By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey Cannons launched its 2024 season on Saturday, with plenty of excitement about what the new campaign could bring.
The Cannons have had a change of president in the off-season, Dave Hyland vacating the role but set to remain involved at the club under the incoming Seann Rowland.
Last year’s women’s coach Jim Voulanas, who won coach of the year in Vic League 1, has been unable to commit and will be replaced by Andrew Harris, while Steve Noney will remain at the helm of the men’s team.
The women’s side has welcomed in former premier league player Sammy Wagg as a playing assistant coach, while retaining almost the entire roster from last year.
The depth of the squad is exceptionally strong, with squad stability set to hold the women in good stead.
“There is an exciting blend of youth and experience in the team,” said coach Andrew Harris.
“We are trying to develop a team identity that focuses on an exciting brand of hockey.”
Despite finishing third last season, the Cannons’ first in VL1 following promotion in 2022, the standard of hockey is set to increase.
A redistribution of clubs in the Vic League competitions will see four teams from the premier division relegated, meaning Casey effectively enter 2024 as the seventh best team by last year’s results.
The club has also put a strong focus on improving junior girls participation numbers, which has resulted in an under-14 team being entered, with the club hoping more teams can be entered in the medium-term future.
The men, meanwhile, will drop into Vic League 2 after a tough season last year where they managed just one win.
Key playmaker Nick McPhee has departed for a Premier League club, while goal keeper Adam Wadley faces a delayed start to the season due to injury, but the Cannons have welcomed three quality new faces.
Casey junior Tristan Chaffey returns after spending several seasons playing Premier League hockey, while Leith Metcalf and Tadhg McCurran, who has excelled in preseason, are also set to liven the Cannons up.
“It was a tough season last year on field and also for morale, but it’s been about getting back to basic skills and fitness and introducing game structure so we’re on the same page with that,” Noney said of preseason.
“I tried to explain to the guys it comes down to consistency and playing more games together.
“So it is about trying to put it together and dropping down to VL2 will assist us with that.”
President Rowland said the strong turnout at the season launch reflected the clubs community values.
“We want to be a really good community hockey club that people want to come and play at,” Rowland said.
“We want to be involved in the local community and competitive on the field, so we’re excited with the direction the club is heading.
“We’re absolutely overwhelmed with the number of people who have come down to have a look and potentially sign, and members who are involved today as well.”
