JUNIOR & RESERVE SEASON PREVIEW
Bermagui Breakers FC
Under 16’s
2017 Ladder Position: 5th
Preview: Look for the under 16’s competition to be ultra-competitive in season 2018. With Pambula and Merimbula weaker due to age progression, the door is wide open for teams to make a challenge in 2018. The breakers will be led by Jai Curven and Rocco Lagana in season 2018 with the two players set to be big contributors for the side in the middle. The Breakers junior ranks are strong and a number of the team’s younger players will be vitally important this year after experiencing under 16’s football in 2017. The likes of Ryan Holdsworth, Bill Sutherland and under 14 players Tom O’Meara and Jonathan Harkins-McMahon will look to utilise last years’ experience to make an impact on the competition in 2018 which will enable the breakers to challenge for a top 4 position this season. After going winless in 2017 the Breakers are set to turn that around this year.
Players to Watch: Rocco Lagana, Scott Parsons & Jai Curven.
2018 Prediction: 4th
Under 14’s
2017 Ladder Position: Runners/Up
Preview: It was heartbreak for the Bermagui Breakers in 2017. With the team going through the season undefeated, the Breakers were the hot favourites going into the grand final against the Pambula Panthers where the Breakers were outplayed falling to the Panthers.
Bermagui will be looking to reverse that result this season and are set to once again compete effectively within the age group after maintaining the core members of their squad. With plenty of key players in the midfield in Tom and Matthew O’Meara, Jake Hemsted and players up forward and in the backline in Campbell Moresi, Jonathan Harkins-McMahon and Ryan New the Breakers look to be the team to beat again in season 2018.
With plenty of young players coming through, the likes of Tyge Matters are set to receive increased roles in 2018.
Players to Watch: Jonathan Harkins-McMahon, Tom O’Meara & Matthew O’Meara.
2018 Prediction: Premiers
Under 12’s
2017 Ladder Position: Premiers
Preview: After a dominating season in 2016, the Breakers took a small step back in 2017 until the finals… After finishing the regular season in 3rd position, nothing separated the top 3 in Merimbula, Narooma and Bermagui. After a staggering come from behind win against the Giants, the Breakers were swept aside Merimbula before a gruelling premiership win against the Narooma Lions.
The under 12’s competition is shaping up to be one of the closest competitions in the SCAFL in 2018, and it will not be a surprise to see the Breakers once again in the mix for 2018. The team is led by Lachlan Moresi, a hard-nosed midfielder who has the ability to find the football at ease. The team has the supporting cast with Zane Curven showing his value in the ruck in 2017 whilst Clancy Ballard, Anthony Gannon and Harry Huddleston have shown their value in key positions.
Players to Watch: Sam Glasson, Austin McKee, Lachlan Moresi & Edoardo Cementon.
2018 Prediction: 3rd
Bega Bombers FC
Under 14’s
2017 Ladder Position: 6th
Preview: The Bombers fought mightily in 2017 although could only muster two wins against the bottom of the table Whalers. The Bombers will be keen to make their way up the table in 2018 and with a number of new players in the squad, it may take a while for the Bombers to gel. Bega’s first round matchup against the Giants will be a good test for the side to see if they are contenders or pretenders in their run for a finals spot in 2018. Andrew Tribe along with the Butchers brothers will be important for the Bombers in 2018 although without Khama Geisler in the side, the Bombers will need one of their younger or new players to step up and fill the void left by Geisler.
Players to Watch: Andrew Tribe, Jude Butchers & Jackson Parsons
2018 Prediction: 5th
Under 12’s
2017 Ladder Position: 5th
Preview: It was heart break for the Bombers in 2017. After maintaining their position in the hunt for a finals birth for the majority of the season, Bega slipped in the back end of the season to fall to 5th and miss out on a finals birth. In a competition that is going to be as tight and competitive as in 2017, the Bombers will need to raise their level of play to make their way into the top 4.
With all eight-team’s hopeful of a finals birth, Bega will need a good spread of contributors in season 2018 with the likes of Jackson Parsons, Danny Swan, Raphael Turville and Jaiden Deighan-Smith needing to have big seasons again for the Bombers in 2018.
Players to Watch: Olli Broughton, Jackson Parsons, Danny Swan & Darcy Woodley.
2018 Prediction: 5th
Broulee/Moruya Giants FC
Reserves
2017 Ladder Position: 4th
Preview: Like in 2017 it looks as though the Broulee Moruya Giants will be made up of a mix of old and young in 2018. The Giants surprised the league and made it to the semi-finals in 2018 with the side competing valiantly with Tathra in their semi-final which saw the Giants go out in the semi-finals.
