Tara Murray
Westmeadows has already hit the training track in preparation for next year’s Essendon District Football League division 1 season.
The Tigers have been training in groups of 10 since early November, with the aim to train as a bigger group when COVID-19 restrictions ease.
Tigers coach Mo Kaakour said the players had been keen to get back out on the field after several months of lockdown and a cancelled 2020 season.
“We can’t have the whole group together, but we’re doing what we can do to get a head start,” he said.
“We’ve had 68 players training across a number of different venues, who were really keen to get back to training and see their mates.
“For most it’s about seeing their mates and then getting back into the footy.”
The Tigers put together a strong list for the 2020 season, which was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Those recruits, including Jayden Ranno, George Nabbout and Aaron Vendramini, have re-signed for the upcoming season.
They also added Michael Gillard, who returns to the club for 2021 and Dylan Ryan.
“The main aim was the retention of the list, so we haven’t gone out and got many more players for 2021,” Kaakour said.
“We haven’t lost anyone and added two or three players to the club.”
Kaakour said the club was focused on continuing to promote within and give younger players opportunities
Their under-18/19 team has played off in three straight grand finals and won two premierships. Many of those players have progressed into the senior side in recent years.
“We’ve got good kids coming through and we want to give them an opportunity in the seniors,” he said.
“There’s young players from the under-19 grand final like Steven Callanan, Reece Field and Daniel O’Kearney.
“I think they are the future of the club.”
The club is planning to have three open age male sides.
Kaakour said they were expecting to be competitive with all three teams.
“In terms of depth in 2019, we used 44 players,” he said.
“I thought the depth really stood up and I think it will be stronger next year.
“We’re hoping to be competitive and there at the pointy end of the season.
“Hopefully we get there and give ourselves a shot.”
