Trevor Jackson
A SIMPLE plan at West Gambier to finish higher up the ladder than last season has taken shape as the season is set to kick off this weekend.
Daron KcElroy is back as coach and said his squad is already looking better on the training track.
A list of players include the returning Todd Lewis and Tom Holmes, Brayden Ousey and Andrew Stone from Kalangadoo, Joe Ferguson-Lane back to the club after a stint in the Mid South East competition, Brodie Virgo from South Gambier and Brandon Newton from Port MacDonnell.
“Brayden Ousey will help me out a lot,” McElroy said.
“We needed someone to help and we will teach him a bit of ruck craft.
“He is still young and I can see him as the future ruckman of the footy club.
“Andrew Stone is a very handy pick up for us and Jo Ferguson-Lane, he is a Westy from back in the day so it is good to have him back on board.”
Lawry Bradley-Brown will continue as captain, with help from Jesse Pfitzner, while the leadership group consists of Louis Leane, Kyle Giddings and Jordy Williams.
Ferguson-Lane will be assistant to McElroy, with Nathan Lewis taking on the bench coach role.
McElroy said the simple plan to finish first on the ladder has focused the Roos at training, with strong attendance.
“At our exit meeting last year the plan was to go from fourth to first,” he said.
“Everyone has bought into it and the vibe around the club is unreal
“I had a few requirements this year for what and who I needed and we have hit all those targets.
“There is also a fair bit going on out at West, with a new stubby shed and the club has been done up, so it is a good vibe,.”
The first hurdle to jump will be Casterton Sandford at Malseed Park, with McElroy not taking the game lightly.
“Last year they spanked us over here, so it will be interesting,” he said.
“Casterton is a bit of an unknown, but I think they have recruited well.
“We won’t be going in as favourites and it is a worry game for us.
“It would be nice to get a win on the board first up.”
