From the Leader Group Papers / www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Paul Amy
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PAUL AMY rounds up the ins and outs from each club and gives a guide to their 2014 prospects.
LIGHTS, camera, action … the VFL season kicks off this Saturday when Williamstown, celebrating its 150th year, hosts reigning premier Box Hill Hawks in an ABC TV clash.
Bendigo hopes Perth recruit Jackson Sketcher will help it enjoy a Gold rush of wins aftera winless 2013.
BENDIGO
Coach: Aussie Jones (second year)
Last year: 0-18
In: Jackson Sketcher (WAFL), Joe Redfern (Greater Western Sydney), Angus Watts (Labrador), Jesse Wallin (Morningside), Devin McFarlane (Peel Thunder), Sam Heavyside, Liam Byrne (Bendigo Pioneers), Tyson Biffin (Northern Blues), Tyrone Downie (Kangaroo Flat), Mitch Hough (Kangaroo Flat).
Out: Dean Putt, Nathan Beck, Pat Flynn, Troy Kelm.
The skinny: Shorn of its Essendon alignment, Bendigo went winless in 2013 and suffered a handful of fearful beatings. But it did have a major victory a few weeks after the season, gaining enough new sponsors and members to go on in the VFL. Some handy inclusions have increased depth — last year the bottom few players were below VFL standard — and the Gold should improve enough to win three or four games and be in a few more others. Jones would put his head in a lion’s jaw if it meant gaining a seasoned, 200cm ruckman.
Read more for all the club previews in the 2014 Peter Jackson VFL