Farrer’s back: the league rebuilds

ON THE eve of the 2007 season, the Farrer League’s continuing viability was brought into serious doubt. North Wagga – plagued by administrational concerns and a mass player walkout only weeks prior to the opening bounce of the new campaign – controversially folded, raising questions over the long-term feasibility of the competition. At the time, people were speaking negatively. They were quick to make judgement. Many felt the Farrer League would continue to survive on merely borrowed time.Twelve months have passed since the North Wagga debacle. The Saints have since enjoyed a second-coming of sorts and joined the Riverina Football League for the upcoming season. All roads lead to Kapooka Army Base as the club looks to rebuild its fractured foundations. In stark contrast to the preceding campaign, the Farrer League could scarcely be in better shape with round one looming in the distance, following a tumultuous beginning to 2007. On the back of smart recruiting this summer, the Farrer League could reclaim its mantle as the region’s No.1 competition in 2008. Regarded as the poor cousin of the RFL, it has an opportunity to re-establish itself as a key presence in the region. At the very heart of the resurgence has been the ability of clubs to assemble some of the most potent forward-line set-ups in recent memory. Boom recruits Damien Brown (Temora) and Steve White (Northern Jets) come to the Farrer League with impressive resumes. Both have played in the SANFL, won goal-kicking accolades and have a proven track record of performing against quality opposition. They also stand plus-190cm. Brilliant left-footer Marc Geppert (Collingullie-Ashmont-Kapooka) and Corey Pavitt (Marrar) also join the six-club competition.The two full-forwards dominated while playing in the RFL in recent seasons. Northern Jets goal-kicker Jason Vant, who has overcome a serious achilles injury, will make his long-awaited return in 2008. Add to that Kody Kelman (Temora) and Jason Brown (The Rock-Yerong Creek), who kicked 142 goals between them last season, and the forward-line structures of most clubs look exceedingly dangerous. Expect a fast, direct game plan from clubs this season. Big-name acquisitions haven’t been confined to the forward-line, with quality onballers Shane Lenon and Nathan McDonald also moving to the Farrer League. The arrival of Damien Brown, in particular, shapes as an important step forward for both the Kangaroos and the league itself. RFL premier Wagga Tigers threw everything at Damien Brown in a last-ditch effort to secure him.He settled on the Kangaroos. Admittedly, circumstances played in Temora’s favour: he moved to the region to work in the West Wyalong mines. Few, however, would have thought that a club such as Temora, who has struggled on the field in recent times, would be able to outpoint a traditionally powerful RFL outfit at the negotiation table. The Kangaroos have spared no expense in turning around their fortunes and putting together a competitive outfit.In 2006 they were almost non-competitive. Now, Shane Russell – entering his second season in charge at Nixon Park – has boldly predicted a top-two finish is within reach. The benefits of a stable and united committee are obvious. President Ian Rodway and his behind-the-scenes crew have done a wonderful job. The committee has made critical decisions to grow their business and it’s paying off generously. The Kangaroos knew they had to be aggressive if they wanted to play finals and challenge for a flag. While they might lack the overall class of some of the other teams in the league, Temora has two powerful goal-kickers likely to contribute upwards of 160 goals this season. That figure may be slightly inflated, but Kelman and Damien Brown will be dominant figures in the Farrer League. Aggressive recruiting and natural improvement from the club’s developing players will ensure the Kangaroos emerge as the competition’s biggest improvers in 2008.Clubs have been extremely proactive in their respective recruiting this summer. Undoubtedly, the Farrer League will be more competitive across the board than the RFL. Northern Jets, Marrar, the Demons, Temora and the Magpies all have legitimate claims for a place in the four. At least half of RFL clubs have struggled to boost quality in their playing ranks. Only Rivcoll has failed to consolidate in the Farrer League this off-season.Yes, the Bushpigs named experienced duo Matt Currie and Paul McKelvie as co-coaches.However, their arrival won’t provide the fix to a severe lack of genuine first-grade options. A highly productive Farrer League off-season should result in Southern NSW AFL taking full advantage. Given the evenness of both the Farrer League and RFL – when assessing overall player talent – Southern NSW has the opportunity to put representative football back on the agenda.