EDFL: Essendon Doutta Stars hunt gun ruckman to replace Jordan Angus
Essendon Doutta Stars coach Kyle Hardingham discusses the EDFL Premier Division club’s off-season plans after the departure of their No.1 big man.
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A gun big man is at the top of Essendon Doutta Stars’ recruiting wishlist after the departure of Jordan Angus.
The ruckman is set to be overseas in 2020, leaving the Stars with a massive hole to fill after Angus finished second in the EDFL Premier Division club’s best-and-fairest two seasons ago and equal seventh this year.
The Stars boast a strong midfield group, headlined by ex-AFL pair Jordan Schroder and coach Kyle Hardingham, Campbell Wearne and Tom Wallis.
“We need a ruckman. That’s the No. 1 that we’re looking for,” Hardingham said.
“If we can get ourselves a quality ruckman, that will really help out our mids.”
Hardingham said the Stars would be “really happy” with their off-season if they managed to secure another midfielder.
Essendon-VFL listed duo Dylan Landt and Dale Marshall will be aligned with the club next year.
They made 13 appearances between them in the state league this season, meaning they could play significant roles for the Stars.
“It’s more to help guide and set the standard,” Hardingham said.
“They’re at that (VFL) level … and blokes hopefully will walk up to them and listen as well.”
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Matthew D’Angelo, who played under Hardingham at Pascoe Vale, has arrived from Division 2 outfit Northern Saints.
The key forward made six senior appearances for the Saints this season, kicking eight goals.
“The thing I like about him is his willingness to learn and improve,” Hardingham said.
“He was a really raw talent at Pascoe Vale and hasn’t played a lot of footy, but he’s got that athletic ability and you can throw him at either end of the ground.
“I think he’s someone who could be a bit of a surprise packet next season.”
Former VFL forward Alex Boyse only played eight matches for the Stars in 2019 because of injury, while Footscray premiership player Mitch Jensen returned from a stint at Romsey in July.
Karl Brown was also absent last year after suffering a serious knee injury during pre-season.
While the Stars are chasing experienced talent to ease the burden on their young players, a full season from that trio should help them improve after they finished in seventh spot with a 5-13 record.
“Getting the young kids and the VFL-listed guys is always good, but if we can get a few more mature heads, a bit more leadership to help the current leaders, I really feel that’s going to help us and benefit us the most,” Hardingham said.
“When I first got there last year, we found it really hard to get meetings with (potential recruits).
“This year it’s been a lot easier. Players are actually starting to want to come and have a chat to us, just hear what we’ve got to offer, and the exciting things we’re trying to do down there.
“That’s been the real positive.”
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