DOCKERS DUMPED

LV quintet foundation of AFL junior league

HOPES for a sixth football team in the new AFL under 18 competition have been scuttled.

AFL Central Victoria confirmed on Friday that the Dockers combination that was to pick up excess Loddon Valley and Bendigo youngsters is off the drawing board.

A new draft draw is with the competition’s foundation clubs Inglewood, East Loddon Rams, Bridgewater and Marong with the season scheduled to start on April 15.

It includes a blockbuster Sunday feature round at Bendigo’s Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Clubs are still locking in recruits for their teams. at least one practice match organised for the Loddon Valley league opening round this Saturday. The Leigh Lamprell-coached Inglewood

By CHRIS EARL

will provide curtain-raiser action with a match against East Loddon Rams coached by Jade Clymo.

Loddon Valley president Simon Tuohey said this week: “For 2023

AFL Central Victoria will run our Under 18 football competition.

“All games, including finals, will be in the Loddon Valley league this year.

“Plenty of challenges remain to be had, especially with restructuring this competition in the region.

“However, the league will do everything possible to ensure a competition, as we all want our kids to play sport locally where possible.”

AFL Central Victoria had thrown the new competition open to Bendigo and Heathcote league clubs after last year’s junior review but received no takers.

Tuohey backs positive future of local league

SIMON Tuohey wants Loddon Valley Football Netball League to remain a well-supported familyorientated league.

He has made the call for a continued positive culture in the first president’s message to clubs and supporters ahead of Saturday’s season start.

“For 2023, let us keep the Loddon Valley in everyone’s mind.

The LVFNL is a well-supported family-orientated league,” Tuo- hey said. “Do not let rumours ruin the positivity of the LVFNL. So many significant positive, uplifting stories and works are happening in and around our clubs.”

Off-season speculation has seen murmurings in some nonLoddon quarters on the state of play with the league’s nine clubs. However, every club has been reporting the arrival of new players in a sign of confidence for Loddon Valley football.

Tuohey’s season start message also singles out Newbridge for its work since clubrooms were damaged in October’s floods.

“It is a credit to Newbridge for their work so far. However, like always, there is plenty of support within the Loddon Valley community,” Tuohey said.

Newbridge will be playing away games until at least June while facilities are restored and replaced.

Stronger Together

See more Page 16

Nullawil walks welcome mat

NORTH Central league launched its season in Charlton on Sunday with a welcome to new club Nullawil.

The football, netball and hockey season starts on April 15.

Boort plays Sea Lake Nandaly in the opening round, encounters expected to be played under lights.