LIAM DURKIN
FOOTBALL
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE By LIAM DURKIN A NUMBER of former AFL players will feature across the Gippsland League next season. Xavier Richards has signed at Bairnsdale, suiting up for the Redlegs to again be coached by former Port Adelaide and St Kilda defender Logan Austin. Richards spent four years in the AFL system with Sydney. His last game was the 2016 Grand Final. Most recently, he has played in the NEAFL and Old Xavierians in the VAFA. Richards made headlines in 2016 when he requested a trade just weeks after the Grand Final. He was unable to find a club willing to take him, bringing about an abrupt end to his AFL journey. Elsewhere, Warragul has signed Liam Sumner. Sumner played 32 games for GWS and Carlton between 2012 and 2017. The 29-year-old spent time at both clubs with new Warragul coach Jed Lamb. Continuing his coaching career is Wonthaggi’s Jarryd Blair. The Power local will enter his third season in charge, and will hope to get his hometown into the Grand Final. Wonthaggi was cruelly denied a place in this year’s decider, virtually missing a spot by four points after going down in the Second Semi to eventual premier Leongatha. The week later, they were bundled out in the Preliminary Final by Sale. The Magpies look to have retained the bulk of their squad. They have added former player Bohdi Walker. By all reports, the livewire forward, who has played at Sale City in recent seasons, has dropped close to 10 kilograms. Veteran Shane Fyfe added another best and fairest to his resume this season, winning the reserves title. Known colloquially as ‘five time Fyfe’ due to the number of senior best and fairest’s he has won, there may now be cause to christen him ‘six time Shane’. Sale’s nemeses Maffra have maintained the standard of recruiting local players. The Eagles have got Nathan Pollard across from the Omeo and District league, as well as Chance Doultree, who spent time with Gippsland Power before making his way onto the Western Bulldogs VFL list. Not normally a club to spruik their recruits, perhaps there is a changing philosophy at Maffra. The Eagles have traditionally played their cards close to their chest. It took me two years to get an interview with former coach Wayne Butcher. Elsewhere, Leongatha will entertain thoughts of winning another premiership, with the general consensus in local football circles that the playing group is determined to win at least one more flag. Perhaps this fact regarding the Parrots doesn’t get talked about as much as it should: They have had three different coaches in their last three premierships (2017, 2018, 2022). Closer to home, Traralgon has got a few of the band back together for season 2023. Former Geelong defender Jordan Cuncio has returned, while veteran Danny Campbell will coach the Maroons Under 18s. Traralgon will also have Billy Schollings, who has joined from Montrose. On paper at least, you would have to say the Maroons will be capable of making the Grand Final next season – they lost to Sale by two points in the second week of finals this year. By the way, fair effort from young Tye Hourigan to win the best and fairest this season in a team containing Brett Eddy, Tom Schneider, Matt Northe and Mark Collison. Incoming Morwell coach Boyd Bailey is preparing to take over from Denis Knight. The Tigers were one of the feel-good stories of last season, making finals after a last-round win against Sale. Players the likes of Tristen Waack, Sam Walsh and Nathan Noblett went from virtual unknowns to household names – Waack coming second in the league best and fairest and has been playing well in the Nothern Territory. It would be reasonable to assume those names will be given more attention next season. Just if they suffer second year blues adds to the intrigue of what might be coming. Moe will be one of a handful of clubs aiming to make a return to finals next season. On the surface the Lions had an average campaign last season, but looking at things from a different perspective, you could argue there is reason for Moe to be confident. The Lions didn’t have Tyson Biffin, Kristian Jaksch or Lachlan Rees for the whole season, and Harry Pepper and Declan Keilty for large parts, and missed finals by two games. Haven’t heard much from Drouin, although surely they’ve spoken to McDonald-Tipungwuti.
