STRATFORD’S first home game in the East Gippsland Football-Netball League will now be played in round one, a week earlier than originally scheduled.
The Swans will now host reigning East Gippsland premier Lindenow on April 14. The match was to be played at Lindenow, but has been switched to Stratford due to works at that ground.
The round eight clash between the two clubs will now be played at Lindenow.
Swans officials hope transferring the round one match to Stratford could attract more interested spectators. With Sale playing Bairnsdale on the Sunday, the move provides an opportunity for more locals the see Stratford’s first game in the EGFNL.
With excitement around the club ahead of its journey into a new competition, Stratford has performed well in its practice matches against former North Gippsland rivals Boisdale-Briagolong and Woodside.
Among the players who have impressed in the practice matches have been Glen Van Ruiswyk, Tye Morrison, Lewis Bolton, James Russell and Sam Brakespear.
The club’s senior side will have a lot of young talent, many who were part of the Swans’ North Gippsland under 18 premierships. These players have shown improvement under the guidance of coach Peter Morrison.
Jarryd Clohesy, Corey Kee, Dylan Minchin, Mitch Higgins and Pat Goodman were all part of the Swans’ successful thirds teams and hope to bring that success to senior level.
For more footy news, read Friday’s Gippsland Times.
