TYNTYNDER has brought in former AFL players Scott Lycett and Sam Gray to play Hay in Saturday’s start to the Radio 3SH-backed Central Murray senior footy season.
The Bulldogs and Lions meet in the Round Zero match at Swan Hill’s Alan Garden Reserve at 2.30pm.
Another contest will be at nearby Swan Hill Recreation Reserve between Swan Hill and Ultima.
The inclusion of Lycett and Gray is a huge plus for Tyntynder against Hay which won last season’s Golden Rivers premiership.
Hay is among five clubs, the others being Moulamein, Murrabit, Ultima and Wandella who have crossed from the now-defunct Golden Rivers to the Central Murray competition.
A 16-club league will now have eight teams qualify for finals.
The Darcy Bibby-coached Tyntynder will be keen to mark a winning start to the season.
A premiership-winning ruckman with West Coast Eagles in 2018, Scott Lycett brings 148 matches of AFL experience to the Bulldogs.
Lycett’s time in the big league ended at Port Adelaide.
Named as first rover by Tyntynder, Gray played 103 matches for Port Adelaide and Sydney.
The Bulldogs’ starting on-ball group for this contest will be ruckman Josh Potter, Darcy Bibby as ruck-rover, Gray roving, and Jordi Bibby in the centre.
Tyntynder’s attack includes Sam Bull, Cayden Crowe and Elia Ware.
In defence the Bulldogs have Elliot Broad and Josh Dwyer in key roles.
Hay appointed Mick Cattanach as coach and James Moran as assistant coach for this season.
Players to watch for the Lions include captain Fergus Cattanach in the centre, Declan Watson and Dean Aylett in attack, and on-ballers Jack Headon and Harry Loughran.
Crucial roles will be played by Will Wolbers in the ruck, Dylan Adkins, Dan Jamieson and captain Joel Crocker in defence.
It’s the Swans against Storm as Swan Hill faces Ultima at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve.
A premiership-winning co-coach at Nyah Nyah West United in ’24 and runner-up last season, Jason Murphy returns to Swan Hill as sole coach.
Murphy’s decorated career includes a premiership victory with the Swans.
Recruits at Swan Hill include Harrison Gadsden from Bears Lagoon-Serpentine, and Matt Gilbee from Tyntynder.
The Swans’ defence includes Tyron Bennett at full-back, Thomas Corridan and Xavier Moloney.
On-ball duels will be important to the hopes of both clubs.
Swan Hill ruckman Buol Majur will team up with Tom Holdstock, Cooper Angus and Rory Atkins.
Ultima’s starting four at the first centre bounce is likely to Jye Purtill in the ruck, Lucas Caccaviello, Thomas Isma and Jake Foster.
Targets in Swan Hill’s attack include Tom Smith, Lane Cardenas and Luke Phelan opposed to Lincoln Frost, Sol Kelly and Joel Donnan.
A gun player across many seasons with Sea Lake Nandaly and premiership-winning coach of the Tigers, Joel Donnan has joined Ultima as playing coach.
Donnan previously played for Woorinen.
Storm’s new coach was named in a back pocket where he will team up with the likes of Caillum Brady and Matt Taverna.
All 16 clubs will be in action when round two is played on April 18.
Woorinen will unveil the ’25 premiership flag in their den before taking on Mallee Eagles.
Tyntynder will tackle Ultima at Alan Garden Reserve.
Cohuna Kangas will be on their ground to play Kerang’s Blues.
Balranald and Lake Boga clash on the turf of another Kangaroos’ mob at Greenham Park.
Hay will be at home against Moulamein for the showdown of the Lions and Swans.
Murrabit takes on Swan Hill at Murrabit Recreation Reserve.
Tooleybuc Manangtang faces Nyah Nyah West United at Tooleybuc.
It’s the Bombers against the River Raiders as Wandella hosts Koondrook Barham