■ It’s great to have local footy back but there is some bad news for WRFL division 1 clubs – Deer Park is still very good. Despite losing big names such as Thornton, Guerra, Hargrave, Barling, Ayres, Harrison and Smith, the Lions have recruited well and have emerging juniors who are going to be stars this year. Senior coach Marc Bullen admitted to us on WYN FM that everyone expected perfection from them last year with the talent they had, and they delivered it. His third year in charge might be his most challenging and exciting. All eyes will be on the Lions as they have been for the past few years. The second and third divisions will be extremely competitive and it was fantastic to see Wyndham Suns win their first-ever senior game on debut last Saturday – what a boost for the newest club in the competition. Our radio coverage of the WRFL is up and running again, with the preview show on Fridays from 5pm and match day-coverage from 1.30pm on Saturdays on 88.9 WYN FM.
■ The VFL season starts on Friday night when Werribee will host Geelong at Avalon Airport Oval at Chirnside Park. The teams will play for the K-Rock Cup, with Werribee limping into the game with a very long injury list that includes captain Michael Sodomaco and key on-baller Tom Gribble. Senior coach John Lamont said he had 18 injured players. Williamstown starts the season away to the Northern Blues at Ikon Park and the Footscray Bulldogs will be on the new Channel Seven match-of-the-day telecast from noon at Whitten Oval as they unfurl their first premiership flag since 1954. The form of the Bulldogs seniors at the moment means they will have a top-notch VFL side running out on Saturday afternoon in front of the red white and blue faithful. It will be a special moment, after which they will face the Box Hill Hawks in a grand final rematch.
■ The Western Bulldogs have started the AFL season much better than almost anyone could have expected with two wins. This week’s match against Hawthorn in Tasmania will be a very interesting spectacle. If you have not yet seen the mini-documentary on Bobby Murphy, A Captain’s Tale, go to the Bulldogs’ website and watch why this man is going to be remembered and revered with the likes of Doug, Charlie and Teddy. The first Inside the Kennel will be on April 21, from 6.30pm. Call 9680 6154 for bookings.
Kevin Hillier
