Country footy: Paul Barnard signs former Doutta Stars for Tatura

New Tatura coach Paul Barnard is already making a strong impression in the Goulburn Valley with two EDFL players following him to the state’s north.

EDFL footy: Essendon Doutta Stars v Avondale Heights: Paul Barnard coach of Essendon Saturday, May 22, 2021, in Essendon, Victoria, Australia. Picture: Hamish Blair

Paul Barnard is already making his presence felt at Tatura.

Appointed as the Goulburn Valley League club’s coach in August, Barnard has turned to his former side to bring recruits to the state’s north.

Essendon Doutta Stars captain Aydin Kesici and Brodie Meyers are set to follow the former Essendon hard man to the Dogs as he prepares for his first season in charge.

“It’s a big coup for the club (signing Kesici and Meyers),” Barnard said.

“From a club perspective we are bringing in people who can fit in with the squad.

“The mandate is to make sure they are quality people, thirsty for success, and want to help the younger guys in the squad.”

It’s hoped the pair will be the first of several recruits to arrive at Tatura in the coming months with former VFL and AFL players on the club’s radar.

“We’ll have some quality players and people come in,” he said.

“Right now we do have a better squad than when we finished at the end of the year. Like all coaches that come in we’re highly optimistic about our chances.

“There’s some really good upside and we’ve got a lot of emerging players, from that perspective I’m really thrilled to help develop those.

“If they do a full pre-season and understand what the modern game plans are, what is expected of them, and do the right physical and mental preparation there is no ceiling on this squad.”

Essendon Doutta Stars player Brodie Meyers has joined Paul Barnard at the Tatura Bulldogs for next year. Picture: Hamish Blair

Tatura president James Pyke said Barnard’s appointment had already brought back some much needed positivity to the club.

“We’re already seeing a bit of excitement with Paul’s announcement,” he said.

“Two or three people have already rung up to come and play at Tat. That’s what we were trying to create.

“We want to get people to come and play at our club because we want to.”

Tatura finished 2022 second last on the ladder after winning just three games for the season.

Barnard was handed a two-year deal by the Dogs as Paul Kirby’s replacement.