Northcote Park makes strong start to it off-season recruiting campaign
Northcote Park has made a strong start to its recruiting campaign, signing a JJ Liston Trophy winner and former VFL tall from the EDFL.
Northern
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Northcote Park has kicked off its rebuild with two big-name recruits.
The Cougars look set to been very active on the transfer market and have begun by bringing in Jordan Schroder and Alex Boyse from EDFL Premier outfit Essendon Doutta Stars.
Schroder, an inside midfielder, played five AFL games for Geelong, won the VFL’s JJ Liston Trophy in 2013 and also played VFL for Essendon.
Boyse is a key position player capable of controlling games at either end, won a VAFA Premier flag with St Bernard’s and was formerly on Essendon’s VFL list.
The pair have close connections at Bill Lawry Oval and were looking for a fresh start.
“One of our assistants was involved and they know Ben McNiece (through Essendon VFL),”
Northcote Park coach Steve Saddington said.
“They both played in the VFL program with Ben, we’re really excited to see how they go.
“They’ve both been there for a long time, were looking for a change and didn’t want to play against their old side.
Schroder and Boyse were key players for Essendon Doutta Stars this season.
Schroder earnt six mentions in the best from 10 appearance with two best-on-grounds, while Boyse was in the best in eight of nine games, including three best-ons.
Saddington said with the Cougars’ signings and some of the rumours swirling around, Division 1 was going to be a lot of fun in 2022.
“It’s going to make the league awesome and that’s what we told the boys, you’re going to be playing in probably the best comp in terms of evenness,” he said.
“We’re the bottom side and we’ve improved out of sight, there’s going to be no easy games, you’re going to have to bring you’re A game to compete.
“It was a good day for the club, when the footy manager rang and said we’ve got them over the line.”
The Cougars are also in talks with several past players as they look to rebound from a disastrous 2021 that ended winless.
Captain Paul Dirago played just six games, Lachie Boscarini to three appearances, star ruckman Kyle Galloway to four and veteran midfielder Bronik Davies to five.
The club is confident it has the ability to bounce back in 2022 and avoid returning to Division 2 for the first time since 1994.
Northcote Park has already locked away the majority of its current list with Saddington admitting the playing group asked for reinforcements.
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“We’ve pretty much got 95 per cent recommitted,” Saddington said.
“The group put the onus back on the club a bit, saying if you get active and bring people in, we’re willing to stick around as well.
“We’re looking to bring a couple of past players back again, which is great because they’re one-pointers.
“As bad as we were we didn’t think we were far away, a horror run with injuries, but on the flip side of that a lot of young kids got games that they otherwise wouldn’t have.”
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OFF-SEASON CENTRAL: It’s a new year and the new local footy season is just around the corner. Check out the latest recruits at every Northern league club here.