Newtown and Chilwell's pre-season has been low key since missing out on ex-Western Bulldog big-man Peter Street, but the club has it sights firmly set on the finals.
Coach Simon Sutterby was keen to point out the club didn't have an ex-AFL player but dd have more than 60 players turning up to its training sessions.
"It's a really good club and there's a really good environment and feeling at the moment," he said. "Obviously, they're not 63 senior players but it means there's good depth, there's good numbers around the club and they're good people. We haven't go an ex-AFL player who's taken 10 marks and dominated or anything like that, we're just cruising along as best we can"
The Eagles have added a comination of size and skill in Matt Bruhn and Leigh Morrison from Newcomb, along with former Falcon Chris Moreland, from Bell Post Hill. David McVilly has returned to the Club from abroad.
"Run will be a strong-point, we've got some good midfielders and we'll probably stengthen up down the spine as well," he said. "There's no-one that I want to put up in lights, but we're rolling along well as a team.
"We definately want to make the finals, no question, but we're under no illusions - it's not going to be easy," Sutterby said.
Geelong Advertiser Thursday 2 April, 2009 (Joel Creswell)
CLUB SAYS:
"Where going in pretty low key, but we've got some good little players and I think we might surprise some teams." (Simon Sutterby)
ADDY SAYS:
Still lack the strength through their spine to consistently challenge top spots, so likely to fall out of the finals race. Though in a rebuilding year, the Eagles will upset a few and still have an influence on the season. Simon Sutterby comes to the club to rejuvenate, though he faces losses too in the form of captain Sam Chapman and Robert Condy. There are some handy pick-ups, natably the return of former captains David McVilly and Damian Harrington, but it will again be youth that drives the team.
PREDICTED FINISH: 8 - 10
Last Modified on 13/11/2009 11:23