By Brad Kingsbury
PEARCEDALE is the side to watch in Nepean League this season, despite 2009 runners-up Frankston snaring the recruiting coup of the pre-season by picking up the Lonie twins, Ryan and Nathan.
In Peninsula League, Chelsea should improve on the back of the addition of ex-Springvale stars Nigel Carmody and David Biagi.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Nepean League
The pre-season focus has been on 2008 runners-up Frankston Bombers after they secured highly rated coach Tony Blackford and then nabbed the delisted AFL Lonies to their list.
That will give Sorrento premiership coach Troy Schwarze plenty to ponder as he shoots for a second flag this year, but the other big player will be Pearcedale that has picked up several top-notch recruits including ex Hampton Park pair Kain Baskaya and Jack Besley.
Hastings will enter its new division under coach Tyson Lane in the hope of making an immediate impact.
Somerville has snared a good mentor in Brett Anthony, but may find the going tough in 2009, along with Rye, despite the inclusion of former AFL player Mark Chaffey.
Tyabb and Crib Point will likely struggle.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Peninsula League
Seaford achieved back-to-back flags last year and will start the season as hot favourites to make it three in a row under new coach Anthony Agius.
The Tigers main challenge will likely come from Mt Eliza in the charge of VCFL midfielder David Willett, and 2008 runners-up Edithvale-Aspendale, again coached by John Hynes.
Newcomers Langwarrin will likely find the going tough in its first season.
It was a blow for former Kangaroo and Hawthorn defender Jonathon Hay, who was to play with the club this year.
Hay snapped his Achilles tendon at training last week and will miss the season.
Chelsea, however, should move up to challenge after adding former Springvale stars Nigel Carmody and David Biagi to its list.
Justin Peckett will again lead Karingal, but looks to have his work cut out, while Bonbeach and Pines are set to fight it out at the base of the table despite the Pythons signing big-marking Cora Lynn goalkicker Darren Sheen.
