James Murphy
THE Saints are ready to march into the 2024 Mid South Eastern football season with confidence, but will have to wait an extra week due to having the bye in Round 1.
Nangwarry has retained the bulk of its 2023 roster, while adding some experience and height to key positions.
In addition to that, an influx of junior talent has the Under 17’s in good stead, which will be rotated through the senior ranks as the season unfolds.
“From a coach’s point of view, I would say we have had a successful off-season,” Nangwarry A Grade coach Shane Raymond said.
Luke Thomson is an out as he returns to East Gambier for the coming season, but he has been replaced by the likes of returning players George McWaters, Brodie Arundell and Lennox Lewis.
As such we could see the Saints continue to rise this season, as they look to build on their two wins last campaign.
“I am pleased with the growth and development from our young playing list of 2023,” Raymond said.
“We came a long way last year and to see them continue that work over the pre-season has been very pleasing.
“Also to add a few new players to that list with a bit of size about them and some experience has gotten a bit of a buzz around the place.”
Lewis will be a versatile addition to the roster, as he returns to the club from Kongorong.
Raymond said he would be able to play a key position, while also thriving as an on-baller.
Meanwhile, McWaters is a key forward/ruckman, which will give Jack Pudney some welcome support at stoppages.
Arundell will slot into the backline as a key defender, adding some valuable height and experience in defence.
Outside of the new additions, there remains a key focus on the existing talent from last year’s list, particularly from the junior ranks.
“We have worked very hard with our junior program and we have introduced two new coaches to the Under 17’s,” Raymond said.
Craig Hicks and Shane Grigg have taken on the Senior Colts coaching role for 2024.
“They are very experienced coaches and they have brought some good young footballers to our football club,” Raymond said.
“Our numbers in Under 17’s now are very strong.
“That is exciting as a senior coach because now we have substantial numbers in the Under 17’s who will rotate through the A Grade this year.”
Raymond said numbers were strong across the board, with depth to call on when required.
Andrew Hyland is back on board again this year and will be a focal point in the forward line.
Despite Nangwarry finishing in eighth position, Hyland finished second in the league goal scoring with 57 majors for the season.
He will look to continue that form, aided by some of the young talent which showed plenty of promise last year as the Saints look to work their way further up the ladder.
“We did come a long way and we were disappointed with a couple of our losses last year, but it is a different mindset this year,” he said.
“We have set our goals higher and we are not just there to make up numbers.”
The Saints will open their season against the Demons at Port MacDonnell on April 20.
