Mt Pleasant’s prosperous recruiting campaign has continued with Calivil United premiership star Luke Marchesi and former South Bendigo and Deniliquin midfielder Charles Trotman joining the club.
Marchesi was best on ground for the Demons in last year’s LVFNL grand final and he adds some class to the Mounts’ midfield group.
Marchesi was driven to Mounts by the opportunity to further his coaching credentials.
“I have learnt a lot in recent years and enjoyed on-field leadership roles, but I saw the opportunity to gain some experience with Darren and his coaching staff,’’ Marchesi said.
“I have some good mates at Mounts and I am looking forward to playing my role on and off the field.”
- Mt Pleasant recruits
Trotman, a cousin of Marchesi, can play through the midfield or across half-back. The Blues have also signed BFNL under-18 leading goalkicker Jack Bouwmeester and Sandhurst under-18 best and fairest winner Seb Spijkerman.
That quartet comes on top of the addition of former Kyneton star forward Ben Weightman, Golden Square premiership defender Dale Young and former University Blues duo Hugo Steinfort and Edward Ratcliffe.
Mt Pleasant players in pre-season training. Picture: CONTRIBUTED
New coach Darren Walsh has liked what he’s seen from the playing group during a testing pre-season schedule.
“We have had a great pre-season.” Walsh said.
“It has been very solid and challenging with a strength and fitness program alongside game style sessions designed specifically for the group.
“There has been great numbers at all sessions both pre and post-Christmas and the group has tackled everything we have thrown at them with a great attitude and work ethic. The group has embraced the game plan and are improving quickly.
“The younger guys have taken a leaps forward and are combining well with our recruits. We are coming from a long way back, but the signs are positive at this point.”
The Blues will play practice matches against Moama and Wedderburn ahead of their round one encounter with Lockington-Bamawm United