Wandella
AFTER a disappointing 2023 season, Wandella are champing at the bit to get back on course and return to finals football this year.
Having sat at the helm for two seasons, Logan Keighran will hand over the reins to midfielder Adam Ward and returning Wandella son Justin Robinson.
Robinson said it was “great to be back,” as he returns after four seasons with Irymple, and brings with him another Robinson and a four-time premiership player, Troy.
It’s those experienced players who will be crucial in bringing through some of the impressive junior talent the club has fostered.
“Our younger players are coming through from some successful years in the juniors, so they know what it takes to win those games,” Robinson said.
“We’re hoping to bring through some more of our youth, but not too much.
“In starting the senior football, they can also inspire some of the older blokes who haven’t tasted success for a number of years.
On top of the returning faces, a couple of fresh faces have Bombers fans keenly awaiting the opening round.
A key part of Irymple’s recent success, dynamic midfielder John Cooper brings his freakish ability to find space to the Bombers.
Marius Clarke joins the club from Darwin’s St Mary’s and has great lineage, being the brother of former AFL footballer’s Raphael and Xavier Clarke.
His addition will be supported by ex-Chirnside Park youngster Connor Wilson; the 20-year-old midfielder set to add another pacey option to an already blistering midfield.
The Bombers will need a key-forward to step up this year and help them hit the scoreboard more consistently, if the side are to turn their close defeats into wins.
Young gun Laing Waddingham made his senior debut last season, and has shown the ability to kick goals; he could make up part of that added scoring threat.
While it may sound easier said than done, the goal is simple for Wandella’s coaches this year; Make the finals, then it’s anybody’s game.
“The last couple of seasons have shown that anyone can win,” Robinson said.
“With only six sides, you just have to get into the finals, and anything could happen.”
Ins: John Cooper (Irymple), Troy Robinson (Therry Penola), Justin Robinson (Irymple) Connor Wilson (Chirnside Park), Marius Clarke (St Mary’s Darwin), Nathan Boysen (Kerang).
Outs: Mitch Collins (Sunbury), Jake McGee (Mallee Eagles) Ricky Cathie (Newbridge), Bradley Delamare (Pyramid Hill), Timmins, Corey Walters.
From the coach: Justin Robinson
“We’ve really got that determination to get back into the finals, then you’ve really got a chance to go the whole way.
We’re hoping to bring through some more of our youth, but not too much.
What might have seemed like a bit of a slow recruiting season has quickly turned into a pretty strong group of new players.
We’re hoping that our senior group will be that nice mix of some younger blokes surrounded by some experienced heads.”
KEY PLAYER: Russell Rich.
Last year’s EG Hunt medallist has become the focal point of Wandella’s engine room since joining in 2018.
A contested beast, he loves to get his head over the football and feed it to the outside.
The determination and experience to stamp his authority on a game; When Rich is on, so are Wandella.
Clearly made the right decision to return from retirement before the 2023 season.
