SHEPPARTON BEARS
Things are looking up for Shepparton, with a youthful squad set to head out onto Deakin Reserve this season.
The Bears will be looking to improve on a disappointing last place in season 2021, where they picked up two wins.
New playing coach and Bears premiership captain Ted Lindon said things were looking optimistic in pre-season.
“There is obviously every chance we won’t be flag favourites, but it’s been a really exciting summer program,” Lindon said.
“We have been able to bring in some mature bodies to complement the younger boys, which has been great and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Not being around the club last year, Lindon was not overly critical of the team’s results.
“We’re just trying to complement the platform laid from last year and continuing to develop the younger guys and hopefully win a few more games would be nice,” Lindon said.
When talking about goals for the year, he made it clear there was no definitive results-based goal for the club.
“There is no ceiling on the goal, whether it’s to play finals or finish on top, there is no goal like that, it’s just more about developing the younger boys,” he said.
“Anything can happen, so there is no ceiling in terms of a goal, but very confident, the boys have trained the house down over the summer and there is no reason why we can’t surprise a few in 2022.”
Lindon said he was well supported by his assistants to fulfil his role and was enjoying it.
“Personally, I’m really enjoying it, the challenge of coaching and playing will obviously be different, but I have got great support,” he said.
“We’re keen to re-engage with the fans, we want them to get down to Deakin, obviously it’s been a disjointed last couple of years, and watch a side that obviously makes them proud to be a Shepparton supporter.
“There is every chance we’ll be a blue-collar team with a layer of exciting 18–21-year-old talent which they should be excited about.”
Lindon said Jacob Watts, Conor Flemming, Jayden Dhosi and Jed Warrin had been impressive this pre-season.
With an up-and-coming squad, a strong history to build on and a fresh face in the coach’s seat it is sure to be an interesting season for the Bears.
Finals are not out of the question, but neither is missing them.
One thing that is certain is that it will be a big year at Deakin Reserve.