By Tara Murray
Some key signings has Bundoora buoyant ahead of next year’s Northern Football League division 1 season.
Things looked dour early for the Bulls in the off season, with the losses of Josh and Nicholas Grabowski, Joseph Palazzolo, Jack Furlong and Ricky Dyson, but in recent weeks the club has been able to secure some key talent to add to the squad.
New Bulls coach Andrew Sturgess said he was happy with how things were looking.
“Early in the preseason, guys were going the other way, going out the door,” he said.
“Internally we weren’t worried. We knew who we were talking to and have been able to land them.
“We’ve got a bit of momentum with some good signings. It has lifted spirits of supporters and members and those outside the inner sanctum.
“I did a best 22 on paper and I like what I saw.”
The big signing for the Bulls is former VFL player Daniel Venditti.
Venditti won three best and fairest awards while at Coburg, where him and Sturgess were teammates.
As well as teammates and friends, the two have a family connection with Venditti marrying Sturgess’ sister.
“It’ll be good next year to play with him as a friend and brother in law. It’ll be nice to be back playing together.”
VFL listed Luke Collins has also joined the Bulls. He’ll only play with the side when his VFL commitments with Essendon allow him.
“From our perspective we want guys to play at the highest level,” Sturgess said.
“If he plays every game at Essendon VFL, great for him
“Hopefully we’ll create an environment at Bundoora which is easy to make the transition into the VFL.”
Sturgess said the experience of those guys would help fill the void left by Josh Grabowski and the other players who have left.”
The Bulls have also announced the signings of Brenton Briffa, Adrian Stefanile, Liam Grey and Matty Evans
Briffa comes from Whittlesea where he has played a lot of division 1 football. The winger wanted to stay playing at that level.
Matty Evans, who played under-19s at the Bulls, returns to the club after stints elsewhere.
Liam Gray, brother of can play either end of the ground and Adrian Stefanile comes from Mernda.
Sturgess said they were still talking to a couple more possible recruits.
“We’re looking to bolster depth, that’s the key to having a successful team in a close competition
“We found that out last year when we were hit by injuries.”
