■ With local footy back in full swing, everyone in the west is expecting Deer Park to take the major prize again in the Western Region Football League division 1 as it has done for the past three years. If it succeeds, it will be the first club to win four in a row at senior level. Yes, it has recruited well again, luring former AFL stars Brendan Fevola and Shannon Byrnes to the club, as well as former VFL player Jase Perkins. Good luck to president Mark McGoldrick and his club – but never forget sport is unpredictable. I am intrigued to see if the new points system will even up the competition immediately. It will be a good thing if it encourages clubs to play the kids they have developed in their juniors.
■ Brian Lake made his WRFL debut last weekend for Caroline Springs against Manor Lakes, showing that when he plays the Lakers will be something to watch. He kicked seven in a dominant display but played second fiddle in the scoring to veteran Matty Sutton, who bagged 11. Sutton played in the 2004 Hoppers Crossing premiership side and played in the Ballarat league in recent years. One young Laker to keep an eye on is Mackenzie Bristow from Gippsland. He is a tall ruckman who may have a future at a higher level.
■ What a year Travis Dean finished up having in his inaugural first-class cricket season. Picked ahead of Aaron Finch for the first Sheffield Shield game, he made history, scoring two centuries for the match – a feat never achieved before in that competition. He finished the season in equally brilliant fashion, scoring a century in the first innings of the shield final in South Australia. His contribution set up the Vics’ amazing away victory. While it is early days yet for the 24-year-old, many cricket scribes are sure he is destined for higher honours.
■ I was sad to hear of the passing of Jack Borlase last week. Jack was a legend of the North Footscray Football Club, where his grandson Shaun (‘Bazza’) is now co senior coach. Jack was a life member of North and the WRFL and held just about every position in his many years of service to the Red Devils. The club named its pavilion after him to honour his contribution. The WRFL will hold its season launch this week where two people will join Jack as life members. More next week.
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.
