Thomastown is intent on finding the missing pieces it needs to close the gap on the top sides in Northern Football League division 2.
Having finished fifth last year, two games outside the top four, the Bears knew they needed to add some depth to side.
Bears president Rob Mazniovski said that while the Bears showed they could match it with the sides above them at time, they didn’t’ have the depth to do it week in, and week.
“We beat Diamond Creek, who finished second, and were more than capable in a lot of games,” he said of last year’s campaign.
“We had a few key players missing, which impacted results, but that’s no excuse.”
One of the first areas the Bears looked to address was the forward line.
In a major boost, Matthew Ferraro is returning to the club, who kicked 62 goals for the Bears in 2015.
Daniel Francis will join him in the forward line.
Francis, who is coming across from Hurstbridge, led the division 2 goal-kicking while playing for Fitzroy Stars in 2016.
Anthony Capeci is another forward option the Bears have recruited, with the small forward coming across from South Morang.
Capeci is currently training with Essendon’s VFL side.
“We knew what we needed to get and we’ve gone out and got that,” Mazniovski said.
“We very happy with the forward line as long as we can keep them all on the park.
David Janevski, Dylan Chapman, Lane Tucker, Lachlan Evans Ahmed Fahour , Salvatore Mamone, Tommy Bonson and Jake Ingaliso have also joined the Bears.
Mazniovski said most of the recruits were under the age of 24 and many of them had been at successful clubs.
“These guys want to be here and they’re not just anyone,” he said.
“We’re close to the limit with points. There might be a few more players come to the club to add depth. Everyone is welcome.”
After the Bear consolidated their spot in division 2 in the past couple of seasons, Mazniovski said finals were definitely the aim this season.
Off field, things are going great for the Bears as
