Craigieburn coach Shane Jacobs on his side’s hopes for 2024

Craigieburn coach Shane Jacobs has a clear goal in mind for his side this season as he reveals why he’s so excited about the young core and the recruits set to make a difference.

Jesse Davies has returned to Craigieburn. Picture: Hamish Blair

Don’t expect too much to change at Craigieburn in 2024.

Entering his second season in charge of the Essendon District league club, Shane Jacobs is determined to “stick to the plan”.

The Eagles showed signs of promise after a sixth place Division One finish in 2023 with a record of eight wins and 10 losses.

“There’s a good excitement but we know we need to go again,” Jacobs said.

“We can’t be happy with where we’re at. I’m sure other clubs have recruited well and are happy with where they’re at. We know we have to go bigger and better this year.

“Our aim this year is just to be better than we were last year and that’s probably right on the edge of finals which is exciting.”

Throughout the off-season, the Eagles have welcomed several new and returning faces into the playing group.

Two-time premiership star Jesse Davies is back after stints with Wallan and then later Heathcote.

Former juniors Luke and Nathan Reichelt are back from Roxburgh Park where the former won the senior best-and-fairest in 2022.

Ruckman Spencer Briggs will fill a vital role after crossing from Northern league outfit Watsonia.

While they’ll bolster the senior side, Jacobs is even more excited about the young core.

Luke Reichelt has crossed from Roxburgh Park. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“We felt we didn’t have to go out and recruit much, we still want to stick to the plan and develop within.

“Our under-18s made the grand final so there’s a few stepping up to senior footy now who we feel can take the next step.

“We really just wanted to add a ruckman, a couple of midfielders to strengthen our engine room.

“We haven’t gone that hard on recruiting really, we just want to develop within.”

Jacobs said the club had managed to retain “99 per cent” of its list from last season with just one player retiring.

“We’ve got a bit more depth this year,” he said.

“We did say we wanted to strengthen the twos as well so players we were fighting for spots.

“There’s definitely spots up for grabs.”

Craigieburn opens its season away to Roxburgh Park on Good Friday (March 29) meaning preparations are well underway.

The Eagles played Epping in a practice earlier this month and will face Wallan this weekend.