Tallangatta and District: Premier team Chiltern plays resurgent Beechworth

The wait is finally over with country footy returning across the state on Saturday. See the leagues set to kick off.

David Johnston

2 min read

March 30, 2023 - 5:00AM

The Weekly Times

Beechworth ends Chiltern's winning streak

Beechworth co-coach Tom Cartledge believes a first up clash against Tallangatta and District league reigning premier Chiltern is the ideal launching pad to some “unfinished business” from last year.

The Bushrangers went from only one win in 11 games in 2021 to a preliminary final finish in a major transformation of their fortunes.

The TDFL is among 17 leagues starting their seasons on Saturday after a one-off game in the Colac District league was won by Irrewarra-Beeac last weekend.

Beechworth co-coach Tom Cartledge ready for round one clash against reigning premier Chiltern. PICTURE: ZOE PHILLIPS

Beechworth is setting up for sustained success with the addition of two recruits, small forward Alek Tsardakis and midfielder Tristan Stead.

“We surprised ourselves a bit how well we went last year,” Cartledge said.

“We were a club that had struggled for a while and we had to build a bit of belief.

“There is a feeling of unfinished business and it’s why we’ve been able to keep most of our group together.

“Chiltern is still the reigning premiers and you’ve got to measure yourself against them.”

Beechworth co-coach Tom Cartledge after the club's big win against Chiltern last year.

Chiltern’s new coach Brad Hibberson has taken over from Luke Brookes, who led the club to its first flag in the TDFL.

Gippsland joins other major leagues Hampden, Murray, Mornington Peninsula-Nepean and Ovens and Murray in starting on Saturday.

There are two huge GFL opening round games, reigning premier Leongatha plays Traralgon and Wonthaggi hosts Sale after the two teams met twice in finals last year.

Another enticing match-up is between Morwell and 2022 hard luck story, Moe.

Moe won its first five matches before its season derailed due to a succession of serious injuries.

Moe coach Declan Keilty is a former Melbourne player. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

Among them were coach Declan Keilty, who underwent surgery to repair a serious hamstring injury.

“We just got shot with injury,” he said.

“We ended up having 37 players play seniors and 14 of them play their first senior game.

“It was a bit of a nightmare really.”

Also ready to return are star onballer Harrison Pepper and forward Kristian Jaksch with Moe recruiting brothers Chris and Nick Prowse from Maribyrnong Park.

Tocumwal, which has crossed from the Picola and District league, has the round one bye in the Murray league before a home game on Good Friday against Numurkah.

Reigning premier Mulwala plays one of the biggest dangers to its crown, Moama, in round one with Moama boosted by the late signing of veteran Kristan Height, who has won league best and fairests in the Goulburn Valley, Bendigo and Ovens and Murray leagues.