It’s no secret South Mandurah has the best crop of colts players in the Peel Football and Netball League.
They’ve won the last two colts premierships, only losing five games across the two year span, and have dominated the age group in almost every facet.
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But now it’s time for that wave of colts players to swell into the club’s league ranks, according to head coach Paul Pannell.
The first-year Falcons coach said the ones side would lean on its up and comers, forecasting a high amount of debuts across the year.
“We’re lucky enough to have this great group of young blokes coming through, and we’ll definitely use them,” he said.
“Their development now relies on them getting games of league footy, being exposed to the senior level, so that’s something we will try to do.”
Troy Lee, Jarrod White and Mitch Coles have been marked as young guns that could make an impact for the league side in 2018, along with Jaydon Cullen who could occupy a role in the ones.
The next-generation players will mix with South Mandurah’s talented crop of seniors, as the side eyes a spot in the finals once again.
Michael Holmes will hold the fort as one of the more experienced defenders on the Falcons’ list, while Ross Elliott medallist Andrew Haydon leads through the middle of the ground.
Tom Wood is expected to shoulder most of the ruck duties, while Brad Holmes continues to be the main target up front.
The losses of key 2017 players Keegan Power and Luke Shepherd might sting initially, but Pannell said the side was focused on the future, while keeping one eye on a finals spot.
“We want to play finals again – I think finishing in the top five is our initial goal,” he said.
“From there you just take it as it comes, but really, this year is all about setting us on a good path for the future.
“It’s actually quite refreshing for us to go in with that approach, and our senior core of players is really excited to see what these kids can do.”
South Mandurah’s season kicks off with a game against Halls Head at Hot Klobba Stadium on Saturday, April 7.