WERRIBEE Districts face the biggest obstacle in their Victorian Amateur Football Association dynasty.
The Tigers have run the gauntlet with an amazing three promotions in four seasons dating back to 2008.
They have achieved the feat with coach Kirk Norton at the helm and a loyal band of home-grown players.
This season shapes as their toughest yet. The general feeling around the VAFA is that the leap from the third tier to B-section is the hardest because they start to come face-to-face with elite footballers who plied their trade in the VFL and even AFL ranks.
Crucially, they are without key members from last year’s promotion side who were snapped up by big-spending local clubs and local VFL club Werribee Tigers.
“We’re venturing into unknown waters,” Norton told the Weekly.
“All we know is the standard of footy is going to be high. We could have the year from hell or we could surprise. This is the biggest transition so far and that’s part of the challenge and it’s exciting.”
When you assess the Tigers’ prospects this season, it is hard not to be drawn to the departures.
The crux of the leaders in most positions from last year are gone.
The biggest blow is the exit of best and fairest Cameron Lee, who steps up a level to play with Collegians on the promise of full-time work.
To top it off, the Tigers’ close ties with Werribee VFL is a fantastic pathway for their players, but a drain on the playing stocks.
This season, five talented youngsters will make the move to Chirnside Park, including Alex Eade, Lee Johnston, Jonathon De Pellegrin, Andrew Panayi and Daniel Schibeci. They leave with the blessing of the club.
“We say that if you come here to play and have a real crack, there will be opportunities to get down to Werribee,” Norton said.
“I sent five players for a VFL pre-season and all five got a contract. It’s a feather in the cap of the club.
The Tigers will play their first home and away game on April 21. They host St Kevin’s Old Boys at Soldiers Reserve in a tough first-up test.
