The Sunbury Kangaroos hope they’ve added the necessary experience and depth needed to propel them back to the Riddell District Football League finals.
The Kangaroos have narrowly missed finals the past two years.
Kangaroos coach Jarrod Dixon said the club was happy with side’s progress heading into the season.
“We’ve got a lot more depth, which we needed to do to compete with the strong clubs in the league,” he said. “We’ve gone out and got what we needed.”
“It’ll be a good competition this year again.”
What the Kangaroos needed was a bit more experience and some steady heads to help control games.
They’ve added former Romsey premiership duo Mitch Farmer and Phil Lobb, along with midfielders Chris Tsardakis and John Corso and forward Josh Burgess.
Dixon said all the new players had fitted into the playing group really well in a short period of time.
“We lacked older heads in games,” he said. “We needed players to settle the kids down and control the game. Getting Mitch and Phil has been a real bonus.
“Mitch [who played 31 AFL games] really teaches the younger guys and has been fantastic in that aspect.
“Phil has a thirst for competition – and sometimes that doesn’t come naturally.”
Meanwhile, the club could have another Romsey premiership player joining the ranks.
Premiership player Chris Petroro has submitted a clearance to join the club, but is under contract at Pascoe Vale, so it’ll be up the Panthers whether they let him out of the contract.
The Kangaroos have lost three players from their best 22.
James Barnes has gone to East Keilor after one season, Mitch Trimboili has moved across to Sunbury Lions and Jordan Baumgartner has returned to Rockbank.
The Kangaroos kick off their season against Romsey on April 8.
