While some of the club’s players have been busy with football in the lead-up to round one, the club is eyeing a finals birth after a strong first half of last campaign.
At the 2024 Christmas break, L-G was sitting in fourth position before being overtaken by Kyabram Fire Brigade, Echuca South and Bamawm-Lockington United in the back half of the season.
Despite that, the club has retained its key contributors, including McMahon Shield leading wicket-taker Simon Tatt and run-scoring machine Tyler Jones.
L-G has brought Nick Horman into the fold, which will provide depth to the squad after the departure of Josh and Billy Hawken.
James Keath will return to lead the charge for the side once more, with L-G looking to develop some of its younger players in B-grade into A-grade stars.
“The first couple of games will be a bit of a tester for us, which will be good, we’re expecting to be very competitive this year,” L-G president Jason Hare said.
“We’re confident enough that we’ll be competitive this year, especially in the one-day format, I think it really suits our club and players, so we’re looking forward to getting going, actually.
“I think the first couple of weeks will certainly see some younger guys get some opportunity and with the experience that we’ve got there with a couple of players coming in so hopefully it all pans out, and we can have a good season.”
Hare emphasised the desire to foster enjoyment in the game at the club, which he said would lead to winning and a potential finals berth.
“I think one of the big things for us this year is just enjoyment and commitment,” he said.
“Just trying to get a little bit more commitment this year and I think once you get that commitment, the enjoyment comes.
“We’ve got a pretty good bunch of blokes who seem to really enjoy each other’s company, which is half the battle.
“I think as a club, we’re trying to be positive and attempt to bring young cricketers into the fold.”
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