EFL: South Croydon premiership star Dale Walker joins East Ringwood
East Ringwood’s backline has been boosted by the inclusion of one of the EFL’s top defenders joining the Division 1 club. ‘Roos coach Ben Osborne explains the move.
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East Ringwood’s backline has been significantly bolstered with the signing of one of the EFL Premier Division’s top defenders.
South Croydon premiership defender Dale Walker has signed at the ‘Roos for 2021 as a playing assistant coach.
Walker reunites with current East Ringwood mentor Ben Osborne, after Osborne previously served as an assistant coach at South Croydon heading up the backline.
Walker brings a wealth of experience to the ‘Roos having featured in five premiership sides, including Box Hill’s reserves flags in 2009 and 2010, followed by triumphs with NEAFL club Ainsley in 2011, Wagga Wagga in 2016 and South Croydon in the EFL’s top division in 2017.
Osborne said Walker’s main motivation to join the ‘Roos was to try his hand at coaching “a fresh set of ears”.
“I’m really happy to get him across,” Osborne said.
“He’s probably one of the best backmen in the Premier Division so we’re very fortunate for him to come across, and more so as a coach to be able to fast track our boys into the way we want to play.
“He knows the way I coach and our game plan, and it just helps me fasten that approach up I suppose.”
The first-year ‘Roos coach believes Walker’s inclusion would allow greater versatility within the line-up in 2021, which will again feature a host of the club’s stars with the bulk of the list recommitting so far.
Skipper Chris Cerni, vice-captain Stuart Donnelly, midfielders James Belo and Tristan Davies, defender Dylan Belo and forward Jayden Battaglene are among those to have re-signed.
“(Dale) wants to play every game and he’s still in good shape,” Osborne said.
“He’s had a year off like everyone has, it’s a strong backline but we might be able to tinker a few things around with our personnel in different positions.
“We’ve got some players that can play in varied positions, but he’s able to shore up our backline now and maybe we can shift a few guys around.
“Dylan Belo made the Team of the Year (in 2019) but he’s a sponge – he wants to keep learning and keep getting better so that’s what you want from your best players.
“If your best players want to keep getting better, it’s going to flow on to the young blokes coming through.”
Osborne said he was confident his group would continue to work hard to keep fit through the shutdown in preparation for 2021.
“They know that they have to drive this, and I’m here as a leader, but good clubs and good teams, players are the leaders and they lead the culture and we need those players to drive that,” he said.
“I think we’ve got an experienced enough group to make sure they come back fit.
“I believe our list is good enough to play finals, and once you’re there you give yourself every chance.
“From what I’m hearing from the playing group, there were a lot of keen and interested guys to get up and running as soon as we can and give next year a real shake.”
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