As part of a new series, The Daily Advertiser speaks to each of the clubs on what was, what could have been and what the future holds.

Minor premiers Tumut kicked things off and next up are their biggest rivals.

Gundagai were also thwarted on their attempt to celebrate their 100th season with a premiership after returning to the top in 2020.

After combining with Jarrod Crane this season, Luke Berkrey returns as the lone coach of the Tigers this season as they look to add to their impressive record.

CR: What was the highlight of the season?

LB: The highlight for us was even with as many injuries as we had we brought through a lot of good local juniors who ended up playing a lot of first grade. If we didn't have as many injuries they might not have got that opportunity. Some guys who got opportunities who might not have if we didn't have a few things go against us.

CR: If that was the highlight, what was the biggest disappointment?

LB: I don't want to say the injuries but it probably was. The injuries we had at the start of the year derailed us a little bit and made us a bit clunky for that whole middle period. It was probably the biggest disappointment - losing so many key guys throughout the year.

CR: Who was the best opposition player you faced?

LB: It's probably Lachie Bristow. Every time we played them his influence on that team put us away. He had some big moments in the three times we played them so I'll have to say him.

CR: Who impressed you the most in your club?

LB: I don't want to give a rap to someone who is leaving but it is Dane (O'Hehir). Dane had a massive year for us and did a lot of good things. Also James Luff who really persevered with his injury throughout the year and then came back and was really starting to play some really good footy. I think we will see a really good version of Luffy next year.

CR: What's the best thing about coaching the Tigers?

LB: That it's held in high regard in this town as it is really the only sport being played here all winter. It is a big role but it is something that I cherish. It's also the relationships you form with everyone around the town and with everyone involved in the club. It really is a privileged role.

CR: What is the biggest challenge for your club next year?

LB: We're certainly going to have a big challenge replacing some key players. Replacing them and then forming new combinations with our new combinations is going to be challenge to start with but something we will work really hard at for the start of the pre-season. Our defence was to be better than what it was last year too. It started to get better towards the back end, when we became a bit more stable. So defensively and getting some cohesion with some new players.

CR: Who is a Gundagai player to watch out for?

LB: I think James Luff is one big one to look out for. He probably only played four games last year and really started to hit his straps. I think we might get to see the best of Luffy next season. Another is Tyron Gorman and I expect he will have a really big season now that he knows where he is at going into the season with Rosey (Nathan Rose) coming over. I'm really looking forward to him getting some opportunities outside Rosey.

CR: What is the most important thing you think Group Nine needs to do in the next few years?

LB: I don't actually want to say anything and will leave that with Group Nine as I think they have actually done a really, really good job in the last couple of years. I think they showed some real strength in 2020 by being able to get the season on and then again they really held out and gave the players and the clubs every opportunity again this year before it just became too hard. There are smarter people doing those jobs for a reason so I will leave it to them as I reckon they are doing a great job.