Macedon’s pre-season has kicked into top gear as the club aims for back-to-back Riddell District Football League flags.
Having claimed their first senior premiership in more than 40 years last season, the Cats have worked their way into the pre-season.
New coach Ben Tankard said the combination of his late appointment and a tough 2017 meant a slow start.
“They have come back really good after Christmas,” he said of the players.
“There’s good numbers on the track and the guys are fit.
“The younger guys were fantastic before Christmas and the older guys have come back fresh. They needed a break after last season.”
Tankard said Casey Summerfield, Errol McConnell and Tom Waters were leading the way of the more experienced players, while the younger players were performing strongly in the second half of the pre-season.
“We played six under-19s in our first practice match and they will all be pushing for round one,” he said.
There will be spots up for grabs in the Cats side following several changes to the premiership team.
Aaron Christensen and Jason Cooke have gone elsewhere, while Josh Clough, Teghan Henderson and Chad Walker have retired.
Aaron Christiansen, who wasn’t in the grand final team, has also retired.
Tankard said replacing Cooke would be hard.
Cooke kicked 80 goals last season and claimed the Bowen Medal for the best player in the competition.
“Replacing Jason is the biggest challenge for me,” he said.
“We’ll structure up a bit different. We’ll play two key forwards and be quicker at ground level. No one will kick 80 goals for us this year.”
Tankard said that rather than going on a recruitment drive, the club was focusing on bringing through players from within.
Jack Kernan, who spent last year overseas, returns and is expected to be among the Cats’ best.
Brodie Hoyne comes across from Gisborne and will play seniors.
Tankard said that despite the outs, he expected Macedon to again be in the mix.
“The older guys should be able to play early and we need to keep the younger guys fresh for a long season,” he said.
“It we can prevent injuries, I think we’ll be strong towards the end of the season.”
The Cats won their second practice match against Kyneton on Saturday with a 6.6 (42)-3.11 (29) scoreline.
The Cats’ season will start on April 7 against Riddell.
Tara Murray
