Magpies on the hunt for flag
Wickliffe-lake Bolac will look to go one better in Mininera and District Football League this year after finishing runner-up to Tatyoon last season.
But the Magpies will have to wait until round two after Easter to host Tatyoon for a grand-final replay.
Wickliffe-lake Bolac’s season will kick off with a round-one clash against Glenthompson-dunkeld, which last year provided the Magpies with one of their three losses, when the sides met in round seven.
This was the only time Wickliffelake Bolac played the Rams in 2016, so it will be a good test for the Magpies to redeem that loss straight up.
The Magpies, who are led by Otto brothers Nigel and Michael, had a big influx of players last year which contributed to the club’s successful season, resulting in a 15-three winloss record.
Players have lodged only a few outgoing clearances for the Magpies, including Julian and Todd Cameron who are heading back to Beaufort, and Alex Mcintyre, looking for a change of scenery at SMW Rovers.
Otherwise, the Magpies have retained much of their 2016 list.
The list of reliable and strong performers going around again include three-time league best and fairest Bradley Keilar, 2016 Magpie leading goal-kicker Nigel Otto, Tom Gibson, Chris Thornton, Tristan May, Michael Otto and Bailey Veale.
Joining this consistently reliable list that the Magpies continue to be able to put together are numerous players from several different leagues, with the majority of incoming clearances coming from Avoca football club in the Maryborough-castlemaine District Football League.
Tyron Jolly and Harley Hunter will be big inclusions for the black and white as well as being joined by team-mates Thomas Walker, Daryl Perkins and Taylor Hall.
Another addition for the Magpies is Nathan Curtis from Hamilton Kangaroos.
After a long, gruelling pre-season, round one cannot come quick enough for the Magpies, who will be keen to finally see some of their hard work pay off, and for everyone to see where they match up in the league.