By Tyler Lewis
It’s a different mountain to climb for Narre Warren as it prepares to launch an assault on a unique 2022 Outer East season.
The silverware hasn’t changed; in fact, the Pies are still the only owner of the ultimate prize from the Outer East Premier Division, from its famous win over Berwick back in 2019.
However, a lot has changed in the world since then, and this Outer East competition is no exception.
Of the five teams that made the finals in 2019, just two remain: Woori Yallock and Narre Warren.
And in addition to Berwick, Beaconsfield and Cranbourne all parting ways with the competition, Division 1 premier – Doveton – has also said its farewells.
So while the ultimate prize remains the same for Narre Warren, the once familiar obstacles along the way have dramatically changed.
The Pies chased the tail of Berwick for the best part of three years, and then haven’t been able to finish a full season since overcoming the Wickers in that famous game on a rain-drenched Toomuc Reserve.
Once the hunter, are now the hunted.
Though it is something Narre haven’t been familiar with in recent years, Pies coach Shane Dwyer believes there are new rivalries forming, ones that will provide a similar challenge.
“From a local point of view, we will be a little disappointed that we don’t get to play Cranny and Beacy again,” he said.
“Obviously Berwick moved on before, but from a local rivalry point of view I think that’ll be missed by the boys a bit.
“But in saying that, we have been in this comp for a couple of years now and we’re building rivalries, I suppose, with some teams up in the hills.
“And we also have Pakky – who have been old rivals from back when I played – as well as Officer coming back in as well.
“I don’t think it’s a major deal, we can only concentrate on what we have to do really,” Dwyer said.
Like most local clubs, the Pies have dipped their toe in the water of pre season. Dwyer says his men are in great shape and are benefiting from an early stint of match-simulation based practice.
Dwyer also confirmed some of his chargers are yet to hold a piece of silverware aloft, and plan on doing so this upcoming season.
“They’re looking fit! These days they keep a bit fitter than we did back in the old days,” he joked.
“All through last year with the stop start, their attitude was brilliant, top class. They’ve been unreal to be honest, over the last two years; I have no complaints about them and their attitude.
“They look pretty fit…the way we train, it is based on heavily competitive based training.
“It’s not as if we’re kicking around cones all night, it’s all match-sim and we’ve been doing that the last three weeks.
“I don’t see the point in kicking around cones, I would rather get stuck back into it, and they prefer it that way (too) I think.
“There is still a few boys in my side that weren’t involved in the 2019 premiership side, they’ll be extra keen to push towards another flag for themselves.”
From a recruit front, the black and white have added a local, while also backing in some of the prospects rising through the ranks.
“We have picked up Jarrod Smith from Doveton, who has looked really good on the track,” he said.
“And a couple others have come back, that we’re hoping will stay. It is hard in the early weeks of pre season, once we get into next year and get into the intra-clubs, we will see a few more.
“There is some young blokes come up from the Foxes, hopefully we get a good look at them, see how they go,” Dwyer said.
The Outer East are yet to announce its Premier Division fixture, but looms as one to be as unique as ever.
