HENTY coach Matt Klemke has heard all sorts of wild predictions about the Swampies this season.
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While they have recruited better than any other club in the competition, Klemke isn’t getting caught up in the hype.
“We think we have done OK over the pre-season but until you play the good sides you haven’t got a clue to be honest,” Klemke said.
“We are coming from ninth on the ladder so there is a bit of work to do.
“Jindera is one of those good sides and it will be interesting to see how we match up on the weekend.”
The pre-season form of both clubs has been impressive.
Jindera has proven too powerful for Rutherglen, Beechworth and Tallangatta while Henty went down to a strong Thurgoona before belting Milawa.
Recruits from both sides will have a big say on the season opener at Henty.
Can Swampie goalkicker James Breen get the better of reliable Bulldog backman Tom Weldon and how will Jindera ruckmen Mitch Lawrence and Tim Darcy hold up against the imposing Brent Ohlin?
Jindera appear to have more leg speed this year with Sam Myors, Ryan Speed, Jesse Wellington, Matt Osborne and Hayden Hamilton complementing Sam Crawshaw and Julian Hayes.
Henty has added recruits Dusty Rogers and Simon Hillier and first-gamer Anthony Pope to its midfield.
“Both sides have a lot of new players,” Klemke said.
“That’s why it’s hard to match the sides up early in the season.”
Culcairn co-coach Brendan Way believes the Lions can no longer afford to blame youth for their inconsistency.
Way said most of the club’s youngsters now had 40 to 50 games experience and would benefit from playing alongside recruits Jamie Robbins, Tim Haines and Jed Andrew.
Peter Cook will miss the opening two rounds.
“All over the ground we will be a bit stronger,” Way said.
“The kids who were playing key positions can now push out to flanks and pockets as we have more depth and rotations.
“Saying that, you only improve when you win matches and we haven’t done that yet.”
Culcairn take on Rand-Walbundrie-Walla at Culcairn with the Giants also confident of making inroads up the ladder.
Todd Miller will add some much-needed firepower to their attack and give Chris Hutchinson and Ryan Lavery optimism further afield.
CDHBU take on Osborne.
Despite losing depth, the Power will remain dangerous with their top-tier players up and running and they should put an early win on the board.
Murray Magpies will be too strong for Lockhart and Howlong will make a successful trip to Holbrook.
