IN: Jackson Hourigan (Bonnie Doon), Alby Hill (Greta), Brady Purcell, Brayden Wapling, Rory Wapling, Bailey Davis, Jesse Walker, Regan Muliaina-Williams, Tom Levy, Chelton Orchard, David Button (Benalla), Dylan Sinclair.
OUT: Zac Amarant, Jack Doidge (Benalla).
An influx of young talent and smaller bodies will allow Benalla All Blacks to look to take the game on more in their return to Ovens and King Football League action this year.
“We're looking pretty young and there is plenty of energy out there. Blokes trying to prove themselves,” senior coach Nich Spencer said.
“We want to play an attacking and fast-pace game with the youth we have and a fair few smaller blokes coming into the side.
“Last year I would have said we'd look to slow it down and centre it up with some big bodies, but now we're going to try and take the game on more and play on where we can and get metres were we can.
“Without a doubt, our goal every year is to make finals, and I would say we should definitely get there.”
With a number of their young talent crossing from Benalla's under-18 program, Spencer said as many as three were senior-ready with the remaining looking to filter up throughout the season.
As for those already among the program, Spencer said blokes like reigning club best-and-fairest Sam Newton would continue to set the standard among the group.
“Sammy only takes about two weeks to get fit, he's going to have another big year I'd imagine,” Spencer said.
“And Trent Chapman has been the biggest difference so far in pre-season. He's lost 13kg and lifted his leadership and has a bit more confidence.”
NETBALL COACH: SAM BOCHTLER
A fresh coaching look at Benalla All Blacks heralds new beginnings for their netball program, as a return to finals action looms large for the Panthers.
With plenty of enthusiasm around the clubhouse, incoming A-grade coach Sam Bochtler said a big focus in pre-season had been on bringing its senior teams together to resemble one big playing squad.
“We've had great turnouts for our senior sides and everyone has been really keen and enthusiastic and putting in the effort to work on their fitness,” Bochtler said.
“All three senior teams are training together and we're also trying to do a few things outside netball, such as organising a big hike or a lunch, so everyone is included and welcomed and we can start to click.”
One player set to make a big impact in her first year at Friendlies Oval is Elizabeth Fuhrmeister, who has plenty of experience playing and coaching at Seymour and Nagambie.
“Liz is a great asset to our A-grade side. She keeps surprising me and her personality is fitting in really well here. It will be great to see how she goes this year,” Bochtler said.
And with pre-season matches against Mansfield And Violet Town on the cards, Bochtler said her squad would use the early hit-outs to position itself strongly ahead of round one.
“We love the idea of these practice matches, playing against the other girls, and it's going to be interesting to see how we match-up,” Bochtler said.
“We’re feeling confident in the teams and players we have. They're working really well together and there is really great flexibility within the team that players can come into multiple positions.
“It will be an opportunity to see what combinations work best and, hopefully, then we can go into our first match and win, which sets us up for the rest of the season.”
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