Sport
4 April, 2025
Football Preview: Avoca v Maryborough Giants
The Avoca Bulldogs host Maryborough Giants in their opening game of the season, and both teams will be eager to post a victory to start the season on a high.
It has been very quiet on the recruiting activity at Avoca with only three key recruits in Jordan Thomas, Alex Riches and Alex Bowd from Clunes who will be joining Matt Newton as his joint coach.
The Bulldogs have lost Clayton Winter back to Gordon and Alexander Hay to Birchip in the North Central League, while a last minute departure in their 2024 best and fairest player Sean Moyle has certainly dealt the Bulldogs a heavy blow.
The Giants have lost several players from last season and have recruited former Maryborough coach Matthew Johnston. It will be interesting to see his impact on the Giants through the middle.
The Giants won four games and finished the 2024 season in 11th position, just one rung ahead of Avoca which also won four games but lacked percentage.
It is difficult to tip a winner in this contest, but having the home-ground advantage may give the Bulldogs the nod.