Corio embraces the challenge

NEW Corio coach Andrew Challis has urged critics not to write the Devils off this season.

“Bannockburn will be a great challenge (in Round 1), just as any of the top-three sides will be, but in Round 1 anything can happen and that’s what I keep telling my boys,” Challis said.

“If you play a good style of footy in the GDFL, you can beat any team. I remember at East Geelong we were favourites over North in a season opener and somehow lost by six goals.

“Personally, I don’t want to take any notice of what’s happened at Corio in the past because everyone has had a clean slate, so this season will be a fresh start.”

Challis, 27, who has played at St Albans, Winchelsea and East Geelong, is best remembered for his 2014 season at the Eagles when he took out the Whitley Medal. He has added another two premierships and league best-and-fairests since stints at Darley (Ballarat FL) and West London (AFL London). “What I expect out of my boys in Round 1 is for them to come out firing and to play with the intent of the game plan that we’ve introduced,” he said.

GDFL team of the year member Dylan Shelley has re-signed, appointed senior co-captain alongside veteran Chris Laurie and Todd Smith.

Aaron Taylor and Anthony Grace are tipped to take over the ruck duties, while Challis has also revealed his side would play a more defensive brand of footy. “Being at the club for a bit longer now and just seeing where we are now our success this year will be determined by getting the little things right,” he said.