Eyes on the prize
After playing off in the past two Mininera and District Football League grand finals, Wickliffe-lake Bolac leaders will be keen to try to take their team one step further and take home a premiership.
The last Magpies flag was in 2013 but they have played off in four grand finals in the past seven years.
Wickliffe-lake Bolac has certainly improved over the past couple of years, since losing the 2016 grand final by 90 points.
Last year the Magpies led at half time in the season finale, however a five-goal third quarter from Lismore-derrinallum sealed their fate and they eventually lost by 15 points.
The result is sure to have provided an off-season incentive to improve that little bit more to win the last game of the year.
Wickliffe-lake Bolac has had few outgoing clearances, which has generated excitement within the team.
Largely retaining a 2017 list means the Magpies can look forward to having some of their younger players continue to step up and lead the way.
Adding to an already dominant list, the Magpies have recruited Darcy
Lewis, coming across from Dennington to be assistant coach. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. Local Chris Keilar is also coming back from Dennington.
Both these players played in Dennington’s 2015 premiership.
Keilar is a tall, dominating forward who last year kicked 22 goals in only nine games and also boasts a record of kicking more than 250 goals in the past five years.
Keilar will combine with the likes of brother Brad, Michael Otto, Tom Gibson, Chris Thornton and Bailey Veale.
The Magpies certainly have a core group of players who are all talented and who over the years have returned home to play with each other.
Coaches Nigel and Joe Otto have been happy with how the club’s pre-season preparations have gone, with the Magpies boasting solid player numbers on the track.
And in having a good blowout in a practice match, the Magpies are ready to go for a season opener and grand-final re-match against Lismore-derrinallum.