Macleod coach Craig Hayes discusses the Kangas’ turnover and recruits

Macleod has had arguably the biggest turnover of any NFNL Division 1 club but coach Craig Hayes sees plenty of positives in the new-look Kangas line-up.

Darcy Barden in action for Macleod. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Macleod will be younger and aim to be slicker in 2024.

The Kangas have undergone a significant transition in the off-season but remain confident they can still challenge for NFNL Division 1 finals.

Club stalwarts Lucas Hobbs, Brad Leggett and Patrick Martin have departed, along with VFL-listed Solly McKay and Ned McKeown.

However, Macleod has brought in the likes of Mackenzie and Darcy Hogg, Reece Jones, Max Childs, Jake Hodgkin and Cooper Clark to rejuvenate the list.

Coach Craig Hayes said there were “a lot of positives” to come from the turnover.

Zach Hudson in action for Macleod. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“We’ll have a younger look about us so the focus has been on the development and a style of play that suits them,” Hayes said.

“That’s to do with more fluency in the ball movement and a restructure of the front half to accommodate that.

“The last couple of weeks we’re starting to see more cohesion.

“We’ve had a fair influx of new guys, so it takes time, but we’re pleased with where it’s at and we’ve got practice matches to find out where we need additional improvement.”

The Hogg brothers have been particularly impressive in pre-season training.

Mackenzie arrives from reigning premier Heidelberg, where he was forced out of the senior team late in the season, going on to win the grand final medal in the Tigers reserve grade premiership.

Darcy is VFL-listed at Carlton and jumps across from VAFA club Old Carey.

“Darcy and Mac Hogg are very impressive,” Hayes said.

Caleb Karavas in action for Macleod. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“When we’re lucky enough to have Darcy he’ll give us a lot of drive around the ground, he and Mac are both accumulators of the footy.

“The move that Macca has made will be a really positive one for his footy because he’ll come through the middle for us, where he didn’t get as much exposure in that area previously.

“We’ve already seen what he can do, he and Darcy, they’re disposal is excellent.”

While Macleod has brought in several recruits, Hayes is just as excited about proven stars returning from injury.

Kangas great Justin White played just two games last season, while Mitchell Rust was limited to four, Luke Joyce eight and Jordan Corelli to 10.

Team of the Year gun Darcy Barden remains one of the most dangerous players in the competition, while Michael Hurley – after 34 goals in 11 appearances – is expected to play up to 10 matches between VFL coaching commitments.

“Haydon and Kurt Manuel have had a fantastic pre-season, along with Jordan Corelli,” Hayes said.

“Everyone forgets Jordan missed eight or nine games last year, he’s like a new recruit, and Mitch Rust is in the same boat.

“Scooter (White), returns as well, he only played two games last year.

“Darcy is a freak, he’s super fit, super strong and our recruiting will allow us to play him predominantly at centre half-back.

“He was enormous for us when he went into the middle last year, that’s not to say we wouldn’t do it at times this season, but our focus is for Darcy to play back and he’ll be the on-field assistant coach.

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“Hurls will play nine or 10 games depending on his VFL availability, which would be fantastic.

“Obviously we’re a much stronger forward line when Hurls plays with that tall marking option.”

Macleod will ramp up preparations with two practice matches, taking on Division 2 clubs South Morang and Laurimar before a hitout against Essendon District club West Coburg.

The Kangas will kick off the season on the road against Banyule on April 13.