Yarrawonga: Melton and Balwyn confirmed starters for inaugural pre-season competition

Yarrawonga is hosting its inaugural football-netball Gather Round event next month. See which clubs have committed to playing.

Yarrawonga has attracted Ballarat league premiers Melton and suburban powerhouse Balwyn to play in its inaugural “Gather Round on the Murray” pre-season competition next month.

Melton, which beat East Point in the grand final last year, and Eastern league premiers Balwyn, coached by former Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson, are among seven confirmed starters in the knockout event at Yarrawonga’s home ground on Saturday, March 15.

Event co-ordinator Tyler Bonat said there was one spot available for a club yet to lock in a practice match on that weekend.

Host club Yarrawonga, which suffered a shock loss to Wangaratta Rovers in the Ovens & Murray grand final last year, will also play along with other country clubs Wodonga, Benalla, Nathalia and Northern league finalist Hurstbridge.

Full forward Leigh Williams has taken over as Yarrawonga coach this year. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Melton football director David Hibbert said the club was looking forward to “playing some really competitive teams” at Yarrawonga.

“Having a really good hitout is what we’re after,” he said.

“We started a bit later than others after winning the grand final.

“We had 58 at training last Thursday night and we’ve still got four or five who haven’t been at training yet.

“Our numbers are looking pretty good.

“Darley has picked up a few and will be thereabouts again and East Point should be up there again.”

Melton will be coached again by Troy Scobie.

Competing teams will bring one senior squad of players for matches to be played over two full length quarters including the 7.30pm grand final.

Balwyn is the reigning Eastern Football League premiers. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Bonat said plans for first round losers to have another hitout on the day were being investigated.

“Ideally there is a club out there that still has a free weekend and is looking for a game,” he said.

“They can come from anywhere.

“But it’s a great opportunity to showcase our footy club and facilities.

“The ground is getting ready for the tennis tournament at Easter so it will be a beautiful time of the year to play there.

“It’s also another event for Yarrawonga.”

There will also be a netball competition on the same day.

Yarrawonga, which is the reigning O&M A grade premier team, will be joined by rival clubs Myrtleford, North Albury, Wangaratta, Wangaratta Rovers and two Goulburn Valley teams, Shepparton Bears and Shepparton Swans.

Originally published as Yarrawonga: Melton and Balwyn confirmed starters for inaugural pre-season competition