Local footy talking points: AFL stars debut, miracle returns

From ex-AFL stars’ debuts and milestone men to remarkable returns, there’s plenty of key talking points ahead of the weekend’s local footy. Here’s what you need to know.

From huge local names to ex-AFL stars, there’s plenty to get excited about in this weekend’s local footy across Victoria.

Here are just some of the things you need to keep an eye on.

EX-AFL GUN SET TO PUT ON A SHOW

He was arguably the biggest recruit of the local footy off-season, now Robbie Gray is primed for action. The Port Adelaide champion will pull on the boots for Doncaster in the Eastern league against Norwood at Schramms Reserve. Gray signed with the Premier Division outfit last November after wrapping up his 271-game AFL career which took in 367 goals and three club best and fairests. It had been uncertain when the 35-year-old – who holds a role among Port Adelaide’s recruiting and list management team – would suit up for his new club, with Doncaster confirming the four-time All Australian’s selection on Thursday afternoon.

Robbie Gray will play for Doncaster this weekend. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

KYABRAM, ECHUCA UNDER LIGHTS

They’re two of the powerhouse clubs in the Goulburn Valley league and the eyes of competition will be on Kyabram and Echuca do battle on Saturday night. Both sides had big wins in the opening round of the season and will face off in what looms as a key battle in the race for the double chance later in the year.

EAST SUNBURY’S MONUMENTAL COMEBACK

After sitting out last season, East Sunbury will return to Essendon District league action against the Northern Saints at Charles Mutton Reserve. It’s been a busy off-season for the Thunder who have welcomed back players along with bringing fresh faces into the club.

LOCAL CLUBS TAKE ON THEIR NEW CHALLENGES

Several clubs across Victoria will play their first games in new competitions on Saturday. Deer Park and St Albans will take to the field in the Essendon District league while Nullawil faces a stern test in the North Central league. Hallam will play its season opener in AFL Outer East Division 1 after moving from the Southern league.

DONCASTER EAST REVEALS THE BIG GUNS

Doncaster East is set to roll out a bevy of ex-AFL and state league names this Saturday in its Eastern league Premier Division clash with Park Orchards at Zerbes Reserve. Former AFL Blue and Lion Tom Bell headlined the club‘s haul of recruits this off-season after crossing from the Northern league, reportedly lighting it up in the pre-season with a bag of goals in a practice match. Ex-Carlton teammate Cam Giles joins Bell at the club alongside former Fremantle defender Taylin Duman, with Port Melbourne premiership pair Lachlan Waddell and Luke Tynan also among the key names in line to debut.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE’S MASSIVE TALENT INFLUX

There will be an influx of ex-elite sportsmen in the Southern league on Saturday. James Pattinson (cricket, Doveton), Lynden Dunn (AFL, Caulfield Bears), Josh Caddy, Billie Smedts (both AFL, Port Melbourne Colts) and Will Chambers (Rugby, St Kilda City) will all make debuts for their respective clubs. Chambers, Caddy and Smedts will face off in Division 1 while Pattinson and Dunn will square off with different opponents in Division 2.

Nathan Deans will make his return this weekend. Picture: Mark Wilson

GROVEDALE SKIPPER’S INSPIRATIONAL RETURN

Grovedale captain Nathan Deans is set to make his long-awaited return to the field after completing a full pre-season with the Tigers. The inspirational skipper has not played in the past 642 days after a sickening leg injury suffered against Bell Park had him on the brink of retirement. Deans suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, lateral cruciate ligament, and a medial cruciate ligament, as well as a snap in the hamstring tendon, leaving doctors to compare Deans to a car crash victim.

A NEW HOME FOR SOUTH BENDIGO

For South Bendigo it is a historic weekend with the club hosting their first match at Harry Trott Oval after a $5m redevelopment. It will be the first time in 130 years the club hasn't called Queen Elizabeth Oval home. They’ll take on Eaglehawk.

Koroit has not won since its premiership. Picture: Koroit Saints.

KOROIT AIMS TO AVOID DISASTROUS START

Reigning premiers Koroit will be looking for their first win after losing their first two matches this season to Cobden and South Warrnambool. The team faces Portland and will be looking to avoid losing three games in a row in seniors for the first time since 2011. During their seven premierships in a row the team has never lost more than two games in a row.

A MELTON RIVALRY

Melton will take on their rivals Melton South as the Ballarat league finishes its first round after one match was held on Good Friday. The reigning premiers have not lost to the Panthers since 2017 and will be looking to continue that record despite Melton South securing handy recruits in the off-season.