East Ringwood has welcomed back a number of experienced former players ahead of its 2017 season.
Among the names include veteran on-baller Matt Whitty who returns to East Ringwood Reserve after a stint at Forest Hill. The 40 year-old will serve in a development coaching role as the Roos look to continue to develop and mentor their exciting young talent this season.
After a two-year hiatus, 26 year-old Mitch Farmer has returned after playing for South Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League. Farmer returns to the club having also played at the Roos as a junior, before transitioning into reserves and seniors across 2008 and 2009.
Michael Connolly will also don the royal blue and white again this season, returning from Aquinas OC in the VAFA. Connolly enjoyed a stellar season in 2016, where he was named 11 times in the best players. Connolly re-joins the club after having last played for the Roos in 2012.
East Ringwood takes on local rivals North Ringwood in Round 1 in the Sunday game on April 9 at Quambee Reserve. The duo played two thrilling encounters last season, with the Roos prevailing on both occasions, by 15 points at home in Round 1, and by one-point at Quambee Reserve in Round 11.
2016: Six wins, 12 losses, 10th
2017 leaders:
President – Tim Hanna
Senior Coach – Marcus Buzaglo
Senior Captain – Owen Chadwick
East Ringwood president Tim Hanna spoke to EFL.org.au ahead of the Roos’ 2017 season…
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
To endeavour to remain a financially viable and competitive football club within first division of the Eastern Football League; socially vibrant and interactive within our local community.
What has the pre-season been like so far for the club? Is there any group that has really impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits, etc.)?
Pre-season has been solid with our focus being on fitness improvement and further development of our overall list which has been enhanced with not only recruits but former players returning to the club.
A number of our under-19 players have reflected a willingness to improve along with some established players in our development group. This will all add to our future.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
No significant changes to the structure of the club which is looking into ways it can be more efficiently run.
New senior assistant coach, Brett Rowe brings some much-needed experience to our coaching panel, Matt Whitty returns to the club to take on the development coaching role and EFL and club stalwart, Rob Hubbard, will again lead our under-19s.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
We now know that we are capable of on field and, if we consistently play to our potential we will be more than competitive.
Who are the players who you think will have a break-out season, who may have gone under the radar in the past as far the being known across the EFL community?
We have many young players who have now completed their third pre-season and will now be ready to advance themselves. We have also recruited very well and with experienced players to the fore, to nominate a few would be difficult.
Where does the club see itself in three years’ time?
Established in the top category of Division 1.
Finally, who in your division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
Every club will present challenges but basically ourselves. The threat to our club’s chances in 2017 is a failure to realise the potential that exists.