The Giants will be looking to back up their 2017 finals showing with another in 2018 although the going may be tough with Merimbula gaining players back in 2018 whilst the remaining three squads will remain relatively unchanged.
Players to Watch: Graham Wise & Julian Nimmo.
2018 Prediction: 5th
Under 16’s
2017 Ladder Position: 3rd
Preview: The Giants surprised many of the under 16’s teams last season with the Giants getting better and better as the season progressed. With the like of Will Aiken, Lachlan Brennan and Buster Ware moving up the Giants will be hopeful of maintaining the momentum gained in 2017.
Theodore Turner was highly impressive for the Giants in 2017 kicking 30 goals for the season whilst Stuart McGee, Jack Hirst and Billy Williams will look to dominate in the midfield for the Giants.
With the 16’s competition set to be highly competitive in 2018 based off the lightning premierships in Bermagui and Bega, the Giants home field advantage at Kyla Park will be key for the Giants in their run to make the finals.
Players to Watch: Theodore Turner, Jack Hirst & Billy Williams.D
2018 Prediction: 5th
Under 14’s
2017 Ladder Position: 5th
Preview: Broulee/Moruya will have been disappointed with last season 5th place finish. The Giants were competitive all season although were unable to claim a win against the top four as they lost a number of close games. The 2018 Giants will be looking to reverse their fortunes in 2018 and claim wins in tight games. There were plenty of positive signs for the Giants at the Lightning Premiership comfortably beating Tuggeranong whilst also pushing Bermagui in their two matches.
The standout in Bermagui was Morris Absolon, at full back for the Giants. His intercept marking and ability to use the ball from the back will be vital for the Giants this season. Aiden Preston, Sam Seath and Oliver Dolphin are all shaping up to have good seasons for the club whilst Sebatian Giri is a good pick up for Giants having been one of Batemans Bay’s best players in past seasons.
Players to Watch: Sebastian Giri, Morris Absolon, Aiden Preston & Elijah Turner-Collins.
2018 Prediction: 3rd
Under 12’s
2017 Ladder Position: 4th
Preview: The Broulee/Moruya Giants played in one of the most entertaining matches of the season last year against the Breakers in the semi-final although unfortunately for the Giants they were on the wrong side of the ledger.
The Giants had some positive signs at the lightning premiership in Bermagui with a limited side although it looks like the Giants will once again be in a battle for the final finals places in 2018. The Giants had a great record against teams below them on the ladder in 2017 and with Kyla Park being one of the toughest places to play due to travel, the Giants will have all the opportunities to once again finish top four.
Luke Perryman was a star for the Giants in limited games late last season and with his selection in the PSSA South Coast side along with Tasman Simons and Martin Preston, the Giants have a great foundation of players for 2018.
Players to Watch: Luke Perryman, Will Stone, Martin Preston & Tasman Simons.
2018 Prediction: 4th
Eden Whalers FC
Under 12’s
2017 Ladder Position: 7th
Preview: After a winless first season in 2016, the Whalers were able to pick up wins against Tathra and Pambula in season 2017. The Whalers were extremely competitive in 2017 with solid matches against premiers Bermagui and the other sides above them on the ladder. Eden were led by Jack Pollock up forward with 14 goals for the season whilst Jemma Pollock and Jai Grant were important for the Whalers in the middle.
For the Whalers to be successful again in 2018 the pollock siblings will need to be on top of their game whilst the likes of Beau Whitford and Rahul Mudaliar will be looking to take their game up a gear to compete with the best players in the competition.
The battle for a top 4 position will be tough in 2018 with nothing separating 3 through 8.
Players to Watch: Jemma Pollock, Beau Whitford & Jack Pollock
2018 Prediction: 7th
Merimbula Diggers FC
Reserves
2017 Ladder Position: 5th
Preview: The 2017 season was a down year for the Merimbula reserves side missing out on finals action after falling to the Giants in the final round of the season. Word on the street is that coach Grant Regan has buy in from a number of players for 2018 which could see the Diggers rise back up the table in 2018. Merimbula are likely to pass their total of 1 win from 2017 as they look to play finals football in 2018.
Players to Watch: Ian Radford, Paul Zellar and Charles Aggenbach.
2018 Prediction: 3rd
Under 16’s
2017 Ladder Position: Premiers
Preview: The Diggers have been near unbeatable for the past two seasons and will be looking to make it three straight premierships in 2018. After one loss in round 1 of 2017, the Diggers went the remainder of the season undefeated to claim a second straight premiership. The Diggers will be without Max Geaghan Lawrence Davis, Billy Stubbs and Cambell Hawkins who all take the step up to senior football in 2018 whilst the Diggers will be without leading goalkicker Doug Stubbs who has made the move to Tathra in 2018.
