EDFL 2019: Sunbury Kangaroos full of optimism ahead of Division 2 season

Sunbury Kangaroos coach Anthony Leydin admits there is a touch of “uncertainty” as his side prepares for its maiden foray into the Essendon District Football League.

Sunbury Kangaroos coach Anthony Leydin is at his third EDFL club. Picture: Hamish Blair

Sunbury Kangaroos coach Anthony Leydin admits there is a touch of “uncertainty” as his side prepares for its maiden foray into the Essendon District Football League.

But the competition’s newest club can take comfort that its Division 2 flag rivals would likely be feeling the same way.

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The Kangaroos have crossed from the Riddell District League and will enter the campaign among the leading contenders in what is shaping as a hotly-contested premiership race.

“There’s a bit of uncertainty I guess, that’s probably where a some of the excitement comes from,” Leydin said.

“It’s a little bit of the unknown in some respects. I’ve coached in the Essendon District league before (at Tullamarine and Westmeadows), so it’s not all too dissimilar for myself, but there’s probably a few others that are wondering how we’re going to stack up and where we’re going to fit in.

“We think we’re in a reasonable shape.”

Sunbury Kangaroos, who finished eighth in the RDFL last year with six wins, will field one of the most experienced teams in the third tier.

Mick Kilty has crossed from Diggers Rest and taken on a role as a playing assistant coach, while St Albans quartet Lachlan Baddeley, Matt Quigley, Michael Spooner and Jeremy Murphy have also arrived.

Rupertswood pair Nathan Caldone and Nick Agnello have put pen to paper, along with East Keilor’s David House.

Nathan Caldone (top) has made the move to Sunbury Kangaroos. Picture: Hamish Blair

Jake Young (Glenroy) is also set to return, but his clearance request was denied in November.

Matthew Wallace is the only departure of significance.

Leydin said Quigley had “trained the house down”, while Caldone and Agnello have also impressed their new coach.

“They’ve really been strong with their training, their consistency and their intensity,” he said of the recruits.

“Probably more importantly, they’ve been great in integrating with the other guys.”

In a warning shot to the opposition, Leydin declared the Kangaroos would be a much more formidable side this season.

But that assertion came with the caveat the club needed to continue to address its depth issues.

“I think it’s fair to say our best 22 would be a six or seven-goal better team than last year,” Leydin said.

“Whether they need to be remains to be seen, but you’d prefer to be that than not.

“I think we’re still going to be a little bit vulnerable with our situation with depth.

“Our best 22 would be more than comparable with any team … we’re probably still a bit short at the player 25-30 (range) I’d say.”

Sunbury Kangaroos will start their campaign with a clash against Northern Saints at home on Saturday, April 6.