READY FOR ACTION
Following what can only be described as an exhausting and long off-season, we are only days away until the return of the Goulburn Valley League A-grade season.
After fans and players were cruelly robbed of what was set to be a cracking finals series, anticipation is high for what this season has in store.
Glance back 12 months and Shepparton United was odds-on favourite to secure the title, but this time around you have multiple raging favourites.
United, which secured the minor premiership in 2021, is undoubtedly still in the box seat.
Two-time Wellman Medal winner Jessie Barnes headlines the star-studded line-up, while long-time teammate and friend Kara Blizzard has stepped up to the coaching ranks following the departure of
Tania Orchard.
Zoe Davies may struggle for appearances at the start of the season following her inclusion as a training partner for Collingwood in the Super Netball, but the Dees still have the likes of Laura Cole and Olivia Kirby at their disposal.
Mooroopna looks primed for a finals assault.
Di Hanslow has gathered an impressive list together with United duo Sarah Bohn and Hannah Onley joining the likes of Maddie Wong, Elle Brooks and Bree Hanslow.
Echuca still has the nucleus of a team set to challenge, however, multiple personnel changes might have it drop away from Mooroopna and United.
Seymour looks set to defend its longstanding premiership from what seems a lifetime ago.
The 2019 reigning premier has welcomed star goaler Ellie O’Sullivan to the coaching panel.
O’Sullivan was quick to bolster the squad with the inclusion of Casey Adamson and VNL talent Ella Tenant.
We have seen a familiar face step aside from the coaching ranks, with Shepparton Swans’ Jana Bruinier replaced by Courtney Simpson.
The Swans have kept majority of their list from 2021 and look set to challenge for finals.
However, we still have the experience of Tracey Brereton behind the clipboard for Shepparton, with the classy mentor at the helm of a young and exciting list.
Tatura, led by first-year coach Fiona Boyer, and Euroa look to be the next two outfits that can put their hand up for a spot in the finals.
The Bulldogs have added exciting teenager Molly Kennedy to their list, while Euroa mentor Ellie Warnock expects her side to push for finals.
Meanwhile, Kyabram may surprise a few with the inclusion of two-time Warren medallist Chicky Barr and United’s Liv and Jemma Hall.
Rochester will be led by Rachel Whipp, who takes over an outfit that will be no easy pushover and lastly Benalla and Mansfield will have fresh looks.
Benalla legend Kellie Keen is back to help out her old club, while Mansfield’s Nelle Cousins has stepped up to spearhead the Eagles.