By Tara Murray
Macedon is again hoping to be among the contenders in the Riddell District Football League.
Having made the preliminary final under first year coach Ben Tankard, the Cats are looking to change things up this year.
Tankard, who took over the role with a premiership side, said he was looking forward to this season.
“There was little time to get my head around the game plan,” he said.
“I consider last year a success … the second year was always going to be me putting my touch on the side.
“You will see a different Macedon with a different style of football.”
The Cats have kept most of their playing group, but two of their biggest names have departed.
Casey Summerfield has returned to his former club Gisborne, while Errol McConnell has also moved on.
While big losses, Tankard said they were sure they could cover them.
“We sort of prepared for them last year,” he said.
“Casey missed a lot of the season, while Errol didn’t play the second half of the season.
“We found some depth and they’ve already got the runs on the board.”
Among those to fill those roles are Jordie Watkins and Zach Smedley.
Tankard said Smedley went under the radar last season, but he was one of the premier midfielders in the competition.
Jason Cooke is another that Tankard expects to step up. Cooke played just seven games after returning from St Albans mid season.
“Jason will be predominately played as a forward, who can pinch hit in the middle.
“He’s been one of our leaders during the pre-season.”
Another standout in the pre-season has been forward Matthew Knox.
Aaron Johnston, who missed the finals campaign, is another expected to have an impact up forward.
On the other side, Tankard said they were excited by the new recruits.
Two-time Essendon District Football League premiership player Karl Staudt will bring experience to the Cats.
Matthew Hutchesson, who was in the Western Region Football League team of the year, is another who has come across.
Tankard said they had added a bit of an ex-factor with Louis Bongiovanni.
“I don’t know much about him, he was a Macedon junior,” he said. “He went and played college basketball and had been playing a lot of basketball. He gave me a call out of the blue.
“He has a great attitude and will probably start in the reserves and we’ll … fast track him.”
The Cats start their season on April 6 against Riddell.
MORE RDFL NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/tankard-to-lead-rdfl-side/
