Football
9 April, 2024
Pimpinio 2024 Season Preview
A look at Pimpinio's 2024 season in both football and netball and a message from President Jock Baker.
VALE TRENT DEZOETE
Pimpinio is holding a tribute and send-off to talented teenager Trent DeZoete ahead of their senior match against Laharum this Saturday.
DeZoete was tragically killed at a burnout competition in Stawell on November 4. The 18-year-old was struck by an out-of-control vehicle.
The Pimpinio community described him as a 'Kind, loving, respectful young man without a bad bone in his body.
In a tribute to Trent, they will be having a sendoff for him at the football oval he enjoyed playing at.
They will hold a minute silence. After that, they will present Trent's playing guernsey to his family, his parents, Josh and Nicole and younger brother Jamie.
TIGERS READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Pimpinio was one of three clubs that finished on six wins last year, narrowly missing out on finals and with some new recruits and youth coming up from the juniors, the future is exciting for the club.
Coached by Guy Smith who took over from Clinton Burdett, there is a new structure in place and one which Smith hopes will propel them to finals.
"I have brought in a new coaching style which is not what they are used to," Smith said.
"The team structure therefore has changed a lot and it is going to take a few weeks to get settled.
"The aim is to get them playing well as a team under pressure and playing with an overall structure across the ground, I think they are going to look and play like they are more experienced."
Headlining the new recruits the club has this season are Adam Westley and Matt Rosier.
There will also be a couple of players moving up from the 2023 under-17 premiership team.
Daniel Baker and Dylan Arnott are returning following long-term injuries.
Talented teenager Frederick Frew has left the club to sign with the Horsham Saints in the Wimmera Football Netball League.
Westley played with South Australian club Loxton North. He has a bit of junior experience with West Adelaide in the SANFL and joins his brother Jason at the Tigers. Smith said he can play anywhere.
"Adam was recruited as a forward but has shown versatility," he said.
"In our trial games, he has played well in midfield and down back. He will be dangerous being able to play either end of the ground and I am looking forward to seeing what he can do."
Rosier is a strong midfielder from Dimboola from the Wimmera Football Netball League and knows how to kick a goal. He has played with the NT Thunder and will be a massive boost to the midfield.
"He is recognised as a smaller midfielder but he is universal and can play different roles," Smith said.
When asked about the young players to look out for, Smith mentioned Nick Groves and Noah Jacobsen.
"I am looking forward to see how Nick plays this season. He is going to be a forward target and hopefully we can get a lot out of him," Smith said.
"Noah Jacobsen as a key defender is still a young kid but he has been performing well in trial games and I think he will play well.
"We then have Jordan Barnett, another defender who has shown a lot of promise."
Pimpinio open their season against Laharum at Pimpinio Sporting Complex.
NETBALLERS READY TO SHINE
Jayde Ellis will coach the Tigers A Grade netball team again which is highlighted by some big recruits.
Young defender Holly Ross has joined from Dimboola and Steph Runciman, another defender has joined from Kerang.
Ross was named the Wimmera Football Netball League's best under-21 player the last two seasons and Ellis said she is going to be exciting to watch.
"She will definitely be a standout and will bolster the competition, especially our defence," Ellis said.
The pre-season has been good for the Tigers getting good numbers at training. After missing the finals narrowly last year, Ellis said taking the next step is the goal.
"We are absolutely looking to push for finals. We are hungrier but we know it is going to be harder. We have recruited well and kept a lot of players from last season, so I am confident will be up there," Ellis said.
"The main thing for us is to put four quarters consistently out on the court and just having a good flow across the team.
"Having a few good defenders coming into our team it should strengthen that defensive end and shut teams down, and hopefully we can get a quick turnaround to put the opposition on the back foot."
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Jock Baker returns as Pimpinio President and he is excited about where the club can go this season. He has submitted a report.
We welcome everyone back to another season of football and netball for 2024.
After a successful 2023 season with three of our teams claiming premierships along the way, our club is on the rise again and we are hopeful of making more improvements in 2024.
Our recruitment teams have been very busy in the off-season this year picking up a lot of new players which will bolster all our teams for the up-and-coming season.
Our senior team led by Guy Smith has a full list to choose from and has some great players to welcome into our side with the likes of Matt Rosier, Adam Westley and the return of Daniel Baker, Clint Burdett and Dylan Arnott. We are excited to see our senior side take the field in the coming weeks.
Our Netballers have been working hard also with Jayde Ellis leading the way for our girls this season and with new recruits featuring Holly Ross, Sophie Balkin, Nicola Martin and Steph Runciman combined with our gun junior netballers coming through the ranks we are again excited to see some results of our hard work.
Around the ground we have just installed our new digital scoreboard which we are
excited to see up and running for our first home game.
We are also in the process of upgrading the road that surrounds our oval.
All in all, we are looking forward to a competitive season ahead and hopefully injury free.
Go the Tigers!