■ You have to love the first week of any AFL season, when the real stuff starts and the expectations of all supporters are at their highest, even for Bombers fans. The pre-season priorities for me are always about getting a look at the new boys and getting through free of injury. The Bulldogs are looking good and it will be interesting to see who makes the side for the first home game, against Fremantle on Sunday … I think you can expect three or four new faces. I’ll be hosting the pre-game activities in the players’ sponsors and past players’ room, plus the social club in the Victory room. Like all Bulldogs supporters, I’m looking forward to what Luke and the boys can deliver in 2016.
■ Werribee Football Club’s loss is the Essendon District Football League’s gain, with the resignation of Stu Balloch from the VFL Tigers. Stu has been a very popular person at the club in his eight-year tenure and has made a valuable contribution. The former Old Westbourne premiership player has a young family and his role with the EDFL will give him flexibility to spend more time with them. I’ve really enjoyed working with him and certainly seen him develop into a very good football administrator. I’m sure this is a stepping stone to Stu’s eventual involvement at the elite level, given his talent and work ethic.
■ Laverton Football Club is holding a custom car and bike show at its home ground, Laverton Park, from 10am on Saturday, April 2. The day is a fundraiser for the club and it’s $5 entry on the day with food, drinks and other entertainment. The Magpies will start their 2016 season at home against Sanctuary Lakes on April 9, which is also past-players day. The club is also playing on Anzac Day with a special ceremony to take place.
■ Good Friday sees my stint at SEN come to an end until later in the year and, as always, it has been a great experience. My attention now turns to the Bulldogs, Werribee and the WRFL. We’ll have a new-look team calling the WRFL Match of the Day. More details in coming weeks but Steve Thom, the guru of the WRFL, is still on board. Thomsie and I are entering our 16th season of involvement in the coverage of the league and we’re as excited as we were on day one. With Fev – the King of the Jungle – playing at Deer Park, it will be of great interest to lots of people.
Any news, let me know on email kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au. Follow me on Twitter @KevinHillier, plus check out the Howdy Partners Media website as well.
