Goulburn Valley League football is back, and the Benalla Saints are charged up and ready for another challenge.
Jake Palpratt’s initial assignment for 2021 as Saints’ coach is the Shepparton Swans.
There’s no dancing around the fact the Swans have endured a dormant stretch.
The 2019 wooden spoon holder will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement, and the Saints will be first up for Paul Hawke’s side to make an example out of.
Benalla, however, won’t be seeking an early trip up.
Who will take the bit between their teeth and run with it this season remains unknown, but the chance to impress all begins at Princess Park.
Saints aces Brody Webster and Nick Warnock will lead the line, while a tantalising blend of new faces, such as Callum Crisp and local additions Jack Doidge and Zac Amarant, will look to stamp their mark if given the chance.
First bounce at Princess Park is at 2.20 pm.
● Benalla Showgrounds was treated to a special screening of the Kelsie Piscioneri show on Sunday.
The Saints’ star booted six majors as the hosts made mincemeat of Mooroopna during round three of the Northern Country Women’s League.
Mooroopna – the reigning premier – was never in the contest thanks to the likes of Piscioneri, Fiona Powles and Natalie Pritchard, who kicked 11 between themselves throughout the 12.12 (84) to 1.2 (8) romp.
Four points gained from the game lifts Benalla off the bottom of the ladder, and it will have the chance to climb further when it meets Tatura on April 11.
● Benalla’s young stars went hammer and tong on Saturday with the arrival of the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League.
A Tyler McGregor masterclass led the Bulldogs to a 52-point win over Wangaratta Tigers in the under-17s, with McGregor’s two-goal haul supported by three from Henry Hill.
The Bulldogs dismantled the Tigers in the under-14s, while Bright were dished out a 106-point hiding from the Benalla Giants.
Max Smyth was named best on ground for the Giants, while Jaidyn Chee impressed with four goals.
In the under-12s, the Benalla Bulldogs went down to a tidy Tigers outfit, while the Giants kept Bright to a single behind to register a win.
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