Zartan wrote:HOUGHTON DISTRICTS- 2017 Preview
2016:
Division - D6
Position - 7th after minor Round
Wins - 6
Lost - 12
OUTS
Jason Dolan (Pooraka)
Brad Pittaway (Mid West FL)
Ben Reschke (Northern Areas FA)
Jack Thiel (Adel Lutheran)
Wade Vandermoer (Pooraka)
INS
Jason Almond (TTG)
Tim Camilleri (BL&GFA)
Matt Cluse (Modbury)
Brad Klaebe (TTG)
Blake Hargraves (TTG)
Dan Klaebe (TTG)
Adam Molloy (Walkerville)
Sean Prochazka (PNU)
Jay Rycroft (Hope Valley)
Jordan Salerno (Modbury)
Return to Division 6 in 2016 saw the Raiders not only do enough to avoid relegation and stay up, but fell one win short of an unexpected finals berth. Underrated for most of the season, and impacted by constant injuries, the Raiders were still able to show their competitiveness at times and picked up more than handy victories.
Apart from Fitzroy, Houghton could be the real big improver in 2017. New coaches, new direction, renewed enthusiasm the Raiders will be up and about for a big season. Their talent is there at the top, but the depth falls away viciously through the B grade. Will need to keep their "A Graders" fit for the most part of the season if they're to truly challenge.
Houghton have offset the loss of serial pest Dolan with one of equal standing in Molloy. The major out for mountain men is that of Vandermoer back to Pooraka, but welcome Daniel Klaebe to the mix.
Still plenty of dangerous players amongst this squad, will be looking for a big season out of Bray and Roling up forward if they're going to kick scores capable of taking the points. Always more difficult to play on their own ground, they'll fancy themselves in more of those fixtures than not.
Prediction: Depth and leg speed will prove the biggest concern for Houghton, particularly later in the season. This may impact their finals chances - but i expect them to figure mid table none the less. Finals berth is not out of the question.
Molloy been first class since arriving at the club
And would be good if Roling gave away cricket to come to footy training instead