It was a highly successful formula of having a trio of senior coaches in 2022 which led to the 32-year-premiership drought being broken.
Senior premiership non-playing coach Rohan Davies and playing coach Jackson Gash were re-appointed, while playing coach Bodhi Butts decided to step down from his playing coach role and remain as a player.
The Reserves will again be coached by Lachie Orr and assistant Nathan Beasley. Thirds coach Mark House and Fourths coach were also re-appointed.
Co-captains of the seniors for season 2023 will be Dylan McNamara and Lachlan Rouel, with Matt Gorman as vice-captain.
“Our leaders at the club want high standards and commitment, and this can be player-driven on the training track through our captain leadership as well as coaches,” Davies said.
Recruits for season 2023 include tall key position player from Yarrawonga Jackson Meade, Yarrawonga’s Under 18 best and fairest last season, onballer Oscar Elliott who’s “as fit as a Mallee Bull” according to club football manager Dale Ferguson, forward/midfield Harley Middleton from Berrigan and onballer Zach Scott back from Tungamah.
Losses include Dylan Robinson off to Tungamah, and premiership players Jamie Smith, Sean Johns, Cam Magher and Ben Clarke.
“Dylan played over 250 games with us and was unlucky not to play in this year’s grand-final,” Ferguson said. “He has provided great service and we wish him all the best, along with the other departures. Jamie’s wife has just had their second baby and decided to stay in Melbourne – he was terrific for us.”
Davies acknowledged that Smith will be a big loss after recruiting him for his sole season at Lion land. “But the development of Owen Conway has exceeded our expectations and anyway, I believe we had the best two ruckmen in the league last season.
“The club was very appreciative of Jamie. He is a Mulwala legend and left on good terms.
“Pre-season has been fantastic. There have been good numbers. I’m finding it easier this pre-season (with the non-playing and playing coach situation) as players understand more and know what to expect from us. The standard’s been through the roof.”
The only injury has been to the recruitment manager. Whilst doing his own pre-season, he unsuccessfully tried to jump a gate and had a large number of stitches in his lower left leg.
When asked about this year’s prospects, Davies responded: “Like last year I was overwhelmingly confident we would go well. In my opinion I thought we’d be right up there and with a bit of luck – and everyone team needs a bit of luck – we could go all the way. I’m confident again. It’s up to other sides to come after us.”
Club president Chris McNamara is excited watching pre-season. “I’m looking forward to the season. The boys are fit and training very well,” Yarrawonga’s 1989 premiership player said. “We’re looking forward to having another crack.” Pre-season training resumes on Thursday, January 12.
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