Tara Murray
Macedon has focused on improving its depth ahead of next year’s Riddell District Football League season.
While the Cats managed a finals win this season, the season was one of disappointment for the club with injuries and availability playing a massive role.
Coach Al Meldrum said this year had been tough on the back of two COVID-19 affected seasons.
“We’ve had a few people join the club and we’re looking to be in a stronger position than when we finished the season.
“Our depth was tested this season. We had 74 players play in the reserves team, it was a challenging year.
“We didn’t forfeit any reserves matches, which we’re proud of being able to navigate. The silver lining was it gave a lot of opportunities to younger players to get experience at the senior level.
“All three grades will be stronger this year.”
Meldrum said they had looked to add players who would play roles in the senior side next season.
He said they were also keen to get people who lived in the local area.
“We get more access to them at training,” he said. “We had some players travelling quite far to play.
“We were only getting the whole 22 on match day which could be quite difficult.
“A couple of those players, Jack Mills and Jonathan Barnett, who have retired, were travelling significant distances to play.
“They’re premiership players and good quality people who we wanted to be involved after the last two years.
“It’s about getting that balance right.”
The Cats have been one of the busier teams in terms of new player signing announcements so far in the league.
Hamish Govan was the first new signing, with Chris Kendall, Jacob Gough, Jack Hassett, Josh Muir and Nathan Bridgland also joining the club/
Meldrum said the signing of Govan was a big one.
“He had been training with us all season while playing up in Queensland with his brother,” he said.
“We’ve been able to get a good rapport with him. He was a senior captain of Kyneton and a real glue guy.
“He’ll help the team on and off the field and set some better standards in training and preparation.”
Kennell lives in Sunbury and joins the club after his side in the Golden Rivers competition folded, while Gough is a well credentialed footballer.
Muir and Bridgeland, who come from the Sunbury Lions and Riddell respectively, are both good mates with Jason Cooke.
Cooke will take on an extra role this season, named the under-19s coach.
Meldrum said it was both good for him and the under-19s.
“The young guys are pumped for him to be coach,” he said. “Jason has coaching aspirations in the future and it’s a good segue for him.”
Meldrum said things where looking good off field, with more people stepping up to be involved in the committee. The Cats have a new president, with Mark Cooke taking on the role.
The Cats are set to start pre-season training this week.
Meldrum said they were keen to get on the track.
