All set for spine tingling contest
Drouin and Morwell kick off their seasons at Drouin on Saturday week (April 8), memories still fresh of their two spine-tingling encounters last year.
They drew their first clash at Drouin and in the return game the Hawks fell in by three points in a game that saw five changes to the lead in the final quarter.
But they’ll be different sides that square off in round one.
Drouin, a finalist last year, has lost about half a senior side, only Liam Axford remaining from what had become a potent midfield group and its best forward is also gone.
Third year coach Bob McCallum will look to a number of younger players with some solid senior grounding already – and a couple that are more senior - to fill some big holes.
It is a big ask for the Hawks to repeat their finals appearance and elimination final win of last year but there’s confidence in the camp they’ll be a lot better than many expect. Saturday week will be an early barometer. Morwell also is a bit of an unknown quantity.
But playing coach Joel Soutar has been steadily building the side over the past two years.
Added to this year’s list are former premiership players Julian Blackford, Mannon Johnston and Rob Michaelides and some good talent from neighbouring leagues including Kade Grinstead-Jones, Brandon McDonald and Luke Van Rooy.
Both sides will probably take a few rounds to settle but will be keen to start with a win.
Early season fitness may be the deciding factor.
Ruckman McCallum, the 2015 league best and fairest and VicCountry representative the past two years, will be aiming to give his new look, and young, on-ballers plenty of opportunities to put their best feet forward and move the ball into scoring territory.
David Olsen passed the 200-senior game mark and won his second club best and fairest last season and will be the glue of the defence once again.
Darcy Irwin’s move forward, especially late last year, was a key factor in a couple of crucial wins that propelled the Hawks to the finals. He’ll be relied on to repeat that. Morwell will start favourite but it will be a toss up.