Power surge into 2023

“Training has been awesome,” Docherty said. “We've had a couple of ups and downs with some preseason injuries, but overall, the boys are looking really good.

“We have been putting a lot of focus on key areas in training, and that's been reflected in our practice matches. It's pleasing to see the message getting through to the players and being translated onto the field.”

CDHBU has also been busy on the recruitment front, with a number of new players joining the club ahead of the new season. Jason Marks, a seasoned senior from Corowa-Rutherglen, is the latest recruit to join the Power in 2023, along with young guns Ethan Hanrahan, Matthew Bush, Ryan Beveridge, Jake Beveridge, Deaken Clancy, and Judd Kuschert.

“We're thrilled to have Jason Marks join the CDHBU family,” Docherty said.

“With the addition of Jason and our other new recruits, we’re feeling confident that we can have a real crack at where we want to be this season.”

Earlier this year, CDHBU was able to lure two prized midfielders from the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League (MPNFL) in Rohan Heasley and Ben Landry. The signing of Heasley and Landry is expected to give the Power a major boost as they aim to climb the Hume League ladder this year.

CDHBU football manager Paul Rippingale spoke about the team’s preparation ahead of their first game on April 15.

“Doc (Kyle Docherty) is doing a fantastic job leading the charge with the seniors and ensuring the club is in a good position for the upcoming season,” he said.

“We have new and returning faces this year, with some coming across from Corowa Rutherglen. As a club we really feel for Corowa. It’s an unfortunate situation. We wanted to be able to give these young guys an opportunity to keep playing footy. We will be doing our best to accommodate whoever wants a game and to continue supporting these players with their footballing endeavours.

“We really think this year is our best year in the last few to have a real go at where we want to be.”

The club already has four practice matches under their belt as they gear up for Round 1 in a few weeks.

“The weekend just gone was our fourth practice match which is pretty rare,” Docherty said.

“We wanted to make sure our boys were not just training but able to see the finish line with some games being played. The boys have provided the feedback that it has been good to get a few games up their sleeve before the season begins.

“A lot of the key areas of focus we’ve been putting into training has been reflected in the games. That’s really pleasing as a coach; you want to see that your message is getting through and transitioning to match days.”

With the start of the Hume League season just a few weeks away, CDHBU supporters are eagerly anticipating the team's first game against the Giants on April 15. The last time these two teams met at the same ground, the Giants emerged victorious, but Docherty is confident that his team can turn things around this year.

“We're a different team from last year, and we've been working hard to improve in all areas,” Docherty said.

“The boys are fired up and ready to give it their all on the field. It's going to be a big game, and we can't wait to see what our team can do.”

Off the field, CDHBU has also been making some major improvements. The club recently received a grant of $266,925 from the NSW government to fund its "Light Up Coreen" project. The project involves replacing the current lighting at Coreen Recreation Reserve with LED lighting, which will be used to light the football oval, netball courts and surrounds, as well as the playground area and carpark.

Other off-field improvements include new changerooms, netball courts and pathways completed and improved air conditioning and heating in the clubrooms.

The Free Press will provide a netball update in next week’s edition.