Moulamein
MOULAMEIN head into the 2024 season after an off-season that Swans fans hope will reinvigorate the club.
A raft of new players have joined the Swans, after a preliminary final exit last season at the hands of the eventual premiers.
Another side set to benefit from a Central Murray exodus, the Swans have positions to fill after just as many players left the club as they had signed.
The losses of on-baller Luke Shannon and centre half-back Andy Silva to Moorabbin Kangaroos are big losses for the Swans, who will need their new signings to make an immediate impact.
The signings weren’t restricted to just on-field as Shane (Ted) Featherby was named as the man at the helm for 2024, making the move from Tyntynder to replace Heath Moloney as senior coach.
The move is set to free up Moloney, who although ineligible due to suspension, was the leading vote-getter in last year’s EG Hunt Medal and is one of the league’s most dominant in his position.
A towering ruckman, Moloney’s tap-work enables his midfield to get their hands to the footy, but he will have new teammates at his feet this season.
Tough and experienced on-baller Andrew May is a strong addition to the midfield group, while Keana Hall’s move from Mathoura adds more strength.
Making the move from Macorna to join up with his father Shane, Moulamein fans will have to wait a year to see Jack Featherby run out due to injury.
Hunter and Xander Huntland join the club from Lake Boga, with Hunter adding strength as a key position defender, who will be supported by ex-Deni Rovers addition Will Martin.
Speedy small forward Bailey Caruso will add some craft in attack, while Trae Atkinson will bring run from the wing or half-forward.
They will need to find the goals to replace the 66 goals that outgoing players Andy Silva and Daniel Aarsman scored last year.
Having finished the 2023 season two games clear in second place, the Swans know that they have what it takes to be there at the pointy end of the season.
The question remains if the off-season overhaul will be a little too much, too fast.
Ins: Bailey Caruso (Deniliquin Rovers), Keana Hall (Mathoura), Shane Featherby (Tyntynder), Andrew May (Deniliquin Rovers), Mark Drotsky (Lake Boga), Mitchell Ryan (Lake Boga), Hunter Hartland (Lake Boga), Xander Hartland (Lake Boga), Jack Featherby (Tyntynder).
Outs: Luke Shannon (Moorabbin Kangaroos) Andy Silva (Moorabbin Kangaroos), Anthony Daw (Deer Park), Jesse Wilson (Mallee Eagles), Daniel Mitchell (Lake Boga), Dawson Prange (Mallee Eagles), Nickolas Miller (Mallee Eagles).
From the coach: Shane Featherby.
Did not respond.
Key Player: Amos Farrell.
Pacey and hard-nosed, Farrell provides the Swans midfield with skill.
The ability to switch between midfield and forward duties with no change in his impact.
Holds good value as a goalkicker, having kicked 25 last year including a bag of six in round 6.
Consistently one of the Swans’ best players, Farrell’s impact to his side is rarely matched.
