Round 1 matches for North Ringwood simply don’t come much bigger than renewing acquaintances with its old foe, East Ringwood.
The Saints will play a standalone match this Sunday at Quambee Reserve, after a pre-season which has seen a strong focus on fitness.
New recruit Josh Ralph has had an outstanding pre-season according to senior coach Peter Banfield.
Ralph has joined the Saints from Blackburn, and is a booming left-foot kick and can play down back or in the ruck, standing at six-foot-three.
Also among the names landing at Quambee Reserve are Aaron Johns, a former Box Hill Hawk, who has also played over 50 games with Rowville, small forward Tom McDermott from the Alberton Football League and inside midfielders Harry Haley from De La Salle OC and former Frankston Dolphin Mark Griffiths.
Rounding out the recruits is goal-kicking clearance machine Sam Banfield, formerly of the Dandenong Stingrays and Sandringham in the VFL, along with Jack Gava, a defender from De La Salle.
2016: Five wins, 13 losses, 11th.
2017 leaders:
President – Scott Eade
Senior Coach – Peter Banfield
Senior Captain – Jack Whelan
North Ringwood senior coach Peter Banfield spoke to EFL.org.au ahead of the Saints’ Round 1 clash this Sunday…
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
Play consistent football, and win enough games to play finals football.
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.)?
Big focus on fitness and ensuring we have a full list of fit players. Standouts this pre-season include Jack Whelan, Michael Locco, Alex McKinnon and Josh Ralph.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
We have recruited to improve the overall depth to the club, we have had outstanding numbers at training and we need our reserves to win games of football.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
You need good depth and your reserves need to win games. Depth is the key, and getting no serious injuries.
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 need all our players to improve. We are looking forward to an even contribution from everyone.
Where does the club see itself in three years’ time?
Playing finals football.
Finally, who in your division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
All teams, all clubs have recruited well. Every game is a challenge.
