By Tara Murray
Macedon has been busy behind the scenes, adding some key players to its list for next year’s Riddell District Football League season.
Needing to add extra depth to the squad, the Cats have already added eight new players.
New coach Al Meldrum said the signings had added some positivity to the club in early preparation for next season.
“There has been a fair bit of work,” he said. “The feedback has been good and it’s all been pretty positive.”
When he was appointed, Meldrum said he was keen to get some past players back to the club.
He’s been true to his word, with five former players signing on to return next season.
Shaun Harrison, Jack Mills and Jack Kernan headline those who are returning. Meldrum said all three would be important for them.
“I work with Harro,” Meldrum said. “I’ve been keeping tabs on him since he went back to Deer Park after a year off in 2018.
“He lives in Gisborne and is looking forward to getting back to the club.
“Jack Mills is another premiership player and was part of the leadership group. He’s really motivated and I haven’t seen him this motivated since the flag.
“Jack Kernan is back as well. This year he played in the VAFA and gives us a key position option.”
The only confirmed out for the Cats is ruckman Tom Waters, who has been appointed playing-coach at Lancefield, while a couple of others are travelling.
To fill the ruck void, the Cats have recruited former VFL and SANFL player Rowan Andrews.
Andrews played with Meldrum at his former club Avoca.
“Tommy was the premier ruckman in the competition,” he said. “We’ve been spoilt having such good service from him.
“Rohan brings heaps of experience at different levels. We’ve been fortunate to get him.
“He’s a different type of ruckman. He’s a massive ‘in’ for us to fill the void of losing Tommy.”
Andrews is one of three players to join the Cats from Avoca.
Dan Trajanovski and Mitch Thar will add to the Cats midfield.
Meldrum said the transition would be made smoother, with all three playing in the midfield group together.
“Dan and Mitch are midfielders who can play both inside and out.
“They are both good ball users by foot.”
Meldrum said they wanted to continue to keep the positive vibe up throughout the pre-season and take that momentum into next year.
Having made finals last season, Meldrum said the focus was to be in the mix again next season.
“We want to make finals and win more games than we lose.
“We want to be competitive.”
The Cats are also looking to get an under-19.5 football team back on the park next year, after not having one this year. Richard Blake has been appointed the under-19.5 coach.
