Power set for surge

By Marc McGowan
ONLY seven points separated Gippsland Power from a grand final showdown at Telstra Dome with eventual premiers the Murray Bushrangers last season.
The Dandenong Stingrays ultimately earned that honour, but not before an almighty preliminary final struggle with the Power.
Gippsland stars Nic Heyne and Campbell Heath will not feature in the TAC Cup in 2009 after AFL clubs St Kilda and Sydney snapped them up respectively in last year’s National Draft.
Heath was still going to play for the Power this year as he completed his VCE studies, but a major knee injury will sideline him for the entire season.
But there is still plenty of talent on show.
Midfielder Koby Stevens is captain of the AIS-AFL Academy and heads off to South Africa with the elite squad this month, while AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan has dubbed key forward John Butcher a top-five draft prospect.
Butcher had a hip operation in December to correct what could have become a long-term problem, but will play in the TAC Cup season-opener against the Stingrays at Morwell this weekend.
Others expected to shine include Edward Carr, Dale Hoghton, Mitch Golby, Dean Woodhead, Jordan Dessent, Johnny Dryden and Russell Lehman.
North Melbourne-listed goalsneak Ben Ross’ brother, Michael, will also suit up again for Gippsland.
Former Springvale Scorpions’ star Damian Carroll replaces Austinn Jones as coach after the latter’s one season at the helm.
“It’s a good competition and the club is run in a very professional way,” Carroll said.
“We’ll definitely be trying to win every game, but obviously we want to give guys time on ground to show their skills and just develop as players.
“It’s a good challenge to combine everything.”
Carroll expects there to be up to three satellite training groups this year – possibly in Leongatha, Sale and one of Morwell and Warragul – to lessen the travelling load on players.
He said there is up to 15 players on the list who could attract AFL recruiters’ interest this season.
Carroll also believes the new facilities at Morwell Football Ground, including an indoor stadium, coaching auditorium, locker rooms and first-aid area, will be one of the best in the under-18 competition once they are complete.
“We haven’t seen the other sides, but we’re pretty happy with how our group is going,” he said.
“A lot of sides are pretty happy at this time of the year – (but) if we can set ourselves up to be in a good position in the finals we’ll reassess at that stage.
“But there’s still a fair bit of work to do before we get to that area.”