Ultima
It was a season of mixed emotions for the 2023 minor premiers; with the highs of the club returning to the top of the league and the low of a grand final defeat.
Ultima come into the 2024 season knowing that they have what it takes to beat any side, and with considerable work put into recruitment over the off-season.
The addition of six players from Central Murray teams Lake Boga and Tyntynder will bolster the already strong side, and add real depth.
Roos coach Kyle Symons said adding some strength through the midfield was the step that could take them one step further this year.
“We wanted to bring in a few more experienced heads, and some bigger bodies as well,” he said.
“I think we’ve been able to do that quite well.
“We always try to keep a strong midfield, just because it can be a bit tough to find much of an advantage in the ruck.
“It’s important to counteract that when the footy comes to ground.
While the return of local youngster Tom Bell from Minyip-Murtoa is a key addition to an already top-tier midfield unit and has Roos supporters excited.
Mitch Seton-Stewart, Thomas Bull and Jake Foster headline the on-ballers who know how to win the footy.
Question marks surround how quickly the additions will gel with the existing squad, but they should quickly add more scoring threats to the Roos forward line.
Captain/coach Kyle Symons was the main goal threat for his side last year, with 25 goals in 16 games but Ultima will be hoping their midfielders and small forwards will provide scoring ability again this year.
Ultima’s success this year hinges on how their side will bounce back after the disappointing loss in last year’s final match.
Chasing their first premiership in nine years, and with just one loss in last year’s home and away season, have proven that they could still be the team to beat in the Golden Rivers.
But without looking too far ahead, the Kangaroos will be aiming to do away with any post-season jitters and go one better this season.
From the coach: Kyle Symons:
“We’ll just focus on what we can do on the field now, last season is all in the past now.
We know that we had a poor day on grand final day, but we know our best is good enough to beat anyone.
The belief is there, we just need to build a tiny bit more confidence because it did take a little hit.
Our big aim is to keep those defenders accountable and really force them to have to defend us.
We’ve brought in a few guys over the off-season who we think will be able to give us a bit more, and we’re expecting some improvement from the other guys.”
Key Player: Tom Bull.
Runner-up in last year’s EG Hunt Medal, Bull lives up to his name on the field.
A classy midfielder who can run on the outside or win his own footy, Bull is key to the Roos forays forward.
Dependable and quick-thinking, Bull is adept in disposal with either foot or handball and has the aerobic capacity to run all day.
Ins: Tom Bell (Minyip-Murtoa), Matt Taverna (Lake Boga), Cameron Johnson (Lake Boga), Lincoln Frost (Lake Boga), Ricky Wild (Lake Boga), Ryan Featherby (Tyntynder), Brodie Bennett (Tyntynder),
Outs: Brodie Cochrance (Swan Hill), Luke Doolan.
