EDFL: Westmeadows adds more recruits with eye on better season

Westmeadows’ rise up the ladder looks set to continue in Essendon District Football League division 1, with the side again a big player in the off-season.

After recruiting heavily last year, which resulted in the club making finals, club president Andrew Brown said the side had again looked to adding more players.

“Things are going really good. We had a big improvement in 2014 and [are] really happy with the season and have recruited really well so far this year,” Brown said.

“We haven’t recruited as many as before last season as we have a good core group of players.”

Among those to sign with the club is Cameron Trewin who played in the Goulburn Valley Football League, Northern Saints’ Bilal Allouch and 2013 Hutchinson medalist Tamer  Adballah who played for Aberfeldie this season.”

Matt Sammut, from Riddell District Football League club Riddell, is also joining the club.

“Matt who is a former Westmeadows player is likely to bring a couple of his Riddell teammates with him,” Brown said.

He said the club hadn’t had too many departures.

“Nathan Valentine has a bad knee injury and won’t play, while one or two players are retiring or stepping back.”

One player who looks to be playing on is captain Andrew McLean.

McLean played his 400th game during the season.

“Tank [McLean] at this stage is going around again. He will wait and see how training goes before making a final decision.

“It’s not only his playing skill, but his leadership that is valuable for the side.

Off-field, the club has also signed on a strength and conditioning coach to help increase the players’ fitness levels.