EFL: Knox adds long list of recruits to its list for 2020 Division 2 season
Knox has added a long list of recruits to its list for the EFL Division 2 2020 season following consecutive relegations.
Local Footy
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Knox was stiff to be relegated from EFL Division 1 this year but it can be expected to be a flag contender in the third tier in 2020.
While there are no “big names”, the Falcons have unveiled 14 new recruits following consecutive demotions.
Tall defender Mitch Prosser returns after two seasons at Mulgrave and Mansfield trio Josh Stefanutti, Jack O’Grady and Tom Gardiner have signed at Argyle Way from the Goulburn Valley league.
Gardiner has played 47 senior games in the past three years, while Stefanutti and O’Grady were on the fringe.
Knox coach Wayne Van Der Ross said the club had recruited to add depth to its list.
“We’ve added some youth, we’ve added some experience and we’ve targeted players that we need,” Van Der Ross said.
“I’m not saying all the guys will play seniors, but out of the 14, maybe five, six or even more (will).
“It just depends on how their pre-season goes, how their form goes, but all 14 potentially could play seniors. That’s how I look at.
“The biggest thing is we’ve wanted to do is have more depth at the club, which creates internal competition between the boys so they have to fight for the positions.”
Dylan Williams (Catani), Will O’Brien (East Burwood), Brandon Scammell (Toora) and Jordan Love (Scottsdale) are also among the additions.
Rob Maibaum is the only departure of significance, joining Montrose.
Knox was relegated this year after a six-win campaign — an almost unheard of statistic in suburban football.
It competed in Premier Division in 2018 but has been relegated twice in two seasons.
“We want to get back up to Division 1 as quickly as possible, whether that be next year or the following year, but we’re building towards getting back to Premier Division,” Van Der Ross said.
“This is why we’re recruiting these guys who are between 20 and 24 and in three, four years’ time, they will be in their prime and hopefully we are in Division 1 or Premier Division.”
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Van Der Ross said he wanted to secure a top-two spot and challenge for the premiership next year.
“There are some good teams in Division 2 … and I know, from first-hand experience when I was at Glen Waverley and Ringwood,” he said.
“I coached against some of these sides — The Basin, Heathmont, Templestowe, Boronia, Ringwood. They’re all good sides and on any given day, anyone can win … it’s a very close competition.”
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