Men’s League Trial Game Wrap Up

Our Senior Men’s trial games are all wrapped up as we prepare for a big season ahead in our 130th Year.

Saturday March 12
RESERVES – West 16.5 (101) def. Norwood 6.11 (47)
LEAGUE – Norwood 11.8 (74) def. West 7.7 (49)

Saturday March 19
RESERVES – West 10.16 (76) def. Glenelg 7.7 (49)
LEAGUE – Glenelg 13.9 (87) d West 13.5 (83) at Hisense Stadium

Senior Men’s Coach, Bradley Gotch, was happy to seem some really positive signs come from this new playing group and is confident we will share greater success as a Club this year.

“I thought our trial game progression has been really solid this year. Besides the reserves continuing on their form from last season with 2 very solid performances the key take away from that is we seem to have depth again this season coming through especially with our 14 or so Under 18 graduates leading the way!

For the seniors, our first hit out against Norwood was promising especially with no Hartlett or Keough playing and we were able to get youngsters Harry Lemmey & Kobe Ryan some valuable game time. I also rewarded all the players that had put in a strong pre-season. I thought Jade Cleeland in the Ruck was a standout, Kaiden Brand was very impressive in defence, especially with his intercept marking, Kobe Ryan didn’t look too far off at the level but probably doesn’t need to be rushed yet. Nic Couroupis could be a find for us, and Maguire looks fit and is improving quickly with a year under his belt along with the Fairlie brothers who had some good moments.

Last weekend we played Glenelg and fell just 4 points adrift of last years Grand Finalists and took it up to them all game. Josh Carmichael with 23 touches & 2 goals was exciting in his debut having played in Mildura last year, Joel Stevens as a mid after a summer playing footy in Darwin also looked sharp. Jackson Edwards from Glenelg showed some great signs on a wing/half forward role, Keough returned with 2 nice goals & straightened us up plus Meline, Squire & Connor Fairlie all looked lively.

All in all, I am really happy with the build up towards Round 1 and the players have made selection very difficult which is a great sign of our depth! Hopefully Hamish Hartlett gets over a little niggle he has and can get out there in the not too distant future.

I can’t wait to see you all there in Round 1 supporting the team in what is a very big night of celebration for the club in our 130 years.