BIRCHIP-WATCHEM were disappointed to finish third on the 2023 premiership ladder after playing a consistent season but going down in the preliminary final.
Coach Trevor Ryan said the loss took a bit of time to get over, given they had played well all year and were beaten by Nullawil by 12 points.
Nathan Gordon played a key role in last year’s side but won’t be returning to the Bulls’ line-up. Clever recruiting should stop up any gaps.
Ben Edwards and Dale Hinkley return to the side alongside recruit Hamish Hosking, who will take a lead ruck role.
The recruitment of midfielder Merrick Buchannan will add more inside strength as will the return of Stefan Pye.
Ryan said the key to success this season would be a return to consistent footy, and he was confident they had the depth to ensure that.From the coach – Trevor Ryan
We are expecting to be competitive week-in and week-out and have set ourselves up for another crack at playing finals.
A focus of the club has been around developing as much of the young junior talent we have at the club.
We feel consistency in the way we move the ball will be key for us again this year and is going to give us our best chance at playing finals footy and taking that next step to a premiership.
I’ve been very happy with our pre-season training program which started mid-January.
With a few new players into the ranks, we will be looking to connect as a team early on and I’m confident we can produce the consistent performances as we did last year. Key Players
Hamish Hosking is going to be a stand-up for Birchip-Watchem in ruck, along with Nick Rippon and his brother, Marshell Rippon.
Both are skilful running midfielders who can break the centre open and if Hosking can create those opportunities from the ruck, Birchip-Watchem will be impressive out of the centre.
OUTS – William Marks, Nathan Gordon, Pathrick Sheehan, Jonty Randell, Lachlan Randell, Daniel Batalotto, Tom Batalotto, Ben Christadooloo, Daniel Castilano, Josh Booth.
INS – Darcy Reid, Matthew Lade, Harrison Hawkins, Nick Ryan, Meyrick Buchanan, Stefan Pye, Angus Butterfield, Daniel Bell, Hamish Hosking.
