October 19, 2009

REPORT ON ‘ONE WHITE’ 2009 /10 PREVIEW - SEASON

In less than a fortnight we are going to be given our first peek at the 10 teams competing for those sought after 2 positions which will lift them into the Premier league.

I believe the competition is so good in this division that there are 6 teams that you could easily mount an argument for why they will be one of the teams to occupy a top 2 finish.

Two of those clubs (Stirling & Kalamunda) are at opposite ends of the spectrum in relation to their strategies to achieve success.

With all due respect to Stirling (I don’t think they making any secret of the fact) they are attempting to buy that promotion by recruiting quality players but they do not come for free. On the other hand Kalamunda rely heavily on team stability and absolute loyalty to the club.

Let me be clear that I am not passing judgements on the best way forward bit, I think it is a very interesting little sideshow to this competition.

BASSENDEAN –A genuine chance for promotion

They have a very solid outfit led by the genius of Justin OPIE. A real boost to their chances came in the form of recruiting Brian Axford and Daniel Patterson. They are both outstanding players and people, placing Basso in a strong position. Bassendean have the ability to go all the way but whether they are mentally strong enough as a group is the cloud hanging over them.

CAMBRIDGE –Will do well to survive.

Whilst they are to be congratulated for arriving at this division in such style (two years ago they were in second division) they will hit hard by the player losses in their Premier league side. I can’t see anything other than this having a negative impact on what is a very sound side.

DALKEITH- Have been to the mountain but are headed back to the valley.

Whilst I personally wish them well it is very hard to make a good case for Dalkeith to finish any higher that 7th. Substantial player losses compounded by other clubs in this division recruiting so well will make it very difficult for them to win enough aggregates to avoid the bottom 4.

KALAMUNDA –Will give this a mighty shake.

I expect Kalamunda to be right in at the finish. They have a number of proven quality performers and only a lapse of confidence, form, injury and/or illness will prevent them from taking care of most sides. However, they will need to perform at their best because anything less will see them in trouble.

KARDINYA -Very high expectations on this team.

Whilst everything I hear about the Cats is positive it comes off a season where they basically did as they liked. This is an easy game to be a “good bloke” when you are always winning.

I was taught a very long time ago that the real test of “character” comes in defeat not victory. Kardinya are stockpiled full of talent but they will not have it easy in this company. That having been said, I expect Kardinya to be a force.

MANNING –Anyone’s guess.

I have no idea how to rate this side so I am adopting a “watch” position. I know they have been very competitive in Blue South for a number of years and have some very good players so we can assume they will again be competitive.

OSBORNE PARK - Expect a strong performance.

Anyone who does not give this side a chance of being promoted is either very foolish or does not understand the game very well. There are some very proud individuals in this team and they will ensure that this Saints outfit performs at the level expected by their great club.

STIRLING – Money will not buy you love but it may pay for a premiership.

We all expect that Stirling will be right in the finish. They have a very strong list and an enormous home ground advantage so I guess when you combine the two you can only conclude with - enough said.

THORNLIE - Is this their year ?

I have a sneaking suspicion that the Ravens are going to be the surprise team of the competition. They appear to have all bases covered in relation to greens, player strength and good sense of “team”. I think they may be a little like Bassendean in that they will go as far as THEY want to.

WANNEROO - I am biased.

I have seen this Roos team in action and know so many of them and their abilities. In fact, 5 or 6 players in this division could easily play premier league. This is always a good indicator of club depth. I expect them to be super competitive.

TIM MURRAY