Season Opener Preview
The teams are in and its game on ahead of three blockbuster matches to commence the 2022 SSA OMFNL season opening round of matches across three venues.
It has been 923 days since the leagues last premier was awarded – hard to fathom really ! No wonder the excitement is at fever pitch to get the 2022 season away.
Wangaratta Rovers have named boom recruit and former Wodonga Raiders 2018 Morris Medal winner Brodie Filo for its massive away clash with Myrtleford.
Filo has come off another stunning off season playing in Darwin and is one of several big-name recruits to be named by Rovers.
Former Western Bulldogs midfielder Luke Webb will debut alongside Port Melbourne forward Mackenzie Bristow who could be the answer to the Hawks goalkicking deficiencies of last season.
Former raiders midfielder Todd Bryant has linked up again with Daryn Cresswell, while the return of defender Michael Clarke from knee surgery id a huge boost as Rovers try to snap a 28 year premiership drought.
Their opponent Myrtleford are like the Rovers a genuine flag contender with a starting on ball brigade that is oozing with class and potency.
Simon Curtis the league’s most recent premiership coach has relocated to the town and will fit in superbly with fellow star midfield recruit Sam Martyn.
Martyn joins the Saints from Benalla where he carried the tag of one of the Goulburn Valley league’s best midfielders. Cal Crisp returns to the Saints after having played with Martyn at Benalla.
Things don’t get any bigger than the Saturday evening stoush at Norm Minns Oval when Wangaratta take on the might of Albury.
No better way for new Pies coach ben Reid to start his campaign than against the leagues yardstick who will again be the team to beat.
The Pies have retained Morris Medal winner Callum Moore and midfield star Abraham Ankers, while boosting this midfield is the return of former junior Jackson Clarke.
Liam McVeigh who played with Clarke at West Preston Lakeside last season has also joined the Pies. Another to watch will be speedster Patrick Warner from Benalla.
The Tigers welcome back premiership ruckman Will Haberecht who will link up with young gun Ben Kelly who has had a sensational preseason.
Former Lavington junior Brydan Hodgson has joined the Tigers after playing at Spotswood. Hodgson will add to what is already a hard running and aggressive defence.
One of the game highlights will be 2021 joint Doug Strang Medal winners Mick Newton and Jacob Conlan shootout playing up front again.
An intriguing contest is set down for the Lavington Sportsground where last season’s big improvers Corowa Rutherglen will take on the defending premiers Lavington.
The Panthers have lost thirteen of its 2019 premiership side but under the guile of former AFL premiership player at Swans Adam Schneider they still have a nice mix of youth and experience.
Players to watch at Lavington amongst the new crew include Hamish Gilmore (Wagga), Jack Driscoll (Yerong Creek) and Billy Glanvill (Turvey Park).
For the Roos it is a must win game – for them to continue the progress of last year this is a game they need to win to be a finals contender.
Their continued improvement should come from the return of local juniors Jy Lane, Will Robinson and Bill Hansen as well as Cal Spencer from a year off.
All four players have strong family ties and history with the club. The battle in the coaches box between Peter German and Adam Schneider will go a long way in deciding this one.
Netball commences with the news that each week a game will be live streamed on the O&M Facebook page, while nine of these matches will be broadcast live on 1494 2AY.
The first of these matches will see defending champions Wangaratta up against Albury at the start time of 4pm.
Can the Tigers make a finals appearance under new coach and former Lavington premiership star Skye Hillier who takes over from Sarah Moore.
The loss of premiership playing coach Kellie Keen to Benalla is a big blow to the Magpies, however a close look at the playing list indicates the loss has been covered by more depth.
New coaches Chaye Crimmins and Hannah Grady know what makes success and one expects the Pies to be right in the mix – again.
The Lavington and Corowa Rutherglen battle should be a beauty with all eyes at Pantherland turning to the debut of gun recruit Emily Stewart from GWS Fury.
The Panthers did a wonderful job to be competitive and in fourth place last season and with such a rising group of talent they could jump higher.
The Roos have lost a bit of depth in Jess Brice, Brooke Bice and Ella Kingston. The arrival of Chloe Senior will help off set that in what is going to be another massive year for the Roos.
Myrtleford will start a firm favourite when they host Wangaratta Rovers who appear to have lost more than they have gained under new coach Jo Cresswell.
The Saints have lost goal scoring machine and last year’s Hot Shot winner Amie Antonello. How they cover this will determine if they can play finals.
