By DAVID NAGEL
PAKENHAM, the big improver in Casey Cardinia football in 2013, faces a massive challenge to start the season when it travels to the home of back-to-back champions Narre Warren on Saturday.
The Lions won just three games and finished ninth in 2012 but, under the leadership of new-coach Steve O’Bryan, won 11 games and a final to finish in fourth position last year.
The Lions have lost Joel Gibson (Warragul Industrials), Paul Gramc (Kooweerup), Damien Holmes (Kilcunda-Bass) and Beau Wheeler (Wangaratta) in the pre-season, but welcome back former best and fairest winner Dom Paynter from a break and full-forward Daniel Fry (Garfield).
The Lions kept the all-conquering Magpies under control, better than most last year, and will go in expecting a competitive performance.
They will rely on a skilful midfield and some exciting youngsters in Sam Blackwood and Troy Toussaint as they try to take the game up to the champs.
It’s an almost impossible task, however … it’s the Magpies to make it 37 straight.
New ROC coach Brad Jones has a massive challenge on his hands first up but will get a great indication of his team’s potential when it welcomes Cranbourne to Starling Road.
Chris Potalej, Shaun Croxford and Blair Allan will make the Kangaroos a better side … but good enough to beat Cranbourne … we think not, it’s the Eagles to strike gold.
The only round one encounter involving two last start winners takes place at Westernport Oval where Tooradin rolls out the welcome mat for Hampton Park.
The Seagulls will unleash a band of new recruits … Phil Burns from Garfield will harden up the midfield while his former team-mate at the Stars, Ryan Louch, will be dangerous around goals.
Matthew Cox, Billy Thomas and Brodie Yapp will make a difference to Hampton Park while Luke Nunan, Nathan Dawes, Adam Koe and Jimmy VanElewould will grit their teeth until the end.
The Redbacks have improved … but they’re impossible to tip … it’s the Seagulls to get the points.
In other games, Berwick and Beaconsfield will unveil their star new recruits when the long-running Battle of the Creek continues at Edwin Flack Reserve.
Berwick will have Aaron Purvis and Ben Waite slip on the navy blue while the Eagles will be strengthened with the inclusion of midfielder Tyson Mitchem and Bunyip full-forward Brent Heus.
Keysborough and Doveton will be looking for a fast start when they collide at Rowley Allen Reserve.