The Diggers still have plenty of fire power for the 2018 season although the other 5 clubs will be feeling confident as they take on the Diggers in 2018.
Players to Watch: Caleb Higgins, Jedd Martyn and Charlie Buckingham.
2018 Prediction: Premiers
Under 14’s
2017 Ladder Position: 2nd
Preview: Merimbula were the only side to take points off the Breakers in the regular season last year and will again look to make the top four in 2018. The Diggers struggled in front of goal last season with midfielder Damon Kerr the clubs leading goalkicker with 14 goals. If Merimbula are to take the next step in 2018, the Diggers will need to find a key forward to add to their impressive group.
Along with Kerr, Daniel Piccione, Billy Spackman and Noah Overend were the standout performers for the Diggers in 2017 and will again be counted upon to lead the side in 2018 which will see the likes of Blewitt, Miller and Bennett from the under 12’s step in to also play important roles for the team.
Players to Watch: Paddy Byrne, Noah Overend, Billy Spackman and Damon Kerr.
2018 Prediction: 4th
Under 12’s
2017 Ladder Position: 1st
Preview: It was another disappointing finish to the 2017 season for the Diggers, with Merimbula eliminated in straight sets in 2016 the side was once again swept in 2017 after claiming the 2017 minor premiership. The Diggers will again be highly competitive in season 2018 and will look to reverse their fortunes of years past come finals time. Although the Diggers still need to make the finals in 2018, the Diggers have some of the best players in the competition in Beau Bennett, Walter Blewitt and Tom Miller who have all represented the Sapphire Coast at representative level.
Along with their star players, Merimbula will need to step up in the finals and ensure that they are not over reliant on their star players.
Players to Watch: Walter Blewitt, Beau Bennett & Tom Miller.
2018 Prediction: 2nd
Narooma Lions FC
Reserves
2017 Ladder Position: Runners/Up
Preview: The Lions were super impressive in 2017 making the grand final, only to be defeated by the undefeated Pambula Panthers in the grand final. The Lions will be looking to replicate that form in 2018 although with a couple of key departures along with other club’s recruitment, the Lions will need to bring their best week in and week out in 2018.
Players to Watch: Jonathan Taylor, Russell Thompson & Chanse Donohue.
2018 Prediction: 4th
Under 16’s
2017 Ladder Position: 4th
Preview: The youthful Narooma Lions will look to come of age in 2018. The Lions finished fourth last season although early pre-season form shows that the Lions will challenge not only for a top four finish in 2018 but could also go on a deep run in the latter parts of the season. Tyson Mikolic is the only key loss for the Lions in 2018 with the team still with key players in Harrison Bromwich, Thomas Hodge and Rory Spurgeon in the midfield.
The Lions defeated Bermagui and Broulee Moruya at the lightning premiership in Bermagui during the pre-season which puts the Lions in a good position for the 2018 season to defeat local rivals in Bermagui and Broulee Moruya as well as the remaining teams.
Players to Watch: Harrison Bromwich, Rory Spurgeon & Thomas Hodge.
2018 Prediction: 2nd
Under 12’s
2017 Ladder Position: Runners/Up
Preview: The Narooma Lions came of age in 2017, after missing the finals in 2016, the Lions made it all the way to the big dance in 2017 losing out to the Bermagui Breakers. The Lions have all the tools to challenge again this season with key players in Logan Allison, Tom Wilson and William Tiffen again on board in 2018.
The Lions have the opportunity to make a statement in round one this season with the side to take on Merimbula which will show the competition how both sides are shaping up in 2018. The Lions were the only team to beat Merimbula in the regular season last year, and with the competitions best ruckman at their disposal in Jarra Weston and a solid lightning premiership in Bermagui the Lions will look to take all before them this season.
Players to Watch: Jarra Weston, Logan Allison & William Tiffen.
2018 Prediction: Premiers
Pambula Panthers FC
Reserves
2017 Ladder Position: Premiers
Preview: The Panthers have lost some players from their senior side for 2018 and this will impact on their depth in 2018. The Panthers used a number of players in 2017 although the side managed as the only undefeated side of 2017. Chris Clapton led the way for the Panthers in 2017 and will be an important player for Pambula in 2018 again. The Panthers will be super competitive again in 2018 with the side as premiership favourites as the other clubs chase the reigning premiers.
Players to Watch: Chris Clapton, Ethan Adams and Patrick Considine.
2018 Prediction: Premiers
Under 16’s
2017 Ladder Position: Runners Up
Preview: The Panthers will look a lot more youthful in 2018 with a number of players moving into senior football in 2018. With the likes of Finley Cooke, Angus Tarpey and Jordan Chapple-Stroud moving into senior football in 2018 the Panthers will be looking towards the likes of Kynan Baker, Flynn Cook and Cooper Noack to take the step up and lead the under 16’s side this season.
