Craigieburn doesn’t shy away from the fact it has been one of the busiest local football clubs in Victoria with more than 30 players signing with the club in the offseason.
Having struggled in the Essendon District Football League in recent years and narrowly surviving relegation to division 2 by 4.46 per cent, the Eagles knew they had to do something and something big to return to being a force in the competition.
Coach Peter Budgen said the first step was hiring a football manager.
“One of the key areas we identified we were missing last season was a football manager,” Bugden said.
“Troy Fidler has come on board and has spoken to more than 150 players in the offseason.
“We are very happy with the recruits, Troy has done a really good job.”
Heading up the recruits is former AFL players Jason and Cameron Cloke.
“We lacked a couple a couple of key-position players, which the Clokes fill.
“Cameron will play full-forward and Jason will play at centre half-back. It’s good to have some book ends.
“Scott Hamilton from Rushworth has come on board, Jeremey Page is 6’5’’ and is a dual premiership ruckman.
“David Courouzou is a hard in-and-under player, while Thomas McKinlay is another big body who will help out down forward and in the ruck.”
Bugden said bigger bodies was something the side needed.
“We looked like little lambs out there last season. We were inexperienced and that’s what happened when you fall by the wayside.
“It’s a big difference between 17-year-old boys and 27-year-old powerful men. It was a massive challenge for them, but they have become better players.”
Despite more than 30 new players, the club has retained 90 per cent of its playing list from last year.
“We are getting 70-plus at training each night,” Bugden said.
“There may have been a little bit of players not worried about getting seniors games with the new players, but if they play well they will get a game.
“We had 46 players play senior football last season including 14 junior players.
“If players aren’t playing well, they won’t be getting a game including the recruits.”
The club will test where it is at with three tough preseason matches against Gisborne, Romsey and Maribyrnong Park.
In another boost for the club, it is set to field a side in the third senior division.
“We have appointed Gary Kallinikos as coach and he is a senior premiership coach in his own right,” Bugden said.
“We have a full squad on board behind the scenes and it’s an opportunity to fill a niche in the market.
“There’s some people who can’t get to training, but still want to play football so this gives them a chance. It means guys won’t miss out on games.”
The club is still looking for more players, details: www.craigieburnfc.com.au
