BFL round 1 preview

A HISTORIC Good Friday meeting between reigning premier Torquay and 2016 grand finalist Modewarre at Spring Creek Reserve will open the 2018 Bellarine Football League season tomorrow (Friday).

The Tigers will be keen for the ball to be bounced having spent the past week in the local football spotlight after being found guilty by a disciplinary panel of breaching the salary cap by $3,040, as well being handed four other sanctions, including one – a two-week suspended suspension – to an unnamed player.

Torquay will have a different look to the team that defeated Geelong Amateur just over six months ago, with reigning Ash medallist James Darke (overseas) and star forward Scott Hughes (Nhill) among five departures.

However, coach Dom Gleeson is confident the return of Geelong Falcons premiership player Mitch Chafer and addition of big man Jake Reeves (Kyabram) will ensure the Tigers are again competitive.

After reaching their maiden BFL grand final the previous season, the Warriors were bundled out of last year’s premiership race in the first semi-final.

They’ve welcomed home big man John Meesen (Balwyn) – who will also share the coaching duties with Josh Finch – and Mitch Fisher (South Barwon), while Seamus Orr is also back after a year off.

But it’s the signing of former Modewarre junior Nathan Ablett that has everyone talking.

The Geelong premiership player has taken to the field at different levels spasmodically in recent years, but his undoubted ability means he will be an asset at Community Bank Oval.

On Easter Saturday, the remaining clubs will have their first taste of action for 2018.

Anglesea and Geelong Amateur have both recruited strongly and should fight out a cracker at Alcoa Oval, Ocean Grove will look to continue its 48-game winning streak against Portarlington, Steve Clark starts his second stint as coach of Queenscliff in a meeting with Drysdale, and Barwon Heads hosts Newcomb.

Tom King is the editor of krockfootball.com.au.
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