Jacana – minus Cameron Cloke – wasn’t what new coach Robert Fletcher had in mind for the Jaguars.
With a new coaching panel and new recruits, round one was meant to be a new beginning … instead attention was on what was going on with Cloke.
The Jaguars’ gun signing has put in a clearance to play at Hurstbridge in the Northern Football League.
Fletcher said the situation was disappointing, the club having spent the pre-season planning a team with Cloke, who won the division 1 goal-kicking award the past two seasons with Craigieburn.
He said not having Cloke play the season would have an impact, with work already put into team structures and getting sponsors on board around the high-profile signing.
“Cam signed a contract with a sign-on fee before Christmas,” Fletcher said. “He was training with us and played in our practice matches, before Hurstbridge offered him some money.
“We’re not going to clear him, as he has a contract. He’s had contracts his whole football career.
“We’re going to stick to our guns, and if he’s going to play football this season, he’ll be playing at Jacana.”
The disappointment continued on Saturday, when the Jaguars gave away a first-half lead against Coburg Districts in its Essendon District Football League division 2 season opener.
The Jaguars were left to rue a poor effort in the second half when they lost a 17-point half-time lead, ending up 19 points down at the final siren, losing 12.11 (83)-8.14 (62).
Fletcher said many basic errors had cost them dearly.
“We played some really good footy in the first half,” he said. “They then ran over the top of us.
“We hit the front in the final quarter, but then made some stupid errors and let them get away with the game.”
Fletcher said Billy Morrison and new recruits Shannon Bennett and Justin Mall were the side’s best players. Bryce Kimuliatis was the Jaguars only multiple goalkicker with two goals.
Fletcher said with the number of new players in his side, he wasn’t expecting them to completely gel until about a month into the season.
The Jaguars next opponent will be Northern Saints, relegated from division 1 last season.
Fletcher was at Craigieburn last season as an assistant coach, so has some familiarity with the team.
“They’re a good football side that’s done a lot of work to change the culture … and have a fair few new players on board.”
