Romsey is flying under the radar this pre-season ahead of the Riddell District Football League.
While many clubs have added some key players and signings, the Redbacks believe that their biggest improvement will come from the existing playing group.
Coach Paul Kennedy said things were travelling well ahead of the season kicking off on April 2.
“It has been a long time, we’re looking forward to it,” he said.
“We’re travelling okay and sort of been going under the radar. We’re pretty much signed everyone from last year and added a few players from here and there, so there’s a lot more depth.
“We think we have a stronger side than last season.”
Kennedy said 12 months of working together on the game plan was showing through, with massive improvements on the track compared to last year.
He said it was the younger players he was keen to see what they could do this season.
“The biggest improvement will be from the young group,” he said.
“We were one of the younger sides last year and with an extra year and preseason and they’ve got bigger.
“Corey Pertzel, Dean Walsh, Callum Sankey, Joshua Emonson and Liam Muir… we will look to see a lot of them during the year.
“Hopefully Ben Way will still play this year. He is terrific with the young boys out there as well.
“Our under-19s will be a pretty strong side as well.”
Kennedy said there were some former players who were either returning to the club or considering it, which would help strengthen the side and it would flow into their reserves.
Jimmy Carroll is back, while Kennedy said Chris Burkett might also return.
Aiden Smith, who is coming across the Geelong and District Football League, is one recruit who Kennedy highlighted.
Kennedy said they had a tough draw to start the season, with matches against Wallan, Riddell and Diggers Rest in the first month.
He said they were hopeful to build into the season and be among the top sides.
“We might not be at full strength early with cricket finals and cricket trips,” he said.
“Last year we finished fifth with 7-4 and I think we have a stronger side.
“Finals is the main for us. We think we are good enough to play finals and we’re planning to play finals.”
The Redbacks start their season on April 2 against Wallan at Romsey Park for the CFA Cup.
Tara Murray
