Devastated Diggers Rest players remain in training following the club’s RDFL finals exit
Devastated Diggers Rest players remain in training, keen to begin pre-season and erase memories of the club’s shock RDFL finals exit. Meanwhile, the club has announced three handy recruits for 2020.
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Such was Diggers Rest’s disappointment with its shock finals exit, players have continued to train together during the off-season.
The Burras claimed the RDFL minor premiership with stellar 13-3 season and looked on track for back-to-back titles but quickly found themselves watching from the sidelines.
After demolishing Romsey in the qualifying final, Diggers fell to eventual premiers Rupertswood in the major semi-final and bowed out of the premiership race against Wallan in the preliminary final.
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Despite the club pre-season officially kicking off on November 18, Burras coach Jamie Lobb revealed players remained in training.
“The boys were all disappointed with how the season finished up and most of them are still training through and keen to get into pre-season,” he said.
“The core group are still meeting up and having a run around.
“It’s a fine line, you don’t want to ask too much before Christmas but we want to make sure the guys are keeping themselves in reasonable nick at the same time.”
However, the club has wasted no time strengthening its list for 2020.
Chris Lawton will return to his junior club after two seasons with EDFL Premier outfit Airport West
The key forward played 12 games, booting 11 goals, as the Eagles were relegated.
“His mates are still playing with Diggers, so he’s come back, and he’ll be a really good inclusion for us,” Lobb said.
“He did play back-up ruck for us when he was here last but he’ll play predominantly in a forward role.”
Jason Williams and Jesse Flannery will also return from knee injuries.
“(Jason’s) played good footy at Keilor, then went to Deer Park, and toward the end of 2018 he injured his knee and had a full reco,” Lobb said.
“We’ll get Jesse Flannery back too, he only played Round 1 this year and hurt his knee.”
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