Willowburn expect to be targeted as they look to defend TFL titles
Willowburn expect to be targeted as they look to defend TFL titles
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FOOTBALL: Willowburn’s men’s and women’s premier division know the 2021 season will be a massive challenge.
Both squads are the defending premiers and with that title come rivals eager to knock them off their perch.
For Willowburn president Gerard Alchin the thought of going into the season with a “target on our backs” is a blessing and a curse.
“It’s a bit of a mixed bag when you’re holding the title,” Alchin said.
“A blessing and a curse because it’s good to win them (premierships) and that’s always a hope for the club but now we’ve got all those teams gunning for us.
“Everyone wants to knock the premiers off.”
A the start of last season very little attention was given to the Magpies Premier Men’s division team.
The club’s veteran and top line players were lacing up their boots further afield with Willowburn accepted in the Brisbane competition.
The inexperienced side gradually spread their wings though claiming the minor premiership and winning a thrilling final.
“The Premier Men really flew under the radar,” Alchin said.
“We’re not going to have that luxury this season though.
“We’ve lost a few (players) and picked up some others.
“The ladies are in a similar position with a new coach and a few new faces.
“There’s going to be some really interesting dynamics across the teams.
“I think it’s going to be another tight season, particularly in the men’s competition and we won’t have a clear picture of how things are looking until four to six weeks in.”
Chronicle Top 4 predictions
Premier Men: St Albans, Stanthorpe, Willowburn, Rockville.
Premier Women: Highfields, Willowburn, Rockville, Warwick.
The TFL Men’s competition kicks off this weekend with the Premier Women’s division starting next weekend.
Originally published as Willowburn expect to be targeted as they look to defend TFL titles
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