AFTER playing in eight successive WRFL grand finals, Spotswood’s run came to an end last year when the senior team lost to Hoppers Crossing in the semi-final.
With a mission to get back to where they belong, coach Tom Langlands and his support team have set goals and recruited players to help them return to the WRFL grand final stage.
Coach: Tom Langlands.
Captain: Seniors – Murray Boyd, Reserves – Matt Paton.
Last season: Division 1 Seniors – 4th. Division 1 Reserves – 7th.
Leading goal-kicker: Seniors - Murray Boyd – 39 goals. Reserves – Mohmoud Saoud – 8 goals.
Best and Fairest: Murray Boyd.
Key Ins: Luke Ryan, Harley Walshe, Jordan Bennett, Sean Kelly, Michael Kinsella, Pierce Dawson and Alex Pylka.
Key Outs: David Iaccarino, Michael Fogarty, Christian Elliott and Matthew Dumbleton.
Rising stars: “Connor Daly will look to cement his place as a regular senior player,” media officer Jason Marks said.
“He has speed to burn and uses the ball really well. He will most likely play midfield/half forward and will be tough to match up on.
“David Sablich is on a mission to get back to his best after injuries interrupted his 2015 season.
He has been looking as fit as ever and will no doubt pick up where he left off.
“Harley Walshe is back from Williamstown VFL and is looking to have an impact at SFC.
“A running machine that has great athleticism for his size so will be one of the toughest matchups to get a hold of.”
How has the pre-season been: “Very good,” Marks said.
“Intense seven-week block to start 2016 after focussing on skills prior to Christmas.
“Players have been working hard and many have completed extra sessions in order to prepare for a big season. Competition for spots will be fierce.”
Expectations this season: “Expectations every year is to play finals and win as many games as possible,” Marks said.
“Some new systems will be trialled in practice games so getting them right for the season is the current priority, but the club hopes to get back to being a powerhouse.
“This will be driven by junior players as it always has, they will be the ones who take the club forward over the years.
“Players like Connor Daly, Jye Orchard, James Bielby, Dylan Callard and Bryce Williams are keys to this improvement.”
Teams fielding in 2016: 9.
First month: Bye, St Albans (A), Hoppers Crossing (H), Deer Park (A).
Last Modified on 22/03/2016 10:59