MOMENTUM is king for reigning district premier’s Eskdale this summer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Little has changed over winter for the team that beat Kiewa in last season's grand final.
They've retained all their players, and haven't had to recruit any big names.
With a youth policy that has seen them develop the likes of Liam Tobin and various others into players with premiership experience, coach Geoff Lowcock isn't looking to re-invent the wheel.
But with experienced heads Clint Gilson, Gerard Kissane and Ben Dower all unavailable for at least the first few weeks of the season, depth is going to have to stand tall to open their premiership defence.
If that was a worry for Eskdale, Lowcock isn't showing it, backing his young charges.
“For a country club like ours it's just about getting underway and building some momentum,” he said.
“I'm confident our young guys can come in and get the job done against Wodonga on Saturday.
“Guys like Ben Paton and Jackson Ellis are the backbone of our club, and we're very confident in their ability.
“Rhys Thompson will come in as wicketkeeper with Clint (Gilson) away for a few weeks.”
While what's looking to be a strong Bulldogs outfit will be a tough start to the season, Lowcock said his team had the experience to handle it.
“They've had some great mentors,” he said.
“Our experienced guys in Shaun Baude and Hayden Wilson have been guiding them for a few years now.”
Eskdale skipper Jaime Baude is tipping their opponents to climb up the ladder this season.
The Bulldogs will be playing their second 11 in the district competition this season, with Baude expecting a hefty challenge.
“They could be one of the big improvers this season,” the captain said.
“I think they'll certainly be up there, they've got some handy players in their ranks.”
Though he'll be missing some of his senior players, Baude shared his coach's optimism and confidence in their young contingent.
“I think we'll be pretty similar to last season,” he said.
“All of those kids are a year older now, they're a bit stronger and smarter.
“They've got plenty of experience behind them now as well so I'll back them in to get the job done.”
Other matches in the opening round will see Bethanga face Baranduda, Yackandandah hosting Mt Beauty, Barnawartha/Chiltern travel to tackle Dederang, and Howlong will contend with last season's runners up, Kiewa.
![HARD TO BEAT: Eskdale captain Jamie Baude is confident his side his remain a force. Picture: ELENOR TEDENBORG HARD TO BEAT: Eskdale captain Jamie Baude is confident his side his remain a force. Picture: ELENOR TEDENBORG](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/PhHnA5GT9TJUUFksUAkH55/d14542cf-7ed6-4819-a3cb-1ce27e9d9837.jpg/r0_306_4198_3302_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
![Ben Paton Ben Paton](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/PhHnA5GT9TJUUFksUAkH55/03a381b5-b16d-468d-9b3c-fa7b4f8f503d.jpg/r817_593_1204_1126_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)