Pictured -:
1. 2015 Grand Final action with Jake Bruce flying for the mark.
2. 2015 A Grade Premiers - Central Eyre
3. 2015 B Grade Premiers - Wirrulla
4. 2015 Colts Premiers - Wudinna United
The smell of liniment is in the air! Mid West 2016 season starts 16 April with all clubs looking forward with hope and expectation.
2015 saw the Bulldogs realise their potential with a savage bite to the previously undefeated high flying Hawks in the Grand Final, at the Hawks Nest no less! – Streaky Bay. Always it is hard work to get to the top but even harder to stay there! The Hawks for their part only see two possible finishes to a football season, a Premiership or somewhere else! What an opportunity for atonement 2016 brings with the Grand Final at Warramboo, the Bulldog Kennel!
Big challengers last year in the Wirrulla Bombers. Looked good all the way, but some injury worries took their toll late, they will be eager to continue their rise up the ladder. Wudinna United Magpies back in the finals 2015, young team and improving, they will look to maintain momentum. Western District Tigers, missed the finals narrowly in 2015, personnel changes this year, but work to a team oriented game plan and always a threat. Elliston Roosters a last place finish in 2015, disappointing start last year but were competitive and improved through the year. An impressive list of recruits this year though, a history of last to first bounces from season to season, so is 2016 an up year?
BOOM recruits across the League in 2016, including some old favourites. Key player losses for some, and those youngsters with that extra year under their belt, how good will they become?
Having a look club by club
Central Eyre – The Bulldogs
Coach 2016 Wade O Brien
Summary of Inward Transfers for 2016 (as at 13 April 2016)
Fitzgerald
|
Zac
|
Brinkworth Spalding Redhill
|
Fitzgerald
|
Tasman
|
Brinkworth Spalding Redhill
|
Dearman
|
Josh
|
Lock
|
Habner
|
Ty
|
United Yeelana
|
Joyce
|
Jackson
|
Kimba Districts
|
Roe
|
Sheridan
|
Wirrulla
|
Teate
|
Hugh
|
Hectorville
|
Smith
|
Shad
|
Western Districts
|
Lush
|
Lyall
|
Western Districts
|
Kwaterski
|
Daniel
|
South Whyalla
|
May
|
Chandler
|
Tea Tree Gully JFC
|
Summary of Outward Transfers for 2016 (as at 13 April 2016)
Stringer
|
Mackenzie
|
Tea Tree Gully
|
Mc Comb
|
Brett
|
Southern Flinders
|
Pretty hard not to be impressed by the barnstorming finish to 2015, a premiership three years in the making and a huge relief to the ‘dog brains trust.
Brett Mc Comb will be missed, either in the ruck or run from half back but an outstanding list of ins to a team already primed to defend their top billing. Zac and Tasman Fitzgerald back home, both spending time at the Woodville West Torrens Eagles prior to BSR. Tall options either forward or back, although Tasman only here for part of the year before heading offshore. Jackson Joyce and Daniel Kwaterski will provide run and Josh Dearman and Ty Habner a good pick ups from Lock and United Yeelana. Shad Smith from the Tigers, has shown promise at Elliston and Wirrulla also in the past, so will play for his 4th Mid West club.
Fast running and dominating mid field, Jared Sampson, Jake Sampson, Jesse Stringer, Jake Bruce are exceptional players, evergreen Kane Sampson winning the key backline roles in his later years, almost being reborn as an attacking defender, Ty Mc Kenna also highly flexible to where he plays best, providing plenty for the Bulldog faithful to cheer about in the Grand Final. Wade O Brien may have the luxury for more bench time to run proceedings, but he shouldn’t kid himself that he is not a very key part of the playing group still!
The ‘Dogs are good on every line and score prolifically when in full flight, which is often! Given injuries under control, they will be again barking at the business end of the season, will start the season as the team to beat.
