By ROY WARD
SPRINGVALE Districts will begin a new era under a new coach when the Southern Football League division 2 season begins this Saturday.
The Demons will play their first senior match under new boss Jack McTaggart and the former Narre Warren premiership winning under-19 coach is looking forward to seeing his side get on the field and play in a full-speed match.
The Demons will face Skye at Springvale Reserve in a night match to open their season. Play starts at 7.40pm.
“It’s been hard for me to gauge where we are, but I’m really pleased with how we have come together and the good nucleus we have as a senior group,” he said.
“We are working pretty hard to see how we are going compared with other division 2 sides but you can’t take a lot from practice match form.”
McTaggart said the Demons would field a younger side this season, with several players between 18-20 joining the senior group and replacing some older players.
But respected figures like Gavin Vassallo, Leighton Ross and Matt Thompson are still on board and will lead from the front during training and practice matches.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how well we’ve progressed and how they’ve been buying into what I’ve been trying to bring in,” McTaggart said.
“From what I’ve been told we’ve gone from one of the older groups to one of the younger ones in the competition, but I think the younger boys have really stepped up and will come into the season fit and ready to go.”
New recruits Billy Athanasopoulos, Jordan Watcher and Kris Merz all look likely to play in the early rounds.
McTaggart also praised Vassallo’s captaincy and leadership. The former VFL and Noble Park player showed his class during the preseason.
“Gav has been fantastic with how he leads the way on the track.
“Whatever he says he also does and his form has been outstanding. He is a major asset to our team.”
The SFL season begins on Saturday.
What do you think? Post a comment below.
For all the latest breaking news, stay with this website. Also, follow the Weekly at facebook.com/dandenongjournal or on Twitter @DandyJournal.
