NFL 2019: Collingwood fixture to help Northcote Park’s cause
COLLINGWOOD’S re-emergence as an AFL premiership contender has been good news for Northcote Park. Here’s why.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AN INCREASE in prime time fixtures for Collingwood is set to benefit Northcote Park’s hopes of Northern Football League glory next year.
The Cougars expect to have key forward Ash Close, a performance analyst with the Magpies, available for at least 12 games thanks to Collingwood’s blockbuster draw.
NFL 2018: COUGARS SIGN ONE OF AFL’S TALLEST PLAYERS
THE VFL YOUNG GUNS ON THE DRAFT RADAR OF AFL CLUBS
OFF-SEASON HQ: THE LATEST COACHING AND PLAYER MOVES
“Now all we have got to wait for is our draw just to make sure,” Northcote Park football manager John Matthew said.
“There’s a bit to play out but … we think he’ll play a minimum of 12.”
The Magpies have been slated for seven Friday night games, two Thursday fixtures and their annual Queen’s Birthday match after qualifying for this year’s grand final.
Close is likely to miss six NFL games which clash with Collingwood fixtures on Saturday afternoons, while Northcote Park has asked for a match on Anzac Day.
The spearhead booted 39 goals from nine Division 1 games this year, including a haul of 10 against Hurstbridge.
The Cougars recorded each of their seven wins this year when Close was available, underlining his importance.
“Collingwood are playing a lot more Friday and Saturday nights,” Matthew said.
“Ash is a game-day planner with (Nathan) Buckley in the box. Anytime Collingwood play on a Saturday afternoon he is unavailable for us.”
Northcote Park has been buoyed by the re-signing of a host of key players, headlined by skipper Paul Dirago, Jordan Perry, Nick Carter and Luke Svarc.
The club has signed 209cm ex-Sydney rookie Kyle Galloway, while Damian Galofaro will return after being sidelined by a back injury this year.
“If we have got the two key forwards (Close and Jackson Starcevich), we have got a ruckman, we have got all the other quality guys we had and we get a decent run with injury, we think we will be right in it,” Matthew said.
Matthew said he expected Galofaro would be a “huge” inclusion and would hold down centre-half-back.
“He hurt his back renovating a house,” he said.
“It just kept lingering and when it got to the stage where we couldn’t make it, we made a decision for him to just rest up and get ready for next year.”
The Cougars have reappointed coach Matt McLennan after finishing eighth with a 7-11 record this year.
MORE LOCAL SPORT NEWS
BBL RECORD-HOLDER SET TO LINK WITH ST KILDA
Off-season central: every RDFNL club’s recruits
The new season is just around the corner and Riddell District clubs have been busy bolstering their lists. Check out all the news recruits here.
Recruit tracker: ex-AFL talents join Northern league
OFF-SEASON CENTRAL: It’s a new year and the new local footy season is just around the corner. Check out the latest recruits at every Northern league club here.