Our Coaches David Banfield, Jeff Rudd and Graeme Hocking have done a mighty job so far attracting players to the Club and the lists look very promising. But, of course if you are a champion and looking for a game, we can always find a spot. We do have a huge number of youngsters joining us this year, mostly from our 2008 Colts. It is refreshing to see so many young and hopeful faces - the best part of Community Sport. Hard to image a Club without that local involvement. So following the retirement of some older faces, the Eagles will certainly have a younger look, particularly the Reserves.
It was great to see the return of Dean Stephen, our 2007 Senior Best & Fairest, who joined our last training session before Xmas after a year overseas. "Deano" is keen indeed to continue his success at the Club. He was pleased to see the strength of the new on-ballers, who could make his life a lot easier.
A surprise participant was Alister Wylie, who played in our 2007 Premiership and spent 2008 in Western Australia. Al has just returned to Melbourne and will also add to that on ball or small defender brigade
Another new “old boy” was Nathan Henley, who looks a million dollars after his year off, and boy does he make a difference to the enthusiasm and quality of training.
With the departure of Brad Hall, the ruck workload will be carried by Robbie Ross and James McClure. “Big Jim” has been waiting in the wings for a few years and racking up Reserves B&F Awards. Now he has his chance. We wish him well.
The Captain Ryan Mullett, Vice Captain Kris Bardon and wingman Ryan Webster have all had surgery for problems that badly effected the last part of 2008. They all look to have recovered well and will be ready for 2009 action.
Full forward Matt Greig, was at our first January night observing the action but it is a bit early for “Greigy” to start sweating. After three hundred goal seasons, he probably has got the balance right.
The Colts under Graeme Hocking have been getting terrific numbers to their sessions and if enthusiasm is anything to go on, will have a pretty good year. Graeme is experienced coach and the boys are appreciating his great knowledge an innovative training ideas.
Last Modified on 27/01/2009 15:06