Reservoir coach Rohan Davies discusses strategy to lift NFNL Division 3 struggler

Reservoir has delivered one of the most eye-catching recruiting drives this off-season and coach Rohan Davies says there’s more big names to come.

Aaron Edwards in action for St Kilda City in 2023. Picture: George Sal

A near 20-year connection has helped Reservoir deliver one of the most eye-catching off-season recruiting drives.

The Mustangs have brought in an array of new faces and coach Rohan Davies is adamant there’s more to come.

Ex-AFL forward and local footy goal-machine Aaron Edwards, local footy legend Paul Scanlon and ex-VFL talents Jack Sandric and Andew Tashevski-Beckwith headline the ins.

The likes of two-time Bundoora premiership player Joe Palazzolo, Bundoora and East Keilor flag-winner Josh Grabowski and Josh Mascara have also come on board to lift the NFNL Division 3 cellar-dwellers.

Reservoir won just one game in 2024 but, positively, was far more competitive and only suffered a handful of blowout losses.

Davies confirmed there was a clear recruiting strategy but all players came with an existing connection.

Reservoir celebrates its one win in 2024. Picture: Josh Chadwick

“All the guys we’ve brought in are pretty experienced, the way they train and prepare, it’s good for the guys at Reservoir that haven’t had any success can see what it looks like,” Davies said.

“Obviously they’re going to improve us on field but also around the club, it’s good for the guys to see some good operators running around.

“I’ve been mates with Chewy Scanlon for 15-odd years or longer and I knew Joe Palazzolo and Josh Mascara pretty well.

“Through them led to other guys, Aaron Edwards being one of them, so all the guys we’ve brought on board are all connected, which is good.

“We haven’t just brought a heap of randoms on board.”

Edwards arrives from Outer East Division 1 premier Healesville, where he kicked 69 goals in 16 appearances.

Sandric returns from Tasmania, where he made 73 appearances for State League club North Hobart, including 10 matches this year.

Marcus Cantwell and Steve Schwarzer have also signed from Eastern Division 2 club Templestowe, Cantwell winning the club’s reserves best-and-fairest and Schwarzer playing 14 senior matches.

Reservoir coach Rohan Davies. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Meanwhile, Scanlon, will serve as a playing assistant coach.

The ageless marvel played a combined 18 matches last year – 10 for Eastern Division 1 club Mooroolbark and eight for Diamond Valley Masters, winning the Division 1 North-West premiership.

“I actually worked with him when I was an electrical apprentice many moons ago,” Davies said.

“That’s how I first met him, back in 2007, and we’ve been in touch since then.

“A few times we nearly played together and this is the year. He’s been training every session and he still looks phenomenal.”

While Reservoir’s recruiting has been eye-catching, it’s pre-season training base is also likely the envy of the entire Northern league.

The Mustangs secured LaTrobe’s Tony Sheehan Oval, next door to league HQ, for it’s pre-Christmas stint.

Davies said numbers had been strong with the influx of new players.

“It’s really good, I wish we could train (at LaTrobe) all year,” he said.

“It will just be pre-Christmas, there’s great facilities, a good ground, and then we’ll get back to Crispe Park.

DIV 2: MACLEOD COACH’S BIG WIN AS REBUILD BEGINS

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

MOVES: MORE THAN 140 RECRUITS JOIN NORTHERN CLUBS

“Last year was decent but we’ve brought on a heap of new guys so they’re all pushing the limit at training.

“Josh Mascara hasn’t played for a couple of years but he played really good footy at Bundoora and has an elite level of fitness.”

Reservoir have lost one big name, captain and Team of the Year gun Zech Cuppins.

The midfielder has shifted south to Mornington Peninsula club, Pines, teaming up with a friend and following an employment opportunity.