Matt Shinners will coach Narre Warren for a By Brad Kingsbury
SYMPATHY is not a natural emotion at Doveton Football Club so the youngsters from Narre Warren can expect a tough opening to their 2009 season at Fox Road this Saturday.
The Magpies, under premiership coach Matthew Shinners for the second year, have suffered a well-publicised exodus of experience over the summer led by the Clark twins, Ricky and Lee, the Brewster brothers, Danny and Shane, Brad Scalzo and Nick Scanlon.
But the new wave of young talent that has taken their place has already proved its worth in the lead-up games and should the Doves dare take them lightly, the result will not be what the Doves have ordered.
Under new coach and favourite son Clint Wilson (assuming Football Victoria approves his coaching accreditation), Doveton has had a great build-up to the season and will be fit and hungry.
The addition of former Frankston big man Russell Gabriel will be a huge bonus, as will the increase in depth among the senior group. The word is that Doveton folk firmly believe that the much-vaunted ‘premiership window’ is well and truly open for them this year and a loss to the Magpie youngsters is not an option this week.
@BT Sub Sport News:ROC v Hampton Park
ROC boasts the marquee recruit of 2009 in Greg Tivendale, topping off a pre-season of new hope under debut coach Kris Fletcher.
Tivendale has been joined by several new faces including big-marking forward Kym Jones and hard-at-it midfielder Shaun Jones – and the Kangaroos are aiming to claw their way up the ladder.
Their round-one opponent Hampton Park under new coach Josh Taylor has lost a number of players led by midfielders David Biagi and Jack Besley.
On the plus side was the return of Matt Shorey and, while Hampton Park should never be underestimated, ROC intends to make a mark in 2009 and it must start with a win.
@BT Sub Sport News:Devon Meadows v Berwick
The game at Glover Reserve this Saturday will give Devon Meadows and Berwick fans a round-one reality check.
The Panthers have worked hard under Steve O’Brien and openly expect to play in the finals this year. Inconsistent forward Matthew Davey has left, but the addition of classy Daniel Rigg is a real bonus, as is a fully fit Aaron Henneman.
Berwick’s pre-season on-field has been better than in previous years under new coach Glenn Dale, however an off-field power struggle has been a distraction.
Recruits including Jason Heath, Shaun Calamatta and Darren Granger have shown that they are the real deal and the Wickers should start 2009 with a close victory.
@BT Sub Sport News:Beaconsfield v Tooradin
Beaconsfield should comfortably beat Tooradin at the Perc Allison Reserve.
The Eagles have added strong key-position players Lachlan Oakley and Daniel Calteri to their list and, with the return of Taylor and champion ruckman Chris Kelf, the side’s prospects are good for the year.
At the Western Port oval Cristian O’Brien has finally got some talent to work with after the return of Beau Miller and recruitment of former Collingwood forward Chad Liddell, Clint Setford and Rory Gilliatte.
While the Seagulls will be competitive, they will have to wait to open their 2009 account.
@BT Sub Sport News:Keysborough v Pakenham
Keysborough and Pakenham will renew hostilities at the Rowley Allan Reserve with both expected to be top three contenders.
The Burra will boast a host of new faces while the Lions, under Michael Holland will be looking to atone for last season’s straight-sets finals exit.
Keysborough should prevail in a close contest.
@BT Sub Sport News:Casey Cardinia Football
League Round 1
ROC v Hampton Park (2.15pm at Officer Reserve).
Narre Warren v Doveton (2.15pm at Kalora Park).
Devon Meadows v Berwick (2.15pm at Glover Reserve).
Beaconsfield v Tooradin (2.15pm at Perc Alison Reserve).
Keysborough v Pakenham (2.15pm at Rowley Allan Reserve).
