Angaston
Second year coach Simon Johnson has strong expectations of winning a minimum of six games during the upcoming season.
“Our main goal is to pull the side off the bottom of the ladder,” he said.
“My coaching career relies on the results of this club. We want to be kicking 14 to 16 goals a game and creating some scoreboard pressure.”
The Panthers are expected to use hard man Brenton Bascombe in an attacking role, as a duel target with young talent Kyle McLean.
“Our engine room will be a lot stronger with Harvey, Pech and Danielle to support Greg Bain and Matthew Doecke,” Johnson explained.
“Nick Egert and Kym Reimann will lead our ruck division. Michael Danielle’s pre-season has been second to none.”
Angaston’s initial trial match form gave an indication they are on the improve. They have further pre-season matches against Johnson’s previous club Birdwood this weekend, followed by matches with Nairne Bremer (Hills) and Hamley Bridge (Adelaide Plains).
Coach: Simon Johnson
2007: Ninth
Ins: Craig Harvey (Hamley Bridge), Andrew Pech (Eudunda), Kurt Thiele (Kapunda), Beau Byster (Hamley Bridge), Chris Jasper (Sedan/Cambrai), Thomas Linke (Rosewater)
Outs: Nil
Prediction: While Angaston should win more matches their position on the ladder will not improve much.
Nuriootpa
Former premiership player and captain Chris Gerhardy and North Eastern footballer Jason Rodda headline the changes at the Nuriootpa Tiger den in 2008.
Losses include Adam O’Hara after an injury- prone winter and the quartet of Ricky Hunter, Ben Mitchell, ruckman Brock Harrison and Joel Mattchoss have also moved on.
This is a critical year in Scott Lee’s tenure, after less-than-productive seasons in his opening two winters in the BL&G competition.
He will need to use all his coaching ability to utilise his playing stocks in the best possible way to cover perceived deficiencies in both attack and the ruck division.
Ryan Foulis and Shaun Ribbons are versatile footballers, but it would be more advantageous for Lee to settle them in positions rather than have to throw them around to plug up gaps.
The key to the Tigers’ chances depend on whether they get a clearance for former Central District and West Adelaide ruckman Matt Cragg-Sapsford.
Coach: Scott Lee
2007: Eighth
Ins: Chris Gerhardy (Imperials), Jason Rodda (BBH Rams), Matthew Cragg-Sapsford (West Adelaide)
Outs: Adam O’Hara, Ricky Hunter, Ben Mitchell, Brock Harrison, Joel Mattchoss, Seth Matson
Prediction: A lot will depend on the strength of the ruck department. If this is depleted they will not make the four.
Gawler Central
Strengthened by the return of Chad Elson, Ben Tobitt and Graham Cooke, along with the arrival of former Teal Cup footballer David Reardon, Central should be one of the significant improvers this year.
Along with Cooke and Tobitt as key tall defenders, Brant will have SAAFL state player Casey Thomas at his disposal and a fit Kirk Heberle as well.
They will also see the return of Central District junior Luke Howard to lead the ruck division.
“With the recruited players and with Kirk’s return from injury, we have a number of taller options which gives us plenty of flexibility,” Brant said.
“The side is fit and a lot of the younger players have been working on weights programs to built up body strength.
“With the squad we have, there is plenty of flexibility to rotate players through the middle and forward lines.”
Brant has been impressed with the pre-season work ethic of younger players like the Hillebrand brothers, Daniel and Damien, Jamie Scott and Ryan Clasholm.
Coach: Mark Brant
2007: Seventh
Ins: Casey Thomas (Seaton Ramblers), Graham Cooke (Virginia), David Reardon (North Cairns)
Outs: Kym Vivian
Prediction: Should be pushing for a position in the four.
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