Mooroopna has wasted no time in getting the ball rolling on its 2023 Goulburn Valley League campaign, locking in a number of key figures for next year and beyond.
In a major coup for the Cats, former Murray Bushrangers coach Darren Ogier has confirmed he will be sticking around, with the highly-regarded mentor set to stay on as senior assistant coach for another season.
Coming off an impressive campaign on and off the field, Cats fans will be feeling optimistic about another premiership tilt next season, with the culture created by Ogier and senior coach John Lamont, a winning one.
Club football director Mick Betson said Ogier was looking forward to another year at the Cattery.
“There is no doubt Oge’s phone runs hot at the end of each season,” Betson said.
“He plays a huge part in providing the best coaching we can to our young group, he enjoys working with John Lamont and is really invested in our program here.”
Not the only re-signing in the coaches’ box, fellow assistant coaches Trav Waters and Jase Whittaker are also set to continue with the Cats, while former senior coach Dale Osborne will coach the club’s under-18s.
On the field, Mooroopna has also locked in a number of talents, with the two-pronged attack of Chris Nield and Jackson Trengove set to terrify defenders once again next year.
Joining the duo will be VFL-listed players Ethan Hunt and Jack Johnston, while Barooga’s Kris Bextream and Tongala’s Mackenzie Cowley are set to test themselves at GVL level.
Another Murray Football League talent set to join the Cats is Daniel Johnston, with the former Barooga man invited to do a VFL pre-season with Coburg and nominating Mooroopna as his home club.
“We are being more selective and targeting the players we need, but it is very satisfying to see young players wanting to be involved with our existing young group,” Betson said.
Ending the 2022 season in fifth place on the ladder and bowing out in week two of finals, Mooroopna — with added talent and more experience — is already shaping up to be a scary proposition in 2023.