New Roxburgh Park coach Ross Terranova is seeking to get an even contribution from his side in the Essendon District Football League division 1 season.
Terranova, who has previously coached Glenroy and was an assistant coach at Greenvale last season, said the group had been really buying into what he was trying to do.
“I’m loving it,” he said. “We are getting 50 players at training. We’ve played 33 players over the practice matches so I’ve had a decent look at most of the boys.
“There’s still a lot of improvement and they are starting to do the right things.
“Hopefully they’ll keep doing the right things.”
Terranova said there had been a few changes to the squad, but had plenty of young blokes coming through.
He said for them it was about getting in players who wanted to buy into what they’re doing.
“We’ve been looking at players who want to play roles,” he said. “We don’t want to be as reliant on the likes of Jack Elliott and Harley Short.
“We want to lessen the load on those guys. The pre-season has been good and they’re understanding their roles.”
Among those Terranova is keen to get a look at on field are Seamus Mulcahy, Teronne Roberts-Potter and Travis Cooke
One of the areas the Magpies will look different is the forward line with Nathan Carroll and Cooper McPharlane moving on.
Terranova said with different targets down there they would find ways to score goals.
Having only joined the club in the off season, Terranova hasn’t set high expectations on what they can achieve. The Magpies finished in seventh spot, three games outside the top five.
“We want to make sure we improve and aren’t reliant on one or two blokes,” he said.
“We want to make sure to do the right things as a club and shape up the way I want them to, first and foremost.”
The Magpies start their season on Good Friday against Craigieburn.
The two teams finished equal on points last season.
It’s the second straight year the two teams have started their seasons on that day.
Speaking before the match, Terranova said it was set to be a big day at the club.
“The club has done a lot of work to get ready of the game.
“There’s a little bit of rivalry. It’ll be good to have a big day at the club.
Hillside and Keilor Park also start their seasons on Good Friday, after deadline.
