By Tara Murray
Laurimar comes back to Northern Football League division 3 stronger than before, but knows the challenge will be even harder this time round.
The Power was relegated from division 2 in the off season after one year in the higher division, but wasn’t that far from surviving and staying up there with some competitive results.
Coach Jimmy Atkins said they bring plenty of confidence back into division 3.
“It’s a different challenge,” he said. “It’s a lot stronger than it was two year ago.
“There’s a lot of recruits going through there.
“We’re going back with the same team and some recruits as well. We have a lot of confidence in our ability.
“It’ll be a long year and you need a bit of luck. “
Patrick Fitzgerald who had been one of the premier full forwards of the division 1 competition for a number of years was the biggest signing for the Power.
He is a three-time division 1 leading goalkicker and has been named in the team of the year 10 times. Fitzgerald has played for Vic Metro and represented the NFL on five occasions.
Stephen McCallum also crossed from Montmorency while Jake Francis has crossed for the Old Eltham Collegians.
Atkins said it was more important that they had kept their squad together.
The Power started with a loss, losing to the Fitzroy Stars 15.5 (95)-11.5 (71).
Atkins said they played against a strong side.
“THey had a couple of their VFL players available,” Atkins said. Patrick Farrant kicked seven and had a good game and he was difference.
“We didn’t take our chances when we had them.”
Kaiden Arthur, Stephen McCallum and Ethan Frawley were named the Power’s best.
Atkins said getting early wins on the board were important in what is expected to be a close season.
“Hopefully we can get some sooner than later,” he said.
The Power this week face Epping, which beat Mernda in the opening round of the season.
Atkins said it would be another good test for them.
“They are another team the experts have up there,” he said. “We’ve looking forward to facing Epping at Epping, it should be a great game.”
