Tara Murray
New Craigieburn coach Shane Jacobs is excited by the list they have put together for the Essendon District Football League division 1 season.
After just two wins last season in their return to division 1 after being relegated, it was a tough year for the Eagles.
But with a new coach and a very different playing list, 2023 could be different for the Eagles.
Jacobs said things were looking good after a strong pre-season.
“Things are moving nicely into place,” he said. “We’ve got some new talent that we’ve added to the club which is exciting.
“It’s a young group and we’re excited about it. We’ve added some experience and some youth and we’re looking forward to seeing how it all pans out.”
After just two wins, it’s only natural there will be some change to the playing list. A number of players have left, but the Eagles have bought in a lot of players to strengthen the squad.
Jacobs said they had got everyone they wanted to and he was happy with how the squad was looking.
The biggest name in for the Eagles is former AFL player Jake Carlisle. Carlisle returned to his junior club last season as an assistant coach, but will also pull on the boots this year.
“Jake is like a new recruit for us,” Jacobs said. “He can play anywhere.
“He’s been fantastic with the young group and makes my life easier with him right beside me.”
Jacobs said it would be a week by week proposition where Carlisle will play, with the big man able to play in defence, up forward or in the ruck.
Jacobs highlighted a couple of others, with significant experience he was looking forward to seeing on the field.
“Travis Keating who has come from Bundoora,” he said. “I coached him last year and he comes across as a midfield goal kicker and will add plenty of x-factor.
“Sammy Laffan is a two-time premiership player. It’s great to get him back to the club.”
Jacobs said they had made an aim of trying to get Craigieburn locals back to the club to help the side rebuild.
Jacobs, who played 100 junior games for the club, said he was enjoying his first senior coaching role.
He said this season the aim was to be more competitive.
“Definitely winning more than two games,” he said. “We want to be competitive in every game and we’ll win a lot more games.
“We’re done a lot of hard work, hopefully we can push to the middle of the pack and we’ll be happy with that.”
The Eagles have three practice matches, starting March 4.
Their season kicks off on Good Friday against Roxburgh Park.
