WHILE the Mallee Football League is continuing on an upward path which started three years ago, the Central Murray Football Netball League is looking to establish itself as a powerhouse in Victorian country football.
A heavy defeat at the hands of Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League last season sparked action from the CMFNL, which has reviewed its approach to interleague over the last 12 months.
The first priority for coach Shane Guerra was to create a more transparent selection process.
The CMFNL has long expressed a reluctance to seriously entertain the idea of making interleague representation compulsory.
Guerra said last week anyone who did not wish to play didn’t have to but he wanted them to be honest with selectors.
“We’ve had a good response that started with the match committee. [The prestige of interleague] is not what it used to be, and not what it should be,” he said.
Now 24 hours out from the game, league manager Scott Wishart said the final week’s build up had gone mostly according to plan.
“It’s all been going really well. We’ve got good numbers along to training,” he said.
“There have been a few injury troubles in the last week or so but we should have a very competitive team tomorrow.”
Wishart said those that take to the field for the CMFNL were genuinely enthusiastic.
“The players have been great. The ones that have put their hands up are really keen and we’ve had a lot more support from the clubs this year,” he said.
“Jumbo [Shane Guerra] said right from the start he didn’t want guys forced to play. He wanted to work with the guys who were really keen to play at that higher level.”
The Central Murray side would be one suited to the expanses of the showgrounds, Wishart said.
“There will be plenty of runners in the team so we’ll look for quick ball movement,” he said.
Playing Mallee Football League provided more interest in the contest, Wishart said.
“You always want to be more competitive against your neighbours. These are the guys you see down the street and when you’re out working — to have bragging rights is always nice,” he said.
“Fingers crossed we get a good crowd. We hope to see everyone there.”
