SEA LAKE NANDALY
SEA Lake Nandaly proved their dominance in 2023, taking out the league’s premiership by defeating Nullawil.
Undefeated all year and with a sturdy team of veterans including Ryan O’Sullivan and ex-AFL star Josh Jenkins, plus a stream of established younger players, the side pulled together to hold off a gallant fight by Nullawil to win by 14 points.
The team heads back into action with an almost identical line-up, only losing Matt Farelly, but gaining Adam Pattison and Lachy McClelland.
President Ivan Tait said the club was pleased with its player retention rate and attributed it to a family culture at the club and a focus on developing young players.
“Our club is very connected, and we are focused on developing our younger players to blood them through to the seniors,” he said.
“Because it is a very family-oriented club, we find our players stay and we are now looking at the second generation of players coming through.
“Players such as Ryan O’Sullivan and Josh Jenkins are important not just because of their success and leadership, but because it shows that the club is a great place to be.
“These guys would be an asset to any club, but they choose to stay with us.”
Tait said the benefit of focusing on local juniors meant that the team was local and very connected.
“By bringing our young guys through the ranks, we have a good turnout on training nights because they are not having to travel far to be here,” he said.
“This leads to a well-connected side on game day, and I believe it’s been a big part of our success.”
Tait said the club aspired to back up last year’s premiership win and noted Birchip-Watchem and Nullawil as formidable opponents.
“They’ve recruited well, so it seems like it will be a very competitive season,” he said.
Fast facts
President – Ivan Tait
Senior Coach – Billy McInnes and Bryce Delmenico
2023 Ladder position –First
2023 Best & Fairest – Trent Donnan
2023 Leading Goalkicker – Josh Jenkins
Premierships – 2 (2019, 2023)
From the coach – Bryce Delmenico
We’ll be ready and looking forward to the challenge of everyone chasing us.
It will be a chance to build on some of our deficits that other teams will be looking to exploit.
We will continue to make changes to improve but we will also keep much the same and build on last year’s success.
Lachy McClelland returns to the club and will be a handy inclusion as a roving half-forward with great legs and height and Adam Pattison will be useful down back and in the ruck.
We expect an even competition with improvement from Wycheproof Narraport and Donald.
Birchip-Watchem and Nullawil are also going to be hard to beat.
Player to watch – Thomas Cox
Cox is an up-and-coming player who has worked very hard on the training track.
He will run through the midfield and brings plenty of speed, endurance, and toughness as well as cleanness with the ball.
Outs: Matt Farelly.
Ins: Adam Pattison, Lachlan McClellan
