IT’S been a long journey home for Caccaviello brothers Zac and Lucas, after each took a spell from playing football locally to chase other goals.
But on Saturday, both boys reunited and pulled on Maroons jumpers to play with Nullawil in the side’s North Central Football League debut.
Having spent two seasons in Melbourne playing football with Chelsea Heights and Tyabb, Zac returned home last season to home club Nyah-Nyah West United.
Lucas followed his football dreams, playing three seasons with Mooroopna in the Goulburn Valley league.
Both brothers played their junior football with Nyah-Nyah West United and cut their teeth in senior football with the Demons.
But for Zac, a string of family events, including the birth of his first son with partner Abby Gray, and with another baby on the way, led the running midfielder and forward home.
Lucas took out third place in the league’s best and fairest during his rookie season at Mooroopna and also played finals football, going down to Mansfield in the semi-finals last year.
He said the chance to play under experienced AFL coach John Lamont was a valuable learning curve.
“I feel I have really developed my game playing under John and I’ve improved my fitness,” he said.
“Playing in a tough league like Goulburn Valley allows you to see some of the state’s best footballers in action and it was a great experience but also very humbling.”
Having spent his junior football years at Nyah-Nyah West United, Lucas was a regular starter in their senior line-up by the age of 15.
Such was his ability and dedication, he took out the club’s best and fairest at 16.
While in Mooroopna he completed an apprenticeship in plastering and returned to Swan Hill with a trade in hand.
The strong midfielder will bring speed and toughness to Nullawil’s line-up in the NCFL after the club exited the Golden Rivers Football and Netball League last year.
Nullawil left with the premiership cup in hand, their third consecutive allowing for COVID season disruptions.
They headed into the NCFL confidently on Saturday with a string of returning players to the club, along with a list of impressive recruits including Jordan Humphreys (captain), Andrew Casey (vice-captain), Daniel Watts, Mitch Farmer, Kyle Doran, Matt Quigley and Brett Barker as coach.
For the Caccaviello brothers, returning to the region also means a return to family.
With a growing family, being closer to family is a motivator for both brothers.
Zac started his own concreting business in Swan Hill, showing his intent to set roots in the region.
For Lucas, family and football were the main drivers of his return home.
“Living in Mooroopna was great but my partner returned to Swan Hill for studies and it was hard making the commute each weekend to visit her and my family,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to being closer to my family and friends and can’t wait to see what the 2023 season holds for Nullawil.”
