By Nick Creely
As one of the most powerful and successful clubs in the Eastern Football League, there is a certain expectation when it comes to Noble Park.
With an ability to attract star players to their club, the Bulls have never really had to deal with loss – until now.
Club legends Stewart Kemperman and Craig Anderson elected to join other clubs in search of a new challenge, as well as the loss of several other key players, and the side expected to run out against a highly-touted Rowville in two weeks’ time is going to be drastically different.
Bulls coach Mick Fogarty anticipates some challenges this season, but is confident his club can rise to the occasion despite less depth then they are used to.
“We’re obviously really excited about the year, and the vibe is really strong – we’ve lost a couple of key players which never helps, and we’ll be a bit skinny in the midfield and ruck departments,” he said.
“Our defensive unit and forward line are both really strong, and we can’t wait for round one against Rowville – they’ve recruited well and it should be a great game.
“At least eight or nine new players will turn out against Rowville; it’s going to look completely different.”
Fogarty forecast that the majority of the new-look side will come from a historically successful Under 19s premiership team from last year.
“Our Under 19s obviously won the flag last year, and they’re going to get some terrific opportunities to play senior footy – if that means we take a bit of pain throughout the year we will, because we want to expose them to this level – I believe in a few years they will be super players,” he explained.
“I played six of the Under 19s in the first-half of last year and they did OK, so I’m not sure on the short-term impact, and we’ve got some strong on-field leaders that will help them and enhance their development – you just have to be patient, that’s the key.
“At local level, I firmly believe you have to let players play with a little bit of flair, they will definitely bring that.”
It’s been a hectic off-season down at the Bullring, with the return of Jackson Sketcher to the club, the recruitment of hard-nut Brenton Wells from Narre Warren, as well as Luke Nelson, a talented former Berwick player.
But the biggest signing was former Bull James Gwilt, who had a highly successful 150-game AFL career.
“We’re rapt James chose to come back to our footy club, he always said he’d come back when his AFL career finished – we understand he had some huge offers elsewhere and he’s stuck fat and come back – when you talk about culture, that’s what inspires the young guys to dream big and get onto the park,” he said.
“Jackson Sketcher is back so we’re excited by that – we know what he brings and it’s exciting.”
The Bulls kick off their season with a clash against Rowville on 9 April.
