Hoping to build off the back of a strong 2019 campaign, the Border Raiders like many clubs has faced adversity in the wake of the COVID-19 break.
But now its division one men's team is back - albeit with a different looking line-up - and ready to make its mark on the competition, according to senior men’s coach Pat Hicks.
“We're a bit different with personnel this year, so we've had to find the right method of playing to suit our players that would win games and get points on the board,” Hicks said.
First up is Eaglehawk FC at Truscott Reserve and while historically one of the best teams in the league, Hicks’ message remained clear - clarity of thought and positivity was the key to success.
“It's been a long pre-season getting to round one, but it's going to be all about decision making, making the right one in the right moment and staying positive throughout the full 90 minutes,” Hicks said.
Though the side has a number of players unavailable this weekend, Hicks said those preparing for the game were "very excited" to return.
And when the time comes for his full squad to take to the pitch, Hicks said they would prove a challenge for the rest of the competition.
"I think it will be quite a strong squad – we've got some young players in and amongst it,” Hicks said.
"A few of our senior players, Ryan Cole and Sam McAllan, they're leaders of the group and have shown they can play and pass that experience on.
"Luka van de Zand and Josh Bavich – they are two of the young up-and-comers we're looking at bringing into the ones team and that system.”
● ELEVATING youth will be one of the major focuses of Echuca Moama Border Raiders women's team this season.
What that looks like on the scoreboard remains to be seen, but for coach Jeff Scott, if his players can walk away with a positive experience this year, that will be the biggest win of all.
After an 18-month hiatus, the squad will look vastly different this year.
But with the club aiming to transition its juniors up to seniors, Scott said the future remained bright for its women's team.
“Not only are our younger players coming through, but we've got young girls playing who are new to the sport,” Scott said.
“It's great to see so many young girls getting involved in sport.”
Two junior players who are ready to take the leap from juniors to seniors are Asha Davey and Gypsy van de Zand.
“These two young women have come up through the club and they'll be playing in the under-16 boys and senior women's,” he said.
“They're very capable and talented young players. They've got a great skillset, so we'll look to use them in the midfield and as attacking players.”
With their first game against Eaglehawk FC this Sunday, Scott said he would look to his senior players to help lead the group on the pitch.
“I’m looking forward to seeing our senior experienced players stepping up and being positive and mentoring these younger players,” he said.
“These will be some tough first games, and we need to hang in there, so we're really looking to the senior girls during this transition period.”
● Echuca Moama Border Raiders division one championship season kicks off from 6pm, Saturday, April 10 at Truscott Reserve, Bendigo.
Prior to that, the division two team takes to the field from 4pm.
The women's team will start their season at Truscott Reserve the following day (Sunday, April 11) from 1pm.
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