James Murphy
CASTERTON Sandford has been in the limelight across the football and netball off-season as discussions rage on around league changes in the South East.
However, with the 2023 Western Border Football League season upon us, the Cats are ready to focus purely on the game at hand.
Kane Forbes remains at the helm as head coach and he believed his Cats were “tracking along pretty well”.
There has been some movement of players over the off-season which include heavy losses from the top-end talent.
Billy Galpin, Ed Pritchard and Jack Thompson have all moved on, but it is not all bad news at Island Park.
The Cats have picked up some stars, which includes 2022 Mid South East premiership player and leading goal kicker Michael Krieger.
Forbes said the recruitment of Krieger was “massive”.
“We have also picked up another fella by the name of Jarrod O’Brien who has played a little bit through SANFL and played for (Hamilton) in South West Districts,” he said.
“He has won a Hampden medal and is a pretty handy player.”
A list of returning “ex-locals” will bolster the list further with Forbes noting Conan Devereux, Kai Schembri and Luke Kelson as three to watch.
He said spectators could also expect some junior talent to be showcased in the senior side again.
“All in all, we will hopefully be a pretty well-rounded side,” Forbes said.
The Cats should boast an impressive forward line, with Krieger entering the squad off a 92-goal effort for Kalangadoo last season.
He joins Alistair McCrae up front, who proved prolific up forward despite playing only half a season.
As such it is no surprise the Cats will adopt a more attacking brand of football in 2023.
“Our in-and-under game is pretty strong and we are not going to tinker with that defensive side too much, but we are looking to hit the scoreboard more frequently,” Forbes said.
“We are looking to get really attacking and really offensive.
“All through the preseason our drills and discussions have been on how we move the ball offensively.
“With the targets we have down there, if we get it in often enough, we are going to be a real handful.”
Outside of the experienced personnel, Casterton Sandford will again rely on some junior talent to fill the ranks.
“There are a couple of younger kids who I am excited to see continue to develop,” Forbes said.
“Cory Wombwell is one and he has had a fantastic preseason.
“He is going to get some time in the midfield.
“Elwood Geary is only a 15 year old, but he will be a mainstay in the side.
“Then there are some more exciting young kids who will get some games throughout the year.”
The ultimate goal is obviously to win premierships but after finishing a close fifth last year the Cats will be all the more determined to push into the post season.
“Last year we had some goals and that was to make the finals,” Forbes said.
“Obviously we just missed out.
“I guess in terms of small milestones, that is the one.
“We want to be at the pointy end – we are not here to make up the numbers.”
The Cats will face a test to open their season when they visit West Gambier.
“Talk of the street is they have recruited really well and could be one of the sides to beat,” Forbes said.
“It is a really good measuring stick from our point of view.
“We have our work cut out for us, but we are excited by the challenge.”
