It’s been a summer of mixed fortunes at the North Ballarat Roosters with changes both on and off the field.
Roosters captain Marc Greig headlines a list of key players to move on but will continue to guide his former teammates as an important addition to coach Gerard FitzGerald’s coaching staff.
Another former captain, Shaune (Spider) Moloney, will also be in the box for the Roosters this season, ensuring the club’s off-field stocks run deep.
On the field the Roosters welcome back JJ Liston Trophy winner Steve Clifton after he failed to win a new contract at the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
The tough on-baller was a key member of the Roosters’ three consecutive flags in 2008-10 and is tipped to a significant impact back in the Peter Jackson VFL.
“It’s a big part of our model here,” FitzGerald said.
“We push them up and welcome back if we need to.
“We pushed Steve up very strongly over the years and it was great to see him get a chance.
“We’re very strong on development and proud of how he has developed both on and off the field.”
Another to be back in familiar colours this season is former Melbourne –listed forward Lucas Cook.
The first-round draft pick and former North Ballarat Rebel battled injury and poor form in his time with the Demons and, despite not playing a senior game, was thought to be unlucky not receive another chance at AFL level.
“Lucas was part of our regional development pathway, having come down from Hopetoun to play at St Pats and with the Rebels,” FitzGerald said.
“Being still so young we think Lucas has a lot more development left in him and we’re hoping we can play a part in re-establishing his love for football.”
Cook’s arrival at Eureka Stadium is even more important given the departure of premiership forward Paul McMahon.
The mobile tall has opted to return to local football and joins Nick Peters as key men FitzGerald will have to do without.
The Roosters’ experienced core group of players will carry much of the burden this season with midfielder Myles Sewell, small forward Billy Driscoll and newly appointed captain Michael Searl pivotal to their finals chances.
FitzGerald said the alignment with North Melbourne would also be critical to the club’s success.
“We have a high-quality relationship with North Melbourne and certainly we have a responsibility and an obligation to develop they’re young players,” he said.
“People forget that Andrew Swallow (North Melbourne captain) played 30 or so games for us and was a member of our inaugural premiership team.”
The Roosters are expected to benefit from the improvement in the Kangaroos’ young list this season but may have to do without forward Aaron Black and rebounding defender Aaron Mullet, who are appear set for more opportunities at senior level.
A first up encounter with Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday April 7 looms as crucial first match.
North Ballarat
Coach: Gerard FitzGerald
2012 ladder position: 9th (9 wins, 9 losses)
2012 best and fairest: Myles Sewell
Key recruits Steve Clifton (GWS)Lucas Cook (Melbourne) Sam Scott (Geelong Falcons)
Key losses: Nick Peters, Paul McMahon, Derek Micallef, Marc Greig (retirement)
Last Modified on 28/03/2013 09:15