NFL 2019: Sam Rexhepi’s addition to boost Lalor’s scoring under new coach Gary Cutler
Lalor coach Gary Cutler says he expects experienced key forward Sam Rexhepi to be a pivotal figure as the rebuilding Bloods eye more success this year.
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Lalor coach Gary Cutler says he expects experienced key forward Sam Rexhepi to be a pivotal figure as the rebuilding Bloods eye more success this year.
Rexhepi has crossed to the Northern Football League from Wallan, where he kicked 30 goals from 16 games in the Riddell District Football League last season.
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Lalor averaged 47.5 points per game last year, finishing with a 2-14 record in Division 3.
Cutler said he hoped Rexhepi’s presence inside forward 50 would make the Bloods a more formidable opponent.
“I coached against them last year and they were really competitive,” he said.
“We were really surprised how hard they bashed into the footy.
“But they just didn’t have anyone up forward to kick a ball to.”
Lalor was on its knees less than 12 months ago and facing a season in recess due to a major player exodus.
But there is a renewed sense of optimism at Lalor Reserve after the arrival of several experienced recruits and former Heidelberg West coach Cutler.
Division 1 premiership on-baller Josh Novelli and fellow midfielder Adrian Cirianni have crossed from West Preston-Lakeside, while Stephen Wallace (Coburg Districts) and the returning Tim Peck are expected to add class in midfield.
“I have coached Sammy previously and that is why I worked pretty hard to get him over to the club,” Cutler said.
“On the back of one signing, it flowed on and we have picked up Josh (Novelli) and Adrian Cirianni who we think will be a really good player as well.”
Cutler said Peck, who has been limited to seven games in the past two seasons due to injury, was ready to make up for lost time.
“He’s got his body right,” Cutler said.
“Immediate improvement is expected and we think (the recruiting is) where it’s going to come from.
“The flow-on effect will be the depth in the whole footy club.”
Isaac Edgar and Anthony Velicki (Moonee Valley) are the only senior players who have moved on.
Cutler said Lalor had prioritised quality, rather than quantity, after being forced to rebuild its list from scratch last year.
“I don’t know what it was like there last year. But what I can tell you now, it’s a pretty happy place to be around,” he said.
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