BOOM Newtown & Chilwell recruit Micah Buchanan says he is excited about the prospect of playing in the GFL again after two years away from the state’s premier country football league.
Buchanan last played in the GFL in 2014, when he won a premiership with Colac, but spent 2015 away from the game before playing at BFL club Geelong Amateur last year.
The 32-year-old, whose girlfriend Emma is the daughter of football manager Terry, signed with the Eagles just before Christmas and joined his new teammates at Elderslie Reserve for the first time on Monday night.
The session was also coach Damien McMahon’s first in charge after replacing Damien Christensen, and Buchanan said he was impressed with what he saw.
“It should be good, they seem to have a pretty young list there now at the moment,” Buchanan said.
“It was the first night meeting the coach as well and he looks like he knows what he’s doing, he should get the club heading in the right direction on and off the field.
“I’m not 100 per cent sure what to expect but they’ve got a lot of young talent, a good new coach and some old talent there as well, so hopefully we can put it all together and have a successful year.”
Newtown coach Damian McMahon took the reins for the first time on Monday night. Picture: Sarah Matray.
Buchanan, who played a key role as a midfielder in Ammos third consecutive BFL flag, expects to split his playing time between the middle of the ground and the Eagles’ forward line.
The veteran said he intended to use his vast playing experience to help out the club’s array of young midfielders as much as possible.
“I’ll probably be in a bit of mid-forward role with a bit of rotation off the bench as well, there is a lot of rotation in the GFL now with mids off the bench and getting their rest,” he said.
“So it will be a lot of that and helping develop some of the young blokes as well. As you get older that’s what you do, you’re always trying to help out the young blokes in any way you can to improve their footy.”
Buchanan also joke that he was not phased about a potential showdown with Colac later in the year.
“I’ve still got a few good mates down there playing but in the end it’s just a game of footy, it’ll all be good, we’re all playing to have a bit of fun,” he said.
Newtown will meet South Barwon in its opening game of the year on April 8 at McDonald reserve
Last Modified on 01/02/2017 09:58