Lalor’s plans to rise up the Northern Football League division 2 ladder have hit a roadblock, but the Bloods are confident it won’t slow their long-term trajectory.
Under new coach Jarrod King, the Bloods have had plenty of numbers at training as the side looks to bounce back after its bottom finish in 2016.
King thought everything was on track, with several off-season recruits to strength the side’s spine, but was caught off guard when three of the club’s best players announced they were heading to division 1 side Bundoora.
“It has been pretty challenging,” he said. “Todd Hughes, Blake Seeley and Scott Dowell were three of our top six or seven players – it’s a kick in the guts.
“Todd was second in our best and fairest and kicked 63 goals last season and 81 goals the season before that.
“We were told they were leaving in February … it would have been a little easier knowing early in the pre-season.
“It’s hard to replace them at this stage, but that’s football.”
King said that despite the loss of the three players, including their two leading goal-kickers from last season, they will have plenty of avenues to goal.
“Harley Nancarrow comes across from Epping – we call him ‘Big Bird’,” King said.
“Nick Sandy, who was in our [2015] grand final side, is back and young Spencer Christopher has returned to the club.
“Spike Ingley, who has come from Elmore plays centre-half forward.”
King said they would likely try skipper Shannon Smith and Jason Kelly in attack at times during the season.
Besides the late departures, King said the Bloods were on track.
“We went out and got a spine,” he said. “We’ve got nine signings at the moment – three really big losses.
“Our old skipper, Scott Morrison, is a massive in and we’re hoping Ben Cutriss will get re-registered during the year if things go to plan.
“Mitchell [Henwood], Spencer and Nick all add some extra height.”
King is excited to be working with some of the club’s younger players, with at least eight of the top group under the age of 21.
The Bloods finished bottom of the ladder last season, but avoided relegation after Reservoir couldn’t field a team.
“Last year was a big hiccup,” King said. “We’re coming from a long way back and will pick off each week at a time.
“If we could manage to make a final, that would be a bonus. We know we’re lucky to still be in division 2. We don’t want to play division 3 football.”
King replaces Steven Marshall as coach.
But Marshall, who has taken on the club’s presidency this season, won’t be far from the action.
“He’s my right-hand man and I’ll always have Steve next to me,” King said.
“He’ll still run the board on Saturdays … we do everything together.”
Shane Jacobsen will be a playing assistant coach.
King said having those two on board would make being a playing coach easier.
