Blues face tough road trip as Mid Gippy footy kicks off

by Rob Popplestone
A grand final rematch will headline Mid Gippsland football when the new season kicks off on Saturday.
Thorpdale will face a tough road trip whilst Hill End will seek to secure its first win in 12 months.
Fish Creek v Newborough
The coaches will use this grand final rematch to see where their sides sit and where improvement is required.
Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker reported last year's premiers were excited for the year ahead, "with a number of local boys coming back to play their footy, bringing an injection of enthusiasm".
"After a whirlwind of emotions since grand final day last year, we are all super excited to get back on the field and court with the community down to support," Walker said.
Walker added Saturday would be a proud and emotional day, with the premiership flag unfurling in front of the Fish Creek faithful.
"With Newborough looking prime to be another strong force, it'll be great to test ourselves early in the season to see where we sit," he said. "With a few out from our grand final team - but then a number of inclusions - it will be interesting to see how we all play together."
Newborough coach Craig Skinner said the Bulldogs had a late start to the pre-season which finished with three practice matches.
"Lost a few and gained a few, and will be a slow build to the season for us," Skinner said. "Expecting this game to give us a good guide on where we are at and a starting point for our season."
MDU v Thorpdale
A battle between last year's third and fourth ranked sides, both coaches are expecting a tough game.
MDU coach Nathan Allen said the sides had two tight games last year, adding "both times they got us, including in the finals".
"It will be a great game straight up to see where we are at as a side," Allen said. "I'm really looking forward to getting out, putting in a good performance and aiming to build on what we achieved last season."
Thorpdale coach Jason Winderlich said heading down to South Gippsland to face MDU "is always a tough gig".
"We had two great contests against them last year and we expect this to be the same," Winderlich said. "Like always, the team who has 21 contributors will get the job done."
Hill End v Stony Creek
Coming off difficult seasons, the coaches will be simply looking for improvement - and wins!
Ambu Uliando has taken up the Hill End senior coaching role and aims "to get our first win in over 12 months in front of our home crowd".
"We will front a young side that is eager to get after it,"Uliando said. "Stony will be well drilled, with plenty of experienced senior players. I'm keen to see how our young side will go."
Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon aims to build on last year's performances, "and early wins are crucial"
"With a few new names added to our list this year, we will have better depth," Verboon said. "We have just finished our third practice match and will go into round one with good match fitness."
Yinnar v Toora
A new season will offer a fresh start for two teams who aim to bounce back.
Yinnar finished in seventh - just out of finals - and Toora found itself near the bottom of the table.
Yinnar coach Sam McCullogh said the club was excited about its young group, new recruits and experienced players ready to guide them along the way.
"We're looking forward to seeing where we are at in comparison to other teams," McCullough said, adding he felt hard work in the off-season "will hold us in good stead to compete all year."
"The group has jelled together very well to date, and feel we will improve the more we play together and adjust to our game plan," he said. "No doubt we will be in for a tough contest against Toora, given the fact they have put together a strong list."
Toora coach Jack Weston said early season games were hard to get a read on but "a new season always brings new hope".
"With numerous new players, we appreciate it will take some time to gel offensively," Weston said. "In the contest and defensively, I expect our players to bring effort regardless of the situation."
On Saturday's game, he expects Yinnar to bounce back after a tough run of injuries last year.
"Our round one contest will be a good test to see where we sit against a club who traditionally don't stay out of contention too often," Weston said.
Boolarra v Mirboo North
Having finished ninth and 10th last year, these two teams have new coaches and will be aiming for finals.
Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said "we have recruited some talent both from within and outside of the MGFNL".
"Although we have also lost a few, I feel we have done well and we hope that stands us in good stead for our first up clash against a respected opponent," Mason said.
Mirboo North coach Damien Turner said a clash with "our cross town rivals" was always a huge day.
"Boolarra has recruited some good names, so all the best to Brendan and his club for 2024," Turner said.
"Our boys have had a huge final month of pre-season and are ready to go," he added. "It's going to be exciting watching this list develop over season 2024 and beyond. They will bring great energy in offence and defence each week."
Foster v Morwell East
Having played finals, player availability and nerves will be high for these teams on Saturday.
Foster coach Sam Davies said round one was always interesting with school holidays, weddings and other events impacting player availability, noting "I'm not sure what our team will look like just yet". He predicted many phone calls ahead as well as "blooding some kids out of the 18s".
"I'll be asking the boys to just be competitive and have a crack," Davies said. "I watched East play their final last year and they should've won by five goals, so I'm sure they'll be primed after three practice matches and raring to go chasing some redemption."
Morwell East coach Paul Henry said "I'm nervous as ever before".
"The unknown coming into round one - are we fit enough, have we done enough?" Henry asked. "These questions will be answered...when we take on Foster away."
"We both played finals last year," he said. "I'm told they have recruited well, and so have we."
"We will be looking to bring exactly what we did last season - high pressure for four quarters," Henry added. "I know Foster will bring the same on their home turf. Would be great to start the season off the same way as last season."
Bye: Tarwin.