The highlight for mine will be the Wangaratta Derby on Good Friday when Wangaratta Rovers host last year’s grand final winner Wangaratta.
It is hard to remember or imagine if there has been a more fascinating and intriguing home and away game in the league in recent times may be history.
Just how will the Magpies react to the gut-wrenching stripping of their premiership win in 2022 due to Salary Cap breaches?
How will the Rovers play under new coach Sam Murray and a band of new recruits that is sure to see excitement levels through the WJ Findlay clubrooms roof
Actions always speak louder than words and in this particular case, I expect supporters and spectators will see a ferocious and committed attack on the football from the Pies.
Sanctions in place won’t allow Wangaratta any points for a win obtained in the first two rounds – so the mentality of if we can’t get them you won’t either will be in play for sure.
Season opener winners the Wodonga Bulldogs will play host to North Albury and should have rugged onballer Jack Yelland back for the clash.
The Hoppers start a new era under coach Tim Broomhead and have picked up some handy talent out of the Riverina and Farrer leagues including Jack Reynolds and Cayden Winter.
The best recruit will be the return of former young gun Josh Minogue who will be a key focal point up forward after playing in a premiership at Heidelberg in 2022 and kicking 56 goals.
VFL-listed players Dom Brew, Sam Azzi and Jackson Weideman when and if available would be icing on the cake on what looks like a much-improved list and season ahead.
Myrtleford under Craig Millar the former General Manager of the OMFNL have lost more than they have gained but at home in round one have a good record of winning.
Recruit Kyle Winter-Irving comes with big wraps out of the Goulburn Valley league, while the Saints will be hoping for big things from QLD addition Sam Hilton-Joyce.
Their opponent Lavington were outplayed and out-enthused by Wodonga and Adam Schneider will be demanding a strong response in a real danger game at the McNamara Reserve on Sunday.
Sam Hopper, Jono Spina and potentially Jack Driscoll could come into the Panthers side that really lacked a key target up front in the season opener loss.
Blockbuster! No other word for the other Easter Sunday clash when Mulwala will be the venue for Yarrawonga and the Albury Tigers.
The Pigeons runners-up in 2022 also start a new era in coaching with former Geelong superstar Steve Johnson taking over a very talented and hungry group.
The Pigeons’ already star-studded midfield has former Corowa Rutherglen best and fairest Cam Wilson join the club while Matt Casey returns from Baldwyn.
If Yarrawonga can get a full season out of Leigh Williams he might kick a ton and if Michael Gibbons plays a full season, he might win a Morris Medal.
The Albury Tigers have gone about their preseason in faultless fashion – they are fit as any team in the competition and just as talented.
Isaac Muller and Elliot Powell are massive inclusions and if George Horlin-Smith plays regularly they are definite top-three material.
