Tara Murray
The motivation remains high for Diggers Rest in the Riddell District Football League.
After another strong season last year which resulted in a grand final appearance for the seniors and premiership for the reserves, the Burras aren’t shying away from wanting more success.
Coach Jamie Lobb said they were ready for the season to start, with the pre-season starting to drag on.
“We’ve got some good numbers on the track,” he said. “Things are shaping up nicely.
“We’ve got a couple of new boys, which will keep the other boys on their toes.
“We’re not planning on making the numbers. If we don’t win it, we see it as a failure.”
Lobb said there had been a bit of turnover in the squad in the off season, but with their new signings they believed they had filled all the gaps they needed to.
The Burras added Jake Brown and Josh Flower, who were playing in the Essendon District Football League.
Melton premiership winning trio Mark Orr, Jaycob and Lachlan Hickey have also come across. Lachlan kicked 19 goals last season, while Jaycob was named in the best eight times.
Lobb said they had targeted a ruckman in their off season recruiting to help strengthen that area.
“One area we felt at times cost us last year was the ruck,” he said.
“We managed to get Orry and the other two Melton guys still wanted to play together. They’re close mates with others at the club.
“Sean Egan will miss some games with work, while we’ve still got Matthew Krul and we got Hayden Davis from Melton midway through last season.
“Krully keeps getting thrown in there, we can now keep him forward.”
Lachlan Donaldson is the big confirmed out for the Burras, while Lobb said he was unsure whether he would play or not.
After coming back to training on Australia Day, Lobb said the group had come back well and were running some decent times.
After not fielding an under-19s team last season, the Burras are struggling for numbers.
Lobb said they would have to make a call on whether they have a team or not soon, but were still seeking players.
The Burras will start their season on April 15 against Woodend-Hesket.
Lobb said they were keen to get out there.
“Woodend has been the talk of the off season,” he said. “They would have played Riddell on Good Friday, so we will get a bit of a look at them first.”
Things have been going on in the background at Diggers Rest as upgrades continue to Bloomdale Reserve.
Lobb said that they believed turf would be laid soon on their new oval with it hopefully ready by the end of April.
