Werribee Centrals coach Rhyce Prismall has praised how the club’s off-season additions have adapted to life at Galvin Park as the Centurions look to keep their unbeaten start to the 2026 GDFNL season intact against Bannockburn.
Centrals had five new faces – Aaron Stone, Max Ryan, Isaac Cohen, Darcy Phillips, and Liam Kalos – and the returning Connor Linehan-Cunningham as part of the line-up that overcame Winchelsea by 19 points in Round 1.
“These blokes who have come in have been huge,” Prismall said.
“They’re some of the first ones on the track. They’re doing extras. We’ve had absolutely nothing but good things to say about the buy-in of these new boys.
“They’ve probably connected with our group quicker than I thought.
“Hopefully, there’s even more growth there for those new boys.”
Centrals face a Bannockburn outfit keen to avoid a 0-2 start to the season after falling short of North Geelong next.
It might only be Round 2, but Prismall is well aware of the importance of early wins as it pushes for a quick return to finals action.
“It’s hard to get a read this time of year on who’s going to be where,” Prismall said.
“But, you look at the three or four sides, that’ll be big improvers this year, Banno’s definitely one of them on paper.
“We’ll be treating it like a little eight-point game like we did last week.
“I think we match up really well. I think we play a similar brand of football. I think it’ll be a really good matchup.
“And all the games we’ve played in the past three years against them have been pretty close.”
The clash between the Centurions and Tigers will see Centrals celebrate the 25th anniversary of their 2021 premiership, in which they defeated Bannockburn to complete a hat-trick of premierships in what was the fifth consecutive grand final between the two clubs.
“We try and make a big deal about it,” Prismall said.
“We’re really, really privileged to have a president and co. that were around in those days and know a lot about it.
“So, to continue the stories and talk about past players that represented, we tried to build the excitement.
“I’m sure those older fellas, when they come down, they’ll hopefully feel the respect and gratitude that the club’s got for them, and the current players have for them.”
Bannockburn have included Tom Bath and Louis Clifton, who replace Tanner Sadler and Jack Thompson.
Gun midfielder Cassidy Parish is among three inclusions as Winchelsea prepares for a twilight clash with Belmont Lions at Eastern Reserve.
The Blues have also named Cam Primmer and Caleb Brown, with Josh Freeman, Blake Gardam and Matt Gillespie omitted.
The Lions have included BJ Michell and Daniel Brockett, replacing the unavailable Braeden Eddy, and omitted Matt Dyster.
Anakie has lost Jayden Davey to VFL commitments with St Kilda among four changes ahead of its clash with Bell Post Hill at Myers Reserve.
The Roos will also be without co-captain Mason Rhodes, who is unavailable, and Josh Alessi (ribs).
Michael Crossett returns to the reserves.
Recruits Robbie Law, Jack Moylan and Sam McLachlan will make their senior debuts, with Robert Cannon also named.
A minor foot issue will sideline veteran Caleb Bacely, with Lara recruit Banjo Hickey unavailable.
They’ve been replaced by Tyler Edwards and Lachie Haines, the latter playing his first senior match in nearly two years.
Corio will unveil recruits Jack Evans, Jim Botsaris and Max Roberts among four changes for its trio to Fortis Foundations Oval to play Inverleigh.
The Devils have also promoted Isiah Bigham from the reserves.
The Hawks will be without star recruit Ethan Floyd, who injured a calf at training on Thursday night.
He’s been replaced by Harvey Bauer.
Thomson has lost Daniel Mowat to a hamstring injury ahead of its meeting with reigning premier North Geelong at Keith Barclay Oval.
East Geelong will go into its meeting with Geelong West at Richmond Crescent unchanged for just the second time in Ned Aulesbrook’s tenure as coach.
More to come
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