Country Footy: Tough year ahead for Waaia

by Josh Barnstable

It’s that time of the year again. That time of the year when all the hard yards you put in at training pays off on that one day in September, albeit a bit less significant compared to that ‘other’ one day in September. Country football is back, and the Picola League is set to begin on April 10.

Waaia, one of the strongest teams in the Picola League, have been hit with some big name players leaving to Shepparton and other areas, and may find it tough to repeat their efforts of previous years. The Under 17s side started training a month ago, and after blowing out the cobwebs and completing two practice matches, we are ready to play. The first practice match resulted in a one goal loss to Yarroweyah, and the other saw Lancaster come away with the bragging rights after a big last quarter. Our first match is against Tungamah away from home, and it’ll be a tough ask to even come within 100 points, but we’ll give it our best shot.

I never knew how much I missed playing footy on Saturday. Waking up early (the first thing to check is the weather) getting all my gear together, worrying if I packed my right footy boot, going through the warm-ups in the rooms, getting the last-minute address from the coach.

I’ve never been certain of my position in the team. When thinking of options for Full Forward, I’m usually the first name that floats through my coach’s head. But usually I’m switched to Half-Back in the second half, and even the odd stints in the Ruck and on the Wing. I remember one game last year, I started at Full Forward, went to the Back Pocket in the second quarter, spent half of the third quarter on the bench before going onto the Wing and then playing in the Ruck for the last quarter. I was pretty exhausted after the game but I was glad I was used around the whole field.

I also look forward to finishing the game, getting a drink afterwards, making the long drive back home if we’re playing away, if not, making the short drive back into the garage at home and tuning into Triple M on all the AFL news with my body aching as I sit down to watch the VFL on TV.

It’s gonna be a good year – I just hope I can sing the song at least once this season.

2010 Waaia Draw:

Round One: Tungamah (A)

Round Two: Dookie United

Round Three: Katandra (A)

Round Four: Shepparton East

Round Five: Katunga (A)

Round Six: Katamatite (A)

Round Seven: Rennie

Round Eight: Tungamah

Round Nine: Dookie United (A)

Round Ten: Katandra

Round Eleven: Shepparton East (A)

Round Twelve: Katunga

Round Thirteen: Katamatite

Round Fourteen: Rennie (A)

Round Fifteen: Tungamah (A)

Round Sixteen: Dookie United

Round Seventeen: Katandra (A)

Round Eighteen: Shepparton East