PAYNESVILLE
2024 position: Seventh (two wins).
Coaching panel: David Westland (senior coach) and Mark Pallot (reserves coach).
Vibe check: Slowly gathered momentum, numbers have been good in recent weeks, with a recent intraclub practice match tuning the players up for big round one clash at home with the Orbost Snowy Rovers.
Ins: Josh Carroll (Lucknow), Jamie Frazer (Bairnsdale), Nate Jordan, Steve Collins, Isaac Love, Tobais Hall, Josh Westland (all Sale), Jacob Westland (Swifts Creek), Cody Miller (Garfield) and Jesse Hack (Lindenow South).
Outs: Oscar Pike and Caleb Crofts (Bairnsdale), Charlie Mein (Orbost Snowy Rovers), Matthew Golding (North Ballarat), Lachlan O’Connor (Wy Yung), Jordan Ray (Lucknow) and Ivan Hood (Bruthen).
Game style: Have bought in pace but lack height. Will be looking to play a fast-running brand using their strengths.
Players to watch: Harry Gibbs, Nate Jordan, Josh Carroll, Jamie Frazer, Brayden Radford and Ben McKinnon.
Wildcard: Tobias Hall, crafty small forward.
Expectations: “We are bringing in young players, just wanting improve as a club and build something for the long term,” coach David Westland said.
Analysis: Coach Westland joins the club after successful stints at Omeo Football Netball League club’s Bruthen and Swifts Creek. Faces a big challenge but is hard working and a good networker. Still question marks on players from last year’s list. Face a huge task as continues through the rebuild phase.