I have a look at all the teams & some teams more than once. Below is my opinion of what I have seen so far, I feel that this years competition is a lot closer than last year. Looking forward to seeing how the season pans out.
Beverley – Have lost some key playmakers to their team from last years premiership. Doesn’t seem to affected them to much, have managed to replace them with players that I believe add further value to their team. The team synergy will take time, hence the patchy consistency throughout early games. In saying that they are experienced enough to control games & get the result required. Look for Beverley to ramp up in the second half of the year & be a big player in the finals.
Railways – Have had the biggest off season recruiting program of all Avon teams. Have lured some big time players to the club along with plenty others to help complement the teams structure. Railways must be commended for building a team that will be more than competitive in 2013. Railways run, carry, hand & foot skills are excellent. Their constant use of the switch play from half back is catching other teams out & testing their fitness.
Federals – I have only seen Feddies once so far & that was against Railways. I don’t believe that game is a true indication of where they are at this season. As the other results have shown they have the ability to win games. I feel they are capable of accounting for any team at any ground. Consistency & focus will be a big issue with Feddies, this could lead to them dropping winnable games. Are lacking a key forward & could hurt them if the midfield/running players don’t continue to kick goals. Any injuries will stretch them for depth.
Keller/Tammin – Have lost some handy players in the likes of Miller & Kittyea. This is a blow to the forward half of their structures. In saying that KT have the ability on their day to beat any team they come up against. Must be respected by all the other teams. Do the playing group have the motivation to continue playing at a high standard after being at the top for the last few years? I noticed this year that the teams discipline is falling away, their focus has at times been taken off the ball & directed to the opposition which is costing them.
Cunderdin – Do the umpires have a problem with Cunderdin? The decisions against Cunderdin are baffling at times, I don’t see it with any other team in the Avon competition. If I was the Cunderdin Football Club committee I would be asking for the President of the Avon Football Association to be present at the next couple of matches to see what the club has to contend with.
Cunderdin has added a big full forward along with two very handy wingmen. If Cunderdin can iron out the inconsistency of intensity they may well scare a few of the top teams. I feel that Cunderdin’s achilles heal is the backline, they might have to sacrifices a midfielder to help stem the flow of easy goals conceded.
York – Can’t question the heart the players put into each contest. It’s a credit to the senior coach to get his players to play sacrificial & committed team football. The only problem is they don’t have the top line players to win games against teams above them on the ladder. Their midfield doesn’t have the big bodies that are needed to dominate the centre square. The lack of key forwards are the reason the team can’t put scoreboard pressure on the opposition. Don’t be surprised if they cause a couple of upsets throughout the remainder of the season.
Quairading – A new coach & refreshed enthusiasm loaded with plenty of expectation at the start of the year, has yielded much of the same result as last year. Quairading is lacking leadership & direction on the field in times when they need it most. If other sides go into games against the Bulls not switched on & looking for a easy game then they may come unstuck. They have a handful of players that are propping the team up & need more from the second tier & fringe players if they are going to make something of their season.
