PREVIEW OF THE 2008 SEASON
WIRRULLA – Coach for 2008: Mick Kessel (3rd year)
Wirrulla have recruited better than most for the new season, recruiting some handy players to bolster their goal to goal line. Barossa recruit Simon Riddle (Freeling) will shore up the Centre Half Back position, while Thevenard pair Yanni Retsas (centre) and Todd Verrall (CHF) will strengthen the side. Secretary Leigh Freeman says the club is “Very happy to improve the goal to goal line”. The only loss is Murray Kelsh who is heading back to the Port Lincoln FL after two season at Wirrula to play with Waybacks. The clubs home ground is in top order, having been top dressed with 400 tonnes of soil eight weeks ago, with regular watering having it in top condition for the opening round against Elliston. Numbers are ok in the club, the B Grade should be fine, with the Juniors also in good shape.
WESTERN DISTRICTS – Coach for 2008: Eugene Wauchope (2nd year)
Western Districts is hoping to have a better year in 2008 having only won 4 games last year. There hasn’t been a great change in personel, but there has been good numbers out for pre-season training as the club looks to improve.
Secretary David Wendland tells me that the club is delighted there will be a contingent of players who will drive back and play a few games, the Shoobridge brothers Darren and Gavin, plus Orrin Gosling and Sam North.
The number of Juniors is encouraging and there will be plenty of Social engagements over the season, with the forthcoming Player Auction, Progressive Dinner and Car Rally.
WUDINNA UNITED – Coach for 2008: for Michael “Jock” North (rookie year)
Wudinna United will be looking to get off the bottom of the ladder in 2008 and hopes the recruitment of Neil Seaman (Lincoln South) and Rowan Jacobs (Western Districts) will help the team improve. Michael North is in his first year as coach of the club, formerly a winner of the club Best and Fairest in past.
According to Secretary Greg Scholz it’s tough to get Adelaide based players “It’s just too far for them to come”. The Juniors look ok again, with only one player going up to Senior level. The ground is pretty dry at the moment according to Scholz, “A bit of rain would be handy, so we have to go with what we’ve got”. Saturday’s season opener is at home against traditional rival Central Eyre, all supporters are encouraged to get back to the club. |
