The local derby between Boisdale-Briagolong and Stratford will headline the opening round of the East Gippsland football season tomorrow.

Although the Swans are the reigning premier and the Bombers collected the wooden spoon last year, the new season brings about new opportunities for both.

Boisdale-Briagolong especially has added significantly to its roster, and already looks a completely different team even from this far out.

The Swans and Bombers will face strong competition from Wy Yung, Lucknow and Lindenow, who are each tipped to be among the finals contenders.

Orbost Snowy Rovers could be the surprise packet, having shown some promise toward the backend of last year, while Paynesville and Lakes Entrance will be looking to improve on their six-win efforts from 2022.

Here is how Stratford and Boisdale-Briagolong are shaping up for the season 2023.

Stratford

Coach: Jarryd Chlossy

Last season: Premier (14 wins, 6 losses)

In: Tom Schacht (Maffra), Rowan Watts (Heyfield), Angus Mason (Collingwood Park), Lachlan Channing (Maffra).

Out: Will Webb (Lindenow), Liam Cunningham (injured).

WELL, the Weekly Times won’t be so quick to write the Swans off this season; at least you wouldn’t think so following their 20-point win over minor premier Wy Yung in a transfixing Grand Final last year.

Defending the EGFNL premiership is not the only 2023 season goal on the cards for Stratford. Playing coach Jarryd Clohesy has exerted a high focus on developing the Swans’ junior players.

“With about nine of our key players now playing their 10th season, I am really focusing on developing our junior players to create a strong future for the club,” Clohesy said.

“Our core players are on the same page that it is good for the club and understand we need to focus on the future now, which means more games for the younger guys.”

While reaching finals is always a goal ahead of any season, and for Clohesy in 2023, defending the premiership title, he also aims for his Swans to play competitive football throughout the entirety of the season.

Clohesy expects Wy Yung to front another strong side this season, as well as Lucknow.

“Lucknow was stiffed with injury last year,” he said.

“I think they will be another strong side this year.”

One thing is for sure, the Gippsland Times won’t be riding off Stratford ahead of the 2023 season, but Clohesy has his work cut out if the Swans want to defend their flag.

Boisdale-Briagolong

Coach: Sam Bedggood

Last season: Eighth (5 wins, 13 losses)

In: Tom Jolly (Maffra), Ari Fleming (Maffra), Shaymus Wain (Maffra), Jamie Mcintosh (Maffra), Ben Missen (Maffra), Thomas Bradshaw (Halls Creek), Caleb Calwyn (Halls Creek), Harry Swarski (Sale/Balwyn), David McKean (Sale), Matt Roberts (Glengarry), Nathan Flint (Rosedale), Jayden Flint (Sale City), Ben Bould (Cowwarr), Nick Marshall (return from travel), Ben Keath, Ben Regan, Louis Jones (Sale).

Out: Shaun Bates (retired), Dec Scriven (Maffra), Byron Sanderman (Sale).

SAM Bedggood had a rough go in his first official season as Boisdale-Briagolong’s senior football coach; the Bombers were plagued with injury throughout the 2022 season, winning the wooden spoon at the end of 18 rounds.

With Bedggood set on finishing in the top four this season, adding more depth to the Bombers’ 2023 squad was a must.

“We’ve got a fair few new recruits this year,” Bedggood said.

“A lot more numbers this year than in 2022, which has meant we can do a lot more drills and go a lot harder with our running at training.

“There is a real excitement at the club.”

Looking at the Bombers’ list of players ‘in’ for the 2023 season, it comes as no surprise that Boisdale-Briagolong will be fielding practically a new team, and with a massive injection of youth into the squad, Bedggood believes their pace will be their strength.

“We have a lot of youth and pace,” he said.

With several practice matches under their belt ahead of the season, Bedggood is happy with how his team is connecting, saying there has been a good display of team football.

In addition to making finals, Bedggood aims to see natural improvement across the 2023 season.