The top footballers are back and there are many new Warrnambool and District league players to get excited about.
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There are also a host of former WDFNL stars returning to the league after years away. The Standard has compiled 20 players to watch out for around the grounds this season.
Jason Moloney
Club: Kolora-Noorat
Position: Midfielder
Verdict: The athletic footballer was 2019 J A Esam medal runner-up and part of a premiership team. A regular goal-kicker with 14 from his 14 games in 2019.
Jake Richardson
Club: Kolora-Noorat
Position: Full-back
Verdict: Strong tall who holds down the last line of defence. Regularly keeps key forwards at bay.
Nick Bourke
Club: Kolora-Noorat
Position: Half-back
Verdict: Won the Power's best and fairest in the 2019 premiership year. Was going to play in Geelong but is back for another season.
Mark Clissold
Club: Kolora-Noorat
Position: Midfield/forward
Verdict: One of the most exciting players in the league when he's on song. Kicks goals which lift his team and the crowd. Was equal third in the J A Esam in 2019.
Ben Fraser
Club: Kolora-Noorat
Position: Centre half-forward
Verdict: Classic centre half-forward that every other team in league would crave. Holds down the most important position on the ground and will again be key to the Power's chances.
Peter McDowall
Club: Nirranda
Position: Midfielder
Verdict: Eye-catching player. Hard, tough and runs all day. Finished top 10 in the 2019 league best and fairest.
Luke Weel
Club: Nirranda
Position: Full-back
Verdict: Honest full-back who consistently gets the job done. Athletic and rebounds well off the last line of defence.
Brayden Harkness
Club: Nirranda
Position: Defender
Verdict: Skillful, cool-headed backman. Had been playing-assistant for three years and now has the senior coaching reins.
Manny Sandow
Club: Merrivale
Position: Ruck
Verdict: Won the Hampden league's best and fairest award in 2017 so expect big things from the Tigers' recruit. The hard-working ruckman could tear other teams apart in the middle of the ground.
Blair McCutcheon
Club: Merrivale
Position: Midfielder
Verdict: Arguably the best player in the competition.
The hard-running footballer seems to get everywhere and is skillful too. Averaged almost a goal a game in the 2019 season.
Jack Gleeson
Club: Merrivale
Position: Defender
Verdict: The Tiges are stoked to have Jack back. Knows what it takes to reach the summit having played in Merrivale's 2014 flag and Koroit's 2019 senior premiership in the Hampden league. Is captain this year as well.
Isaac Sinnott
Club: Panmure
Position: Midfielder
Verdict: Was the Hampden league's best under 18.5 player in 2019 taking out the Judd Cup for Koroit.
Played his Judd Cup year in the midfield and is keen to play in the middle at senior level. Had a taste of HFNL senior footy with the Saints as well.
Dan Nicholson
Club: Russells Creek
Position: Midfielder
Verdict: Looking forward to what Nicholson will bring to the Creekers this season.
Having one of the best Hampden league players of recent times in the line-up is a thrill for fans and the league.
Michael Pritchard
Club: Old Collegians
Position: Half-back
Verdict: Back home in Warrnambool and brings experience to the Warriors.
History includes seasons with Victorian Amateur Football Association clubs Uni Blues and West Brunswick.
Kurt Lenehan
Club: South Rovers
Position: Midfielder
Verdict: Recruit who is keen for some more midfield minutes.
Will add class to the Lions after being a Hampden league regular with Warrnambool Blues.
Justin Fedley
Club: Allansford
Position: Midfielder
Verdict: On-field leader for the Cats. A strong on-baller who racks up possessions.
Robbie Hare
Club: Allansford
Position: Forward
Verdict: Strong mark and consistent goal-kicker. Slotted 25 majors in 2019.
Thomas Lindquist
Club: Timboon Demons
Position: Forward
Verdict: Played 16 matches and booted 22 goals for Cobden in the Hampden league in 2019 which is a great sign for the Dees. A great option up forward.
Jordan Greene
Club: Dennington
Position: Midfielder
Verdict: Coach Ben Thornton says he's a tough in-and-under player who will add great value to the young Dogs.
A past premiership player and has played more than 150 senior games with the club.
Ben Thornton
Club: Dennington
Position: Midfield/forward
Verdict: Has made a great start to his coaching career managing to lure past premiership players and new recruits to the club. Has played senior football with South Warrnambool in the Hampden league.
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