Brett Mahoney is among a number of Webbcona bowlers who have high hopes for this season. Picture: JUSTIN WHITELOCK
AVENUE
Recruits: Glen Sargent (Werribee RSL), Peter Yasar (Werribee RSL), Matt Koek
Departures: Tanner Dickson-Arthur
LAST SEASON: second, division one
Surviving for more than one season in Ballarat-Geelong premier division is the name of the game for Avenue.
Glen Sargent returns after four years from Melbourne premier division, bringing with him Peter Yasar. Matt Koek, who has played the last two years in Queensland’s top club bowls competition, also joins the Bacchus Marsh team.
“Last time we went up we actually lost a few players. We’re definitely stronger than last year,” chairman of selectors Darren Fletcher says. “We’ve picked up three good players.
“The plan is to have the greens running as quick as possible. Why would we want to make easier for anybody else?”
PREDICTION: 7-10
CENTRAL WENDOUREE
Recruits: none
Departures: Col Wright, Tim Wright, Lachlan Wood, Ethan Wright, David Denham (Midlands), Robert Grubb
LAST SEASON: ninth
It is likely to be a tough summer at Central Wendouree. Six players have moved on, or playing other sports, with potentially more to come. The Bears will hope their depth can fill the void.
“Almost half of our premier side from last year has departed,” match committee chairman Len Vincent says.
“The vacancies will be filled by very able players from the lower divisions. We’ve played some of the top sides, in practice matches and we’ve done okay.
“I would say the main goal is to hold our place in the premier division and then recruit some big name players.”
PREDICTION: 7-10
SEBASTOPOL
Recruits: Andrew Myers (Werribee) Tanner Dickson-Arthur (Avenue), Tim Hassett (Colac)
Departures: Rob Baker, Scott Roberts, Luke Whitehead (Ballarat East)
LAST SEASON: second
Changes at the top end at Burra but Sebastopol will still threaten for finals again.
Skippers Scott Roberts and Rob Baker are having a year off of playing while retaining other roles at the club. Their replacements include Andrew Myers, who played with Werribee in Melbourne premier division, promising junior Tanner Dickson-Arthur from Avenue, and Tim Hassett who has played skipper in Colac.
“We’re also expecting a better season because our greens have come up really well,” Baker says. “Scotty (Scott Roberts) has them looking better than ever before.”
PREDICTION: 1-3
WEBBCONA
Recruits: none
Departures: Beau Adams (Mt Xavier)
LAST SEASON: eighth
Webbcona has been developing a good little side in-house and will hope for some further improvement. As Webbcona skipper Brett Mahoney says, the green-and-whites were closer last season than their eighth position would suggest.
“Maybe after our division one side won last year that can give our premier side a bit of a lift,” Mahoney says.
“Last year we lost the close ones whereas the year before when we played finals we were winning the close ones. I think our sides, premier and division one, will be fairly similar. There might be a mix in positions.
“We have the younger blokes now getting some good experience. With experience comes consistency.”
PREDICTION: 4-7
VICTORIA
Recruits: Jarrod Burt (Essendon), Jess Thomas (Sebastopol), Max Capuano (Creswick)
Departures: Max Phillips (Midlands)
LAST SEASON: fourth
One of the big movers on the recruiting front, Victoria will consider anything other than a finals appearance a disappointment.
The arrival of Jarrod Burt is the big news, which will have a flow on throughout the club.
“There will be a lot of spots up for grabs,” Barry Clark says. “There will be five or six more players in the mix and those who drop back will strengthen division one.
“We would hope to improve our position. We want to push up to positions one or two. A home final is a big advantage.
“I think Ocean Grove will be the pre-season favourites but we should be up there.”
PREDICTION: 2-4
