IT'S TIME. Footy boots are being shined, the Sherrins are being pumped up and the goal padding is going back on the posts.
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The 2021 AFL Central West (AFLCW) season is set to get underway in Parkes and Bathurst this Saturday, and Casey White, AFL CW Football Operations Manager, is pumped to have footy back.
"There's no time like Round 1 - this preseason has been long, and everyone can't wait to get on the field," he said earlier this week.
"Off the back of the season launch in Parkes, people are really starting to talk about the league and there is real excitement around the region.
"With four strong ladies clubs and new teams in Tier 2 it shows there is an appetite for footy out here, and I'm really excited for the season to begin," White said.
Here's how Australian Community Media sees the season panning out.
PARKES PANTHERS
COACH: Mitch Stubberfield
SQUAD: Mitch Stubberfield, Peter Webb, Jarryd Harrison, Travis Carte, Ryan Alexander, Tim Barber, Malcolm Bruce, Thomas Cheney, Branden Clinton, Roy Elder, Lindsay Fay, Steven Krakouer, Karl Lindner, Clark Melbourne, Jono Morell, Riley Pike, Alex Rogers, Mark Salau, Tait Snaith, Braeden Snow, Rob Stokes, Matt Vizard, Rohan Wiles, Lucas Wrightson, Mick Livingston, Ethan Morton, Roland Finch, Denis Spathis and Sean Cargill.
CLUB SAYS: "This past week leading up to Round 1 the numbers and energy has really increased at training. The intensity has lifted and the boys are keen for the weekend here at home."
"We are really confident that we'll be more than competitive in Tier 2 this season, that's the main goal and if we can do that each week the results will take care of themselves."
"There's a few new faces around the club, but so far everyone has slotted in seamlessly and it will be exciting to see them in action."
PLAYERS TO WATCH: The club is very keen to see Mount Isa recruit Ryan Watson out on the field. He's a very experienced player and brings a bit more depth across the midfield brigade. Young Robbie Stokes is only a first year player but has been putting in the hard yards at training with huge improvements while ruck Alex Rogers, dominated the hit-outs at the recent gala day and will be key for feeding the on-ballers.
2019 FINISH: Tier 2 - 1 (of 5)
2021 PREDICTED FINISHES: Tier 2 - First
There is a lot of buzz around the league about the Panthers being the ones to beat in Tier 2 this season. A strong showing in the Gala Day against some Tier 1 sides did nothing to abate that buzz. They can definitely secure back-to-back flags despite losing a few players from their 2020 premiership side.
DUBBO DEMONS
COACH: Terry Lyons
CLUB SAYS: "The boys have been working hard at getting fit and are looking forward to the season starting. We tried a few different people in different positions at the gala day and we discovered a few things about what not to do and what to do."
"We are stoked to have a reserves side back up for Tier 2, and while we might have to take a backwards step to move forward, it will be crucial for the sustainability of the club and bring some more numbers in."
"We aren't too worried about the results, we just want to see the guys work hard and improve every week...it's a long season and the work we put in now will put us in good stead.
"It's shaping up to be an exciting season for the club both on and off field - we have new changerooms, had a great AFL9s competition, our juniors going well and the culture around the club is fantastic."
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lyons is keen to see whether the form Dan O'Leary, Brendan Ford and Arend Boog have shown on the training track will translate to game day.
2019 FINISHES: Tier 1 - 3 (of 4) | Women's - 2 (of 5)
2021 PREDICTED FINISHES: Tier 1 - Third | Tier 2 - Third | Women's - Second
The Demons are a really intriguing side this season. They have the hardest away trip in the league, and if they can snag a few away games they can set themselves up really well for finals.
READ MORE SPORTS STORIES:
BATHURST GIANTS
COACH: Mark Kennedy
CLUB SAYS: "We've taken the unprecedented step of bringing in a Tier 2 side, which has really increased both numbers and competition around the group - there's now 40-odd guys that are competing each week for a spot."
"We're coming off a loss in the grand final last year, so the guys are really determined to bounce back this season - and if we can get our best teams on the park every week we are expecting big things.
