ULTIMA ended the 2024 season on a huge high, taking out the premiership in a close one-point victory against season-leading Hay.
Co-coach Mitch Seton-Stewart will share the leadership reigns with Kyle Symons and said his side would head into the new season bolstered by their premiership win.
“It was a great win for us, having been beaten by Hay in the semi by 50 points. We certainly went in as the underdogs,” he said.
“It was a hard-fought match which really could have gone either way but we went in with nothing to lose and a lot of experience playing in finals.
“We layered our game plan and everything fell into place for us,. We had a lot of self-belief we could get the job done.”
The Kangaroos will head into the new season with a few faces returning to the side including Tom Isma and Josh Dwyer after stints at other clubs.
Seton-Stewart said the side had a good mix of experienced players and would filter more juniors through the team this season.
“Edward Kutchel was a junior who played in our grand final side last year and this year he will make the move to seniors permanently,” he said.
“We’re very settled, a lot of our guys don’t have to travel so that helps to create a tight-knit and professional outfit.
“We’ve focused on putting in a good preseason and despite losing four or five guys, we are happy with the boys that are coming into the side.”
Seton-Stewart listed Hay and Moulamein as the teams most likely to challenge for a premiership this year.
“Hay set the benchmark last year and with very few changes to their lineup we expect them to be competitive again,” he said.
“Moulamein is worth keeping an eye on as well. They’ve got a few recruits and new coaches so we’ll be keeping an eye on how they go.”
PLAYER TO WATCH: Darcy Farrell is a 21-year-old midfielder with a promising year ahead of him.
Farrell missed the second half of last year due to injury and didn’t get to play finals, so he will be hungry to take his place in a premiership side this year.
Coach Mitch Seton-Stewart said Farrell was a quick and explosive player who reads the play well.
“He’s coming off a good preseason and knows what the team goals are, he’s a valuable addition to have back in the side.”
FOOTY FAST FACTS
JOINED LEAGUE: 1979.
GROUND: Ultima Recreation Reserve.
PREMIERSHIPS: 10 (1981, 1983, 1991, 1994, 1996, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2015, 2024).
PRESIDENT: Nathan Condely
SENIOR COACHES: Kyle Symons and Mitch Seton-Stewart.
2024 LADDER POSITION: 1st (premiers)
INS AND OUTS
IN: Tom Isma, Josh Dwyer, Zac Denham
OUTS: Jamie Nicholas,
