Stars locked in fans locked out

DANDENONG’S forward gun Nate Foster has signed on for 2013, with the striker rebuking multiple offers from other VPL clubs to stick with the Thunder.
Foster in his first year at the Thunder scored 14 goals in 23 games with 12 goal assists and was named the Jimmy Rooney Medalist for best on ground in the 2012 VPL Grand Final victory over Oakleigh.
Also re-signing with the Thunder are young midfielders Matt Theodore and Iqbal Jawadi.
On the Thunder’s Facebook page, former Oakleigh Cannons’ striker Zac Walker said he was thrilled to join the Dandenong Thunder.
“I’m really excited at joining the club and am looking forward to season 2013 and looking to learn from Chris Taylor,” Walker said.
“Dandenong currently has some incredible players and I hope to fit well with the team and hope to have some success. I was at the Grand Final and think the fans are incredible and hope to play well for them.”
Dandenong coach Chris Taylor said in the same post that Walker will add a bit of firepower to the frontline.
“I think it’s a very good acquisition for the club as he is a proven goal-scorer at all levels he’s played and I believe he will be a good asset for us,” Taylor said.
Foster’s signing, along with backline lynchpins Stuart Webster and vice-captain Shane Rexhepi means the Thunder has retained five of their best 11 so far. Luke Sherbon remains the only confirmed departure so far, with the Welshman heading to Bentleigh Greens.
With the announcement of the VPL fixture, it has been confirmed in line with the tribunal ruling of a lockout up until 30 June, the Thunder has to shut the gates on seven matches, with the last of the scheduled seven against Green Gully Cavaliers only 31 hours before the end of the lockout.
Dandenong kicks off their season against next-door neighbours away at Southern Stars on Saturday 6 April from 5pm.
DANDENONG THUNDER MATCHES UNDER LOCKOUT – all matches to start at 3pm.
Round 2 vs Bentleigh Greens (13 April), Round 3 vs Richmond (20 April), Round 4 vs South Melbourne (27 April), Round 5 v Hume City (11 May), Round 7 vs Pascoe Vale (25 May), Round 9 v Northcote City (15 June) and Round 11 v Green Gully Cavaliers (29 June).