GRFNL Round 1 Preview

MOULAMEIN meets Murrabit in this Saturday’s start to the Golden Rivers Football Netball League’s senior footy season. 

It’s a new-look competition in ’23 following Nullawil’s move to the North Central FNL, and Quambatook folding. 

All of Saturday’s matches start at 2.25pm. 

After fighting its way from fourth at the end of the home and away series to finish runner-up in ’22, Moulamein will be aiming to grab the premiership cup this September. 

In last year’s grand final it was Beau Duggan-Hulands and Josh Flight who kicked three goals apiece for Moulamein against Nullawil. 

The Swans’ best were Heath Moloney, Matthew Moroney, Daniel Aarsman, Rodney Reeves, Zach Prentice and Beau Duggan-Hulands. 

Newcomers at Moulamein include Blake Azzopardi from Leitchville-Gunbower at centre half-forward; Zack Cockayne from Mathoura at half-back; Amos Farrell from Craigieburn in a forward pocket; Kaylem Hartley from Swan Hill. 

Nathan Buckley was named in a back pocket alongside Cody Storm. 

Murrabit has gained forward Cooper Williams from Quambatook; centre half-back Zak Hard, half-forwards Morgan Randall and Blake Watts from Koondrook Barham. 

Another newcomer for the Blues is centre half-forward Justin Davies from Violet Town. 

Hay takes on Ultima at Hay Recreation Reserve. 

Recruits for the Hay Lions include James Moran from Broken Hill; and the Waratah group of Luke Arandt, Dom Booth, Jack Cattanach, Will Clark and Tom Spence. 

Ultima went on a massive recruiting drive. 

Newcomers at the Kangaroos include Bailey Codling from Woorinen; Sam Coffey from Swan Hill; as well as Mitchell and Tyler Makepeace. 

Mitchell Seton-Stewart is Ultima’s captain. 

Wandella is at home to tackle Macorna. 

The Wandella Bombers have welcomed Lee Pollock from Leitchville-Gunbower; Brady Gillingham and Kyde Hodges, Jonty Taylor from Quambatook; and Marong premiership player Adam Ward. 

Recruits at Macorna include Nathan Orr, Ethan Stone and Ashley Waterson from Cohuna Kangas; and Jack Featherby from Tyntynder. 

Michael Roberts from Tooleybuc-Manangatang; and Jordan Simpson from Pyramid Hill will be keen to make an impact for the Tigers.