THE Leitchville Gunbower Football Club is heading into the new season with high hopes after a strong 2024 campaign that saw the senior team defy expectations to reach the grand final.
Club president Matthew Hawken reflected on the journey, highlighting the resilience and determination that propelled the team forward.
“We probably weren’t the best side, but we kept winning close games and managed to scrap our way through the finals to reach the grand final,” Hawken said.
“We didn’t think we’d get there, so to be in that position was a huge achievement. Unfortunately, we had six of our best players out, but we’re building on that momentum this year.”
Leitchville Gunbower competes in the Heathcote District Football/Netball League which comprises nine clubs.
The club has seen significant progress in recent years, bouncing back from finishing at the bottom of the ladder after the COVID-19 disruptions to becoming a genuine contender.
Senior coach Shannon Keam, now in his third term, will be joined by Sam Keogh, who has been welcomed into the club to take on an assistant coaching role.
Keam is aware of the challenge ahead. “Obviously, when you lose a grand final, you want to win one. Now, we have to deal with the expectations,” he said.
“Everyone has recruited pretty well around us, so we’re looking for more internal growth to keep us competitive.”
Keam is focused on maintaining consistency and playing an exciting brand of football.
“Like everyone, our aim is to play finals, and then you go from there. We’re just looking to be consistent from week to week and play a good brand of footy,” he said.
Off the field, Leitchville has been making improvements to its facilities, securing a $50,000 grant from Bunnings Club in Victoria.
“We’ve undertaken a major upgrade of our clubrooms, restoring historic gates from 1938 and modernising the space. We’ll be launching the upgraded facilities this Saturday, March 22 with a practice match against Koondrook Barham at Leitchville with a visit from a film crew,” Hawken shared.
This season also marks the 30th anniversary of the club’s amalgamation, a milestone that highlights Leitchville’s long-standing presence in local footy.
The first game of the season kicks off on April 12, with Leitchville facing White Hills in a twilight match in Bendigo.
“We’re excited to get started and continue building on last year’s success,” Hawken said.
With a dedicated coaching team and a determined squad, Leitchville Gunbower is ready to tackle the season ahead, proving once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Heathcote District Football League.
Player to Watch: Jobee Warde
Jobee Warde, the reigning best and fairest medallist, is one of the most exciting players to watch this season.
As one of the top-tier ruckmen in the competition, Warde has built a reputation for his dominance in the air and his ability to influence the game around the ground.
“He’s won three best and fairest awards in a row, which is pretty rare,” said coach Hawken. “His consistency and leadership are invaluable to the team.”
With Warde continuing to set the standard, all eyes will be on him as he looks to maintain his stellar form and lead his team to greater heights this season.
