CHFL previews 2018 | Hepburn now the hunted | The Courier

HAPPY TIMES: Segifili Asa Leausa, pictured celebrating the premiership last year, has taken over as Hepburn's senior coach for the 2018 Central Highlands Football League season.

Season 2017 couldn’t have panned out much better for the modern day Central Highlands Football League powerhouse.

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Hepburn quickly overcame a shaky start – dropping two of the opening three games – to win its next 16 matches, culminating in the grand final triumph over Beaufort.

That result secured the Burras a sixth flag since 2004 and paved the way for coach Jason Olver to exit in the best possible circumstances.

Olver has handed the baton over to his premiership captain Segifili Asa Leausa, who is getting ready for his first season in the top job.

Asa Leausa has been a rock in defence for the Burras since joining the club back in 2012.

He has had a taste for coaching through a role leading the club’s under-18 outfit, which also captured the premiership in 2017.

As is the case most years, Hepburn has experienced a high level of player turnover during the off-season.

A number from the premiership team have left for other clubs or decided to hang up the boots. Onballer Kamen Ogilvie has moved on, as has key forward Aron Burns, while grand final best-on-ground Jacob Brown has shifted to East Point in a bid to reach the VFL ranks with Essendon. Big man Michael Watt and defender Leigh Santurini are among those to call time on the game.

Of course, there’s also some good inclusions.

A trio of key players have arrived from Castlemaine, including midfielders Zac Hansford, Rhys Jenkins and Jake Peake, the latter being the son of former Hepburn star and multiple premiership player Matt. Tall backman Scott Wood is expected to be a strong addition to the team, while forward Tallan Wright has returned. He is the son of former Hepburn coach and Melbourne and North Melbourne player Rodney. Dan O’Halloran’s brother Liam is also back at Burraland.

A talented crop of under-18 players will also make the step-up to full time senior football. Of those, 2017 league best and fairest winner Bryce Coffey and runner-up Hayden Rodgers, as well as century goal-kicker Alister Ferrier, are most exciting.

Hepburn will start its title defence and unfurl the premiership flags with a round one clash against Newlyn.

CHFL previews 2018 | Hepburn now the hunted

Q: What do you see as your key on-field strength?

Our well balanced spread of experience and youth throughout our side.

Q: What is your key message as coach in 2018?

Have confidence, pride and belief in yourself and your teammates to be able to execute no matter the situation.

Q: How have the pre-season preparations gone?

Pre-season has been solid. The enthusiasm brought by the young ones has filtered through the more experienced players, which has made the hard work a touch more enjoyable.

Q: Which player are you most excited about?

I’m excited about seeing all of the first year senior players make their transition into senior footy.

Q: Which is the team to beat this season?

Beaufort.

The Burras’ Fact File

COACH

Segifili Asa Leausa (new)

2017 SEASON

Second position (premiers)

14 wins, two losses

Leading goal-kicker: Jacob Brown, 41 goals

Best and fairest: Andy McKay

Geoff Taylor Medal top vote-getters: Andy McKay 20, Daniel Rees 13, Kamen Ogilvie 12, Sean Salmon 7, Bradley McKay 5, Segifili Asa Leausa 4, Jackson Hogan 3, Aron Burns 3, Thomas Godsell 2, Daniel O’Halloran 2, Mitchell McKay 2, Joe Malone 2

KEY ARRIVALS

Zac Hansford (Castlemaine), Scott Wood (Ballarat), Rhys Jenkins (Castlemaine), Tallan Wright (Greenvale), Jake Peake (Castlemaine), Liam O'Halloran (AFL Queensland)

KEY DEPARTURES

Jacob Brown (East Point), Michael Watt (retired), Leigh Santurini (retired), Aron Burns (Kinglake), Sean Salmon (not playing), Matt Marshall (St Albans), Kamen Ogilvie (East Sunbury)