EDFL 2020: West Coburg signs Daniel Archer for Division 1 season
West Coburg has topped off an impressive recruiting campaign with the signing of a big forward, while three key midfielders have also put pen to paper.
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West Coburg has put a coat of a varnish on a fruitful recruiting campaign by securing the return of key forward Daniel Archer.
The former AFL player kicked 20 goals from 16 games for the Burgers in EDFL Premier Division in 2018 before following coach Digby Morrell to Pascoe Vale.
Archer, who made one appearance for St Kilda at the top level in 2011, bagged 26 majors from 19 matches for the Panthers last season.
If the 2020 season is given the green light, he is set to cause myriad headaches for opposition defenders in Division 1 alongside Liam Bowkett, who kicked 43 goals last year.
“I think he missed the place,” West Coburg coach Dale May said of Archer.
“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. He has taken a pay cut and just wanted to play with mates.
“He’s going to be a big influence for us, especially helping Liam Bowkett up forward.”
While the Burgers have waved goodbye to Tom Baravi, who signed at Northcote Park before the NFL season was cancelled, they have bolstered their midfield with three key signings.
Daniel Johncock is back after a stint at Pascoe Vale, while Strathmore pair Tom Drake and Luke Baniowski have also put pen to paper.
“I played a few reserves games with him (Baniowski) at the end of my career at Strathmore and he’s just frustrated he wasn’t playing more senior games,” May said.
“His body has let him down a couple of times … he wants more midfield time, so I’ll give him that at West Coburg.
“He’s an exciting player. He can kick a long ball and take a good mark, so he’s going to be pretty versatile and help our midfield a lot.
“Johncock and Drake impressed me a lot with their leadership pre-COVID.
“Because they played (Premier Division) footy last year, the guys really tuned in and listened.”
May said the Burgers, who resumed training on Tuesday night, boasted a stronger line-up than last year, when they finished sixth on the Division 1 ladder with an 8-8 record.
The fight for the flag is set to be hotly-contested if the season goes ahead, with East Keilor, Airport West, Tullamarine and Westmeadows among the contenders, while Taylors Lakes, Hillside and Roxburgh Park are tipped to improve.
“I think our backline last year saved us a lot, so we’re a stronger side if we do play this season,” May said.
“Now it just depends how fit the boys are coming back to training.”
The EDFL is set to make a decision on the viability of a season by June 22.
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