EFL 2019: Montrose advertising for players just weeks out from start of Eastern Football League season

Montrose has put the call out for players less than a month from Round 1, but has dismissed concerns about pre-season numbers.

Montrose coach Peter Bastinac. Picture: James Ross/AAP

Montrose has put the call out for players less than a month from Round 1, but has dismissed concerns about pre-season numbers.

The Demons posted a “players wanted’ advertisement last week, saying: “We are a Premier suburban AFL club still seeking A Grade players for the 2019 season”.

President Gary Felstead said the Demons wanted to attract some “A Grade players” who could “assist our current group and those young ones coming into the senior environment”.

EFL: GIOBBI TO BOOST THE HAWKS

EFL: SHARKS, BULLDOGS RESOLVE CLEARANCE STALEMATE

EFL: COUGARS ENJOY FRUITFUL OFF-SEASON

EFL: SHARKS BOOST LIST WITH YOUNG TALENT

EFL: HARVIE REVEALS SAINTS’ PLANS FOR 2019

“We’ve actually got a reasonable list at the moment, (but) like every club, (we’re) just trying to add a couple more players where we can,” Felstead said.

.@montrosefc_ is seeking players for season 2019.

The club will hold its season launch on Saturday, April 6.

See full details below: pic.twitter.com/qYVns6z0fn

— EFL (@footyefl) March 8, 2019

“We’ve got room there at the moment, we’ve got some (player) points and like everyone, (we’re) just trying to get those extra couple to be as competitive as we can.”

Montrose finished 10th last year with a 5-13 record, with its losses coming by an average margin of 66 points and four of the wins were against relegated clubs East Ringwood and Knox.

Some Eastern league observers have tipped Montrose to be in the relegation fight this year.

“We don’t have to be clairvoyants to know which games we need to target throughout the year,” Felstead said of the predictions.

“Clubs are going to be hunting us I think more so and we know we’re going to be up against it every single game, and that’s why we’re endeavouring to move forward in the best way we can.

“I speak to our football manager (Greg Gardoll) and he’s given me an indication that with the talent level we’ve got out there … we’re going to be very reliant on not (getting) too many injuries.

“We need to have our best team out on the field to be competitive.”

Felstead pointed to the re-signings of recruits Jordan Bastinac, Tim Jones, James Wilsen and Mitch Davis as reasons for optimism.

Montrose has had an influx of young players during the off-season, signing Kieran Urquhart (Chirnside Park), Shaun McMillan (Park Orchards), Beau Tennant and Eastern Ranges-listed Bailey White (both Mooroolbark).

Sam Gibson gets a handball away for Montrose. Picture: Chris Eastman/AAP

Tyler Birchall (Chirnside Park) could also be in line for senior opportunities.

Billy Schilling (North Ringwood) and 2013 Division 2 premiership captain Sam Goodman (retired) have moved on.

“We’re going to be in a strong situation probably within another couple of years where, I guess like every club, we’re going through development with young players,” Felstead said.

“You’ll see with us this year a lot of young ones have come to our club, which is really good, and I mean 17, 18-year-olds.

“We’ve got to start from the growth within the club … the more we can develop our young ones the better.

“I’m excited about the young ones that will get their opportunity this year.”

Montrose starts its season against Blackburn at Morton Park on April 6.