EDFL 2019: Gun forward Dean Limbach leaves Craigieburn

How will Craigieburn overcome the exit of a player who kicked 84 goals last season? Coach Lance Whitnall gives an insight into the Eagles' array of forward options.

Star forward Dean Limbach has departed Craigieburn. Picture: Jamie Morey

Craigieburn has waved goodbye to its spearhead but coach Lance Whitnall is confident the EDFL club’s array of forward options will leave it in a good position to challenge for promotion to Premier Division.

Dean Limbach, who booted 84 goals from 18 games for the Eagles in 2018, has opted to cross to Northern league club Diamond Creek.

He was absent during pre-season and made just two appearances for Craigieburn this year, giving Whitnall the opportunity to find new options.

First-year Craigieburn coach Lance Whitnall. Picture: Rob Leeson

“He (Limbach) took some time off with us. He had some personal issues going on,” Whitnall said.

“He’s decided he wants to play footy elsewhere now and wants to refresh his mind a bit.

“We support Dean in that sense. He wanted to go, so we let him go.”

John Bellino has stood tall in Limbach’s absence, bagging 24 goals from eight games.

Shannon Smith, Brock Chircop (both 16 goals), Jesse Davies (15), Brent Gordon (14), Caelan Anderson (11) and Steven Boyall (10) have also hit the scoreboard.

Craigieburn has a 6-2 win-loss record in Division 1 this year, its losses coming to flag rivals East Keilor (31 points) and Westmeadows (two points).

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“Dean’s hard to replace, but I’ve been really impressed with our team effort,” Whitnall said.

“We’re getting nine or 10 goalkickers every week and (in Round 9 against Hillside) we had 13.

“We’re getting a real even spread and it’s hard for opposition sides to pick which one they’re going to.

“In that way, we’re relishing it at the moment. Everyone is stepping up.”

Big man Billy Morrison, defender Ben Fynch and midfielder Steve Boyall have been the Eagles’ standout performers this season.

Jacana premiership player Morrison has shone in Jacob McNicol’s absence.

“Billy’s been fantastic for us,” Whitnall said.

“We knew when we picked him up that he was really going to complement us and we were going to have a two-pronged attack in the ruck.

“But he’s had to carry the load on his own for probably the last five weeks with Jacob McNicol missing through injury.

“Billy has been a great asset for us.”

Other senior regulars have also had interrupted campaigns, including captain Christian McErlain, Ryan Bongetti, Josh Vilinskis and Josh Young, while recruit Corey Viani has played just two reserves matches.

Whitnall said his side would have “four or five” key players available for selection for its next fixture against Tullamarine on June 29.

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