Bundoora coach Heath Scotland confident recruiting has improved club’s list depth

Bundoora coach Heath Scotland is confident the club’s list depth has improved despite a number of key personnel departing this off-season.

Jack Maruff in action for Bundoora. Picture: Nathan McNeill

Despite losing several key players, Bundoora coach Heath Scotland believes the club’s depth has improved this off-season.

The Bulls’ list has undergone major changes since their NFNL Division 1 campaign ended with a 5-13 record and eighth-placed finish.

Captain Luke Collins, best-and-fairest winner Lachie East, runner-up Jackson Davies, club favourite Danny Younan and big man Mitch Antonello have all departed.

Yet, Scotland is confident the club will be in a better position heading into 2025.

“As far as changeover in list, it’s been documented we’ve lost senior players,” Scotland said.

“We’d like to keep everybody at the club but we know change is a nature of the sport.

“We’ve been pleased with what we’ve been able to do in terms of recruiting, some guys looking to step up to a higher level and top-end talent in terms of VFL prospects.

“We’re still recruiting, like every other club, but I think our list in terms of total numbers and depth across the board, we’ve made some improvements.”

Northern Bullants VFL listed talents Riley Greene (Brisbane Lions VFL) and Bailey Tome (Kyabram) have come on board.

Joel Harris (Mernda), Lachlan Urbon (Calder Cannons/Sunbury), Tristan Mancuso and Marc Coscarella (East Keilor), Adrian D’Intinosante (South Morang) and Jamie Koutoufides (Reservoir) have signed on.

East and Davies leave large holes in the Bulls defence, which ranked sixth this season.

East has returned to Hurstbridge, while Davies has defected to rival Greensborough.

Scotland is looking for the likes of Greene and Urbon to step into key roles and the club’s youngsters to continue to grow.

“We understand Lachlan going back to his home club and Jackson, who had a great year, has chased what he feels is a better opportunity at Greensborough,” Scotland said.

“Riley Greene is a quality backman, Lachy Urbon I’ve been really impressed with and I’m excited to bring him in and fill one of those gaps.

“Bailey Tome, coming from Kyabram and aligned with the Bullants, will fill a gap we missed in the midfield and Joel Harris we feel will strengthen our midfield as well.

“On top of that we’re going to have organic improvement, Liam Mallia is the perfect example – he was fantastic and has earned himself an opportunity down at Casey (Demons).”

Meanwhile, Harris steps up from Division 3 club Mernda.

The young gun was one of the leading midfielders in Division 3 this season, playing a key role in the Demons’ run to the grand final in 2023 and preliminary final this season.

He’s caught Scotland’s attention in pre-Christmas training.

“He’s been really impressive on the track so far and like what he can add to our playing group,” Scotland said.

“We want to work closely with these guys to take their football further, stepping up from third or second division and create a pathway to a VFL program.”

DIV 1: NO RECRUITING RUSH FOR SOUTH MORANG

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DIV 3: RESERVOIR RECRUITING STRATEGY EXPLAINED

Scotland, entering his second season at Yulong Reserve, has been pleased with his players’ commitment to pre-season training.

Club president Paul King has taken on the reserve coach duties, while Simon Grossmann and Matt Bonadio will take charge of the under-19s.

Joel Hocking has come on board as strength and conditioning coach, Brodric Gray returns as an assistant coach and Rob Maiorana has re-signed as well.

A new club captain is expected to be named in the new year closer to the season start, the Bulls kicking off 2025 against Eltham on April 5.