Trevor Jackson
SOUTH Gambier is one Western Border football club to face heavy losses from its 2022 grand-final-losing side.
Brayden Kain is back at the helm as coach and is keen to promote juniors to bolster the numbers.
“On the back end of last year we lost a few players, but we have good talented young juniors coming through, so we will invest a bit of time into developing them in the next couple of years,” he said.
“That will probably see us step back from being as competitive as we were last year, but I think we will surprise a few as well.
“Some of the young fellows will find themselves with a bit more opportunity and I am sure they will grab it with both hands.
“It is certainly shaping up to be an exciting season.”
Missing from the list are Brodie Foster, Josh Woodall, Scott Enderl, Colby Munroe, Noah Sims, Adam Kuhl, Brodie Virgo, Todd Reid and Hamish Stevens.
Stevens is set to have a year off to make sure his body is right after a tough 2022.
“Overall there are about 10 or 11 players who had played seniors last year and about eight who had played in the grand final,” Kain said.
“That certainly leaves a hole in the team.”
Stepping up are several players from Under 18s, who had some time in the A Grade side last year.
The likes of Mitchell Sims, Liam Delaney, Mitchell Harrold, Jack Domaschenz and Lochie Thiele are all set to take on more of a senior role.
“They are certainly up to the challenge and the pace of it,” Kain said.
“They are certainly A Grade footballers and are talented enough, but haven’t had that experience.
“They have played 10 games or less, so it might take a while to develop them.”
The losses leave opportunities for not just the younger players, but also Reserves players who might have missed out last season.
That in in itself has created some excitement around the club, with a strong turnout on the training track testament to that.
“Last year we had a good Reserves side as well so we had mid-40s to 50s each week,” Kain said.
“This year we haven’t been far off that mark.
“Overall, including the Reserves, we have probably lost about 15 players from last year, but we have still been left with two competitive teams.”
The Demons will be put to the test first up with the Anzac Day clash against North Gambier to be played next Tuesday.
That is a game Kain said he looks forward to each year.
“We are exceptionally fortunate to be able to play on Anzac Day,” he said.
“I have always said it is the second-biggest game of the year after the grand final.
“It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to play on it and potentially it could be the last time we get the chance to play on it with what might happen with the league in the coming years.
“It is always early in the season and being the first game this year, you try to blow a few cobwebs out on a big stage like Anzac Day, so it could go either way.
“We are excited.”
