BRAD Talbot isn’t talking premierships.
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But the no-nonsense CDHBU veteran likes the way the Power are tracking after crossing from the defunct Coreen and District league in 2008.
Damian Payne’s line-up earned the respect of the competition by narrowly missing last year’s preliminary final and are well placed to improve on that result this season.
Talbot, who is closing in on 300 games after a fine career with CDHBU (279), Picola and Nightcliff, said an enormous amount of work had been put into the club.
“We had a good period when we won those couple of premierships and then we had some rough years as well,” he said.
“It’s been a rebuild but it’s good to be back in a strong position and going forward.
“It took a bit to time to adjust to the different leagues but the committee has done a lot of hard work and it’s been great getting many old players back with their kids.
“That’s been really important for us.”
Talbot, 32, is believed to be the only player from the club’s 2006 and 2007 premierships still playing regular senior football although “a couple of blokes like Chris Baksh are still running around having a kick”.
CDHBU pounded Coleambally to win the 2006 flag and followed up with an even bigger grand final victory over Billabong Crows the following season.
Fittingly, the Power will take on the Crows when they celebrate those premierships at Coreen on Saturday.
Talbot believes CDHBU has plenty of upside after a roller-coaster start to the home and away series.
“We had a hard draw early and it took some time to gel,” he said.
“The boys are working at it and if you keep getting the wins on the board it will help later in the year.
“We’re old rivals (CDHBU and Billabong Crows) and it doesn’t really matter if either side is up or down on the ladder because everyone lifts for the game.
“There will be a big crowd and we expect a tough one.”
CDHBU are sitting fourth on the ladder with four wins while the Crows are eighth with three scalps.
Danny Stevens’ side has lost its last two matches against Lockhart and Osborne by a combined total of 13 points.
The Power will be without exciting 16-year-old Matt Walker who will play for Greater Western Sydney’s reserves against Aspley in the NEAFL.
He picked up 12 disposals and six marks playing for the same team against the Brisbane Lions last weekend.
CDHBU will also hold a reunion for their 2005 reserve grade premiership side on Saturday.