Goulburn Valley League: Logan Austin, Brock McLean and Andrew Walker to star

Ex-AFL and VFL stars are among a flood of talent set to capture the attention as the Goulburn Valley League season gets underway.

Former Carlton footballer Andrew Walker will coach the Murray Bombers alongside Simon Maddox again in 2021. Photo by Chloe Smith.

The start of another Goulburn Valley League season is posing the same age old question: can anyone catch Kyabram?

Clubs from across the competition have brought in the big names as they aim to challenge for the ultimate prize.

The Bombers have been quietly going about their business in the off-season recruiting strong local talent headlined by the arrivals of Zac Keogh from GVL rival Seymour and Kaine Herbert, a tough running midfielder from Undera in the Kyabram District League.

Rochester, coached by Steven Stroobants who returns to the club on a full-time basis after a stint with Coburg in the VFL, has attracted arguably some of the most talented players on paper.

They include former Port Adelaide and St Kilda defender Logan Austin alongside Harper brothers, Lachlan and Jordan, who both have NEAFL experience with Canberra.

The Tigers could also have access to Chris Jansen (Port Melbourne) and Joe Atley (Essendon) — who was delisted by the Power at the end of 2020 — at different times during the season.

Jack Hellier will still pull on black and white stripes this season but at Euroa after the Collingwood VFL captain retired from the state competition.

The 32-year-old is the headline recruit for the Magpies who have welcomed a host of fresh faces which also includes Ben Giobbi who spent time at Port Melbourne in 2019.

Former Collingwood VFL captain Jack Hellier will play for Euroa in the GVL in 2021. Picture: Mark Wilson

Former Carlton and Melbourne midfielder Brock McLean has committed to Shepparton United and will add plenty of experience to a young Demons outfit.

One of the young guns to keep an eye on will be Fitzroy Greenwool, a former member of the Gold Coast Suns Academy, who will be looking to light up Deakin Reserve alongside McLean.

Former Richmond defender Nathan Drummond will also Deakin home but with the Shepparton Bears, which shares the ground with the Demons.

2019 grand finalist Echuca can’t be discounted from the premiership conversation either with former Carlton star Andrew Walker pulling the boots on again.

Walker will coach the Murray Bombers alongside Simon Maddox.

With talent right throughout the competition, GVL board chairman said he couldn’t wait for the ball to be bounced on Good Friday.

“There’s a great feeling amongst all of our clubs,” he said.

“It’s not just exciting for the coaches and players but the supporters who haven’t been able to go and support their local football and netball teams for more than 12 months.

“We can’t wait to see crowds back because it’s clear we’ve all missed it so much.”

Shepparton and Shepparton United will kick off the season on Friday at 6pm at Deakin Reserve, with all other round one fixtures to be played on Saturday.

Remaining round 1 fixture

Euroa v Tatura

Mansfield v Mooroopna

Rochester v Kyabram

Shepparton Swans v Benalla

Echuca v Seymour