NFNL: Lalor gets busy with over 20 new signings

Lalor is taking big steps to improve in 2023 after going winless this year having already added more than 20 recruits with more on the way.

Lalor has been one of local footy's busiest clubs.

The only way is up for Lalor.

But the Bloods are making plenty of noise about their bid to get off the canvas.

Lalor finished winless in 2022, the first time the club has never won a game in a season but they’re desperate to improve and the signs are already positive.

The Bloods have already signed more than 20 players for 2023 season with the core group of senior players also retained.

Lalor football operations manager Ben Walters believes it’s shaping up to be an exciting time at the club.

“The recruiting period has been full on, I’m meeting with people most nights of the week,” Walters said.

“But it’s all started to snowball in the last few weeks and a lot of credit needs to go to our current players who have been huge in helping with all the signatures we’ve got so far.

“Last season was tough but our playing numbers continued to grow throughout the season. The players have really stepped up, they’ve laid the foundations for us to be able to bring people into the club.”

Of the players brought in, Walters described the age demographic as “broad”.

There are a number of young players seeking senior opportunities while some are coming into their prime as footballers.

Among those to keep an eye on next season will be Connor Fitzgerald, Falcon Taurus, Josh Tribuzio and Moussa Ali.

Meanwhile, Justin Bentley is expected to add some real firepower to the Bloods’ forward line.

Discussions are also ongoing with a number of potential recruits.

“We’re pretty much starting at ground zero but we’re excited by what’s ahead,” Walters said.

“There’s a lot of guys who are 19 or 20 and want an opportunity to come and play senior footy. We’re selling the opportunity to come to a club and show us what you can do because there will be opportunities there.

“Our senior group has already started training, it’s all player driven. On Sunday, we had about 20 players turn up which is the same number we were getting just a few weeks out from the start of the season.

“Everyone is motivated to improve and the signs are already really exciting.”

Lalor’s confirmed signings: Joshua Tribuzio, Connor Fitzgerald, Falcon Taurus, Jacob Houston, Moussa Ali, Jonno McCartney, Jordan Barbara, Josh Plummer, Terry Chav, Josh Meacham, Jake Dimech, Ben Kocev, Justin Bentley, Rhys McAllister, Zac Orr, Jacko West, Michael Nakhoul, Brent Houston.