FAST FACTS
COACH: JASON WHITTAKER 2022 FINISH: FIFTH (10-5) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIRESTS: LUKE SMITH AND JONTY WARDLE 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKERS: LUKE SMITH (41) AND MITCHELL BLACK (41) HOME GROUND: KATANDRA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: KATS
PLAYER CHANGES
Ins: Seb Fernandez (Old Scotch), Kai Bloomfield (De La Salle), Reece Walsh (Queensland)
Outs: Trent Herbert, Jonty Wardle (Shepparton)
With a new coach, a new-look playing group and new game plan, it is clear Katandra is set for a fresh start on the football field in 2023.
Jason Whittaker, who has undergone a thorough apprenticeship at Goulburn Valley League club Mooroopna, takes the reins as senior coach following Trent Herbert’s move to Shepparton.
Herbert was joined by fellow star Jonty Wardle in making the shift to Deakin Reserve, leaving a gaping hole in the Kats’ lineup that will need to be filled.
But with high-calibre recruits such as Seb Fernandez, Kai Bloomfield and Reece Walsh and an exciting band of youngsters at his disposal, Whittaker said he was confident the Kats could improve on last year’s semi-final appearance.
“I have seen a little bit of the squad playing and have had a lot of conversations around their developing list,” he said.
“It’s a young list, which is good because the players aren’t so set in their ways and open and adaptable to change.
“So hopefully the group will adapt to my structures, set-ups and game plan and, with a few exciting recruits added to an already solid core, I think it is bright times ahead.”