Big V Men’s Round 1 preview: New-look Steelers enter Cougars den
ROUND 1 of the Big V Men’s Championship tips off on Saturday night, with a number of huge clashes opening the league. Having not completed a full season since 2019, McKinnon Cougars are technically the reigning premiers, having defeated Hume City Broncos 2-0 in the Grand Final Series two and a half years ago. Now the Cougars enter 2022 with a massive first-up game against a Western Port outfit that has brought in some key recruits.
McKinnon welcomes back Nicholas Laycock who was a standout performer in 2021 for the Cougars, putting up 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.9 steals in an all-round performance. Meanwhile Jordan Vandenberg and Matt Tolnai are the other two starters from last season who will lineup again in 2022. Vandenberg averaged the 8.0 points and 6.7 rebounds, the second most at the club in 2021, whilst Tolnai recorded the 7.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists
With a number of the top scorers from last season departing the club, Laycock will be looked to for some continuity, alongside James Malvaso (9.9 points, 3.0 rebounds) who is the only other top five scorer from the previous season lining up again. The quartet provide some continuity for the Cougars ahead of their big first round clash.
The Saturday night clash with Western Port should be a beauty, with the Steelers bringing in some serious talent. The biggest name is Troyce Manassa who dominated the Big V back in 2019 when he represented the Southern Peninsula Sharks. Not only did he help them lift the trophy aloft he won the League MVP and All-Star 5 representation, averaging a massive 28 points per game.
Western Port also welcome Naaman Hightower to the club, who will finally get his chance to run out for the Steelers. He intended to play back in 2020, but after the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to the Big V competition, he returned home. Having spent time overseas in both the NCAA Division 2 and then Montenegro, Hightower is a huge inclusion and will be valuable off the boards.
Unlike many sides, the Steelers do come into the competition with some preseason form, having claimed a 3-1 win over Mornington Breakers in the Two Bays Cup. Given their inclusions they will likely start favourites in this clash, but will be on the road, making it a tougher challenge than back at home. Though the Steelers only had the three wins prior to the season cancellation last year, they will be much more competitive in 2022. The match tips off from 8pm at GESAC on Saturday night.
McKinnon also hosts new top grade club Camberwell at Balwyn High School on Sunday, with Chelsea having back-to-back games against Wyndham and Sunbury. Completing the Round 1 set of six matches, Wyndham also hosts Hume in what should be a really tight contest.
MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1 FIXTURES:
Saturday, March 19:
Blackburn vs. Camberwell | Mullum Mullum Stadium @ 8pm
McKinnon vs. Western Port | GESAC @ 8pm
Chelsea vs. Wyndham | Patterson River Stadium @ 8pm
Sunday, March 20:
Sunbury vs. Chelsea | Boardman Stadium @ 2pm
Wyndham vs. Hume | Eagle Stadium @ 3pm
Camberwell vs. McKinnon | Balwyn High School @ 2pm
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