Local observers — in particular, those within the Magpie army — were treated to a double delight in last year’s epic AFL Grand Final as Euroa export Jamie Elliott and Tallygaroopna’s Steele Sidebottom lifted the cup for Collingwood, the latter having kicked what proved to be the sealer.
While there will be no repeat for the black-and-white in season 2024 after the Magpies missed the top eight by percentage, there will be more local flavour yet.
Invergordon export Lachie Ash is among those flying the Goulburn Valley flag — and not a moment too soon after missing his GWS Giants’ final-round meeting with the Western Bulldogs through suspension.
The former Shepparton and Notre Bears junior also happens to bring up his 100th career game when the Giants meet cross-town rivals and minor premiers the Sydney Swans in a Saturday afternoon qualifying final at the SCG.
Ash has arguably enjoyed his finest statistical year to date despite only playing 17 games thus far in 2024, racking up 20.8 disposals, 9.9 pressure acts and 5.6 marks per outing.
Echuca export Brodie Kemp is another former local who could have plenty of say in Carlton’s fortunes following a close-run eighth-placed finish.
It’s been something of a whirlwind month for the key defender and one-time Murray Bomber, deployed in attack for the Blues’ final two games against West Coast and St Kilda following injuries involving the club’s tall stocks.
Ever-present Mooroopna native Laitham Vandermeer, who notched his 50th AFL game at the Western Bulldogs earlier this year, has featured in every senior contest and should be involved in an elimination final between two of the competition’s form sides against Hawthorn on Friday night.
Speaking of Hawthorn, Benalla product Harry Morrison has been in and out of the Hawks side this year but played in their last three games, all resounding wins, and he should suit up in the brown-and-gold alongside Jarman Impey of Shepparton and Shepparton Swans.
Port Adelaide might be the most prolific home for Goulburn Valley originals out of the contending sides, though, with Todd Marshall (Deniliquin), Esava Ratugolea (Cobram) and 2021 Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines (Echuca) all gearing up for a crunch Thursday night qualifying final with Geelong.
Meanwhile, 11 Goulburn Valley women came into the 2024 season, which kicked off last weekend, on an AFLW list with six featuring in round one action.
Shepparton’s Angela Foley (Adelaide) and Grace Egan (Richmond), United’s Keeley Skepper (Carlton), Mansfield’s Bonnie Toogood (Essendon), Benalla’s Rebecca Webster and Kyabram’s Julia Crockett-Grills (both Geelong) have started the new season playing senior football.
Unfortunately, one of the more high-profile local representatives in Essendon’s co-captain Toogood suffered a medium-grade knee injury that will see her miss a large chunk of the year.
The news came out of Essendon’s round one defeat to Fremantle after a horror friendly-fire collision with fellow Bomber Amber Clarke, which left her teenage teammate concussed and requiring a stretcher.
Essendon head of medical services Megan Smith forecasted a six to eight-week recovery period for Toogood.
“It’s extremely unfortunate for Bonnie and Amber to have to spend time on the sidelines,” Smith said.
“The incident was a heavy clash between the two players, with both showing extreme commitment to the ball.
“While we are disappointed that Bonnie will be out for a significant part of the season, we are relieved that there is no damage to her ACL.
“Bonnie will commence rehab with the aim of returning later in the year.”
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