COACH Michael Jennings believes he has a stronger Mininera and District Football League team at his disposal compared with this time last year, ahead of tomorrow's WorkSafe VCFL Country Championship match against Kyabram and District Football League in Shepparton.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is the second year the 34th ranked MDFL has competed in the interleague fixture, with Jennings eager to break through for a victory after disappointment in 2014.
Jennings told The Ararat Advertiser that this year's preparation has felt more intense than 12 months ago, with his players hungry for success.
"Guys who didn't play rep footy last year were really keen to put their hand up this year," he said.
"I think interleague is being taken a bit more serious amongst the players now. Some of the established young guns put their hand up and really wanted to get into the team this time around.
"I think we are going to be heaps more competitive."
Jennings said good recruiting by all 12 Mininera clubs during the off-season saw a stronger initial 45-man squad chosen last month.
There are only nine players selected in this year's team which pulled on the MDFL's gold, white and blue in 2014.
"We have been able to pick up quite a few new faces to play representative football for us this year, which is great," Jennings said.
"One example is William McGregor from Penshurst who has played GFL (Geelong Football League) rep footy and BFL (Ballarat Football League) rep footy. He has played at the highest level, so that will be an awesome asset for us playing on the wing.
"Tommy Taurau is available this year. He missed out due to (North Ballarat) Rebels commitments last year and he is very keen to play. He'll be very handy on a half forward flank.
"We've also got McKenry brothers Taylor and Brenton around the midfield and half-forward line. They are young blokes from Penshurst and I have coached both of them at junior rep level it is great to see how much they have progressed.
"Mitch Cronin from Tatyoon has jumped into senior selection this year after being very close but just missing out last season. He has been playing really well at club level and he's keen to do well on the weekend."
Jennings said leaders including returning captain and reigning MDFL best and fairest Justin Eales, Tatyoon coach Damian Cameron and Wickliffe/Lake Bolac coach Chris Hilet will also be critical to the outcome of the match.
Nine out of the 12 Mininera and District Football League clubs have been selected in the final team of 21.
"Woorndoo/Mortlake had a couple of guys in contention, but they both have general soreness after last week's game. Every club would have had a player picked if not for injury and some unavailability," Jennings said.
"Every club was keen to participate, which as a coach is what you are looking for when you take on a role like this.
"One of the pleasing things for me is that there are three players from the Ararat Eagles selected. Nathan Wemyss, their coach Lewis Baker and Tom Taurau. From their point of view, they would be rapt to have three league representatives."
Jennings said he would be looking for his talented line-up to take the game on against Kyabram.
“The match is going to be played on a ground similar in size to Alexandra Oval, if not a little bit bigger, so we are looking for fast running and taking plenty of risks,” he said.
“If we kick 30 goals, well then lets try and keep them to 28. I just want to see the guys take the game on.”
The Mininera versus Kyabram clash has extra significance, as it will be played as a curtain raiser for the marquee event of the VCFL Country Championships between number one ranked Geelong and number two team Goulburn Valley.
“All our players are really looking forward to watching that game after we have played,” Jennings said.
“It is not often you get to see the number one and two ranked teams play, so we are very fortunate to be playing the curtain raiser to that match.
“The league has been fantastic in their support. They have organised a bus for us to go up on Friday, arranged all our accommodation and meals.
“The league couldn’t have done any more for their players, they have been outstanding with their support.
“It is great to be involved in a weekend like this and a great opportunity to give our best players in the Mininera a chance to all come together and play at a higher level.”
2015 Mininera and District Football League interleague team
B: Nathan Wemyss (AE), Tom Gibson (W/LB), Charlie Archer (W/LB)
HB: Damian Cameron (T), Lachie Reichman (H/M), Rhys Cronin (M/W)
C: Will McGregor (P), Justin Eales (P), Taylor McKenry (P)
HF: Tom Taurau (AE), Nic Byrne (SMW), Brenton McKenry (P)
F: T McDougall (T), Aidan Bell (M/W), Mitch Cronin (T)
Foll: Daniel Roache (H/M), Chris Hilet (W/LB), Sean McDougall (T)
Int: Lewis Baker (AE), Tim McGregor (P), Aaron Williams (GW), Kane Taylor (G/D)
Emergencies: Tyler Cronin (T), Cody Vigona (GW), Jack Landwehr (P)