West Coast Hawks – The Hawks
Coach 2016 Paul Evans
Summary of Inward Transfers for 2016 (as at 13 April 2016)
Dolling
|
Mark
|
Paskeville
|
Montgomerie
|
Scott
|
Wayback
|
Brands
|
Hayden
|
Western Districts
|
Summary of Outward Transfers for 2016 (as at 13 April 2016)
Flaherty
|
Mark
|
Mitchell Park
|
Gilmore
|
Jaxon
|
Seaton Ramblers
|
Galliver
|
Jaxon
|
Jamestown- Peterborough
|
Montgomerie
|
Cameron
|
Burra Booborowie Hallett
|
Mc Innis
|
Joseph
|
Burra Booborowie Hallett
|
Cash
|
Thomas
|
Western Districts
|
Ouch! The proud Hawks had their colours lowered at home in the Grand Final 2015, but it should not be overlooked that this was their one and only loss for the past 21 games, going back to a narrow miss to Western Districts 2 August 2014. Along the way they have laid waste to many sides and displayed a well structured team oriented style of play, very easy to enjoy watching. Paul Evans is well experienced at higher levels, look for a quick rebound very early this season.
Huge in, Mark Dolling, a best and fairest at Port Adelaide Magpies, leading their Magarey Medal count, Great Flinders star and originally from Ramblers. Mail Medallist in the Yorke Peninsula League 2014, his impressive credentials could fill the entire article. He will add to a strong list. Scott Montgomerie coming home will be a valuable pick up providing strength and flexibility for coach Evans.
Joe Mc Innis will be missed, a hard runner and regular goal kicker, along with Cameron Montgomerie, probably Hawks best in the 2015 Grand Final, but dont be surprised to see him back at some point.
Dale Montgomerie will be back to full steam in 2016 after an illness enforced slower start in 2015, deserved Mail Medallist Dillon Montgomerie, Nick Schumann, Dylan Kelsh will lead the midfield again. Strong rebound backline with Tyson Montgomerie, Damien Johnson, Derick Freeman and an opportunity to divert away from serious wedding planning by speedster Kirk Montgomerie.
Big incentive to right past wrongs at Warramboo in the 2016 Grand Final, so expect nothing less than a total commitment to the cause along the way, the Hawks will once again pace set the year
Wirrulla – The Bombers
Coach 2016 Troy Olsen
Summary of Inward Transfers for 2016 (as at 13 April 2016)
Norman
|
Lachlan
|
Blues FWFL
|
Mastrangelo
|
Reegan
|
Blues FWFL
|
Swaffer
|
Daniel
|
Blues FWFL
|
Pedler
|
Joseph
|
Old Ignatians
|
Mortimer
|
Clint
|
Tumby Bay
|
Summary of Outward Transfers for 2016 (as at 13 April 2016)
Braendler
|
Adam
|
Thevenard
|
Roe
|
Sheridan
|
Central Eyre
|
Mc Donald
|
Riley
|
Balaklava
|
Kessell
|
Sam
|
Henley
|
Parker
|
Cameron
|
Western Districts
|
Club, League, Zone and SANFL past player and legend Troy Olsen takes the reigns for his first year coaching. In Mid West, probably there has never been a player more competitive or commanded the presence and respect of Troy, with many an opponent a story to tell of their match up, that day against Big Red. He will expect very much the heart and soul of his players, just as he gave himself.
Wirrulla made way up the ladder in 2015 and played many impressive games along the way, so they will be looking for this to continue. No doubt Adam Braendler will be missed, as will Riley Mc Donald. Another Boom recruit in Joe Pedler, originally another from Ramblers, most will remember his leading goal kicker performance at last years Mortlock, being a leader in the EP Shark Warriors. He may not play all games but will provide high marking strength and leadership when available.
Jarden Stoetzer looms large again in 2016, and hoping that hamstring issues are behind him. Wirrulla boast some terrific performers over the years, Simon Webb, Jason Henderson, Evan Whillas, Andrew Bitmead. The Haynes brothers, Paully and Shannon settled well into Bomberland in 2015 and will be looked at for a big 2016. Young Lachlan Ross played a great 2015, he will be looked to for ongoing drive from half back in 2016.
