Minor premiers Wickepin will be out for redemption after their straight sets finals exit in the Upper Great Southern Football League last season

Wickepin coach Graeme Manton says his side is keen to atone for their straight sets finals exit in the Upper Great Southern Football League last season. The Warriors finished the regular season on top of the table after winning 14 regular games before losing two successive finals to be bundled out of the premiership race. Wickepin have kept a similar team to last season, retaining the majority of their core league group. Callan Sims has returned home to the farm after playing amateurs in Perth in the last few seasons while Sam Fortini is also back after having a few years off due to work commitments. That pair will look to cover the loss of Kendal Wittwer who has moved to a farm in Corrigin while Jordan Flavel is holidaying up north. Joel Gust and Rhys Johns will also not play for the Warriors this season due to work commitments. Manton labelled last season’s fairest and best winner Dion Anthony and runner-up Jayden Schofield as two key players again this season while he expects improvement from key defender Royce Melvin. Ryan Melvin will step up as captain this season and Manton said his new skipper had shown great leadership throughout the first half of the year when they didn't know when the competition was up in the air. “We are clearly disappointed to finish on top then not win,” Manton said. “I can’t imagine any team being minor premiers and not winning the flag not thinking they under achieved. “We have the same core group of players so would hope we can be good enough to make finals again and then improve on last year’s performance. “Training has been on and off all year as the scenario keeps changing. “When we got the definite start date it felt like we began our fourth pre-season. “Training has been solid the last few weeks.” Manton said he hoped people get down and support teams this season. “We can’t wait to get playing, it has been a long and strange build up to the season,” he said. “Thanks to the UGSFL for agreeing to a season. “With plenty of other leagues not playing and clubs recruiting players from those that aren’t I think the standard in the UGSFL will go up another level.” The Warriors will start their campaign at home against Kukerin-Dumbleyung on Sunday.