Optimism abounds as Pioneers kick season off with a win

THE Bendigo Pioneers are brimming with optimism after getting their Coates Talent League season off to a perfect start with a win against Tasmania last Saturday.

Played at Highgate Recreation Reserve in Craigieburn, the Pioneers, led by standout performances from bottom-ager Cody Walker (24 disposals and one goal) and co-captain Hunter Wright (23 disposals and two goals), staved off a late Devils challenge to win 9.7 (61) to 7.9 (51).

Walker is the son of former Carlton 200-gamer and life member Andrew Walker.

It was the first test for coach Danny O’Bree’s team following the departure of several of last year’s key personnel, headed by AFL draftees Tobie Travaglia, who debuted for St Kilda against Richmond later in the day, Jobe Shanahan, James Barrat and Archer Day-Wicks.

Now into his fifth season as coach, O’Bree is excited by what the new season will bring with a promising batch of bottom-aged players on board and a small group of 19-year-old draft hopefuls leading the charge.

“There’s always a sense of optimism at the start of every year,” he said.

“I guess with a lot of our kids this year, they haven’t had a huge amount of exposure at the level to have seen what they can do.

“With a bit of exposure to the level, I’m excited to see how they step up.

“We really like our bottom-agers this year – we liked them through our 16s program. Fingers crossed they can keep stepping up.

“I think with the leaders we have had in the past; to get (the bottom agers) to understand the standards and the requirement of our program, they generally leave them in a pretty good space.

“I think this is as strong as we have ever been in regard to our leadership.

“Hopefully those signs are reflected.”

As was evident last year and will likely be the case again this season, the Pioneers, under O’Bree, will be prepared to put player development and opportunities ahead of mere wins. “We won the first four last year and then lost 12 in a row,” he said.

“I didn’t really affect any of our conversations regarding our draft prospects; if anything, it probably increased them, playing (players) in a more draftable position for the individual.

“Even at the time, and on reflection, it certainly cost us games, but I will take that scenario every day of the week.

“We have five 19-year-olds with whom we are looking at the mid-season draft in the short term for them. Let’s see if we can get them into a Young Guns scenario.

“But if that doesn’t go to according to play, we’ll look at some VFL options, potentially, or the November draft.”

Looking forward, O’Bree said there were several ‘exciting’ prospects in the Pioneers’ under-16 program he would be keen to extend chances to at Coates Talent League level in the back end of the season.

“There are always individuals who pop up from nowhere that coaches love,” he said.

“Our assistant coaches have some players that are just ticking all the boxes and really thriving in the program.

“That was probably reflective of our selection for round one. Those players really showcased their talent during pre-season.”

The Pioneers make the trek to Wangaratta this Saturday for their round two clash against the Murray Bushrangers.