More players please! Mulwala Thirds coach Mark House with some of the Thirds’ players at training last week. After an impeccable 2021 season being undefeated under Mark House before Covid halted the season, the Thirds have lost players to higher grades and new players would be welcome.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Mulwala Football Netball Club President Chris McNamara said 2022 is shaping up as “exciting” for both football and netball.
From a football point of view, he said: “We’ve picked up several players and there’s a group of kids who have been together for six or seven years – hopefully they’re ready to take the next step.
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“But we are short on players for our Thirds, the Under 17s. Last year before Covid hit they were undefeated but we need a handful more. Anyone who is looking for a game will be made welcome.”
Football manager Dale Ferguson described the Lions’ list as “very healthy”. “Mul’s experienced one of the hardest pre-seasons in some time. Numbers have been strong throughout the pre-season,” he said.
Speaking to the Yarrawonga Chronicle last week after the practice match against Wodonga Raiders at Wahgunyah, Ferguson said the intensity and commitment to the game plan were great against the Ovens and Murray league team.
Heading the list of recruits for 2022 is Jamie Smith, a 6’9” ruckman from Hurstbridge. “Jamie has a wealth of experience, is athletic, a good mark and good kick, and will delight Lions’ fans,” Ferguson said.
“Three boys from Yarrawonga have come across – Josh Tonna, Harry Mead and Owen Conway - Wally Thomson from Tungamah is here, Tom Beams is returning, Jack Dalgleish from Berrigan is new and Matt Gorman has come from Mooroopna. Our recruits will add height, strength and extra depth.”
The club has big raps on teenager Charlie McKenna who could feature in many senior games this season according to Ferguson.
“I want to single out one departure - Tim Doyle. He has been an excellent servant of our club, coming through the juniors and travelling to play in our seniors for the last couple of years. We wish him well with his new club up north,” the football manager said.
Rohan Davies, Jackson Gash and Bodhi Butts will be the three co-coaches of the Lions following the club’s decision last September to appoint the trio for season 2022.
“It’s working perfectly,” Ferguson commented about the three co-coaches. “It’s humming along like a well-oiled machine. Rohan’s football knowledge of the game’s perception is exceptional.”
In her fourth year as A Grade netball coach Bre Flanagan will be joined for the first time in the role by co-coach Georgia Glass. “We will be stronger than last season with a few more experienced players,” Bre said.
“There is a good balance of experience and young girls. Sisters Tayce Gallagher (defence) and Steph Hammond (shooter) are experienced and Shanna Morris (from Bendigo) will also bring some experience.
“We’re hoping for a much bigger and better season. B Grade is looking very strong. That will help out A Grade and give versatility between the A and B Grades. All grades are looking stronger than the last two years.”
New recruits for the Lions include Tommy Wilson (right) from Riddle Creek (left) and Josh Tonna from Yarrawonga.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
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Mulwala’s boom recruit, Jamie Smith gets the tap away from his opponent in last Saturday’s practice match at home.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
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Sisters Tayce Gallagher and Steph Hammond, A Grade co-coaches Bre Flanagan and Georgia Glass, Shanna Morris and Tea Glass at training last week.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
