New structure tantalises
The newly structured Ellinbank District Football League began on Saturday with some tantalising matches played out.
Most teams entered the season with high hopes of playing finals football, and round one results point to a competitive season of football.
In what had been billed as match of the round, Warragul Industrials comfortably took down Nilma-Darnum.
With the Dusties forced to play through the 2016 season with makeshift ruckmen, the addition of key big man John Ikupu will help their cause tremendously.
The former Nilma-Darnum ruckman performed well against his former side, returning to the area after two seasons with Euroa in the Goulburn Valley Football League.
The Dusties will be out to make amends after a disappointing 2016 campaign where they missed the finals.
With a strong victory over a fellow finals hopeful, they have made a strong start under new coach Josh O’Brien.
Other recruits Dylan Holland and Josh Seri also played well for the Dusties, with their usual game breakers Tye Holland, Shane Brewster, Josh Petersen and Tyson Bale also having a strong influence.
Nilma Darnum will need to bounce back strongly.
Luke Lange, Nat Campbell and Nicholas Wilcox were good again, while Ben Campbell again poved a strong target in front of goal.
While dynamic midfielder Shaun White is the only confirmed departure, the Bombers were missing Zeke Lamb and Lai Leaunoa from the side that played finals football last season.
Buln Buln took it up to premiership fancies Neerim-Neerim South, showing signs that they are capable of building on the eight wins they recorded last season.
While Allan Chandler made a successful start as coach, the Cats were made to work hard for the four points against the Lyrebirds outfit, to again be guided by Matt Gray.
Talented midfielders James Davidson, Mitch Nobelius and Trent Baker kept the Lyrebirds in the hunt, but the firepower of the likes of Chris Urie, Chris Redl, Tyssen Morrow, Aaron Fawcett and Mick Urie helped the Cats take the points.
With young talent such as Charlie Park, Jack Nuttall and Hayden Baker coming through, the Lyrebirds showed they could have the potential to push for a top five finish.
Chandler will be hoping the Cats can recapture their winning edge after the side fell away during finals last year.
Catani kept up its momentum of a strong pre-season to edge out Longwarry, with the Blues also shaping as a finals contender.
Handy recruits in Dake Johnson, Paul Pattison and Aiden Cuff have provided further support to the likes of Ryan Eaton, Nicholas Visser, Antonio Benvenuto and Nathaniel Rodda.
The Crows may take some time to build, but new coach Daniel Fry would have been pleased with the Crows’ ability to compete with the Blues.
Ellinbank had recruited well and got the points over Poowong as expected, but they too were made to earn their win.
With new recruits to complement its talented youth already exposed to senior level, the Bankers could climb the ladder quickly.
While undertaking a rebuild, the Magpies were well-drilled at the weekend and could surprise some teams.
Rivals Lang Lang and Nyora played out a cliffhanger, with jubilation for the Saints as they held on to win by three points.
Key forward Ilan Osman will help them, but it is expected to be a tough year for the young Saints side.
The Tigers are expected to join them at the lower rungs of the ladder.