EFL: Eagles re-sign key names ahead of 2021
Ferntree Gully is shaping as one of the top prospects of the EFL’s Division 3 for 2021, after securing a host of key names – including a competition best and fairest.
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Eastern Division 3 club Ferntree Gully has moved to re-sign its playing list for 2021, beginning with its captain and a competition best and fairest winner.
The Eagles have confirmed skipper Jess Moore has recommitted for 2021, along with the return of 2017 Division 4 league best and fairest Sean Currey who was set to sit 2020 out due to family commitments.
The club has also retained its swag of recruits it brought in following season 2019, including former Bayswater pair in running half-back Mat Camera and forward Wayne McInerney, ex-Croydon utility Alex Bull and tall mid Luke Sproules who made the move from Belgrave. Experienced campaigners Chris Cox and Hayden Lovat are also among those recommitted.
Senior coach Brent Kiker lauded the playing group’s commitment to the club, with the Division 3 salary cap cut to $60,000.
“When the season was canned, I thought we were in a good position both on and off the field, in saying that, you really never know 100 per cent, but I think it’s been vindicated by the response of the players recommitting,” Kiker said.
“Without hesitation as well, especially with the new salary cap and restraints there, there hasn’t been any push-back at all with guys taking a pay cut. That’s been really positive, it’s just made the whole process a lot easier.”
Kiker said Currey’s inclusion for 2021 would be invaluable to his side’s ruck and forward stocks, with the former Kilsyth captain set to form a formidable ruck duo with fellow big man Daniel De Ieso.
“He (Sean) is up and about and he’s really ready to go again,” Kiker said.
“He’s a personal trainer as well, he said to me that he’s been doing a bit more running as well, and we’re expecting big things from him.
“They (Currey and De Ieso) are both very capable forward as well.
“We’ve got a couple of young guys coming up and a couple of budding ruckmen, and it’s good having those two experienced guys around to bring a couple of young kids through as well for the future, that’s looking really positive for us.”
With pre-season training looking unlikely to kick off prior to Christmas, Kiker said he had faith in the group to return in shape for an assault on 2021, following the club’s preliminary final berth last year.
“The majority of the guys that I speak to are just keen,” Kiker said.
“I think the key for a lot of players now is that you can’t take it (footy) for granted.
“Nearly all the guys I’ve spoken to are doing some sort of fitness, and I’m expecting them to come back in really good shape.”
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