By Nathan Dole
THE merger of Nullawil and Wycheproof-Narraport to now be Calder United presents many challengers for the newcomers and all opponents in next year’s senior football action in the Goldacres North Central competition.
What used to be Maroons and Demons will now play under the Lions moniker.
It’s a joint coaching effort as Darryl Wilson, non-playing, and Jordan Humphreys, playing, team up to lead the Lions.
A multiple premiership-winning coach at Strathfieldsaye, Wilson was coach at Nullawil last season as Humphreys was captain.
Among the new signings for Calder United are Eaglehawk key defender Oscar Maddern, Old Carey key forward Darcy Munro, and Balranald midfielder Kobe Lloyd.
After a season away from footy to travel, Zane Keighran will make a comeback to the game in United’s defence.
Keighran’s footy journey has involved stints with Golden Square, Bendigo Pioneers, Newtown and Chilwell, and Mount Pleasant.
The Lions have appointed Josh Walsh as senior assistant coach, Tom Bickley as reserves coach, and Matt Wade to coach the under-17 team.
Calder United starts the season trying to end the dominance of the Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers.
A SLN team jointly coached by Bryce Delmenico and Billy McInnes reigned supreme in ’24.
Co-coach of Sandhurst’s premiership team of ’24, Ash Connick has made the move to Birchip-Watchem as senior coach of the Bulls.
Connick brings a wealth of coaching experience from stints at Wentworth, Swan Hill, Tooleybuc Manangatang, Mildura and Red Cliffs.
He takes charge at a club after the reign of Trevor Ryan who coached the Bulls to the ’22 grand final victory.
An incredible run by Ryan with the Bulls included being a premiership player in ’86 and captain-coach of the 2001 premiership team.
A key signing for Birchip-Watchem leading into a new season is Ben Lakin, a key defender in three premiership wins with Horsham Demons.
The Pallpratt brothers, Jake and Zach will team up with Wedderburn Redbacks.
Both played in premiership teams this year – Jake with White Hills and Zach with Sandhurst.
Whether it be across half-back or in midfield, the Pallpratt’s bring a ferocity to every contest.
Tom Metherell marked his senior coaching debut by lifting Wedderburn to a preliminary final where it was beaten by Sea Lake Nandaly in the Tigers’ run to glory.
Signings for the Redbacks include Mitch Jensen who was senior coach of Diggers Rest in ’24 and captain of the club’s ’23 premiership team.
Jensen also played in a VFL grand final victory with Footscray a decade ago.
The Redbacks have also gained Josh Hall from Marong, Dane Keuken from Strathfieldsaye, and ruckman/key defender Mark Robinson from West Brunswick.
One of the region’s most active on the recruiting front was St Arnaud.
Scott Driscoll stays on as senior coach and Hayley Durward steps up to be assistant coach.
Newcomers for the Saints include Josh Caddy from Port Melbourne Colts, and key forward Max Hungeford from Geelong Amateur.
St Arnaud has strengthened its attack by gaining Jay Kirwood from St Joseph’s.
Among his many career highs was kicking 110 goals in 29 games for Jeparit Rainbow.
The Saints also signed Darby Schilder who played midfield and key position roles at Melton South.
Schilder had stints with Geelong Cats, Geelong Falcons, Werribee, St Mary’s, Modewarre and Bell Park.
At Donald, Daniel ‘Tex’ Pearce is new senior coach.
The Royal Blues had announced the appointment of Josh Potter as coach, but he has stepped away from the role because of personal reasons.
A huge plus for the Royals is Feeny medallist and gun on-baller Ross Young playing on.
The club also welcomes back forward Aaron Schofield from White Hills.
Signings at Boort include Peter Barbopoulos from East Keilor, and Kayne and Tyson Rutley from Keilor.
At Charlton, Mitch Collins has committed to a second season as the Navies senior coach.
A great run in ’24 by Collins was capped by earning the Barry Cossar Medal as Charlton’s fairest and best.
Newcomers for the Navies in ’25 include Maryborough’s Luke Dunne who also had stints with Bendigo Pioneers and GWV Rebels, and Kangaroo Flat defender Liam O’Keefe.
A half-back flanker or midfielder, Ben Xiriha brings his experience from stints with Bendigo Pioneers, Kangaroo Flat, Kyneton and Romsey to Charlton Park.