LOCAL DERBY AHEAD Butcher back
Warragul versus Drouin. They are always terrific contests no matter where the sides sit on the ladder.
But next Sunday’s clash between them at Western Park, Warragul, has more riding on it than most.
It’s only round three and the seasons for both sides may well be shaped by the outcome.
Warragul, that missed a spot in the finals last year by just one game, have had two losses to start their season under new playing coach Ben Hughes.
It will be well down the pack if it doesn’t get over the line on Sunday and the path to finals will be tough.
There’s just as much at stake for Drouin.
The Hawks had a great start to their season with a terrific win against perennial finalists Traralgon but came back to earth with a thud the following week against Moe.
The fierce rivalry between the neighbouring clubs is sure to draw a big crowd to what should be a great contest.
The opening rounds have already created plenty of interest.
Wonthaggi’s upset of premiers for the past two years, Leongatha, on Good Friday has given it two wins from three games, the same amount of wins it had for last year, and Maffra showed its strength again by demolishing Sale that had started well with two well-constructed victories.
The other two games next weekend to complete the split round three also have major implications for the season ahead.
Moe had made a great start to the year with strong wins over Morwell and Drouin but faces a Traralgon side reeling from two losses, including a narrow defeat at the always difficult Leongatha, in a night game at Traralgon on Saturday.
Bairnsdale, yet to win but not far off the mark in tough games against finalists from last year Sale and Maffra, will be at home for the first time against Morwell that disposed of Friday’s giant killer, Wonthaggi, last Saturday week.
An already powerful Maffra looks to become even stronger with former AFL player and local junior John Butcher joining its ranks.
Butcher took his place in the Eagles’ side and kicked one goal against Sale on Friday.
He was cleared to Maffra last week cleared after 10 years in the AFL and with Central Districts in the SANFL.
The 197-centimetre and 27-year-old tall forward’s drafting to Port Adelaide in 2009 came after a period with Gippsland Power in the Under 18 TAC competition.
Butcher played 31 games and kicked 41 goals for Port Adelaide before being delisted at the end of the 2016 season and then joining Central Districts in the SANFL.