MARONG
FAST FACTS
JOINED LEAGUE: 1983.
GROUND: Malone Park.
PREMIERSHIPS: 3 (1989, 2022, 2023). PRESIDENT: Darren Turnbull.
SENIOR COACH: Linton Jacobs.
2023 LADDER POSITION: Premiers.
2023 BEST & FAIREST: Richard Tibbett.
2023 LEADING GOALKICKER: Brandyn Grenfell (110 goals).
PROFILE
AS much as you would like it to be, things are seldom as easy as 1, 2 and 3 – but that’s the dream at Marong and coach Linton Jacobs is quietly confident his boys are as good a chance as any.
That’s despite losing superstar forward Brandyn Grenfell to Nyah in the Central Murray league.
Grenfell kicked 264 goals at an average of 7.5 per game across the past two seasons – a huge hole in any line-up, but someone when someone does that in back-to-back flags, it’s more like a massive chasm.
But Jacobs remains calm, convinced the depth and experience of his roster – plus a few, handpicked recruits – will more than compensate for the blow to his frontline.
One of the new faces who might be an option up front is Shaun Knott, who will play either centre half-forward or centre half-back.
Originally from Eaglehawk, Knott is joined by two others from there – a half-back workhorse called Sam Dean and Ryan Wellington, who kicked 56 goals in the reserves last season.
“We also have utility Cooper Hale from Maiden Gully YCW, Todd Davies from Numurkah and Gus Reade, who is a Marong kid coming back from Cairns,” Jacobs said.
“After two flags in a row we know we have a huge target on our backs, and we know other teams have been seriously recruiting, but we can only look after our own performance so that’s what we will do.
“Improvement comes from within, our pre-season has been outstanding, and new assistant coach Paddy O’Brien has been a fantastic addition.
“He took 2023 off but comes from Colbinabbin and is a very keen runner – of the marathon type – and he has been a real hit with our running training after mixing things up, and he has kept the whole group engaged.
“At the same time our juniors keep rising through the ranks and they have been pivotal in our recent successes, guys such as Jack McCabe, Riley Taylor, Jimmy Gadsen, Lachie Lee and Jonty Davis.
“The first four are all in their very early 20s, while Jonty is in the Pioneer squad, so as much as would love him in the team, we wish him every success with his football.”
FROM THE COACH
“This season we have put a real focus on fitness. Paddy O’Brien has done a great job to ensure we are fitter than ever and that has been reflected in the pre-season and the fact everyone here knows e plan, knows how to win the big games and our depth through our reserves and 18s is phenomenal. Plus Nathan Devanny is taking over the captaincy from Corey Gregg, giving us a strong leadership group.”
KEY PLAYER
Jack McCabe: He had a big year in 2023, his second season in the seniors, and has just completed a massive pre-season. Playing across half-back and on the wing he is a very tough midfielder who will run hard and play hard all day. He is a great example of the depth of the club – and of its future.
INS & OUTS
INS: Shaun Knott (West Meadows/Eaglehawk), Sam Dean (Eaglehawk), Ryan Wellington (Eaglehawk), Cooper Hale (Maiden Gully-YCW), Todd Davies (Numurkah), Gus Reade (returning from Cairns).
OUTS: Brandyn Grenfell (Nyah), Jake Ede (Harcourt), Patrick Gretgrix (Harcourt).
