TYNTYNDER
PROFILE
A CHANGE of coach and an influx of talent has the Tyntynder faithful hoping a return to finals football is on the cards.
After breaking an eight-season finals drought in 2022, last season was one to forget for the Bulldogs, with injuries and a drop in form to key players knocking them not only out of the top five, but down to a 4-12 win-loss record.
With Josh Stone returning to Woorinen this season, experienced senior coach Jack O’Rourke has stepped in to fill the void, with the former Tooleybuc-Manangatang and Ultima leader expecting a much-improved performance from the Bulldogs this season.
“With a bit more structure and a bit more discipline and just with getting everyone working together as a unit, I think we’ll see some big improvement,” O’Rourke said.
“When we start playing for each other a bit more, the results will follow.
“We’ve recruited well, but we’ve lost a few good players as well, but regardless of our ins and outs, the one big positive is that our depth will be a lot better this year, especially with some of the talent that is coming out of the under-18s with kids like Harry Kelly, Wil Hawkins and Cayden Dalton.
“That’s probably where most of the excitement is for us to be honest.
“(Jayden) Magro comes with a great wrap and he’s going to be really good for us and Marcus Wattie has taken his footy to another level, he’s just playing a more complete brand of footy and that’s a result of playing at a higher level, but it’s our kids that have been the most impressive over the pre-season.”
The recruitment of Jayden Magro is undoubtedly a huge fillip for Tyntynder, with the former WAFL and NTFL forward arriving at the club with huge wraps, along with Marcus Wattie, who returns to his home club and will add a touch of class to their midfield that was at times lacking last season.
Also returning to the Dogs are former players Luke Jones, Darcy Woodward, Lachie Carroll and Cameron Cook, who is back after missing last season with injury, with Ned Lay (Balranald), Matthew King (Woorinen) and Lachie Martin (Moulamein) also set to add some much-needed depth to the senior squad.
Also returning is full-forward Jason Eagle, who will be a key part in what looms to be a potent forward line for Tyntynder, with Magro, Justin Ellis, Matt Corney and Pat Blake, when he isn’t on Pioneers duties, all capable of posing a threat both in the air and on the ground.
While the Bulldogs forward line looks more than capable of kicking a winning score, it’s been their midfield where much of the focus has been over the past six months, with O’Rourke hoping a change in
“Contested footy and winning the ball around the stoppages will be a big focus for us this year,” O’Rourke said.
“We’ve done a lot of full contact work over the pre-season and the boys have really improved with their contested ball work.
“Every coach has a slightly different belief and style with who they like the game being played, but I reckon that will be our strength, our ability to get our hands on the ball first and get it going our way.”
FROM THE COACH
“We just want to be more competitive as a team and as a club. We just want to improve our behaviour on and off the field and look for improvement that way, and if we get that right we know we’ll get results.”
INS & OUTS
INS: Marcus Wattie (Shepparton United), Lachie Carroll (Pyramid Hill), Jayden Magro (Waratahs), Luke Jones (Daylesford), Ned Lay (Balranald), Darcy Woodward (Pyramid Hill), Cameron Cook ((returning)), Cal Lyons (Woorinen), Lachie Martin (Moulamein), Matt King (Woorinen).
OUTS: Josh Stone (Woorinen), Liam Whelan (Boronia), Brodie Bennett (Ultima), Tate Hulland (Ouyen United), Ryan Featherby (Ultima), Tyrone Bean.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2024
To say Tyntynder underachieved last season would be stating the obvious, even when you take into account the massive injury list and challenging draw. Should be winning more than four games, which was their tally last season, and if everything clicks with their new game plan and recruits, a push for the top five wouldn’t be out of the question.
An improved forward line and more depth through the midfield has them well placed, while their back six looks settled with Matthew Gillbee, Elliott Broad, Harry Simpson and the Crowe brothers returning for another season. Will know whether they are contenders or not very early in the season, with games against last year’s grand finalists Balranald and Kerang, along with a much-improved Cohuna within the first month.
KEY PLAYER
Marcus Wattie: After spending last season plying his trade for Shepparton United, Wattie is back in the red, white and blue. His speed from the stoppage and ability to break the lines was sorely missed last year, and will slot straight back into the Dogs midfield. Is creative with the ball and rarely wastes a possession and will be expected to lead from the front after taking on the role of assistant coach.
BIG IMPROVER
Wil Hawkins: Played 14 senior games after making his debut in round 1 against Balranald last season, with the young onballer quickly establishing himself as a key member of the senior team. Looks set for another big year off the back of a strong pre-season, with the contested ball winner set to play a big part among his team’s onball rotations as an inside midfielder.
THE BURNING QUESTION
Who plays in the ruck in season 2024?
With Hugh Broad set to miss the season with a knee injury, and Angus Crowe also expected to be a late starter for 2024, O’Rourke and the Bulldogs brains trust have a big decision to make. Thankfully, they have plenty of options, but exactly who’s best suited to give their midfield the upper hand at stoppages – especially with a big emphasis being placed on winning the contested ball – will clearly be a big factor in their season.
Elia Ware looms as the most logical first choice for me, as he tends to play his best footy up around the ball, although if Cameron Cook is fully fit after missing last season with injury, then he too could be a strong option. Matthew Gillbee is another who can play in the ruck, but with him being such a key component of the Bulldogs’ back six, he could be better suited to starting there.
TYNTYNDER PREDICTED BEST 22 2022
B. Patrick Crowe – Elliott Broad – Luke Jones
HB. Cayden Crowe – Matthew Gillbee – Harry Simpson
C. Ben Hallam – Darcy Bibby – Isaiah Bull
HF. Jayden Magro – Justin Ellis – Matt Corney
F. Patrick Blake – Jason Eagle – Brock Storer
R. Elia Ware – Marcus Wattie – Roy George
INT. Zac Denham – Mick Dedini – Wil Hawkins – Jordi Bibby
