Bundoora coach Michael Ryan lauds leadership group, pleased with recruiting campaign
New Bundoora coach Michael Ryan lauded his club’s leadership group for “galvanising” the Bulls playing list against negative “outside noise” as two new recruits arrived at the Bull Ring.
Local Footy
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Bundoora coach Michael Ryan has rubbished “outside noise” surrounding the NFL Division 1 club’s stability after a strong off-season recruiting campaign.
The new coach lauded his leadership group as the Bulls look to bounce back from a rough 2019.
“Considering where we finished on the ladder and a little bit of outside noise of where the club was at, we’ve been fortunate with our player retention,” Ryan said.
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“Every one of our leadership group has re-committed for 2020 and they’ve been brilliant in galvanising the playing group.
“The first night we had more than 70 players on the track, and I think it’s a good reflection that everybody’s hungry and keen to have a big 2020 season.”
Cameron Wallace (Old Carey) and Peter Hood (Fitzroy Stars) are the latest signings at the Bull Ring.
Wallace suffered a broken jaw this season and didn’t feature at senior level for the VAFA Premier club but played 18 games in 2018 and was a member of the Panthers’ Premier B grand final side.
Hood returns to Bundoora after one season at Fitzroy Stars, where he played six senior games.
“The good thing about Cam is I don’t think we can pigeon-hole him in one spot,” Ryan said.
“He can fill a role anywhere between half-forward, midfield and wing, he’s got a fair bit of leg speed and he’s a good size.
“Pete has really good leadership qualities. He’s such a mature person, he has a real presence when he speaks and people listen.
“We were keen to get him more for his leadership and football experience – his football skill and talent is a bonus.”
They join Hamish Shepheard (Old Ivanhoe), Kyle Green (North Heidelberg), Jesse King (Eltham), Rivva Karpany Sansbury, Kain Proctor and Jai Burns (all Fitzroy Stars).
The Bulls have lost Gary Moorcroft (Bright), Dale Marshall (Essendon Doutta Stars), Daniel Guccione (Pascoe Vale) and Eamon Gilbert (North Albury).
Ryan said he “couldn’t be happier” with how the club was shaping up for 2020.
“We won’t put a ceiling on what we can achieve,” he said.
“We’ve got quite an influx of young players, so it’s about trying to get that chemistry right and making sure we’re all on the same page.”
Bundoora finished second last this year with a 5-13 win-loss record.