EDFL 2020: Sunbury Kangaroos’ coach issues frank message to players
Sunbury Kangaroos are preparing for what Anthony Leydin says could be the toughest challenge they’ve faced, but the premiership coach has a firm message for his players.
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Sunbury Kangaroos coach Anthony Leydin has called on his players to inject some much-needed enthusiasm into their pre-season campaign to prevent the prospect of a harsh reality check in EDFL Division 1.
The Kangaroos completed an undefeated campaign in Division 2 in 2019 to earn promotion to the second tier after crossing from the RDFL.
But while the club had to contend with a new set of opponents and a new competition last season, 2020 promises to be a much greater challenge.
“I’d go as far to say it’s probably the biggest challenge the club has faced in its proud history,” Leydin said.
“I’ve been consistent in putting that message out there, but (pre-Christmas) it hadn’t really resulted in a spike of training attendance or energy or enthusiasm to my liking.
“We’re making a real rod for our backs if we don’t start getting serious.
“I think some of them (players) are going to be in for the shock of their life.
“We hope that’s not the situation we’ll be in, we’ve got two months to turn that around, but it’s been a pretty disappointing and lacklustre approach to season 2020 from my point of view.”
Gun midfielders Tierone Cuffe and Matthew Quigley have departed, while Lachlan Baddeley is set to retire after booting 58 goals last season, making the club’s bid to compete against high-quality opposition all the more difficult.
Premiership players Christian Monaco, Jeremy Murphy, Jared Pretty, Brad Slater and Matt Welsh have also retired.
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But on the plus side, Hawthorn premiership player and ex-Gisborne boss Clinton Young has signed on and will take the field when his coaching commitments with VFL outfit Williamstown allow.
The Kangaroos have also secured Mark Freeth (Diggers Rest), Dean Halliwell (Rupertswood), Zach McCasker (Greenvale), Will Healy and Dylan Caruana (both Sunbury Lions).
Division 1 is not foreign territory for Leydin, who previously coached Tullamarine and Westmeadows.
While last year’s runner-up East Keilor has been the busiest team over the break, he said relegated Premier Division club Airport West deserved flag favouritism in a competition which continues to improve.
Leydin described last year’s premier Craigieburn as “super impressive” in the decider, giving him an indication of the standard to expect.
“This year East Keilor seems to be the one that’s jumped out, but they’re an unknown quantity and I guess it’s about how guys play together and the chemistry they create that will dictate the success or otherwise,” he said.
“On paper, it looks pretty daunting, but games aren’t won on paper.”
The Kangaroos will open their season against East Keilor on April 4.
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