The Purples have undoubtedly been the dominant force in the league for the past two decades, winning an astounding 10 premierships since 2005.
But for all their recent success, there were signs last season that their grip on the league might be slipping.
Nathalia finished fourth on the ladder in 2021 – its lowest finish since 2014 – and its four losses in 2021 were more than it had in the previous two seasons combined.
Last season’s results should still be taken with a grain of salt – what could be considered a “down year” for the Purples could be considered a great success by other clubs – and a top-four finish is still a proud achievement.
That a 9-4 season might be considered underwhelming also highlights just how successful the club has been in recent years.
While other challengers to its reign may have emerged, Nathalia will no doubt still be hungry to continue its historic run.
Malcolm Barnes will be back at the helm for the Purples this season as the club chases a record-extending sixth consecutive premiership.
Barnes coached the side to the flag in 2019 and is also a five-time premiership player with the club.
FAST FACTS
2022 COACH: MAL BARNES MFL PREMIERSHIPS: 1939, 1949, 1963, 1978, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 2021 FINISH: 4TH (9-4) 2021 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ALEX HICKS 2021 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LIAM EVANS (37) GROUND: NATHALIA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: PURPLES
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