In the lead-up to the 2018 local footy league seasons, SEN will be dissecting a number of competitions. Today, we take a look at the Gippsland Football League.
Super signings: Eddie Morris (Drouin), Mitch Dowse (Sale), Shaun Wyatt (Bairnsdale), Jesse Jackway (Traralgon), Jordan Staley (Wonthaggi Power).
Coaching merry-go-round: Darren Martin (Bairnsdale), Jordan Kingi (Drouin), Paul Carbis (Leongatha).
League Insider says:
Premier: Traralgon.
Watch out for: The threat in the east. Bairnsdale has only played one final since returning to the league in 2011, but a renewed focus on home-grown talent could change that. The likes of Shaun Wyatt, Ethan East, Matt Corbett and Link Robinson have all returned to the club and with three straight home games to start the season, the Redlegs could hit the ground running and build some serious momentum.
SEN says:
Premier: Maffra.
Watch out for: Tiger troubles. Not only has Morwell lost a handful of players from the team that contested last year’s first semi-final, but some valuable squad depth from its reserves premiership side. Quite how far the Tigers fall remains to be seen, but any drop-off will be pounced on, with Sale, Bairnsdale, Warragul and Wonthaggi Power all ready to push into the top five.
As it was:
2017 ladder:
- Leongatha (premier)
- Maffra
- Traralgon
- Moe
- Morwell
- Sale
- Warragul
- Wonthaggi
- Bairnsdale
- Drouin
As it will be?
Projected 2018 ladder:
- Traralgon
- Maffra
- Leongatha
- Bairnsdale
- Moe
- Sale
- Wonthaggi Power
- Warragul
- Drouin
- Morwell
Just for openers:
Traralgon vs Leongatha (Saturday, April 14)
Leongatha vs Maffra (Saturday, April 28)
Bairnsdale v Maffra (Saturday, May 12)