NORTH Gambier coach Justin McConnell and captain Brad Stafford (pictured) will lead a similar lineup to the 2019 Western Border premiership team into the upcoming Limestone Coast combined football competition.
The new league combines teams from the WBFL, Mid South Eastern and Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara leagues which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The season is due to kick off on July 18, with the six teams – North, East Gambier, South Gambier, Kalangadoo, Mundulla and Kybybolite – all hard at work to prepare for the unprecedented competition.
As the reigning WBFL premiers, the Tigers would certainly have a target on their backs, but will also face MSEFL premier Kalangadoo and KNTFL premier Mundulla in what promises to be an exciting, but short season.
North coach Justin McConnell said the whole club looked forward to the season, with no shortage of senior players ready to take up the challenge.
“It is really positive and exciting for all our playing group,” he said.
“I suppose one of the main motivation triggers for us is to get the opportunity to play against some other really good, strong clubs and test ourselves against some of the better teams in the whole of the Limestone Coast.
“That was probably a challenge our group was looking forward to and is ready for.”
It has been suggested there are plenty of players left without a game from other teams not competing, but the Tigers are keen to go with their current list.
McConnell said the core group of last year’s premiership-winning side was still in tact, with around 30 committed players ready to pull on the back and yellow at the A-Grade level.
“We have had so many guys who have done the work over the pre-season and have been committed the whole time through,” he said.
“Even when we were not allowed to train together they continued their own programs and are keen and fit.
“We would have 30-odd really committed players, so we want to back those guys in.
“We are happy with our list.”
McConnell said to face the premiers of the other two leagues was a challenge his players were up for.
“One of the benefits of this competition is it pits the premiers of each league against each other,” he said.
“I think that will add really good interest to the competition and I know it is something our guys have really pencilled in to be at their best for those games.”
McConnell said there was plenty of talk at training sessions about the other sides, with his players looking to take in as much information as they could.
He said the competition would provide a real gauge of where each league stands, rather than the straight interleague clashes of the past.
He also noted the buy-in and willingness to work together from the three leagues and the six clubs, which he said was pleasing to see.
“I think everyone is desperate to play footy and it will be good to see some strong clubs go at it,” McConnell said.
“Most of the coaches have been talking about how we can make it work and most clubs have been flexible, wanting to make it happen.
“We do not care where we play – we will play anywhere to get it off the ground and to try to make it work.”
As a stand-alone competition McConnell said it was important in the scheme of things at the moment, with the recent past a tough time for many people in the region.
“I think it is pivotal for so many aspects of people’s lives,” he said.
“It is great, first and foremost to get the clubs back open, the revenue back in there.
“But also for guys who are in that sweet spot of their career, in their mid-20s, who do not want to waste a season and really want to get back and play, to get together and test ourselves.
“I have probably been a little bit taken aback by how desperate they are to get out there with their mates.”
