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One of the true oracles of local football – Ellinbank and District Football Operations Manager Ken Moore – has been hard at work preparing a mid-season summary for the league’s footy record…The Follower. But with no football being played we decided that Kenny’s great work needed to find a home – and the pages of the Pakenham Gazette seemed the perfect place.
Enjoy Ken’s assessment of the bottom six teams in the competition, with his rundown of the top five to be published in next week’s paper.
POOWONG
Position 6th – Leading goal kicker Nick Visser 19 – Players used: 31
The Magpies have hit an uneven patch over the last month. Midfield guns Jack Hazendonk and Nick Visser have been terrific along with Devon Meadows recruit Steven McInness. Ruck Conor Cunningham has been handy in his return to the club but the loss of key intercept defender Jayden Sullivan to injury in the opening round of the season appears to have hindered Poowong given it also lost rebounding defender Jai Newcombe to the AFL and Tim Hancock to Drouin this season.
NEERIM SOUTH
Position 7th – Leading goal kicker Chris Urie and Tyssen Morrow 22 – Players used: 33
The Cats have endured mixed fortunes. Their talent is often not used as a collective unit. Ruck rover Kody Wilson is amongst the elite ball winners in the league, Tom Muir a steady presence behind centre while Chris Urie and mid-season Warragul recruit Lachlan Bambridge have been productive forwards. With Tyssen Morrow still a strong goal scoring option and Tom Crole to return from Gippsland Power before the finals commence it has enough goal kicking power to trouble any team should it make the finals.
NILMA DARNUM
Position 8th – Leading goal kicker Clay Ketchen 23 – Players used: 29
For most of the season the Bomber engine has just spluttered. For all the good work it has put in it has often let itself down by letting opposition teams’ score far too easily in at least one quarter every week. Former Nyora follower Nick Carrigy has been outstanding, Clay Ketchen a good target, Dylan and Blake Cann have drove the ball into attack well while veteran Chris Larosa and Tanner Thomsen are strong in and around the middle. Nilma’s last two outings tend to suggest it may have put the cue in the rack now that it cannot play finals football.
CATANI
Position 9th – Leading goal kicker Trent Adams 13 – Players used: 35
The Blues have tried hard but with too little purpose. Catani always pride itself to punch above its weight but this season has not been able to upset a top side. Coach Daniel Barrand and former coach Tanny Rodda have given it their all, recruit Mitchell Latimer handy, Dylan and Brett Williams honest and forward Trent Adams shapes as bright prospect having producing some magic moments.
NYORA
Position 10th – Leading goal kicker Adam Jamieson 8 – Players used: 34
As the season has progressed the Saints have plunged further into the mire. Credit to first year coach Dylan Heylen who has led by example and been a stand out. Jordan Anderson, Jesse Heylen and Kallon Rigby have offered plenty of resistance in and around the middle and there has been a lot to like about young wingman Ben Lineham. Now with less than ten players left from its 2018 premiership side the Saints have lacked class and experience to compete with the top sides.
YARRAGON
Position 11th – Leading goal kicker Tom Dovaston – Players used: 37
Panther supporters must wonder why it has performed so badly after it recruited good numbers over the last two seasons. Former Nar Nar Goon tall Tom Dovaston has made his presence felt, Lachlan Shaw consistent and Ellinbank recruit Tyler Hotchkin looks a good prospect. After a two year absence former best and fairest winner Tom Follett has shown plenty but too many players have failed to measure up.
