By Tara Murray
Bowen Medalist Jaidyn Caruana is on the move from Romsey, joining rivals Diggers Rest for next year’s Riddell District Football League season.
The Burras announced on Thursday morning that Caruana had made the switch, in a big bonus for the club.
Burras coach Jamie Lobb said they couldn’t be happier to get Caruana on board. Caruana trained with club for the first time on Wednesday.
“He works with our major sponsor Fireline Fire Protection and works with a few of the boys,” Lobb said. “We sort of had that connection there and it translated that he didn’t want to be at Romsey next season.
“We were able to work something out. It’s good for us.”
Lobb said Caruana would provide them with an x-factor in the middle of the ground.
Caruana had a break out year this year, winning the Bowen Medal by a massive 14 votes. He also won the player of the year award, voted by the coaches.
“We know what he did this year,” said Lobb. “He can slot into the midfield and be that missing piece of the puzzle.
“We’re not expecting him to do the same thing next year, but it would be nice if he could.”
Caruana is the third signing for Burras.
Premiership hero Jason Williams and another premiership player Chris Lawton are both returning to the club.
Lobb said it was good to get both of them back on board.
“They are both one point players that’s always a bonus,” he said.
“Everyone knows them and they fit straight back into the group.”
Lobb said they had room for one more recruit, but said they would be very selective if they added someone.
He said they had already filled the gaps that they needed to.
Mark Freeth, Tom Evans and Ryan Peters, who didn’t play a lot of senior football this year, have all put in clearances to leave the club.
While the Burras only started training this week, most have been working hard in the off season.
Lobb said the group was keen to atone for a disappointing end to this year, when they knocked out in the preliminary final after claiming the minor premiership.
He said the group felt this year was one that got away.
“We’ve come back earlier than we normally would,” he said.
“The boys wanted to come back, I think they were bored with footy training.
“We see it as a good chance to catch up and do it with a footy in hand.”
