Five key Hampden league narratives to follow in 2022

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Koroit's Jeremy Hausler and North Warrnambool Eagles' Ben Mugavin contest the footy. Picture: Morgan Hancock

SO often superlatives are thrown around but to dub Koroit even as a powerhouse feels like an understatement.

The Saints' six-year Hampden league premiership reign is still intact. Some have come close to knocking them off - most recently North Warrnambool Eagles in 2019 - but they keep finding a way to win.

Can they keep it rolling or is it the Eagles' time to shine? Only time will tell. The Standard has identified five key narratives to follow as the 2022 Hampden league season approaches.

How does Koroit divide its ruck duties?

Most clubs would kill for the tall timber the Saints have at their disposal and with Harry Crone the latest signing from Bendigo club Strathfieldsaye, it's only going to get stronger.

Crone is by all accounts a strong player and with Jeremy Hausler and Jarrod Korewha capable of playing ruck, coach Chris McLaren has serious versatility tactically.

Hausler and Korewha are excellent when forward and the option to rotate the trio will give opposition coaches nightmares.

GOING STRONG: Camperdown's Sam Gordon. Picture: Chris Doheny

Can Sam Gordon still be dominant?

Gordon will lead a younger forward line with several off-season departures from Camperdown in the off-season.

Fraser Lucas, one of the competition's most dangerous small forwards, has left for Cairns and with Billy and Riley Arnold, Matt Field and Will Rowbottom all likely to play elsewhere in 2022, there will be less experience in the side.

That said, Gordon is the best out-and-out full-forward in the competition and will always impact a game.

The players delivering him the ball might be younger than they've been in previous seasons but you can't help but feel the big man will find a way to make a mark.

Is Portland capable of pressing on to play finals?

The Tigers were the Hampden league surprise packets in 2021 and employed an exciting, quick brand of footy which encouraged high-risk, high-reward kicking through the corridor.

With young players filling the void of several injured generals, coach Jarrod Holt will have a good understanding of his squad and which players are capable of stepping up to senior football.

Portland will be one to watch as it vies for its first Hampden finals berth after COVID-19 restrictions all but ended its chances in 2021 when it was in the box seat.

Will the league be more top-heavy?

Early indications suggest it's going to be hard to beat North Warrnambool Eagles or Koroit. Teams like South Warrnambool, Portland, Camperdown and Warrnambool would argue otherwise but with the quality players at their disposal, it feels like the two are certainties to be at the top end of the ladder.

Will Port Fairy, Terang Mortlake and Cobden improve? That's the big question. Neutrals will hope so to bring the field a little closer together.

As high as the quality of coaches is across the board at Hampden league level, the talent and experience available to the Saints and Eagles make them a tough proposition for any club.

ONE TO WATCH: Terang Mortlake's Will Kain. Picture: Justine McCullagh-Beasy

Is minimal player movement becoming the norm?

Camperdown coach Neville Swayn told The Standard on Tuesday recruiting had never been harder. The reason? One could speculate the lasting impact of coronavirus, perhaps. Clubs might be more cautious with money and spending on player wages or players might simply be keen to run less risks and stick to the stuff they know with uncertainty around further restrictions with the omicron variant of the virus.

There's still time but it'll be interesting to see if the trend continues into 2022.

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