DESPITE a tumultuous off-season, both Marong and Maiden Gully-YCW will return to the Loddon Valley Football Netball League after seeking to move leagues in the final stages of the 2022 season.
Citing junior pathways among the key reasons to move, both clubs’ wishes were rejected by the remaining LVFNL clubs.
The Panthers and Eagles were now determined to move forward with their futures in the competition.
For Marong, they will be the hunted rather than the hunter, after breaking a 33-year premiership drought with a commanding 94-point victory over Bridgewater in last year’s decider. Bridgewater were the story of the finals series however, with the Mean Machine going on a three-game winning streak to reach the grand final.
The Panthers are very much still the team to beat, but with fellow finalists Pyramid Hill and Bears Lagoon-Serpentine expected to dramatically improve, they may well have far more competition this time around.
New coaches at Mitiamo, Maiden Gully-YCW and Newbridge have them well primed to contend this season, as does the return of former premiership coach Anthony Dennis at Calivil United.
Perhaps the biggest surprise could be Inglewood, who – while winning just the three games last season – still made giant strides forward. With a number of quality recruits coming on board, could the Blues finals drought finally be on the cusp of breaking?
As an influx of players comes into the league, one thing is certain – whoever is crowned 2023 premiers, they will have earned it.