Wrrulla beat the eventual premiers Central Eyre last year and play well against them very regularly, but have fallen prey to the Hawks too often. Fix that issue up and they will challenge for higher honours. Not afraid of hard balls and aerial strength over the ground. Expecting the Bombers to provide another strong showing in 2016 Crowd support eminating from the Hangar is like the 19th man from another (in?)famous South Australian club!
Wudinna United – The Magpies
Coach 2016 Heath (Henry) Zwar
Summary of Inward Transfers for 2016 (as at 13 April 2016)
Tree
|
Tyson
|
Elliston
|
Pahl
|
Harley
|
Kimba Districts
|
Kerr
|
Lachlan
|
Monash Gryphons (Victoria)
|
Pecina
|
Jake
|
Western Districts
|
Summary of Outward Transfers for 2016 (as at 13 April 2016)
Wilkins
|
Jack
|
Prince Alfred OC
|
Jericho
|
Ian
|
Wayback
|
Impressive year in 2015, particularly early where the cunning old fox coach Henry Zwar changed the game style for a greater emphasis on valuing possession and where it goes next! Hidden from the ins and outs is the fact that quite a few young guns are at Adelaide College and will play sporadically when available/ released from Adelaide duty.
Tyson Tree is a big in and will provide on ball bite, comfortable playing on talls or running positions. Harley Pahl and Lachlan Kerr have impressed early and will slot into the side.
Darryl Marshall relished the move back last year providing a regular heart ache to opposition forwards and midfields as he read incoming play to aplomb. Coach Zwar leads from the front, hard and courageous, and a flair for the big mark for the crowd! Youngsters looking for big years include Harry Petty (Adelaide), Fraser Douglass (Adelaide), Ian Jerichi, Sam Buckham, Adam Jericho and Hugh Walker. Remi North is primed for a big year in the midfield, looking very much like a Terminator after summer in the gym! The side will need to generate more scoring opportunities to match the leaders, this will be under consideration no doubt.
Neil Seaman and Dallas Waters are team leaders, hard ball winners Matt Greatbatch and Tyson Jackson with the legend Ryan DuBois secretly scorching the grass at training, the Magpies will again be competitive. They will look to continue finals involvement, and who knows from there.
Western Districts – The Tigers
Coach 2016 Scott Feltus
Summary of Inward Transfers for 2016 (as at 13 April 2016)
Lennell
|
Tobyn
|
Lincoln South
|
Syvertsen
|
Ryan
|
Cummins Kapinnie
|
Blewit
|
Dylan
|
Lincoln South
|
Whitehair
|
Tom
|
Boston
|
Vandenbroek
|
Jordan
|
Kimba Districts
|
Trezise
|
Dillan
|
Cummins Kapinnie
|
Cash
|
Thomas
|
West Coast Hawks
|
Lee
|
Thomas
|
Eastern Ranges
|
Lynch
|
Ryan
|
Forest Districts AFC
|
Tabaka
|
Joshua
|
Elliston
|
Parker
|
Cameron
|
Wirrulla
|
Summary of Outward Transfers for 2016 (as at 13 April 2016)
Williams
|
Charlie
|
Blues FWFL
|
Williams
|
Chris
|
Blues FWFL
|
Williams
|
Joseph
|
Blues FWFL
|
Hedley-King
|
Bradyn
|
Thevenard
|
Stoetzer
|
Matt
|
Lincoln South
|
Richards
|
Jordan
|
Jervois
|
Hull
|
Kirk
|
Westminster OS
|
Wakefield
|
Sam
|
Central Broken Hill
|
Brands
|
Hayden
|
West Coast Hawks
|
Smith
|
Shad
|
Central Eyre
|
Lush
|
Lyall
|
Central Eyre
|
Pecina
|
Jake
|
Wudinna United
|
Garrett
|
Mitchell
|
Boston
|
Feltus
|
Wade
|
Hornridge
|
No club has encountered the player turnover that the Tigers are facing. Not included here are in of Jamie Sellen and Kieren Vermuelen likely to play early season. This in itself is a challenge as new players take up the game plan and fit into the team. Always calm and calculating, coach Scott Feltus is a student of the game, none more decorated as a player, but his ability to get the best from his charges is magnificent. They lost most of the close ones last year which was the difference between the early exit or playing on in finals.
