James Murphy
WEST Gambier will enter the inaugural Limestone Coast Football season with a point to prove.
The Roos finished top of the table with just one minor-round loss in the final season of Western Border competition, but were knocked out of finals in straight sets.
With talent aplenty, they seem to have only bolstered their depth over the off season and look well placed to be at the pointy end again in 2024.
Tall man Todd Lewis is the only major departure, but West playing coach Daron McElroy said there have been a few replacements picked up to fill that void.
While it may not be until later in the season this talent is put on show due to injuries, McElroy seemed happy with the group leading into a Round 1 meeting with North Gambier.
“We are not getting too far ahead of ourselves at the moment, but we are looking forward to playing North next week that’s for sure,” he said.
The Tigers dealt the final blow in last year’s preliminary final and there will be a sense of redemption from the Roo camp heading into the clash.
A couple of Adelaide and a Victor Harbour recruit should bolster the ranks, while Mark Smith has come across from Port MacDonnell along with Sam Casey from Kalangadoo.
With the core group remaining the same, along with these additions, West will be one to watch again this year.
In 2023 the Roos lucked out with injuries to key personnel – McElroy included – at the business end of the season.
“The morale of the team went in the wrong direction (after that),” McElroy said.
“We will take it slow this year and ease into it.”
There will be a few changes in place this year, with McElroy assisted by Andrew Stone along with Joe Ferguson-Lane, while Jesse Pfitzner has taken on the captaincy from Lawry Bradley-Brown, with Lewis Lean stepping into a vice captain’s role.
In addition to those changes, a new bench coach and a few other adjustments will add some extra freshness.
“Change is as good as a holiday, so hopefully it helps us out,” McElroy said.
Looking ahead to this weekend, McElroy did not
“I am not going to shy away from that, we are going to come in hot
“The boys are keen, so that is the main thing.”
