Sport
10 April, 2026
FOOTBALL: Can benchmarks cover losses?
SEA LAKE Nandaly versus Birchip Watchem shapes as the match of North Central’s opening round.
SEA LAKE Nandaly versus Birchip Watchem shapes as the match of North Central’s opening round.
The clash sees the runner up from last season, the Bulls, taking on the team that finished third.
The clubs played off in the senior preliminary final in 2025, with Birchip Watchem winning by 10 points.
The Tigers slipped after winning two consecutive flags, while the Bulls were the benchmark for most of the season before losing to Calder United in the decider.
Both teams have plenty to prove. Sea Lake Nandaly has installed Wade Donnan, Feeny Medal winner in the past two seasons, and experienced Boyd Bailey as a new playing-coaching combination.
Birchip Watchem, on the other hand, has reappointed Ash Connick as coach.
The Tigers have lost former AFL star Josh Jenkins and Tyson McKenzie, who has joined St Kilda’s VFL squad, but have brought in Robin Nahas, who has extensive experience at AFL level with Richmond and North Melbourne.
The Bulls’ departures are significant - dual century goal kicker Ben Edwards, Feeny medalist Hamish Hocking and onballer Nick Rippon, all in the league’s Team of the Year in 2025.
They will be tough to replace and managing a smaller senior squad will be a major task for Connick.
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