Kyneton will be less predictable in the Bendigo Football League this year.
The loss of forwards Ben Weightman and Mitchell Scholard at the end of last season, has forced the Tigers to change their structure.
Weightman kicked 73 goals last season and Scholard 55, to place them both in the top four goalkickers in the competition.
Tigers’ coach Luke Beattie said those two departures would mean the team is more versatile up forward and he was hopeful it would reap benefits.
“With a turnover of personnel we will look a bit different,” he said.
“We’ve finished fifth the last three seasons and this year we have the potential to be more creative with the footy.
“Instead of having key targets like Ben and Mitch, we’ll be more versatile.”
While the Tigers have also lost a number of other players, they’ve looked to add guys across the ground.
Jayden Exell will provide some experience in the back half, while Gareth Bowes will help the likes of Rhys Magin and the McGovan brothers in the midfield.
Jake Ward and Jack Exell will provide points of difference up forward.
Beattie said one of the most pleasing things this off season was the number of under-19 players coming through that could play key roles.
Among them are Caleb Fisher and Leyton Chisholm, who are both part of the Bendigo Pioneers TAC Cup squad.
“The kids are coming through, which we haven’t had in recent years,” Beattie said.
“We’ve had one or two at a time. This year we’ve got a great bunch coming through.”
As well as having two players in the Pioneers squad, the Tigers have four VFL-listed players.
Max O’Sullivan is at Richmond, Tom O’Sullivan is at Port Melbourne, while Jordan Mangan and Patrick McCarthy are both with North Melbourne.
While Beattie would love to have all four at his disposal every week, he’s thrilled they’ve got opportunities at higher levels.
The Tigers kick-off their season on April 14 at home against South Bendigo.
Beattie said it had been easier to get the team together in recent weeks and they had had “a remarkably structured and hard pre-season”.
He said fitness should not be an issue but admits it will take time to get going.
“We’re a work in progress.
“Playing consistent football might take a couple of weeks. Once we work through it, we’ll play some good football.”
Tara Murray
