The Moree Boars to face Bingara Bullets in trial match this Saturday

With the first match of the competition slated around Easter time,  A-grade coach Scott Girard said the upcoming trial match was a good opportunity to test set plays.

“This is a crucial time to figure out where to place players on the field and seeing where they play best.” 

Both the men’s A-grade league and women’s league-tag teams have already been in training for six weeks, working on a series of fitness and ball work drills.

Reserve players Luke Hetherington, Joe Wade, Rob Wade, Jack Fuller, Ritchie Smith and Wayne Swan will be making a first-time appearance in the A-Grade team, and team giants Stan Swan and Johnny Lawton will make a return.

“Stan and Johnny have been training long before pre-season training even began, and I can see how much they have improved in their fitness.”

Girard will lead the A-Grade team for the first time, having coached the men’s reserve team for the past two years. He couldn’t have picked a better time to step up to the plate, as the local club celebrates its 100^th year anniversary. Girard said making it to the finals would be a great way to celebrate the milestone.

“I’m grateful that I have a good bunch of boys, who have already shown me they are committed to the game.”

Women’s league-tag coach Mark McGrady said he had set in place a similar goal for his team.

“Last year the women’s team placed sixth in the competition, so making it to finals this year would be good.”

McGrady welcomed newcomers Chloe Brazell, Kiara Smith, Alyssa Mcgrady and Mikka Ewens to the team.

“The older players have helped the new girls settle in, working with them to better their ball work and fitness levels.”

The team will also see the return of promising stars Tileah Mcgrady, Lena Smith, Brittney and Breanna Tighe and Shai-lee Smith.

The games will be held at Boughton Oval.