BEYOND THE BOUNDARY PODCAST – JOSH FINCH
Comfortable with his decision to step down as coach of Modewarre, nonetheless, Mark Hovey says it’s still an emotional time.
The respected mentor, who took St Joseph’s to a GFNL grand final in 2009, and held roles with Geelong VFL, the Geelong Falcons, and South Barwon, will hang up the clipboard following tomorrow’s clash with Portarlington at Mt Moriac Reserve.
With the Hovey name woven into the fabric of the Warriors, the realisation that his time was coming to an end after two seasons in charge hit hard at the club’s Thursday night dinner.
“I got up there last night and ‘Fitzy’ (football boss Michael Fitzgerald) said a couple of nice things and the club rooms were pretty full,” Hovey said.
“And as soon as I grabbed the microphone, the emotions started.
“It means so much to my family. Mum and Dad are both life members, and it’s been full circle for me coming back.
“It’ll be a bit emotional. But on the other hand, I’m really comfortable finishing tomorrow.”
A highlight for Hovey tomorrow, no matter the result against the Demons, will be seeing Ned Taylor make his debut for the club.
From Ovens and Murray club Corowa-Rutherglen, Taylor has played every game in the Warriors reserves this year, making eight appearances in the best players.
Ned’s been really good. He’s just improved as the year’s gone on, even with his leadership… I really wanted to reward him,” Hovey said.
“And when we announced it last night, the boys were all up and about.
“It’s an important day for him because any time someone plays their first game, you only play it once.
“Let’s try and make it a memorable one.”
While Taylor hopes it will be the first of many senior outings for Modewarre, it will be the last for midfielder Ryan Williams.
The 36-year-old, who played two AFL games for Port Adelaide, has announced his retirement.
“Ryan’s had an outstanding footy career when you look back at what he’s achieved,” Williams said.
“He’s been at Port Adelaide and he’s played in three flags at Central Districts. He’s a premiership player at St Joey’s.
“He’s just been a star of local footy and South Australian footy.
“Hopefully, we can take him out on the right note, even though he’s only been a Modewarre player for two years, the boys still love playing with him and love having him around.”
Missing will be Michael Harper, with scans confirming the defender suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in last week’s loss to Barwon Heads.
“You would think he’s not going to play next year,” Hovey said.
So, technically, he doesn’t play for 18 months, which is really sad because he’s come so far in the last two years with his footy.
“He’s an outstanding human; I’ve got a lot of time for Mick, and he’s pretty popular at the club, so it is pretty sad.
“Hopefully, he can get through this and come back bigger and stronger.”
Modewarre will also be without big man Zack May (calf), but key forward Connor Joseph will play.
Portarlington looks set to get back Ash Medal contender Scott Greenhough, Mitch Howard and Max Ruiter as it chases six wins in a season for the first time since 2008.
Finals hopefuls Barwon Heads have named a premiership player and a debutant for its must-win clash with Drysdale at Howard Harmer Oval.
Michael Philp will play his first senior game since Round 12, while Sunraysia product Monty Maloney has earned promotion from the reserves.
The Seagulls need a victory and then hope Queenscliff takes care of Anglesea to set up a return meeting with the Hawks in the elimination final.
Drysdale has welcomed back Chris Tainton at the expense of Mitch Wilson.
Anglesea will welcome back defensive duo Jordan Harrison and Tev Nofi for its clash with Queenscliff at Ellimatta Reserve.
The Roos have also included first-game Baxter Morris.
James Grey and Declan Everett will need Anglesea to progress to a first semi-final if they’re to play again this season after entering the concussion protocol.
Tyler McLeod has been omitted.
The Coutas are managing captain Caleb Whitley and star Will Baker, with Ollie Skurrie (Achilles) and Isaac McCabe (knee) sidelined.
Luke Adam, who is the captain of Queenscliff’s under-18s and also led St Ignatius College to the semi-finals of this year’s Herald Sun Shield, has been named to debut.
Jordy McIvor-Clark and Tyler Monahan return after missing the win over Torquay, while Jake Lindrea will play his first game since Round 12.
Torquay will be without unavailable duo Tynan Smith and Charlie Ham for its meeting with Ocean Grove at McCartney Oval.
The Tigers have also lost Hamish McGowan to Geelong Falcons duty.
However, exciting forward Banjo Dyer returns from injury, with Nathan Mifsud, Tom Hooper, and Jesse Dawson also back.
The Grubbers, who need a win to avoid their first wooden spoon in 54 years, have named Geelong VFL-listed talent Kye Annand and captain Cam Fowler.
However, Harry Cashin is unavailable.
Minor premier Geelong Amateur welcome back co-captain Liam Cogan, star big Hamish Shepheard, and youngsters Charlie Richmond and Archer Jacques for the clash with Newcomb at Queens Park.
They replace Sam Bain (unavailable), Will Page (concussion), Jack Lang and Tom Baker.
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