The North Coffs Kangaroos are hungry to recapture their dominance of the AFL North Coast competition after last season’s Grand Final loss.
The memories from their large loss to eventual premiers, Sawtell, still linger and according to club president, Jamie Coad, the players have learnt from the experience.
“We had to play hard to make the Grand Final and eventually this took its toll,” he said.
“Trent Cook has been employed as a fitness coach and our key players have been training well early in the pre-season.”
The coaching ranks remain the same with Danny McFadden in charge of the Seniors, with Sam Dawes leading the playing roster but he will be joined by some handy talent this season.
“We have recruited well, with a dozen new players joining the club to date, including a representative ruckman, a league Best and Fairest and a player who kicked 100 goals two seasons ago,” Coad commented.
The recruitment drive will look to cover the likely losses of Graham Connolly, Jordan O'Connor, Brad Reeves and Luke Valdes who have reportedly left the area.
The side will also look to field an Under 18s side this season, in recognition of the strong development taking place at a junior level.
Alex Delves is one the young brigade the club will be looking to for a strong season, to support the experience of Darren Funston and Brad Giri in the midfield.
Coad is wary of the competition prior to the start of the season but he has rubber stamped Sawtell as the side to beat in 2009. They will get an early crack at the Saints in a much-anticipated Grand Final replay.
“They are the measuring stick at the moment and it will be a great hit out in the first match,” he said.
Last Modified on 21/03/2009 23:39