Country championships: Long-time colts coach Brett Maguire believes carnival has become more competitive

Long-time South West country championships colts coach Brett Maguire believes the carnival is far more competitive than in previous years and his side will not be able to win on talent alone. The colts section of the carnival, which had its 26th edition last year, has traditionally been dominated by the South West, who have won on 17 occasions. But Maguire said the competitiveness of the carnival was increasing every year. “Other competitions have a big area to draw from. They’re coming to win the carnival, rather than just participate,” he said. “I’m looking at this year’s carnival as a tougher journey. “Last year we played Great Northern (in the final) and only won by a point, I’d expect them to be well and truly in the mix, Peel will be in the mix, Regional Districts in the last few years have been really consistent. “The competition’s really tightened up. We can’t be off, we’ve got to prepare that it’s going to be a tough gig, but we’re quietly confident.” Maguire also said he had seen the demographics of the tournament shift over his time in charge. “The colts age group is getting younger, the top-end of that age group are already playing league,” he said. “What’s running around in colts level is now 15, 16 (years old), and we find that’s junior, because when you go to (the championships), sides like Peel are fairly physical in their game style, which exposes those young kids. “It’s trying to get a balance . . . this year, we’ve taken a lot of the 19-year-olds.” Having led the program for several years, Maguire said he had always enjoyed seeing young players come through. “It’s one part of the job I do like, you get to see the where the talent is and you get an idea of the future of the clubs,” he said. “Last night, with the jumper presentations, we were tied in with the league group. A lot of guys who have represented our colts group are now representing the league. “I enjoy the development part of it . . . it’s good to be involved in.” South West country championships colts fixtures Thursday, Lane Group Stadium: v Great Southern at 11.30am, v Kimberley at 3.30pm Friday, Sir Ross McLarty Oval: v Great Northern at 11am, v Regional Districts at 3pm, Championships final at 4pm.