SHEPPARTON EAST
NETBALL
The early signs coming from the netball courts at Central Park point to Shepparton East again being a contender for the Kyabram District League premiership.
The A-grade outfit has retained its playing list for the 2022 campaign, while welcoming former Shepparton player Kate Durling.
The Eagles will again be led by Erynn Hueston as they look to once again narrow their sights on finishing high up the ladder.
Shepparton East occupied one of the top three positions last winter and Hueston has hopes of replicating that again.
“Every team’s goal is to make finals and we’re no different,” she said.
“We want to try and be more consistent and more competitive against those top sides. We want to try and develop our game structure early on and I want to also develop a few of our up-and-coming juniors.”
The inclusion of Durling, a former A-grade midcouter with the Bears, is set to bolster an already talented line-up.
“Kate comes across from Bears and we are rapt to have her on board,” Hueston said.
“She is a midcourter who can swing to attack or down back. She is very versatile.”
FOOTBALL
The 2022 Kyabram District League season is a homecoming year at Central Park Reserve.
Shepparton East has welcomed a plethora of past premiership players back to the club after multiple seasons away.
Rob Osborne is chief among them, with the new Eagles’ mentor back at the Nest after a short period at Shepparton Swans.
Osborne, who made a name for himself at Central Park, is enjoying life back at his old stomping ground.
“We have got a good bunch of blokes and some really talented youngsters.
I’m looking forward to what the year has in store,” Osborne said.
“I’ve played with a lot of the guys that have come across. We’ve played in premierships together at East.
“The best thing too is that out of the new guys, seven of them are one point players, which will make life a lot easier.”
East has welcomed back multiple past premiership players in the likes of Dwain Vidler, David Gillespie and Matt Rendina in the summer months.
Add the likes of former United ball magnet Adam Fichera, as well as Shepparton Swans talents Ryan Pfeiffer and Tom Campbell and the Eagles look destined to rise up the ladder.
However, Osborne downplayed his outfit’s chances this season, with the firstyear coach putting no limits on his side.
“I didn’t want to come in and put any expectations on the group,” he said.
“Hopefully we can slide in and make finals with the new system and once you are in finals you can make your own luck.”
– AYDIN PAYNE