Dressed to impress: Jaydon Stiles impressed with two goals in his first outing wearing Bulldogs’ colours, kicking two goals in a practice match against Kyabram district league rival Girgarre.
New Merrigum coach Jaydon Stiles and slick moving Stanhope recruit Joey Nesci were the picks of the recruits for Kyabram district league club in practice matches a week ago.
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Nesci is originally from Mildura and has been playing at Macleod in Northern Football League. He stood out for Stanhope in a solid goalkicking mid-fielder display.
Coach Mark Adamson said he had played two years of division one football in a reasonable side and would make an impact on the competition.
Macleod finished with seven wins and 10 losses last season
Speedster: Joe Nesci showed off his pace for Stanhope in its practice match with Heathcote league powerhouse Mount Pleasant.
Stiles kicked two goals in the opening quarter of Merrigum’s match with Girgarre, playing at the opposite end to Girgarre’s first century goalkicker and last season’s coach Damian Cupido.
Cupido didn’t play in the Kangaroos match against Tongala, but was at his bustling best opposed to Stiles’ younger brother, Josh, who had the unenviable role of full-back.
Merrigum also unveiled the Kerr brothers, Marcus and Tyreece, while captain Zac Parkinson was at his usual combative best.
Girgarre will be without big marking Jordan Clarke this season, but in the midfield had Liam Edwards and Lane Baker showing plenty of promise.
Edwards was the Heathcote league’s reserve competition best-and-fairest last season, while Anton Pearce will also be an asset.
Stanhope played three practice matches, the last two against Mount Pleasant and Pyramid Hill, with Darcy Keck returning to the club
The former Stanhope junior will play as a mid-forward after being at Strathmerton last year.
The goalkicking Rennie brothers were unveiled against Pyramid Hill, who had a round one bye and hosted Stanhope for the match
Danyon Stockdale and Alex O’Reilly will form part of the backline with assistant coach Adam Lovison.
– Reigning premier Lancaster has a practice match with Calivil United, which is this year being coached by former Tongala star Anthony Dennis, and also against Mitiamo.
The reigning premier has maintained a strong playing list and will open the season on Saturday, April 15 by unveiling its flag in a mismatch against last season’s bottom team Longwood.
Merrigum will travel to Violet Town for its first match of the season and Stanhope has an opening round Sunday fixture against Nagambie, at the Lakers’ home ground.
Bulldog brothers: Tyreece and Marcus Kerr will play with Merrigum this season under new coach Jaydon Stiles, who impressed in attack for his new club.
Welcome to the league: Merrigum full-back Josh Stiles, brother of coach Jaydon, is shunted off the ball by Girgarre goalkicking star Damian Cupido.
Up and running: Stanhope assistant coach Adam Lovison will be the general of the Lions’ defence this season, while providing on-field leadership for the club.
Back again: Stanhope captain, and defensive stalwart Craig Emmett, is back for another season and will play alongside Adam Lovison in defence.
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