By David Nagel
Two of this year’s genuine WGFNC title contenders will meet for a round-one blockbuster at Spencer Street on Saturday when Nar Nar Goon rolls out the welcome mat for Phillip Island.
The Goon last won a premiership in 2010 – and appear well placed for their best tilt in 14 years – while the perennial powerhouse Bulldogs are looking to go one better than their runner-up finish last year.
Cam Pedersen and his Bulldogs showed they’ll be thereabouts once again, with a season-opening win against Warragul Industrials a fortnight ago, while Justin Stanton and the Goon have put together some impressive practice-match form.
All indicators are leading to a cracking contest on the weekend, with just one point separating the clubs across two contests last season.
In round four, Pedersen sprung to life at three-quarter time to turn a 29-point deficit into a draw, while the Bulldogs came from 12 points behind in a one-point preliminary final win.
Pedersen moved captain Jack Taylor and Daniel Pearce into the midfield that day, and both dominated, while a dirty-day for Travis Woodfield improved quickly; slotting the match-winner.
The Goon will gain confidence from those two outings; leading for the majority of the contests, but will understand the job is never done against the determined Doggies.
Stanton has lost two of his best players, with multiple best and fairest winner Brendan Hermann surprising many with a move to Devon Meadows, while Deon Boavida will be a massive loss across half-forward.
Boavida kicked 39 goals last season; finishing fourth behind Dale Gawley, Hayden Bruce and Will Hams in the league medal and was a lock on a half-forward flank in the Team of the Year.
While those ‘star’ omissions will hurt, Stanton and his football operations team have done a wonderful job of adding strength and depth to their playing list.
Quality ball user Ryan Bromley returns from Berwick, while Jonte Andrew, Jacob Keysers, Ethan Douglas and Max McGreal also make the journey from Edwin Flack Reserve.
Harry Brain returns from Narre Warren, while Matt Gentile is another to make his way across from the Magpies.
Stanton has mixed feelings about the Goon’s ins and outs.
“Both departures are huge outs for the club, they’re first and foremost great guys and secondly outstanding footballers,” Stanton said, before highlighting the key focus of the off-season.
“To close the gap between our best and worst and add senior depth to our playing squad.
“We’re confident we have addressed this but only time will tell.
“We think our improvement will come from hard work at training along with a second season of playing alongside each other.”
Dermott Yawney will once again spearhead the Goon attack, while Bromley’s addition will add an element of class to an already potent transition game.
Phillip Island looked good in front of a big crowd at the Cowes Recreation Reserve on day one, with Hayden Bruce, Jaymie Youle and Jordy Patullo all finding their feet in a great start to the season.
But we’ll go for the Goon to get the choccies and establish itself as a leading contender this season.
