EDFL: Stability gives Avondale Heights a boost for 2020
After waving goodbye to several players in recent seasons, Avondale Heights have re-signed “95 per cent” of their list as they eye a ladder climb under new coach Patrick Byrne.
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New Avondale Heights coach Patrick Byrne has the luxury of only targeting players the club desperately needs this off-season.
The Heights have managed to survive in EDFL Premier Division despite a constant struggle to keep their senior squad together in recent years.
The changes have created player points issues, with the Heights taking the extraordinary step of fielding 21 players in a loss to Strathmore in August.
But “95 per cent” of the senior group has recommitted for 2020 in a tremendous boost, while the club’s under-19 team advanced to the grand final this season.
“Obviously we don’t have the resources or the junior base of some of the bigger clubs, but we’ve put a pretty good list together and it’s a really young list,” Byrne said.
“I’ve probably always been pretty good at bringing young blokes up, so I think the natural improvement we’ll get out of our list plus a couple of key recruits, we’ll be competitive, put it that way.
“Obviously we’re aiming to push up into that top four, like probably every other club is.”
The Heights have claimed 18 wins in the past four seasons while battling a lack of junior numbers.
But best-and-fairest winner Donnacadh Cleary, captain Mathew Cravino, vice-captain Justin Morris, Liam Byrne, Connor Byrne, Sean Bolger, Ruairi Cleary, Luke McLeod, Jackson Robb and Tom Russell are among those to have put pen to paper, providing a strong foundation.
The Heights have secured two key acquisitions, with former VFL-listed pair Danko Bzenic and Muhammad Saad signing on.
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Byrne said the midfield duo would add much-needed class on the outside, while they are also capable of hitting the scoreboard.
“Everything has been targeted on those two areas — the outside class and it would have been publicised that we didn’t kick many goals this year,” he said of the Heights’ off-season plans.
“It hurts you if you have a lot of dominance in the game and don’t hit the scoreboard. Sides will always come back at you.”
Scott Harding (Taylors Lakes) and Hisham Kerbatieh (Hillside) have joined Division 1 clubs.
Byrne, who was senior assistant and midfield coach this year, has taken on the top job after Donald McDonald relinquished the reins because of increased work and personal commitments.
Byrne is an experienced mentor having spent time in junior and senior roles in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
He said he expected a smooth transition given his knowledge of the group.
“It’s sad to see Donald go because some of the players had a really close relationship with him for a few years, especially the leaders,” Byrne said.
“Donald and I worked pretty close together, so I’ll miss him from a mateship point of view. He’s a good fella.”
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