After two missed seasons due to the pandemic, we have finally reached the end of a home and away season in the Hampden Football Netball League. I think each and every club should be proud of their achievements this season, at times it hasn’t been easy, but all clubs have been open-minded, resilient and adaptive. Congratulations to all teams that will be participating in finals next weekend and beyond, its promises to be a great four weeks ahead.
Teams Final Hit-Out
This weekend will be the final opportunity to see Cobden, Camperdown, Terang Mortlake, Port Fairy and Hamilton this weekend. Whilst 2022 has been dominated by the Warrnambool based teams, Koroit and Portland, I love the improvement and signs the lower sides have made.
Cobden – As the year has gone by, coach Dan Casey has seen great improvement from his young home-grown list. They move the ball quickly and strongly and back their game-plan. Some extra height will be on the wish-list in the off-season.
Camperdown – The poor old Magpies were decimated at the start of the season with an exodus of experienced players heading up north. Whilst they haven’t recorded the wins they would have liked, they have got good games into the likes of Harry Sumner, Myles Sinnott and Tom Baker to name a few. Sam Gordan has had a great year as well as Zach and Hamish Sinnott. Hopefully a few come back in 2023 and the Magpies re-emerge.
Terang Mortlake – What a great second half of the season Terang Mortlake have had and I can see this club jumping up the ladder in 2023. A vibrant young list. Well coached and determined, the Bloods have the makings of playing finals again soon. They have unearthed some rising stars in Ryleigh Hutchins, Ned and Harvery Roberts, Xavier Vickers and the fan favourite Will Kain has taken his football to another level. Watch out for them next season.
Hamilton – Another side not far away from the final conversation. Hamilton were baging on the door for most of the season, but some narrow losses and ultimately poor goal-kicking hurt their chances. First year coach Hamish Waldron has galvanised the group, has produced a fast attacking brand and given some young talent a senior opportunity. Some extra height will be on their shopping list in 2023.
Port Fairy – A hard season for the Seagulls, but to their credit, they haven’t stopped trying week in and week out. They’ve found some great young talent in Myers, Mohan, Lucardie and Pollock. It is vital they retain experienced players in Sully, Mercovich, McMeel, Harwood and co next season, which will hopefully draw some extra experience and talent to their line up. We need a strong Port Fairy in the Hampden League.
Goal-Kicking Showdown
Well, after leading from round one, Portland’s Tom Sharp is now the chaser, sitting 5 goals adrift from Blues superstar Jason Rowan. The Warrnambool spearhead kicked a whopping 16 goals last round to jump to the lead with 80 majors, also closing in on 1000 Hampden League goals and the competition record of 1020. Sam Dobson is only four off the lead and is still in very good contention. What a finish coming up.
Round 18 Tips
Warrnambool vs Koroit
South Warrnambool vs Portland
Cobden vs Terang Mortlake
North Warrnambool vs Camperdown
Port Fairy vs Hamilton
See you at the footy
Hilly
