Set for season kick-offNOT two weeks ago, the region’s premier cricket teams converged on Seiffert Oval for battle. Now, not two weeks later, footballers of all four codes lace up boots and almost simultaneously kick-off their 2012 campaigns. 
The Goulburn Strikers, Dirty Reds and Workers Bulldogs tomorrow commence their seasons, while on Sunday the Swans ball-up the AFL Canberra division three competition with a showdown against the Eastlake Demons at Football Park in Woden.
The Dirty Reds fancy their chances in a shaken-up Monaro Cup field, as do the Workers Bulldogs in the top-class Canberra Raiders Cup.
The Swans, premiers in 2009 and grand finalists in 2010, must find their way without inspirational skipper Dale Cummins, ball magnet Brad Chilko and top-rate backman Hayden Boetcher. Much attention is placed on the Strikers.
The Goulburnians conceded on average 15 goals a match in the Capital Football Premier League last season and made the prudent decision to demote themselves to State League Two – a quality competition in its own right.
Under the leadership of incoming captain- coach Ben Stephenson, the Strikers are determined to consolidate their healthy off-field financial state with on-field dominance. They kick-off their title charge with a difficult first up assignment against ANU. Their female counterparts kick-off their respective season too.
The women’s open Strikers outfit attempts to take a momentous first step when it takes on Gungahlin United at Dickson on Sunday.
After a season of near-losses, the Dirty Reds have vowed to climb back to the top. And with a youthful outfit and the return of the 140-year-old club’s highest point-scorer, Mikael Webber, many have pencilled in big things for the Reds in 2012. The Reds are helped by a reshuffle of the Monaro Cup.
Tuggeranong, Royals, Easts, Gungahlin, Queanbeyan and Wests have opted against travelling interstate and thus split the competition in two.
The Dirty Reds vie for the premiership they won for three years straight between 2007 and 2009 against old foes and tomorrow’s opponent Hall, cross town rivals Yass, the Cooma Red Devils and capital-based outfits ADFA and RMC. The Workers Bulldogs are still smarting at last year’s nail-biting major semi-final defeat at the hands of eventual premiers the Queanbeyan Kangaroos.
The Bulldogs’ weakness in 2011 could be its strength in 2012. Captain-coach James Aubusson has recruited some muscle upfront, an aspect lacking largely in last year’s plucky team.
The hosts square off with the dangerous Tuggeranong Bushrangers – a team that toppled the Goulburnians twice last season. Their newfound muscle upfront will be missing in part tomorrow.
The Dogs are expected to be without Marcus Wikaira, Mick Dodson and Richie Mason for the twilight match, scheduled to get underway at 5pm.
The Goulburn City Swans embark on a new season down on star players, too. Steve Armstrong’s men may be without Dale Cummins, Brad Chilko and Hayden Boetcher, but there’s still plenty of capable cattle to call upon.
The Swans were impressive in 2011 and are eager to go one better by nabbing a finals berth in 2012. Consistent performer Scott Fleming takes on the mantle of captain and will find plenty of support and experience from coach and on-baller Armstrong and vice-captain and half-forward-flank Steve Dawson, among others.
Source: The Goulburn Post
Topic: Set for season kick-off