"We wish all teams in the league the very best for the season ahead and are looking forward to having a beer after the games and chewing the fat."
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Captain Bailey Brien has been a really consistent performer coming up from the junior ranks and is a natural born leader, while key defender Ryan Cooke is another Giants junior who will be crucial. Speedy youngster Zac Yandle is only 17, but he's already been playing first grade for a few years and is really starting to hit his straps. He's another junior showing how strong the Giants pathway is.
2019 FINISHES: Tier 1 - 2 (of 4) | Women's - 1 (of 5)
2021 PREDICTED FINISHES: Tier 1 - Second | Tier 2 - Fourth | Women's - First
BATHURST BUSHRANGERS
COACH: Alex Sparks
CLUB SAYS: "We've got a good core of young players coming through, and it'll be great for them to have some more experience against the bigger bodies."
"We are shaping up really well this season, we have some very experienced guys who want to win three in a row. We've been able to get a few preseason games under our belt as well as the gala day so we are just ready to rip in this weekend."
"The 2021 season is going to be very exciting, there seems to be real growth in numbers, which is a positive for the whole competition."
PLAYERS TO WATCH: In Tier 1 last year James Smith played a key role, and this preseason has somehow seen him get even more speed and endurance. Mr September Bill Watterson, arguably the best player in the league, has been promoted to captain and Sparks is keen to see him with the 'C' next to his name...though it is a scary prospect for opposition clubs if he takes his game to another level.
2019 FINISHES: Tier 1 - 1 (of 4) | Tier 2 (Outlaws) - 4 (of 5) | Tier 2 (Rebels) - 3 (of 5) | Women's - 3 (of 5)
2021 PREDICTED FINISHES: Tier 1 - First | Tier 2 (Outlaws) - Sixth | Tier 2 (Rebels) - Second | Women's - Third
Hard to bet against the Bushies going back-to-back-to-back in Tier 1. They have looked very sharp in preseason, and are brilliant to watch. They might find the going a touch tougher in Tier 2, though.
ORANGE TIGERS
COACH: Dean Price
CLUB SAYS: "We've had decent and steady numbers at preseason. The gala day was a great success; the boys really enjoyed the day and it was good to see how our boys adapted to the different teams.
"For the Tigers this year as a whole, the goal is to make a big impact on the league and show we are here for the long haul and not to be taken lightly. It'll be key for our reserves to have steady numbers so we can give the other teams in the league some competition, but from a club perspective a good reserves side brings the best out of the blokes as they fight for their spots."
"We have seen a big influx of players, as most bush clubs do, but our approach is to concentrate on culture and building that instead of focusing on the ins and outs. It has made a huge difference and it seems like the boys are much tighter."
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Captain Mick Evans has been around awhile and will be captain, he's a good bloke to have around the club and boosts everyone up. Peter Byrne is the son of a very well known Tiger legend and will vice captain this year - he looks like he will continue to grow and rise to the occasion in 2021.
2019 FINISHES: Tier 1 - 4 (of 4) | Tier 2 - 5 (of 5) | Women's - 4 (of 5)
2021 PREDICTED FINISHES: Tier 1 - Fourth | Tier 2 - Fifth | Women's - Fourth
Cowra Blues
The Blues have pulled out of the women's competition, and the men's Tier 2 side will have the bye in Round 1 as they look to consolidate their numbers.
AFLCW Round 1 draw
AFL CW Men's Tier 1
- Bathurst Giants vs Dubbo Demons (George Park 1, Bathurst) - 2:15pm
- Bathurst Bushrangers vs Orange Tigers (George Park 2, Bathurst) - 2:15pm
AFL CW Men's Tier 2
- Bathurst Giants vs Dubbo Demons (George Park 1) - 11am
- Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws vs Orange Tigers (George Park 2) - 11am
- Parkes Panthers vs Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels (Northparkes Oval, Parkes) - 1pm
AFL CW Women's
- Bathurst Giants vs Dubbo Demons (George Park 1) - 12:30pm
- Bathurst Bushrangers vs Orange Tigers (George Park 2) - 12:30pm
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