NFL 2019: Jesse Donaldson primed to lead Montmorency’s finals push under new coach Garry Ramsay
Captain Jesse Donaldson is “jumping out of his skin” to lead Montmorency’s push for a return to Northern Football League finals after a season ruined by injury.
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Captain Jesse Donaldson is “jumping out of his skin” to lead Montmorency’s push for a return to Northern Football League finals after a season ruined by injury.
The star on-baller was restricted to five games this year by groin and ankle issues as the Magpies finished seventh, three games outside Division 1 finals.
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New Montmorency coach Garry Ramsay, who worked with Donaldson in the NFL interleague squad, said the line-breaking on-baller would effectively be a “new recruit”.
“I think Jesse is an absolutely fantastic player,” Ramsay said.
“He’s a real line breaker with lovely disposal. He’s jumping out of his skin to get into it after limited games last year.”
The Magpies have lost best and fairest winner Ben Kennedy, who has signed a two-year deal with VFL club Williamstown.
Luke Collins (Bundoora), Ben Fennell (Greensborough), Tyrone Leonardis (Watsonia) and Joel McLellan (Panton Hill) are confirmed departures.
Halfback/wingman Jai Robinson has crossed from Whittlesea, but Ramsay otherwise plans to promote talented juniors to fill those gaps.
The return of talented halfback Billy Jenkin, who did not feature this year, will be another major plus.
“We will look to make no excuses,” Ramsay said.
“We’d like to try and build a squad that is able to absorb injuries.
“I’m really hopeful that I can develop 32-34 senior footballers that are capable of not only playing senior football, but winning.”
Ramsay said he was confident the Magpies could juggle their dual ambitions of development and success.
“I can see no reason why we can’t be winning football while developing our own,” he said. “There is some real talent down there.”
The premiership mentor said he had been buoyed by the depth of talent in the club’s under-17 and under-19 teams.
“We have got a lot of good young kids coming in. There will be positions there for the young kids,” he said.
Ramsay, who has joined Montmorency after leading Macleod to the past four Division 1 grand finals, said he was confident the Magpies were close to ending a 40-year wait for glory.
“I see some real promise there and I see some exciting times ahead,” he said.
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