Hallora put call out for junior footballers

The Hallora Junior Football Club has put out a call for new players as they look to bounce back in 2023.
The club endured a tough season this year as they consistently struggled to field full teams for their under 10, 12 and 14 sides due to a lack of player numbers.
In particular, their under 10s had to make do for much of the year with just 11 players to choose from.
This meant that between their three teams, the club did not win a game for the year, and at times had to forfeit matches.
Club president Chris Wilson said while other clubs had been very generous with letting them borrow players during games and were extremely understanding, Hallora was looking to generate their own numbers to stand on their own two feet.
"It's mainly location that's our problem, because we're out away from a lot of major towns we sort of have to take kids from here there and everywhere," he said.
Mr Wilson also said Hallora's lack of a senior football side presented its own issues, as it meant the generational football families that other clubs enjoy simply aren't a possibility for them.
And, as the Warragul and District Junior Football League has expanded in recent years, Mr Wilson said "it's become a bit harder" to attract kids to the club.
"It's not anybody's fault, the league saw an opportunity to expand and took it which is great, but some of the teams that have come in have taken kids that might've played for us," he said.
The club is also keen to bring new players in to make use of the brand new facilities at their oval, including a new electronic scoreboard, improved drainage, new lights and goal posts, netting behind the posts as well as redeveloped changerooms. The aim is to have each of their teams being able to field a full side, or as close to it, on a weekly basis.
"We've got these great new facilities but we want to be able to make sure they get used," Mr Wilson said.
Despite the tough times faced this season, Mr Wilson said the attitude of the kids that were playing couldn't be faulted.
"They've been fantastic. The kids just showed up week after week with a smile on their faces."
Despite its struggles this season, the club has in the past produced players that have gone on to play the sport at the highest level. Dale Thomas, who played for Collingwood and Carlton, began his junior career at the club, while more recently Jai Newcombe has starred for Hawthorn.