NFL 2018: Jai Burns and Kain Proctor back at Fitzroy Stars

HAYDEN Heta’s recruiting hit list had two names at the top —Kain Proctor and Jai Burns.

HAYDEN Heta’s recruiting hit list had two names at the top.

Kain Proctor and Jai Burns.

Determined to lift Fitzroy Stars back into finals contention in his first year as coach, Heta targeted the pair after they spent this year with Bundoora.

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His efforts paid off last week when Proctor and Burns committed to the Stars, providing a significant boost for Heta.

“That was huge for us,” he said.

“The first thing I did when I took on the role was have a recruiting meeting and talked about who we wanted to target.

“Both their names were right up the top of the list. In saying that, we were under no illusions it was going to be hard to get them back from Bundoora.

“Not only was it a Division 1 club and a successful club, but they really loved their footy there.

“The drawcard of the Fitzroy Stars and them being a part of the broader community was enough to get them over the line.”

Kain Proctor celebrates a goal with Jye Brennan for Fitzroy Stars. Picture: Mark Wilson

Fitzroy Stars have enjoyed a fruitful off-season since Heta was confirmed as Jason Mifsud’s coaching replacement.

Former Melbourne and Carlton player Chris Johnson has put pen to paper, while Corey Wanganeen has returned and young gun Jake Firebrace has signed on.

The Stars missed finals for the first time since 2011 this year, finishing seventh in Division 2 with a 2-16 record.

“The club had got a really proud history and it was hard to see not only the scoreboard, but people started to disconnect from the club,” Heta said.

“The biggest driver for me, moving forward, is to get the club back to where it needs to be.”

Heta said Johnson, who played 31 games for Melbourne and 15 with Carlton, would provide much-needed experience.

Fitzroy Stars’ Jai Burns lays a big tackle on Hurstbridge's Tom Grimes. Picture: Brendan Francis

“He is an exceptional leader who sees footy from a different lens,” he said.

“Having played at the highest level, he’s been exposed to some really great coaches.

“For our group, although we have got some experienced players in there, we lack in that genuine leadership.

“That’s what he is going to bring to us.”

He said a top-four finish would be the Stars’ ambition in 2019.

“No club likes to be sitting down the bottom, let’s face it,” he said.

“From all accounts Fitzroy Stars have been quite successful.”

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