NFL: Lalor coach Dean Grainger ready to prove naysayers wrong as club confronts big challenge

DEAN Grainger doesn’t need to be reminded about the enormity of the task confronting him at Lalor.

Lalor locks horns with Diamond Creek in NFL Division 2 last season. Picture: Steve Tanner.

DEAN Grainger doesn’t need to be reminded about the enormity of the task confronting him.

The new Lalor coach has taken over at a time when the club’s playing list has been hit hard by an exodus of senior players after it avoided relegation from Division 2 by two games last year.

Former coach Jarrod King and 2015 Northern Football League best and fairest Shane Jacobs have crossed to Bundoora, Jhye Baddeley-Kelly has joined North Heidelberg and ex-skipper Shannon Smith has moved to Craigieburn.

“It’s been facing an uphill battle with the players we have lost,” Grainger said.

“But the commitment from the guys that have been there ... has been second to none.

“You can’t knock their commitment to the footy club, which has been the most pleasing part for me.”

The club has not sat on its hands as it seeks to return to the heights of 2015, when it lost the grand final to Whittlesea by three points.

A merger with Mill Park Junior Football Club was mooted but has since been ruled out, while the Bloods have adopted a new jumper and logo for 2018. The club has also been seeking to introduce a women’s team.

“There’s a lot of rumours out there about the footy club, which is fine,” Grainger said.

“But until you have actually been there and see what’s going on, you can’t really judge or have your say about what’s going on.”

Grainger was thrilled to land former St Mary’s and Heidelberg player Isaac Edgar, who had been on his radar while coaching at South Morang.

“His attitude from day one has been fantastic,” Grainger said.

“Even though he’s only a young guy he brings a bit of experience and leads by example on the training track.”

Lalor has also added Lachlan Westwood (Jerilderie), who Grainger expects will feature in defence.

Grainger said the club needed to be “realistic” about its targets for 2018.

“We know what’s ahead of us,” he said.

“If we do all the right things and keep pushing in the (right) direction ... there’s no reason we can’t stay in Division 2.”