-By Nathan Dole
AFTER unfurling the ’24 premiership flag, Nyah Nyah West United Demons takes on Swan Hill in Saturday’s start to the Radio 3SH-backed senior footy action across the Central Murray region.
The showdown between the Demons and Swans will be played at Nyah from 2.30pm.
Corey Daniels and Jason Murphy again team up as co-coaches for NNW United.
Co-captains will be Dominic Gallo and Joel Walsh.
Players to watch for the red and blue include Charlie Boulton, Jordan and Lucas Iudica, Riley Daniels and Ethan Saville.
It’s a huge challenge for Swan Hill against the reigning champs.
The Swans’ recruits include Sunny Handy, Perry Roberts and Will Simpson.
A new-look Balranald will be on home turf at Greenham Park against Woorinen.
Both clubs have new coaches.
Ben Fuller, Ben Mahon and Jack Salau team up as co-coaches for Balranald.
Huge plus for the Kangaroos is the signing of Western Bulldogs and Port Melbourne midfielder Roarke Smith who was named as ruck-rover.
In the centre there will be Cody Henness from Port Melbourne.
Other players to watch for the Roos include full-back Jye Hogan from Swan Hill, and Merbein’s Lachlan Collihole at centre half-forward.
Balranald will be captained by Ryan Middlebrook.
It’s a new era for Woorinen as Tim Free takes on coaching following the departure of Marcus Demaria to Koondrook Barham.
The Tigers on-field leaders will be Henry Thompson as captain and Taylor Cameron as vice-captain.
Big challenge for the likes of Ben Booth, Elijah Miliado and Jamie Nicholas in Woorinen’s defence, and for ruckman Lachlan Gardner and ruck-rover Matt Gardner.
The league’s power for so long, Kerang starts a new era after so many left after last season’s defeat in the grand final.
A premiership-winning coach at Kerang, Paul Grayling is back in charge after the lengthy and successful run of Troy Coates as coach of the Blues.
Kerang kicks off the season on home turf at Riverside Park against Lake Boga.
A newcomer for the Blues is Jayden Crellin from Wandella at full-forward.
The versatility of Brad Pay, named as ruck-rover, is a huge plus for Kerang.
Other players to watch for the Blues include ruckman Rylee Gitsham, Mason Dibsdale and Scott Pay in defence, Tyson Clingan on a wing, Archer Dibsdale and Josh Hunter in attack.
Lake Boga has gun recruit Rex Hickman at centre half-forward.
Other targets near goal will be Mardy McDonald and Maximus Caruso.
The Magpies will look for big games from Adam Quigley in the ruck, rover Nelson Ibbs, Zac Warne at centre half-back, and midfielders Ryan Fox and Noah Sherlock.
Tyntynder takes on Koondrook Barham at Swan Hill’s Alan Garden Reserve.
This season it will be Darcy Bibby, Justin Ellis and Charlie Ford who team up as Tyntynder’s co-coaches.
Recruited from Donald, Josh Potter will be a major target in the Bulldogs’ attack, along with Coady Gorringe and Sam Bull.
Tyntynder’s on-ball group of Angus Crowe, Charlie Ford and captain Patrick Crowe faces a big test at centre ball-ups and stoppages.
The Marcus Demaria and Benji Neal-coached Koondrook Barham will be aiming to mark a successful raid on the Bulldogs’ kennel.
Newcomers for the KB line-up include Matt Bilton from Carisbrook, and Lee Dale from Southern Cairns Cutters.
Neal played for Robinvale-Euston last season.
The Raiders team for round one includes Jack Thrum in the centre, ruckman Jordan Bassett, Kye Attwell and Kyall Parker in attack.
Mallee Eagles take on Tooleybuc Manangatang at Lalbert.
A preliminary finalist last season, Mallee Eagles will again be co-coached by Brent Macleod and Harry Allen.
Key recruits for the blue and gold include Isaiah Bull from Tyntynder, and rover Matt Rankine from Kapunda.
The Eagles also welcome back Tom McGregor at centre half-back, and Ethan Pinchen at half-back.
There is plenty of running power in the Mallee team through Shaun Harrison, Ben Bennett, Zac O’Meara and Brett Thomas.
Massive test for the Brad Morris-coached Tooleybuc Manangatang to kick off the season.
The Saints strengthened their defence by signing Josh Grant from Triabunna.
Should they gain enough supply, Ben Arentz and Josh Williams have the marking power to test the Eagles defence in every quarter.
Players to watch for the Saints include Josh Koster from Yorke Peninsula, centreman Josh Domaille from Woorinen, Rydar Morris on a wing, ruckman Connor McDonald, and rover Seb Rogers.
Cohuna Kangas has the bye.