Season Previews with Yeendy - Wallan

FOOTBALL

Wallan built itself as a genuine force in the 2018 competition and were capable of beating anyone under coach Dan Nolan. A disappointing exit late in the finals will not deter this group from fighting for the premiership.
Nolan welcomes star forward Matt Perri to the team. The pair played in a premiership together for Pascoe Vale in 2011, and the with Sam Rexhepi moving to Lalor in the off-season, Perri becomes a fitting replacement up forward.

Michael Tang joins the club. He is a 6ft 3 utility who is currently aligned with North Melbourne in the VFL.

Two-time North Bendigo Premiership forward and Heathcote District Representative Team from 2018 Sean Morris also joins the squad.

Reigning Bowen Medal winner Jesse Davies has joined Craigieburn, and Heath McKerchar has joined Hadfield.

Nolan is looking forward to seeing the continued development of the Under 19.5s who played in the last two Grand Finals.

"Last year, we played 10 kids who were still eligible for the Under 19s, and I will continue to promote these kids to give them opportunities," Nolan says.

Reigning RDFNL Rising Star award winner Nathan Fowler, Corey Grindlay (third in Senior best and fairest in 2018) Shaun Stewart and Paddy Mahoney (returns from Calder Cannons) will be the Rookies to watch.

Nolan has also been impressed with the pre-season form from captain Michael Mannix, midfielder Chris Barton and star Andrew Saladino on his return from injury.

Nolan is really excited about just how close the competition will be in 2019.
"Anyone in the top six can win the premiership. You just need to make the finals and anything can happen. That’s fantastic for the competition," Nolan says.

NETBALL

Wallan stunned the RDFNL in 2018 when it came from no-where to be one of the power-house teams of the competition under new coach Chris Cameron.

The Pies were slick, strong and showed a competitive edge to rise up the ladder.
They have added Chloe Coffin, Sidonie Moore and Katie Loader to the team and according to coach, Cameron, the trio will offer great experience.

Zoe Cransberg and Ella Woodman departed in the off-season.

"These girls will be missed and the door is always open (to come back)," Cameron says.

Katie Loader is one of the Rookies to watch in 2019.

"She will be exciting to watch and have as part of the team. She was recently named in the VIC State Under 19s development squad, and is going to be a great presence on court," Cameron says.

While Chloe and Sidonie are not rookies to the RDFNL, they are returning after sometime away and Cameron is really excited to see what they can do.

Cameron is looking forward to the season ahead with great promise.

" I’ve been really lucky to have the core group of girls from 2018 re-sigh this year. But also I’ve managed to sign three new players and it’s really exciting to have these girls come onboard and strengthen our squad. I’m really excited with my group this year. VNL impacted how we finished last year, and this year we know the league (better)and have filled our gaps. This group is hungry this year and they are determined," Cameron says.

Romsey is the team to watch this year with the addition of key shooter Rebecca Hicks and will play a different style of game. Macedon is another to watch out for.

" They have so much experience across the court and great youth. We always love coming up against them because they are very similar in their systems, structure and how we play," Cameron says.

 

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