PLAYER CHANGES
INS: Dayne Beams (Pearcedale), Kade Rowe (Tocumwal), Will Gorman, Max Hemphill (Yarrawonga), Sam Hemphill (Southern Districts), Beau Seymour (Yarrawonga), Harry Haley, Josh Tonna
OUTS: Zech Cuppens, Kayden Sharp (Finley), Jackson Gash
You cannot often describe a two-time reigning premier as ‘on the way up’.
For Mulwala, though, there is even more reason to be optimistic about a deep campaign in 2024.
The 2022 and 2023 premiers will look for the first three-peat in Lions history in the beginnings of a dynasty that looks set to rival Nathalia’s five straight flags last decade.
Oh, and adding Dayne Beams to complement a burgeoning list at the club for which his father dominated might bring a few extra patrons through the gates.
Bodhi Butts takes the helm for a second time at Mulwala alongside Tocumwal recruit Kade Rowe.
“The atmosphere is buzzing, and Dayne is the icing on the cake,” Butts said.
“We’ve lost three players, with Jackson Gash being the biggest. Gash will be hard to replace.
“We’ve only lost three, though, and we’ve added 10.
“We’re well aware that we’re the hunted.”
The three losses are notable, with reigning O’Dwyer Medallist Gash among the trio of premiership players scattering about elsewhere.
That said, Beams alone should significantly bolster a Lions side that already sits high above in the Murray competition, and with 2023 grand final opponents Congupna’s series of marquee signings, Butts’ side will have to earn a three-peat.
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