High hopes for Highlands league

IT’S game on in the Central Highlands Football Netball League from Saturday week with sides back on the park. After no premiership was awarded in 2020 or 2021 there’s high hopes in the Highlands!

 

Ballan

Blues fans should expect another rollercoaster as they battle out for the bottom position. Only one win last season with an average losing margin of 94.5 points, it is safe to say there is plenty of improvement needed.

Pass mark – not to finish bottom.

 

Beaufort

A dramatic fall from grace by the Crows. After winning the 2018 premiership they finished a disappointing 15th last season. However, the club should be bolstered by the signing of Daniel Jones from North Ballarat, a multiple time premiership player in the BFL. His ball use should be one of the key factors in them rising up the table.

Pass mark – eighth to 12th.

 

Bungaree

Unfortunately, a slow start last year meant it was too tall of a task for the Demons as they missed the finals for the third straight season. Jacob Werts, Bailey Veale and Will Baker-Lovett have all departed leaving it an uphill battle for Bungaree to rectify that issue.

Pass mark – finals.

 

Buninyong

Fifth place in the end flattered the Bombers who couldn’t really get their running game going last season. The marquee signing and return of VFL-prospect Joel Ottavi has improved their attacking prowess. If the likes of Dom Silwa and Geoff Lovett can go to the next level and find just a little bit more of the footy, expect the Bombers to be the unstoppable force.

Pass mark – top four.

 

Carngham Linton

Last season’s cellar dwellers, the winless Saints make no excuses as we head into season 2022. Carngham have been down the bottom of the table since joining the League. The development of Justin O’Brien and Kynan Raven must have pleased fans as it highlights the youth policy.

Pass mark – one win.

 

Clunes

Never in anyone’s wildest dreams were the Maggies a finals chance last season but after shock wins over Creswick, Learmonth and Newlyn, that’s exactly what they were. Ultimately, they would have fallen short but Magpie fans dare to dream and ride the wave of momentum while it lasts!

Pass mark – eighth to 12th.

 

Creswick

Always a mystery what Wickers outfit would show up last year, consistency is the key for them in 2022. They host Clunes at the Doug Lindsey Reserve in round one which will give everyone a fair indication if they are a part of the challenge for finals, or just simply making up the numbers.

Pass mark – six wins.

Daylesford

2021 couldn’t have started any worse for the Bulldogs with their star player and ex-Geelong footballer Josh Cowan breaking his leg in the opening term of the season. Cowan will return in 2022 and with the Doggies finishing a respectful 12th, he will be a key figure in them making the jump into the top eight.

Pass mark – eighth to 12th.

 

Dunnstown

The Towners broke through under Glen Wilkins into the competition’s top four and will once again be one of the challengers. Will Henderson was a breakout in defence and in the off season, they have added Tom Wardell from Bacchus Marsh. The last couple seasons he has operated down back, but with that big frame, don’t be surprised if Wilkins wants to isolate big Tommy out of the goal square.

Pass mark – top four.

 

Gordon

Undefeated in season 2021 the Eagles go in as clear flag favourites. Ex-Geelong premiership players James Kelly and Shannon Byrnes made sporadic appearance last season and are replaced full-time this season by Sam and Billy Griffiths. Both have been starved of midfield time in recent seasons in the BNFL… watch them shine at one of the powerhouses of the CHFL.

Pass mark – a premiership.

 

Hepburn

Always contenders, but the loss of super-boot Sam Dunstan will definitely have the ‘Burra fraternity worried if they can go all the way. Dunstan kicked 82 goals in 11 games in 2021, including a historic bag of 20 against Carngham-Linton. Naturally this will be the biggest obstacle to overcome as they have to re-jig not only their entire forward line, but system if they want to be contenders.

Pass Mark: top four.

 

Learmonth

Only three wins for the Lakies capped off a disappointing first season for rookie coach Nick Willox. It seems the rebuild is well and truly under way with too much reliance on the likes of Brenton Powell to drag them across the line. A crunch game with Newlyn in round one will be the telling point to shape their entire season.

Pass mark – 16 games into youth.

 

Newlyn

Rookie coach Chris Banwell had to deal with his fair share of an injuries in 2021 with spearhead Marcus Darmody and the Sewell Brothers missing the majority of the season. All are regarded as A-Graders and the Cats know if they keep them fit they will be up there again. They have added Isaac Quick from East Point with his versatility to ruck but also play on a wing is a true weapon.

Pass mark – finals.

Rokewood

Breaking through and into the top four was phase one for the Hoppers, but now taking home the premiership for the first time in the club’s history is the next step. They have added Zac Jenkins from Redan who will be a silky operator across half back. There young list will continue to improve with the likes of Tyler Mookheok and Matthew Brehaut needing to continue as scoreboard threats.

Pass mark – top four.

 

Skipton

A dark horse from last season, the Emus go in as one of the bookies fancies. Mitch Gilbert was awarded the competition’s best player and in the off season they have added Kaine White to the side as another dashing player to go in tandem with Gillbert. The Skipton brand isn’t always perfect footy but exciting and if they can get the consistency to get it right, the sky remains their limit.

Pass mark – win a final.

 

Springbank

Experience has gotten the Tigers so far as they still keep themselves in the top eight conversation with the same batch of players. Joel Mahar, Chris Quinlan, Billy Drisicoll, they are all as tough as a cats head, and have dragged them across the line on so many occasions. In the off-season it was important they added another big man and Patrick Glanford from the Ballarat Swans will give them the flexibility either in defence or inside 50.

Pass mark – top eight.

 

Waubra

A mass exodus has left coach Matty James with the toughest job in Central Highlands football as he tries to rebuild the ‘Roos while keeping them within finals contention. The loss of Lincoln Barnes and Dean Robertson will be detrimental as their best midfielder and arguably the best ruckman in the competition have sought greener pastures. Throw in James Lukich leaving a season prior and it is a whole new looking Waubra compared to the one that lifted the premiership back in 2019.

Pass mark – top eight.