New Boxwood Hill coach Rick Carpenter has big shoes to fill but believes his side is capable of a three-peat in the Ongerup Football Association

Boxwood Hill Football Club’s quest for a three-peat in the Ongerup Football Association will be under a new coach, with Rick Carpenter taking the reins. Carpenter has been appointed to replace premiership coach Alan Smallwood and he says his side is shaping up nicely heading into the shortened OFA season that starts on July 18. After much debate the OFA made a final decision on a 2020 season last week, with all five clubs agreeing to play in a premiership season after Newdegate initially withdrew. The OFA changed the starting date and now has the support of all five clubs. It has planned a five-week regular season and then a finals series with the grand final set down for September 5. Boxwood have gained Brock Ramsay, who has moved to town after playing with North Albany in the Great Southern, along with Spara Farrell from New South Wales and Aaron Jones. Matt Bowen will return from a knee injury but the Bombers will have to cover the loss of Jack Davis who has moved to Perth, and Aaron Shields. Carpenter said he was looking forward to the challenge of chasing a third straight premiership. “We would love the chance to get the three-peat but we know that every year that comes and goes it will be harder,” Carpenter said. “It’s a challenge to fill Smallwood’s shoes but luckily though the boys have got behind what we are trying to achieve. “We are just trying to settle down positions a bit with a few key guys leaving but will hope the new additions can fill those roles for us. “I think the competition will be extremely hard this year with the other sides keen to knock us off but we can only focus on our own game for now.” Carpenter said numbers at training had been building. “The team is looking good at the moment but still building into training after the COVID-19 restrictions, we should be competitive if we keep working on our fitness,” he said. “We have been focusing on getting some touch work back in and fitness work but we will start building into more match simulation-type drills. “They are buying into the work that we have to do now to give ourselves the best chance to be competitive at the pointy end of the season. “Our focus is to really enjoy our footy and try and get a positive club atmosphere going in such a short season. “ I feel it is important for the social side of things to be out interacting again.” OFA president Royce Taylor was delighted to have all five clubs onboard. “Everyone is really keen to get going and get out and about,” he said. “Sport out here is so important, it brings the community together.”