Preview by Co-Coach Drew Mitchell

The Sherwood Colts  group is excited to be finally back to footy. With the introduction of NEAFL players dropping back and an alteration to the Lions Academy program, the Colts playing roster went from 28 two weeks ago to a strong 33. From the start of the season  co-coach Ben Jaenke-Cain and I have had the mindset of preparing the Colts group for Senior football. This includes looking at the ins and outs of running patterns and spread, structures at stoppages, contested work, the link between forwards, mids and backs as the ball transitions up the field, skill level, and defensive pressure.

It has been very pleasing to see how well this group has engaged in the learning over the last 6 months. Leading into round one has provided a selection headache, as 33 doesn’t go into 22. However, from experience competition for spots only increases the level of training and playing.

The Colts back line this week will be led by our back line Captain Tom Evans with Will H and Oscar either side of him. We have an attacking group of half backs who are one on one competitive beast with Lawson Campbell,  Rory, and Jack. Will. R will come off the bench to support the backs and potentially rotate through a wing.

Week 1 will see our new captain Morgan Smith play on the wing with his Vice captain Brodie Gardner on the other wing . Our midfield has a variety of options with some very unlucky players missing out, who would be more then capable in the role. Again this puts some high expectations of the players selected in there to perform. Ethan, Josh, Tom. K and Colt veteran Sean Ryan will have first crack in the middle with Tom. M and newcomer Mitch Lake rotating through the area.

The forward half will see Jack Briskey,  who is pushing his claims for a senior selection with Connor. B, Lamont. K and our forward line Captain Cooper Crowell providing some serious tall strike power up front. These boys will be supported by our hard working crumbing forwards Abu. K and Andrea. M, with new to the club Will. C possessing  some really silk and class across half forward.

I know the boys a really excited to get into their first game. They set the task for themselves to create a legacy within the Colts program and we look forward to seeing how that unfolds.

Colts vs Mt Gravatt - 930am @ McCarthy Homes Oval

B: Evans - Murphy - Hunt:

HB: Edwards - Campbell - Spry

C: Smith - Ryan - Gardners

HF: Kante - Briskey - Cruice

F: Kalolo - Crowell - Bulley

Foll: Harris - Lane - Kearney

Int: Radcliffe - Mackay - Mulvhill - Lake