North Central: Wycheproof-Narraport and Nullawil names to disappear

Merger partners Wycheproof-Narraport and Nullawil have met for the first time since the decision to join forces in 2025. See what the merged team will be called.

Wycheproof-Narraport and Nullawil will be known as Calder United Lions in the North Central league from next year.

Calder United Lions emerged as the most popular option over Buloke Bears from a member vote conducted at both clubs in recent weeks before the name was revealed for the first time on Saturday.

Settling on the jumper design and colours will be the next step for the merger working party appointed soon after the clubs agreed to merge in mid-March.

Confirmation of the name coincided with the first clash this season between Wycheproof-Narraport and Nullawil.

Wycheproof-Nullawil won comfortably by 58 points and left both clubs fighting it out for fourth spot on the ladder with Boort and Wedderburn.

Wycheproof-Narraport coach Wayne Mitrovic, left and president Rick Allan. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Wycheproof-Narraport president Rick Allan and his Nullawil counterpart Grant Kelly welcomed the new name announcement.

“I’m more worried about the actual amalgamation itself and making sure the culture of the place is right,” Allan said.

“The name was always going to take care of itself in my opinion.

“But it’s good to see things are progressing.”

Kelly said: “It was good to get it behind us.

“I would have been just as happy to have our two names still, but the decision has been made to start fresh.

“I’m comfortable with that.”

The merged club will use the Wycheproof and Nullawil grounds next year with a hockey field to be built at Nullawil.

Nullawil joined the North Central league last year after playing in the Golden Rivers league that didn’t have a hockey competition.

Wycheproof-Narraport had previously entered merger talks with Charlton in 2021 before Charlton members voted down the option.

Charlton is sitting on the bottom of the ladder without a win this year.

Allan said Wycheproof-Narraport’s win against Nullawil was the “best we’ve played for the year”.

“The result was very pleasing, but how we played was just as good as the result,” he said.

“Things are starting to click.”

Nullawil ruckman Dean Putt is presently on the sidelines with a calf injury. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Recruit Nic Grabowski booted a season-best eight goals and his brother Josh also featured among the best players.

Coach Wayne Mitrovic also kicked five goals in his first match since round four.

Meanwhile, Nullawil is dealing with injuries to key players including Jordan Humphreys, Matthew Wade and Dean Putt.

Travis Cloke kicked one goal in his second match for the club.

Wycheproof-Narraport and Nullawil face tough matches on Saturday against third-placed Donald and top team Birchip-Watchem respectively.