LEADING FROM THE FRONT

Due to the rare nature of this years interleague make up with the combination of two leagues, inaugural Outer East Interleague Head Coach and Wandin 2018 Senior Premiership Coach Nick Rutley decided to do something different to ensure the Outer East put it’s best foot forward come May 18th.

Nick Rutley (right) won the 2018 AFL Yarra Ranges premiership with Wandin.

Rutley created a leadership group made of two players from each of the now defunct leagues (AFL Yarra Ranges and South East Football Netball League) to help create a bigger sense of coming together within the   squad, which was released on the 15th of April.

Check out the squad here

“After talking to some of the players, reputable resources in the South East and my coaching panel we came to a decision regarding the make up of the Interleague leadership group,” said Rutley.

Marcus Hottes is part of the four man leadership group. Photo BH Photography

The chosen four were Berwick’s Madison Andrews, Cranbourne’s Brandon Osborne, Woori Yallock’s Jordan Williams and Olinda Ferny Creek star Marcus Hottes.

“Williams and Hottes are two of the most respected players in the Yarra Valley region and from my experience they are both humble and fierce competitors.”

Rutley had numerous conversations with people from the South East and discovered a common theme within all of their suggestions for the new leadership group.

“Madison was described as someone with exceptional leadership and Brandon as someone who leads strongly through his actions on the field.”

So far Rutley has only seen positives from the implementation of his new leadership group and the buzz leading up to the clash with Bendigo Football Netball League continues to grow amongst the squad.

“All clubs and coaches have been exceptional in supporting the Interleague program so far this season, but most importantly as a competition we understand the need for the best players to be fit and healthy for their clubs first and foremost,”

“It’s a bonus if we can put our best team out on the park in May.”

Patrick Bruzzese won best afield for the Yarra Ranges last year when they clashed with now teammates the SEFNL.