Key recruits pointer to new season for fortune

NEW recruits will create interest when Loddon Valley football kicks off its 2023 season on Saturday.

Inglewood had a bolter from the blocks in last year’s opener and with handy recruits creating more selection and onfield options, the Blues can expect to again make their mark early.

Cam Martin back from Darwin and Dimboola’s Daniel and Sam Polack increase the rotation options for coach Darrell Billett that have been tested in practice matches.

Against North Central club Wedderburn, the Blues gave a glimpse of what could face Bears Lagoon Serpentine in the opening round.

Bears have new names in Callum Draper from Golden Square and Kangaroo Flat’s Louis Mott.

On home patch, the Blues should have the edge and skill to gain the points.

There will be lots of interest in the clash between Mitiamo and Bridgewater. The last two meetings have seen Bridgewater snag the points.

Both sides have lost players and found replacements in the off season. Mitiamo put out the SOS call before appointing new coach Jon Varcoe and gathering numbers for seniors and reserves.

Mean Machine coach Rick Ladson will try every playing trick to keep his team in front on the scoreboard.

Calivil under returning premiership coach Anthony Dennis should take the points against Newbridge.

The Demons have put in a solid summer as Dennis drills players to put the menacing culture back into play, something that was missing last season when they won just two games and another handful by just a couple or kicks or less.

Newbridge has recruited heavily from

Maryborough Castlemaine league clubs and has new co-coaches Sam Gale (playing) and Daniel Smith (non-playing).

With all games on the road for at least the first eight rounds, the Maroons may have a tough time ahead and against a revitalised Calivil come up short in the opening round.

Premiers Marong take a short trip towards Bendigo for its opening encounter against Maiden Gully.

The Panthers were too polished throughout 2022 and retaining their formidable key forwards Brandyn Grenfell and Kain Robins, captain Corey Gregg, Richard Tibbett, Cory Jacobs, Jimmy Gadsden and Ben Gregg, are again the team to beat.

Calivil v Newbridge

Inglewood v BL Serpentine

Mitiamo v Bridgewater Maiden Gully v Marong