Will miss the Williams brothers and Braydn Hedley-King, all heading to the Far West FL.
Scott Feltus himself leads by example, the years haven’t dimmed his ball winning ability and sheer creativity. Shannon Horgan, Jerel Fromm, Brodie Falciani, Jesse Hull are class units and will form the backbone again. Thomas Lee coming home, Cameron Parker will provide the sharp shooting ability that they have lacked in the past. Kade Hood shoulders plenty and plays with enormous heart, Zane Montgomerie one of the success stories for 2015 as a defender and Damon King stepping up as a strong utility player.
The Tigers play a well disciplined team game style, and are the masters of defence. They too must find more avenues to goal, if they can do that, they will challenge for finals. The club must look for a fast start as could be challenged if injuries accrue during the season, but they do boast talent, and play their home grounds well.
Elliston – The Roosters
Coach 2016 Christian Weetra
Summary of Inward Transfers for 2016 (as at 13 April 2016)
Tiller
|
Kane
|
Lock
|
Newton
|
Jordan
|
Olympic Dam
|
Rumbelow
|
Tom
|
Blyth Snowtown
|
Ryan
|
Tristan
|
Tasman
|
Pearce
|
Douglas
|
Lock
|
Hurrell
|
Adam
|
United FC
|
Little
|
Aaron
|
United Yeelana
|
Summary of Outward Transfers for 2016 (as at 13 April 2016)
Hamlyn
|
Mitchell
|
Tumby Bay
|
Jelinek
|
Liam
|
University Hawks AFC
|
Sladdin
|
Lachlan
|
Morphettville Park
|
Phillips
|
Troy
|
United Yeelana
|
Tree
|
Tyson
|
Wudinna United
|
Green
|
Adam
|
Cummins Kapinie
|
Smith
|
Nathan
|
Eastern Ranges
|
Tabaka
|
Joshua
|
Western Districts
|
Forever the enigma, Elliston supporters enjoy a wild ride, not unlike the Buzz Saw rollercoaster. Swings from the bottom to the top are quick, and vice versa. How’s this for a form guide-:
2011 Last
2012 Premiers
2013 Second Last
2014 Third (missing the Grand Final by only a whisker)
2015 Last.
2016 ?
So 2016 is the patterned upswing.
Christian Weetra takes over the coaching reigns from Chad Fleming. Christian has been a wonderful player over many years for the Roosters, knows how the club works and is likely to have great support amongst his charges.
The inward list is impressive, Tom Rumbelow back, one of the best players ever in Mid West, a big call but big time player! Plays at his best in his favourite red and white. Adam Hurrell back when not on Port Adelaide Academy duty, as he has retained ties there, Kane Tiller, excellent run from half back, Jordan Newton, a famous Rooster football family and another with match winning potential.
Add to this Jay Williams fresh from State Country duty at Adelaide Oval, sneakily getting in match practice ahead of everyone else. Rob Pickett, Lachlan Custance, Jake Matthews will be others looked to for big years and the Roosters may well be up and about again this year.
They play their home ground well, and need to win enough travel games, no one travels further on EP than Elliston FC. The Rooster football can be fast and adrenaline filled, six to eight goal bursts in ten minutes of football wins games for them, as they rise as one. Always impress early in the season, look out the Hawks round one!
If they establish a finals spot, the Roosters are very dangerous, as demonstrated in 2012 and again in 2014.
Good Luck to all clubs and teams as they embark on their 2016 campaign in all grades. Remember that football is a game that we love and is to be enjoyed by all, so support your team, but also respect the opposition, umpires, officials, and volunteers.
Remember all results for the season will be available on this website, including ladders and goal kickers, with the occasional opinion here and there too!
Last Modified on 14/04/2016 10:53