The Magpies have been runners-up in the Mininera and District Football league for the past two seasons and are on a mission to go one better.

After the opening five rounds of the season, Wickliffe-Lake Bolac are unbeaten, including comfortable victories over the two teams, Tatyoon and Lismore-Derrinallum, who beat them in the last two grand finals. 

There is no lack of passion for the cause at the Magpies, with brothers Joe and Nigel Otto in their third season as co-coaches of the club.  

The Otto’s are home-town boys, Joe a non-playing coach and Nigel directing traffic on the ground.

Another brother, Rhys, also plays as does a cousin, Michael Otto.

The Magpies have boosted their attacking half this season with the inclusion of former Dennington premiership teammates Darcy Lewis and Chris Keilar.

While Keilar has been restricted to two games through injury, Lewis has played all five, kicking eight goals from his post at centre-half-forward.   

Former Old Collegians half forward Scott Day is also now with the Magpies.

Joe Otto said the three experienced forwards have been valuable additions.

“They have certainly straighten us up when going forward,” Otto said.

“Overall, we have been gelling well as a team, our run off half back has been good but we just need to tidy up our forward entries a bit.

“We are getting it down there enough but our disposal has been a bit off.”  

Another key recruit has been former VFL player Addison Milner.

An onballer, Milner has slotted in well for the Magpies.

“He has really good speed and skills,” Otto said.

“He is very smooth and classy, we have a strong midfield and he is a really important player in there.” 

Otto said defeat in the last two grand finals has created an awareness improvement was needed.

He said it has provided added motivation for the 2018 campaign.

“It’s never good to lose a grand final but it certainly has given us a lot of resolve for this year,” he said.

“When you lose one, or two in a row as we have, it makes you realise how hard they are to win.

“Every one is working really hard to give ourselves the best chance we can of a successful season.”

On Saturday, the Magpies travel to take on a Great Western team that is on the rise. After just one win last season, Great Western has won three of its first five games to announce itself as a big improver. 

“Great Western will be a really good challenge for us, we’ll have to be on our game,” Otto said.