Bendigo FL: VFL defender James Ferry Gisborne’s fifth star signing
GISBORNE has boldly declared it expects to be a Bendigo Football League premiership contender next year after adding five prime movers to its finals side.
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GISBORNE has boldly declared it expects to be a Bendigo Football League premiership contender next year after adding five prime movers to its finals side.
Ex-AFL forward Pat McKenna and Essendon VFL defender James Ferry headline the names who have returned to Gardiner Reserve, providing a significant boost for coach Clinton Young as he prepares for his second season at the helm.
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Midfielders Scott Walsh (Riddell) and Casey Summerfield (Macedon) and key defender Tim Walsh (Riddell) are also back at the Dogs.
“We got a taste of finals again and in the second half of the year we thought we were playing some good footy,” Young said.
“We’ll be looking to carry that momentum and no doubt looking to be at the top end of the ladder.
“We won’t shy away from the fact we want to be regarded as one of the best teams in the comp next year.
“There’s some quality teams … but we are hoping to really take that next step to be regarded as one of the contenders.”
McKenna spent four seasons in the AFL with Greater Western Sydney and Melbourne, while Ferry has been regarded as one of the state league’s top intercept defenders during his time at Essendon.
“Similar to Pat, (James) is hoping after an injury-interrupted last year and a half to get his body right and play some good footy,” Young said.
“He’s still young, a highly-talented player and has been in the VFL system. It’s exciting to have him back.”
The recruiting raid has incredibly netted five one-point players, with Michelsen medallist Scott Walsh and former captain Summerfield set to add experience to Gisborne’s youthful on-ball brigade.
Tim Walsh will join Ferry and Jack Reaper in filling a key defensive post.
“All three are former players at the club and highly decorated,” Young said. “It will bring great experience to the group and a few more mature heads. We’ve got a young list and I am really happy to have them back at the club.”
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The Dogs returned to BFL finals this season, succumbing by 23 points against Sandhurst in an elimination final after finishing fifth.
Gisborne is set to lose midfielder Ross Celano, while Riley Paterson has joined Riddell.
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