EDFL 2019: Lance Whitnall’s Craigieburn makes six off-season signings

Craigieburn coach Lance Whitnall has addressed how the club will use its two ruckmen this season after recruiting Billy Morrison.

Billy Morrison has crossed to Craigieburn after a stint with Jacana. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Craigieburn coach Lance Whitnall has reason to be rubbing his hands together in anticipation for the start of the Essendon District Football League Division 1 season.

The Eagles will enter the campaign as one of the leading contenders for the ultimate prize after falling at the penultimate hurdle last year.

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A fruitful off-season has delivered the signings of former Jacana trio Billy Morrison, Josh Young and Jacob Austin, Mallee Eagles star pair Steven Boyall and Corey Viani and Wallan’s Jesse Davies.

Ruckman Morrison has put pen to paper with Craigieburn after making the Division 1 Team of the Year in 2018.

His addition has given the Eagles a powerful ruck combination, with ex-Calder Cannon Jacob McNicol producing an impressive maiden season at D.S Aitken Reserve last year.

Whitnall said the pair would be “fighting it out over pre-season” for the mantle of No. 1 big man.

“I was very happy with what I’ve seen from McNicol last year. I’ve seen him over the last two years when he was at Calder Cannons … and seeing him develop the way he did last year, he’s probably got his nose in front at the moment,” he said.

“But as they both know, put in a big pre-season and the work and one of them will get the first opportunity.

“McNicol is a young, developing kid and he will relish having some help around him.

“I see McNicol sort of developing as a centre half-forward-type as well, so it gives him some time playing up forward as well as in the ruck and that will be good for his development.”

Lance Whitnall has taken charge at Craigieburn's. Picture:Rob Leeson.

Morrison was best afield in Jacana’s Division 2 grand final victory in 2017 and has established himself as an elite ruckman in the second tier.

He has chosen to stay in Division 1 and reunite with Whitnall, who coached him at Glenroy, after the Jaguars were relegated.

“Pretty exciting to have him on board. Billy was either the first or second-best ruckman in the comp last year, playing against him,” Whitnall said.

“He can either play in the ruck or be another tall option down forward.

“Billy’s got a good pair of hands on him and loves kicking a goal.”

The midfield has received an injection of class with the acquisitions of Davies, Young, Boyall and Viani, while Austin is set to fill a role in defence.

The Eagles have not lost any players of significance and Whitnall is in no doubt they will be a more formidable side after last season’s 22-point preliminary final defeat to eventual runner-up Tullamarine.

“I’m pretty confident we’re going to be a better side than what we were last year,” Whitnall said.

“These young guys we already had, with them improving, and then you add these six class players, we’re certainly going to be a better side I hope. That’s the plan.”

Whitnall said Craigieburn’s list was “pretty much” finalised.

“We’re still in talks with some players, but at the moment I’m pretty happy and pretty comfortable with where we’re at,” he said.

“I’m not chasing anyone too hard. If they want to come and play with us, we’re happy to talk to them and add to our list.”

Whitnall said Liam Middleton and Jamie Gorgievski were “absolutely flying” on the training track as the club prepares to face Tullamarine in a blockbuster season opener on April 13.