North Central: Nullawil cements second position on ladder in debut season

See all the photos from Saturday’s match between Nullawil and Wycheproof-Narraport, and read about the Maroons’ great start to their season.

Nullawil is perfectly positioned for a shot at emulating five previous occasions when the club has won flags in its first season in a new competition after downing Wycheproof-Narraport on Saturday.

The Maroons have embarked on the club’s greatest challenge by joining the North Central league.

But they are finals-bound with a crushing 57-point win at Wycheproof in the first meeting between the clubs in more than 70 years.

Most recently, Nullawil won flags in its first season in the Southern Mallee league in 1979 and Golden Rivers league in 1998.

Between 1926 and 1937 Nullawil won premierships in the first season in a new league three times.

Nullawil’s Billy Forrester has eyes for the ball despite being tackled by Wycheproof-Narraport coach Boe Bish, left, and Jack McHutchinson. Pictures: Yuri Kouzmin

Two current-day players, Billy Forrester and Kyle Doran, have a family link to the 1937 triumph in the Wycheproof and District league with their great grandfather, Tim Forrester, the coach.

Nullawil has consolidated second place on the ladder behind the only team it has lost to this season, Sea Lake Nandaly.

Nullawil making a bold beginning to life in the North Central league. Wycheproof-Narraport its latest scalp. ⁦@theweeklytimes⁩ pic.twitter.com/d5RlvSaMBO

— David Johnston (@david_johnston5) May 29, 2023

Saturday’s win was put beyond doubt in the third term, when the Maroons kicked seven goals to three to establish a matchwinning 58-point lead at the last change.

Jordan Humphreys starred off halfback and the Demons couldn’t contain forwards Mitchell Farmer, Andrew Oberdorfer and Adam Thomson, who kicked 10 goals between them.

Another key forward, Matt Quigley, kicked two early goals before sitting out the game with a hamstring injury.

Giant ruckman Dean Putt was a star for the Maroons.

Nullawil ruckman Dean Putt is surrounded by Wycheproof-Narraport opponents.

The only downer to date has been the season-ending knee injury to coach Brett Barker a fortnight ago.

He said the club was determined to make an impact in the North Central league.

“Our expectations were fairly different to the other clubs,” he said.

“They thought we probably weren’t going to be too good, but we are sitting where I thought we would.

“Our first quarter was pretty ordinary and we were still up.

“If we can play flat out from the start we are going to be pretty hard to stop.”

Nullawil’s Jordan Humphreys punches the ball clear of Wycheproof-Narraport’s Justin Bateson on Saturday.

Wycheproof-Narraport stays third on the ladder, but has a poor percentage compared to other teams in the finals mix.

The Demons’ best player was lightly built midfielder Gedd Hommelhoff with 2005 Feeny Medallist James Coatsworth also in the best in his second match this season.

Wycheproof-Narraport coach Boe Bish said his team was outplayed by Nullawil.

“I knew they would be a good physical side, but they had a bit more run than I expected,” he said.

“It was always going to be interesting where they fitted in.

“On results so far they are going to be at the pointy end.”

Nullawil ruckman Dean Putt climbs over his Wycheproof-Narraport opponent Lachlan Van Schaik.

Wycheproof-Narraport’s Justin Bateson attempts a mark.

Nullawil’s Andrew Oberdorfer celebrates a goal.

Wycheproof-Narraport’s Justin Bateson is tackled by Nullawil’s Zac Caccaviello.

Wycheproof-Narraport’s Chris Cox brings down Nullawil’s David Isbistar in a tackle.

Wycheproof-Narraport’s Gedd Hommelhoff soars over the pack for a mark against Nullawil.

Wycheproof-Narraport coach Boe Bish marks in front of the pack.

Nullawil’s Andrew Oberdorfer marks in front of Wycheproof-Narraport’s Josh Walsh.

Wycheproof-Narraport’s Lachlan Van Schaik has front position.