LUCKNOW
2024 position: Runners-up (13 wins)
Coaching panel: Shaun Mooney (senior coach), Chris Johnson (reserves coach) and Tim Keyte (thirds coach).
Vibe check: High hopes after going so close in 2024 with the additions outweighing the losses. Primed after a pre-season hitout with strong North Gippsland outfit Woodside.
Ins: Corey Pescod (Lindenow South), Jordan Ray (Paynesville), Link McKenna, Matthew Corbett, Campbell Moresi (all Bairnsdale), Reece Perkins and Reuben O’Brien (returned).
Outs: Connor McAuliffe (Fitzroy), Jackson Smith (North Beach), Josh Carroll (Paynesville), Bryce Yeates (retired) and Dallas Smith (travelling)
Game style: Similar to last year but will look at some positional changes early in the season. Will still rely on team defence and consistency.
Players to watch: The younger core group has impressed in the pre-season, Jack Saulle, Jack Kennedy, Stevie Bertino and Nick Mooney. Jake Richards is flying and set for big season.
Wildcard: Bayley Croucher, fit and ready to live up to his enormous potential. Could blossom in a forward set up without the Smiths.
Expectations: “We are going to continue to enjoy the environment we have set up here, be hard to play against and improve on last year,” coach Shaun Mooney said.
Analysis: Look the obvious danger to last year’s grand final opponent Boisdale-Briagolong. Corbett, McKenna and Moresi are huge ins, as will be a fit and hungry Nick George mid season. Dangerous if the Magpies can find some genuine forwards and get it in quickly to them.
