The first piece of good news came at the Group 4 AGM, and while it is great news for the 2015 premiers it is also great news for the ten other Second Division clubs taking on season 2017 according to president Lad Jones.

Following a one year hiatus the Steve Pepperell Memorial Shield will once again be played as a pre-season gala day at the Recreation Ground.

“We have only just sent the nomination forms out but we are hoping to get a good reaction this year,” Jones said.

“Group 4 said they will try and work with the club to use the day to launch into the Second Division season.” 

The Pepperell Shield is set to be played on March 4, and will be a top opportunity for some clubs to get their first look at each other for almost two years as the Group resumes the one tier format after trialling two tiers last season.

“We are over the moon that it has gone back to one competition,” Jones said.

“It is much better for our spectators, sponsors and players. There will be more continuity and more home games which will make it easier to build a team culture and play good footy.” 

Paul Hyson will once again be taking on the coaches role after taking over last year and seeing the club through a tough season, while the back to back premiership winning ladies will again be taken by league tag super coach Geoff Sharpe.

Both the men’s and ladies sides will be hoping to see some big home scores up in lights at their home ground as well after it was announced last month that a $15 000 Community Building Scheme application had been approved for a new electronic scoreboard after the existing manual scoreboard was deemed unsafe.

“The paperwork is still going through but we plan to have it up and running when the season kicks-off on March 18,” Jones said.

In the meantime the club is hosting a sign on day and bbq at the family friendly Kootingal Hotel next Saturday (14^th) from midday.

“We are shaping up pretty well – Most of the blokes from last year are coming back and some older blokes are returning as well.”