It’s almost unanimous – Kerang are the team to beat in 2024.
At least that’s the opinion of those in the know, with nine of the eleven Central Murray senior coaches suggesting that the Blues are the team most likely to make the grand final this season.
But while Kerang without question deserve their place at the top of the Central Murray totem pole, it’s expected that they won’t get things all their own way, with several challengers set to emerge.
After fighting neck and neck throughout 2023, Balranald would appear well-placed to go one step further than last season.
Having gone so close to becoming a Balranald premiership coach – and emulating his father, Merv, in the process – there’s little doubt that Jydon Neagle will have his side primed and ready to right the wrongs of last year. Thankfully, they won’t have to wait long, with a hostile environment set to await the Blues at Greenham Park next Saturday in an opening round grand final rematch.
It won’t just be Kerang and Balranald who fancy their chances this season however, with fellow finalists Nyah-Nyah West United and Woorinen also improving their playing lists over the off season.
The recruitment of Brandyn Grenfell has certainly given the Demons cause for hope and excitement, having kicked an incredible 264 goals over the past two seasons for Marong in the Loddon Valley FNL.
It’s a similar story at Tigerland as well, with the return of Arnold Kirby, Tom Langford, Josh Stone and Clayton McCartney giving the yellow and black army dreams of returning to their premiership years.
Speaking of returning past glories, could it be either the Mallee Eagles or Cohuna Kangas who make the leap into the top five? Or even break their longstanding premiership droughts? Both clubs have recruited heavily under new leadership, with the former Golden Square gun midfielder Jack Geary taking over as coach of the Kangas, while Harry Allen and Brent MacLeod will share the role of senior coach at Lalbert.
The other surprise packets could come from old rivals Swan Hill and Tyntynder, with the two clubs hoping their big name recruits fire and push them up the ladder in 2024.
Having lost Matthew Wade and Xavier Moloney, the Swans have wasted no time in finding replacements, with former AFL onballer Jimmy Toumpas joining new coach Michael Herlihy in pulling on the maroon and white this season. It’s a similar story for the Bulldogs, with gun forward Jayden Magro expected to breath new life into the kennel, along with the return of favourite son Marcus Wattie.
While Tooleybuc-Manangatang, Lake Boga and Koondrook-Barham find themselves at a different points in each clubs development, don’t expect them to be pushovers either, with all three clubs set to be competitive providing they keep their best players on the park.
Season 2024 really is anyone’s to win – and surely shapes as one of the most exciting Central Murray seasons in recent memory.
