Aker knows where it’s at

MIDWAY through last year’s Millewa Football League, there were questions over its long-term viability amid a run of heavily lopsided results and concerns over playing numbers.

While the latter is not full addressed, the early indications in the new season is that it’s a more level playing field than last year.

The biggest improvement I’m delighted to see is how the clubs and league in general are being more pro-active.

Ex-AFL star Dane Swan’s guest appearance for Gol Gol in round 1 will be backed by Brisbane premiership player Jason Akermanis linking with Werrimull in round 5 for their clash with Meringur at Lake Cullulleraine.

These two initiatives alone have created a buzz about a competition that seemed on its knees last year.

Well done to Werrimull playing coach David Fevaleaki for jagging “Aker”, who was born in Mildura.

In an interview with me on Friday, Aker conceded he didn’t know where Werrimull was.

But that doesn’t matter. The 46-year-old, who says he will play like a 35-year-old, will quickly discover what a wonderful part of the world it is.

He is already promising to roll out one or two of his trademark handstands during the game.

There’s a whisper that it will cost the Magpies about $3000 for Aker’s guest appearance next month.

But Fevaleaki was quick to point out: “The club will get a return from this investment on game day and we’re likely to hold a sportsman’s night with him.”

LIV’ING IT UP

FORMER Mildura Golf Resort greenkeeper Hugh Ryan was part of the popular LIV Golf event in Adelaide last weekend.

Ryan was given leave from his job as a greenkeeper at Royal Melbourne Golf Club to be among 25 extra staff needed to help prepare The Grange course, where big names such as Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson were playing in the three-day event that wrapped up on Sunday.

“It was an awesome experience. I saw the opportunity pop up on Facebook so I applied for it,” said Ryan, who finished up at Mildura Golf Resort in October 2020.

“My boss (at Royal Melbourne) was happy for me to do it. I mowed the greens and did the bunkers every morning. In the afternoons, I was given the option of watching the groups out on the course.

“The crowds over the three days were massive. In some parts, they were 20-deep.”

One of the big talking points during the tournament was the “Watering Hole”, where music and mayhem held court.

“I was right next to the tee at the hole on Sunday,” Ryan said.

Was he was one of those chucking empties at the players as they left the tee?

“I probably shouldn’t say so,” he said, laughing.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“There were no d***heads in the side.”

– Star player Wade Hancock on why the Sunraysia representative football team gelled so well, both on and off the field in their Dreamtime at the P campaign that culminated in a big win over the Central Australia Redtails a fortnight ago.