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).<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 a two-week suspended suspension \u2013 to an unnamed player.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
After reaching their maiden BFL grand final the previous season, the Warriors were bundled out of last year\u2019s premiership race in the first semi-final.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
But it\u2019s the signing of former Modewarre junior Nathan Ablett that has everyone talking.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On Easter Saturday, the remaining clubs will have their first taste of action for 2018.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n