MPFNL: Rosebud locks in nine recruits including Rhys Dempster, Lachie Stenning, Jake Haskett
Rosebud coach Danny Ades explains the Buds’ robust recruiting strategy that has netted nine signings, with another “big one” imminent.
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There’s an abundance of hope and excitement at Rosebud as the 2024 MPFNL Division 1 season approaches.
The Buds have signed nine recruits after a carefully planned recruiting strategy was hatched mid 2023.
And the signing spree is not finished yet, with coach Danny Ades revealing “we’ve got another big one to announce soon”.
“He’ll be our biggest one,” Ades said.
“That should get done.”
Rosebud added former AFL player and VFL captain Ben Crocker to its list last month. He will play with the Buds when he isn’t playing for Collingwood’s VFL team next season.
Similarly, Casey Demons VFL captain Mitch White has made Rosebud his home club.
Ades said Rosebud, which finished eighth with a 6-12 record last season, targetted recruits it needed.
“We began recruiting in about May because it was pretty clear to me early on that we weren’t going to contend so I spent probably six rounds looking at the list and I wanted to pinpoint areas that we had to focus on bringing guys in for,’’ he said.
“I’m happy with the list we’re taking into season 2024 for sure.’’
Rosebud’s recruits:
Rhys Dempster: the Narre Warren 2022 premiership player joins his brother Mitch and completes a trio of twins at Rosebud along with the Cumming and Nanscawen boys. Rhys missed the 2023 season after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction.
Lachlan Stenning: joins the Buds from Bonbeach. The 2018 Dandenong Stingrays premiership player was also selected in Bonbeach’s team of the decade and was a Vic Country representative. Currently playing with St Mary’s in Darwin.
Jai Nanscawen: returning after travelling for two years, the ex-Stingray and Box Hill Hawk is class act who knows how to kick a goal.
Jake Haskett: the Somerville midfielder is a tremendous addition for the Buds, with his ability to rack up large disposal numbers and play in multiple positions on the ground.
Patrick Nagel: a familiar face at Olympic Reserve, where he’s captain-coach of Rosebud’s cricket club. A running wingman, he will add a dash of class to the Buds.
Kirk Dickson: the Cranbourne premiership player has been a perennial team of the year member and a 50-goal-a-season forward.
Ben Crocker: the former Collingwood and Adelaide AFL player will play with the Buds when he isn’t playing for Collingwood’s VFL team next season.
Mitch White: the Casey Demons VFL premiership captain and ex-AFL Demon has made the Buds his home club.
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