UGSFL 2024: Experience, new blood and focus on club dynamic to guide Katanning Wanderers in UGSFL 2024 season

Two weeks out from the UGSFL 2024 season opener, the Katanning Wanderers came together at the weekend for the club’s inaugural Amazing Race. Players from all grades joined to undertake challenges designed to solidify the team ahead of the first bounce that will see Wanderers’ league side take to the turf reigning premiers. Club president Grahame Green said Katanning is looking forward to the season ahead despite a few departures. “We’ve lost a few of the boys who have moved to Perth and over east, it’s a new beginning,” he said. “New coaches, a new committee — a new chapter and we’ve got a lot of people in there with great ideas. “I think it’s going to be very beneficial for the club and if we get a flag along the way that’d be great.” Energetic young players are rising through the ranks with the league’s new blood to be led by club stalwart James Laurino. “James will be our captain, the vice-captain we haven’t named yet, we’ll do that in due course, but James will leading our senior squad this year,” newly anointed league coach Steve “Astro” Irvine said. “As he’s done in previous years he’ll lead by example . . . he’s a fantastic person for the club.” Irvine said that cohesion will be the focus in 2024. “As far as on the field goes, it’s all about playing as a team, dragging your teammates along and helping your teammates out. “We’ve certainly lost a few players but that’s neither here nor there — if we can drag everyone along and everyone plays their part and does their thing we’ll have a good hopefully successful year.” Off the field, the club is looking to build on the spirit of 2023 by fostering a dynamic club culture. “In relation to the committee we are committed to being more inclusive for everybody, we want people to get involved, especially the volunteers,” Green said. “In relation to the coaches they’ve got a different way of coaching this year and probably a different type of fitness as well and that’s what we’ve been focusing on, being more inclusive and more financial . . . hopefully we go well. The first round of the 2024 UGSFL season will see the Wanderers take on Wickepin in a home game at Quartermaine Oval on April 28.