Why Ross Terranova is excited for Roxburgh Park’s EDFL future

Roxburgh Park coach Ross Terranova is excited for the future after his side’s season came to an end. He reveals the biggest lessons and the type of recruits he’s targeting.

Brenden Egberts of Roxburgh Park. Picture: Hamish Blair

Roxburgh Park and coach Ross Terranova breathed a sigh of relief on the siren on Saturday.

There was a numb feeling after the draw with Craigieburn to close out the EDFL Division 1 season but at the same time it was enough for the Magpies to guarantee their safety.

Rupertswood’s thumping win over Tullamarine threatened to draw Roxy into a last minute relegation scrap but the two points was enough.

“It’s been an up and down year, the game probably summed it up,” Terranova said.

“This year has been a good learning curve for the group and myself, it shows where we’re at. We’ve been in games and just fallen away at the critical times.

“We’re still a young group, we had four kids who are 18 on the weekend, I think half the list is below 22. We used this year to learn.”

With second tier footy locked in for next year, Terranova is already focused on helping the Magpies move up the ladder.

He’ll be hoping for more luck on the injury front with skipper Jack Elliott missing the second half of the season.

But the pair have already signed new contracts for next season.

“It’s hard to replace someone of his calibre but it created opportunities for others,” Terranova said.

“To Jack’s credit, he did the running all the way and was at training to help the young guys develop. We have an idea of the type of players we want to bring in.

“A key back is important for what we’re trying to do and some experienced players who can offer on-field leadership and guide the younger guys.

“When I first signed with the club, I told them I was happy to do this for two or three years and invest the time. We’ve got a fantastic playing group, already about 25 re-signed.

“It gives us a good position to build off.”