Tara Murray
Things are looking up at Lalor ahead of the Northern Football League division 3 season.
After a winless season in 2022, after just one the season before, things have been tough for the Bloods.
But an influx of players, who will strengthen both their seniors and reserves sides, has coach Ange Lamanna excited.
“It has been really good,” he said. “It’s been really busy.
“I think we’ve attracted a lot of mates of mates to come across. I don’t know how that has happened.
“We struggled off field, but people want to come to the club, it’s a great achievement by everyone.”
Lamanna said one of the key things they had been keen to implement was a good environment that people want to be part of
He said there had been at least 12 to 14 players joining the club, with at least half likely to feature in their senior side.
He said he would get a bit more of an idea once the club has intra club and practice matches.
“The guys have come in and given some fresh air to the environment,” he said.
“There’s a really good vibe around the place. People can come in and enjoy themselves, have a lot of fun, but also work hard.
“The new guys have come on board with a good attitude and want to play footy.”
Lamanna said the new guys had been good for the existing playing group as well.
Having been blown away in most of their matches last year, Lamanna said they weren’t setting massive goals heading into the season.
He said he doesn’t have any preconceived ideas on what they can achieve this year.
“We want to win games of footy,” he said.
“We want to be competitive for longer periods and be competitive in every game.”
The Bloods are set to have their first intra club match on Wednesday night, before a number of practice matches.
Lamanna said after what seemed like a long pre-season, the matches can’t’ come quick enough.
“The numbers on the track have been fantastic and we’re getting up to 40 blokes a night which is really nice.
“They’re a good group to coach and it feels like I’ve been coaching them for 10 years.”