The Panthers will be looking to overcome the losses into senior football by maintaining their competitiveness in 2018 and challenge for the under 16’s premiership in 2018. With the competition wide open look for all 5 other clubs to challenge the Panthers for a top 4 finish.
Players to Watch: Kynan Baker, Flynn Cook and Cooper Noack.
2018 Prediction: 3rd
Under 14’s
2017 Ladder Position: Premiers
Preview: After a remarkable premiership win in 2017 over the Bermagui Breakers the Pambula Panthers will be out to show that last year’s success wasn’t a one hit wonder. After finishing third, the Panthers went on a great run as the side grew in experience and confidence throughout the finals. The side was well serviced by William Seach, Billy Cooke and Will Kellar throughout last year’s finals series and the three Panthers will be key players for Pambula again in 2018.
Pambula will have their work cut out for them in 2018 as they look to go back to back with the Breakers, Diggers and Giants again looking to challenge although the club will be confident of another deep run into the finals in 2018.
Players to Watch: William Seach, Will Kellar, Jai VanCamp and Billy Cooke.
2018 Prediction: 3rd
Under 12’s
2017 Ladder Position: 6th
Preview: It was a tough season for the Pambula in 2017 finishing 6th, claiming just four wins for the season. 2018 could see the Panthers finish anywhere from 3rd to 8th and past seasons have shown that a good start is key to making finals within the grade. With South Coast PSSA representative players Nate Woods and Anthony Seach in the squad, the Panthers have a good opportunity to rise up the ladder in 2018.
Bryce Kellar, Connor Dickson and Fergus Judd will also be key to the Panthers success in 2018 with a good showing from their younger brigade almost certain to see the club rise up the ladder.
Players to Watch: Anthony Seach, Nate Woods, William Clapton and Bryce Kellar.
2018 Prediction: 6th
Tathra Sea Eagles FC
Reserves
2017 Ladder Position: 3rd
Preview: No one could stop the Panthers in 2017, although the Sea Eagles gave it a crack in 2017 with Tathra competing hard against the Panthers as well as the Narooma Lions throughout the 2017 season. The Sea Eagles will be ultra-competitive again in season 2018 with Tathra aiming to knock Pambula off the top in 2018. Craig Matthews was a good addition in 2018 with Wayne Flynn also dominant in the ruck for the side, look for these two to compete well again this season.
Players to Watch: Craig Matthews, Wayne Flynn and Peter Cross.
2018 Prediction: Runners Up
Under 16’s
2017 Ladder Position: NA
Preview: It’s hard to know how the Sea Eagles will go in season 2018. With the club not entering a team into the grade in 2017, the Sea Eagles will be looking to get off to a good start against Bermagui this weekend. After a hit out in Bega for the junior lightning premiership, the Sea Eagles will be looking to provide Doug Stubbs with plenty of opportunities up forward after the forward bagged plenty of goals for the Diggers under 16’s in season 2017.
With the under 16’s competition wide open in 2018, the Sea Eagles have the opportunity to make the top four in their first season.
Players to Watch: Doug Stubbs, Zac Harlow and Kamish Hetzel-Threadgate.
2018 Prediction: 6th
Under 14’s
2017 Ladder Position: NA
Preview: Like in the under 16’s, it is hard to know how the Tathra under 14’s will go in season 2018 after not being in the grade in 2017, although the youthful Sea Eagles will be looking to surprise the competition in 2018. Tathra have gained Khama Geisler from Bega who will be a key player for the team in 2018 whilst the team will also have the services of Tyra-Lee Palmer and Keegan Burhop as well as youngsters Jardy Palmer, and Tom Barnes.
The season starts on a tough note for Tathra coming up against minor premiers from 2017, Bermagui.
Players to Watch: Jardy Palmer, Khama Geisler and Tyra-Lee Palmer.
2018 Prediction: 6th
Under 12’s
2017 Ladder Position: 8th
Preview: The Tathra Sea Eagles claimed just the one win in their first season in the under 11’s in 2017 and the team will be working hard in 2018 to claim more wins and move up the ladder. The Sea Eagles will use the experience gained in 2017 to challenge for a finals place in 2018 with key players like Indiana Cook, Toby Parker and Lochie Ellard to be key contributors for the Sea Eagles again in 2018.
The game against Bermagui in their first game will be key to see where the Sea Eagles at for 2018 whilst home form at Lawrence park will be key to Tathra’s success’ in 2018.
Players to Watch: Indiana Cook, Toby Parker and Jesse Smith.
2018 Prediction: 8th
