Westmeadows coach Dave Connell believes his team is in good shape to make a real impact in division 1 of the Essendon District Football League this season.
The Tigers have fallen in the first week of the finals for the previous two seasons, but Connell said they were primed to go further in 2016.
“It’s my third year in the role and I’m a little more comfortable in the job and the players are more comfortable with our game plan,” he said.
“Ultimately, the goal is to win a final and I think we have a better team than last year.”
Early signs show Tigers players are keen to get into the season.
“We had 50-odd on the first night back at training and 61 last night,” Connell said.
“We would normally have only seven or eight under-18s on the track at this time. We’ve had 21-22. It looks like we’ll have two under-18 teams for the first time this season.”
After being a major player in last season’s recruiting period, the Tigers planned to be only minor players this year, with key forwards their only target.
“We knew all our key forwards were over 30 and we were concerned they would all finish up at the same time,” Connell said.
“Luke Wilson has retired and will be an assistant coach with the under-18s. Cam Trewin may play reserves.
“We were very fortunate to get some key forwards before the pre-season even started and they’ve had a couple of mates come with them.”
Dylan Debritt has come across from Avondale Heights, while Jordan Foster has moved from VAFA club University Blacks.
They brought along a couple of friends, including another University Blacks player, David Cooper.
But perhaps the biggest signing may be Shannon Broadbent, who has won eight club best-and-fairest awards with several different clubs and won the Western Region Football League’s B&F award, the Barry Priest medal, in 2013.
He played for WRFL premier Deer Park last season and the Tigers will be his fifth EDFL club.
“We’ve been best friends since we were 15 and have always spoken about being at the same club but it has just never happened,” Connell said.
“We’ve managed to make it happen this year and he’ll be a playing assistant coach.”
While several of the veterans have retired, club legend and 400-game player Andrew McLean will play on.
“Whether he plays more reserves than seniors we’re not sure,” Connell said.
“You need guys like him at the club.
“There are not many guys like him. He has been playing for nothing the last few years and been pumping money into the club.
“He has been terrific support for me.”
