So, its already November and another season in the Loddon Valley Football League seems literally around the corner! As Mitiamo no doubt continue to bask in the glory of their first flag in a decade, and the other 8 teams are left to look at new recruits that may take them that next step.

We thought it was a good opportunity on Central Vic Footy to look at where clubs need to improve if they are to knock the SuperRoos off their perch in 2010.

Today we will look at 2 sides who were there or there about’s in ’09, but ultimately were disappointing in their inability to gain a finals berth in Newbridge and Inglewood.

Newbridge

What went right?

Surprised a few early with a win over Mitiamo and jumped out to a 3-1 start to the season after Round 4, and at the half way point were still in the mix for a finals berth. But from there on could only muster another 4 win with none coming against sides above them on the table. The form of forwards Nixon, Mildren and Shevlin was solid (as shown by there percentage which remained a healthy 100.59%) as the trio kicked 122 goals between them, a return most sides would have been more than happy with from there main avenues to goal.

Recruit Mark Kingma was solid down back, and midfield stars in Corey Warne and Aiden Moore were shining lights in a solid, yet unfulfilled year which was Bruce Hughes first in charge.

What went wrong?

Mitiamo in Round 2 aside, an inability to beat fellow finals contenders was the Maroons undoing. Not having Brad Comer available week in week out, undoubtedly their prime mover in a consistent yet undermanned midfield didn’t help. Add to this a lack of defensive depth and in fact overall club depth had Newbridge found out on too many occasions.

The club is still in the process of recovering from its dismal 2007 Grand Final appearance and a poor ‘08, yet the signs were there in 2009 that the club is heading in the right direction.

What do they need?

The forward line looks sorted, although Shevlin is not getting any younger, so Hughes will no doubt be on the look out for another key forward, which may explain the approach to White Hills big man Matt Sawyer.

Speaking of which, the ruck is another area that needs to be bolstered, and depending on the movements of Comer possibly another silky centreman to get the ball down to the main men.

In the defensive half, a full back and just overall strength in numbers around the fringe of senior selection will see Newbridge return to their rightful place as a LVFL finals contender in 2010.

Inglewood

What went right?

For a club that experienced such a long win-less drought just a few years back, to see the Blues where they are today is a credit to the club and the players who have stuck with them.

3 wins and a 7th place finish (on percentage) may not on paper represent a successful year, but for Graeme Abbott in his first season in charge the signs were there that a big campaign may only just be around the corner, and the form of all the clubs big name signings like Sharpe, Pietromonaco and Nathan Johns would have been more than pleasing.

Club stalwarts like Daryl Marshall down back, Sammy O’Connor in the midfield and tough nut Leigh Lamprell remained solid, and Abbott will hope all of the players mentioned will be there again in 6 months time with the addition of some key position additions and Inglewood could sneak under the radar and surprise in the upcoming LVFL flag battle.

What went wrong?

While the Blues had an ability to compete for long periods with more fancied sides, it tended to be a 15 to 20 minute lapse that would be their undoing. Round 1 against the Panthers set the scene, when they led by 14 points at half time only to concede 8 goals to none in the third term and surrender meekly.

Scoring goals was an issue, although the move of Trent Davey to the goal-square reaped rewards with the big fella kicking a couple of bags in the second half of the home and away season. He would win their leading goal-kicker award with 33, which further illustrates my point on a lack of scoring depth.

Once a finals spot was out of reach, the season wound down pretty quickly for Inglewood, with one eye I suspect on looking ahead and shoring up players for 2010.

What do they need?

A key forward with out doubt, and possibly a goalsneak or two to take some pressure off midfielders getting forward to try kick a competitive score. Abbot will also look for more running midfielders to endure the Blues can run out four quarters, and a big pre-season will be on the cards to try and avoid the habit of fading out of games late.

The overall health of the club improved after a shaky start to the year when Inglewood were unable to field a full Reserves side in Round 1, and no Under 17’s, so just having 3 sides run out each Saturday will be an achievement in itself.

With the quiet but determined Abbott at the helm though, I’m expecting big things out of the Recreation Reserve next year.

 2009 Award Winners

B&F was Sammy O’Connor
Runner up - Darryl Marshall
Most Consistent - Josh Sharp
Coaches Award - Regan McGrath
Most Improved - Daniel Mott
Inglewood Medal Award - Jason Conally
Leading Goal Scorer - Trent Davey

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