IT’S THE week when the North Central footy league turns its focus to the Loddon Valley – Boort versus Wedderburn in the Loddon Derby.
“They dislike us, and we dislike them,” said Boort coach Dale Cameron, savouring the prospect of the traditional clash.
“There’s a bit of rivalry there harking back to a few grand finals back in the day. It’s good – that’s what it’s all about in the end.”
Opposing coach Tom Metherell has not experienced the local derby before but understands its importance.
“It’s big, and the match is big in the scheme of the ladder too. It’s really important. I know it’s only round four, but it’s an eight-point game,” he said.
“We’re under no illusions, it will be a tough game.”
Both teams have already played Charlton and Sea Lake Nandaly, so the form lines are there to be studied early in the season.
Boort defeated Charlton by 45 points, while the Redbacks beat the Navies by 54 points.  Wedderburn pushed the reigning premiers all the way, leading at three-quarter time before losing by 16 points. The Magpies lost by 41 against the Tigers, but the margin was between 10 and 20 points for much of the game.
The unknown factor is how Boort will return after their bye in round three.
“I’ll tell you after the game,” Cameron said. “It might take us a little time to get going. We’ve got 10 new players, so how they come back is yet to be seen.”
Boort will be missing several key players including midfield recruit Wade Broadstock, who has done the unthinkable and gone on honeymoon during the footy season.
“We definitely have played our best footy in patches, but the team is still figuring out how everyone plays,” Cameron said.
“As long as they give their all and hold up the values of the club, you can’t fault them if they win or lose.”
Wedderburn will be without Sam Lockhart, who has a long-term wrist injury, but it is hoped Lewis Holt, who was a late withdrawal last week with a calf issue, will return.
The Redbacks come into the Boort clash in good form, having beaten Charlton by 56 points last Saturday.
“It was a comfortable win, but they definitely challenged us in the second quarter when we went away from focusing on the things we were doing in the first quarter,” Metherell said.
Wedderburn has two weeks off after meeting Boort, with a bye followed by the league-wide break.
Metherell planned for the fortnight off in the pre-season, playing four practice matches to replicate the effects of the fixture.
He said he would likely give the players a week off, with a fitness program to follow, and then ramp up training before their first home game for the year, when their new clubrooms will be unveiled.
- GARY WALSH