Hume Football League 2019 season preview

Brock-Burrum, who ran away with the flag last year after a tight first three quarters, are expected to again be a force and prove too strong for Jindera.

The Bulldogs, who have lost the last three deciders, have been hit hard with key departures and will be doing well to stay in the top six.

The Saints, who have won four of the last six premierships, will again start a firm favourites to continue the merged-identities' great run of success.

The Bulldogs' big losses include century goal kicker Trent Castles, ruck man Ben Dower and talented midfielders Dan Middleton, Rhys Preston, Dylan Pettingill and Jess Wellington.

On top of the player losses the Bulldogs have a tough draw. New coach Andrew Wilson will rely heavily on Tom Weldon, Ryan Speed and Michael D'Arcy.

Henty, after the disappointment of losing both finals matches last year after finishing on top, are looking to be very strong again.

The talented trio of Damian Cupido and the two Cox boys (Daniel and Dale) have recommitted after looking doubtful post season.

They have however pulled off one of the league's best recruiting coups with North Albury and Ovens and Murray star Dan Leslie signing.

Leslie leaves the O&M with one of the greatest playing careers, and throw in former AFL star Jared Brennan, and the Swampies are well placed to atone for last year's fade out.

Osborne, after losing in week one of finals, look set to reassert themselves into a strong finals' contender with the return and acquisition of several key players.

Sam Livingstone comes with plenty of experience in O&M and Tallangatta leagues, while Brad Boots from Leeton will be a genuine A grader.

The return of favourite sons George Alexander, Clancy Galvin and Andrew Clarke will further boost Cats' depth. Pat Delaney (Newcastle) is the only real major loss.

Culcairn are not far behind Henty for the season's biggest signing with former O&M leading goal-kicker Adam Prior set to push the century of goals.

He, along with Cupido, are set for a shootout to determine the leading goal-kicker with both sides having damaging midfielders to provide quality supply.

Trent Logue, Shaun Turvey and Zac Mona will add greater depth. Only real losses for the Lions are Jed Andrew (Kiewa) and Hayden Smith (Jerilderie).

Culcairn, with Jye Shields, Adam Eady and the Hallinan boys Dane and Tim in midfield, will be pushing hard for a grand final spot.

Holbrook, who made a successful return to finals last year, will be again in a position to challenge hard, albeit with a tougher draw in 2019.

Some quality gains in Andrew and Brendan Dess, Andrew Dear (Tallangatta) and return of local junior Corey McCarthy should see Holbrook play finals.

Major losses include finals stars from last year Curtis Steele, Brad Carman and Andrew Mackinlay (both Lavington), while Will Heriot has signed for London Hawks in UK.

A fit Matt Sharp, who missed over half of last season, will have a huge impact, along with the reliable Sam Harris, Brock Knights and Josh Jones.

Rand Walbundrie Walla Giants, after narrowly missing finals last season, looked to have recruited enough to return to finals action.

Biggest deficiency appears in the big man department with young gun Mitch Thomas trying his luck at North Albury, while Sam Hargreave and Kai Davies return to Lavington.

An injury free season for Ryan Lavery would be huge boost. The new signings of Jack Duck (Basketball), Josh Star (Barnawartha) and Tom Holman are very handy.

Howlong, after a promising first month in 2018, fell away badly to finish eighth. They have gained more than they have lost.

Josh Senior and Alex Popko have left Murray Magpies to join the Spiders, while Aaron Spargo had some senior experience last year at Wodonga raiders.

A fit Matt McDonald will assist Steve Jolliffe greatly in the midfield. Josh Garland from Glenrowan looks to be the wild card for the river men.

Lockhart have lost some real top line talent in Jordan Harrington, lion-hearted ruck man Zachary Sheather and the Bouffler boys Henry and Jamieson.

The Demons, despite the losses, have picked up experienced Queanbeyan pair Neil Irwin and Sean Wilkinson, along with Marrar pair Jess Margosis and Alex Smith.

Among the remaining teams Billabong Crows appear to have the depth to make a tilt at finals action with a few handy inclusions and good draw.

CDHBU have lost top-liners in Shannon Broadbent, Liam Butler and Jeremy Stevenson, but have regained some real quality.

Andrew Phibbs returns from a broken leg, Jayden Shaw from Northern Territory will be prominent along with the experienced Wade Dickson.

Murray Magpies have been decimated by departures with their only real top liner staying being the experienced Daniel Maher who will have a big challenge ahead of him.

They have a new coach in Brett Argus who is well equipped to get the best out of what will be a very youthful playing list.

ROUND ONE DRAW

APRIL 6