SHEPP UNITED

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1950 NICKNAME: DEMONS HOME GROUND: DEAKIN RESERVE COACH: DUANE HUESTON PRESIDENT: REBECCA MONK PREMIERSHIPS: 1954, 1955, 1956, 1962, 1967, 1974, 1980, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2010, 2011 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: J.WILLIAMS (1984), P. FOOTT (1992) 2022 FINISH: 12TH (1–17) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ADAM PIGATTO 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ROBBIE MIFKA (19)

For Shepparton United, the only direction is up. The Demons endured a torrid season on the park last year as they finished at the foot of the Goulburn Valley League ladder, with a solitary win next to their name.

But heading into the new campaign there is optimism things are looking more positive at Demonland.

One of United’s favourite sons Duane Hueston will lead the side, taking on the senior coaching role from Paul Serra.

Hueston said he’d been impressed with the attitude among the playing group, especially after what was a difficult year.

“Normally, if you come in and you are 1–17 for the year, you think spirits can be flat, but that’s not the case. They are a very close group. So that’s what I’ve noticed first, coming in,“he said.

“The biggest thing that took me back was when I first came in was just their desire, their endeavour. They want to get better and they train really hard.”

United has welcomed a host of recruits this off-season as it looks to get back towards finals contention.

Jye Chalcraft is a Demon once again having signed on with the club after winning Geelong VFL’s best and fairest in 2022.

Talls Sean Thompson and Damon Carroll will bolster

United’s ruck stocks, while Jayden Margo is another big-name recruit from the NTFL. United junior product Fergus Pinnuck has returned to the club from the VAFA having trained with North Melbourne in the off-season, with other young talent expected to get a taste of senior football.

Kyle Clarke.