Fitzroy Stars coach Dean Rioli discusses rebuild after player exodus
Fitzroy Stars may have lost a host of senior players over the off-season but new coach Dean Rioli is excited by the prospect of developing his young team in 2020.
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Despite an off-season player exodus, new Fitzroy Stars coach Dean Rioli is excited by the potential at Sir Doug Nicholls Reserve.
As many as 10 senior players have departed over summer, including last year’s playing coach Hayden Heta (retired), joint best-and-fairest winners Ethan Penrith (West Preston-Lakeside) and Max Maynard (Yarraville-Seddon), Jai Burns, Kain Proctor and Peter Hood (all Bundoora).
However, Rioli is excited by the arrival of Jayden Gerrand from Western Australia – nephew of Brisbane Lions premiership star Des Hedland – as well as Jamarrah and Jesse Firebrace from Rumbalara and St Kilda City respectively.
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Former Norwood SANFL ruckman Fallon Wanganeen has signed on from Central Highlands club Rokewood Corindhap but faces a delayed start to the season after undergoing finger surgery.
“We’ve lost a heap of players, which is disappointing, but we’re rebuilding,” Rioli said.
“That’s why I’m excited. Being a new coach, I don’t know any different, I’ve just got to focus on what’s available.
“What we’ve got is a young group who want a crack at senior football and are genuinely excited to be a part of it.
“If Jayden is anything like his uncle, he’s going to be quite exciting, while Jamarrah and Jesse are both smooth movers who add to our skill.”
With Wanganeen set to miss the opening rounds of the season, a lack of height is a concern for Rioli.
The former Essendon player said the club was still in the market for recruits but was building a gameplan to suit its strengths.
“As much as you’d like to have height, we have to design a game style that suits what we’ve got,” Rioli said.
“We’ve got speed and skill. Richmond won a flag with a small side in 2017, so we’ll play to our strengths.
“Al Norris competed really well last season, but he’s an undersized ruckman and I’m keen to use Al in different positions.
“If there’s anyone above 6 foot 5 and is looking for a club, we’ll be more than happy to have a chat with them.”
The Stars improved significantly last season, going from two wins in 2018 to challenging for finals with seven victories and a draw.
Fitzroy Stars begin their 2020 campaign against last year’s runner-up Banyule at home on April 4.
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