Outer East league: Upwey Tecoma adds recruits, boosts coaching panel

Key signings, a returning champion and a coaching boost...it’s no wonder Upwey Tecoma’s coach says he hasn’t seen the playing group “this excited’’.

It’s all about building at Tigerland.

After returning to finals action last season, Upwey Tecoma is setting itself to push into the top bracket in Outer East league’s Premier division.

And the Tigers are off to a strong start, adding a collection of carefully chosen recruits that will help them climb the ladder.

Upwey Tecoma has also had a subtle change in the coaching ranks, with Stuart Hill to be a non-playing coach in 2024 after hanging up the boots.

Stuart Hill will be a non-playing coach. Picture: Sarah Matray

It will allow him to focus solely on coaching.

“Hopefully there’s a few little things that you don’t pick up as a playing coach that I’ll be able to identify as well,’’ he said.

“I think the club and the playing list will be better for it.’’

In another coaching boost, Eastern Ranges assistant coach Mark Sandilands has joined Upwey Tecoma as midfield coach.

Hill describes Sandilands’ arrival as “a big get’’.

“Particularly with our young midfield and flanker and wing crew, just to give some high quality expertise coaching,’’ Hill said.

“I’m almost as excited about that as I am with some of the players coming through.’’

Big-bodied midfielder Sam Raru headlines the recruits, returning to Tigerland after a decorated career.

Sam Waters will dust off the boots and play in 2024. Picture: Facebook

And former club captain Sam Waters is returning after a year off. He will be the perfect replacement for Hill in the backline.

“He will complement our young guys,’’ Hill said. “Under the radar but important for us to get a big defender back on board.’’

Hill said Upwey Tecoma was in good shape, with pre-season training to kick off shortly.

“We’re a pretty young crew with some really talented guys coming through our juniors that have clocked up maybe 20 or 30 games,’’ he said.

“We’ve picked up some guys early to mid 20s and a couple of guys around the 30 mark who have got a lot of experience.

“We’re in a pretty healthy spot as a team.

“And the boys are really keen, they’re all set to go. They’re mentally refreshed. And I haven’t seen the playing group this excited. I think some of the successes of the seniors but particularly the reserves and the under 19s has really charged up the enthusiasm which is great.’’

Sam Raru kicks the ball for Springvale Districts. Picture: Stuart Milligan

THE RECRUITS

Sam Raru: A product of the Upwey Tecoma Junior Football Club, Raru has amassed an amazing resume over his career, with premierships and individual accolades in abundance. A four-time League B&F winner throughout juniors, his history includes TAC Cup glory with the Oakleigh Chargers, two years at Port Melbourne in the VFL, and some time at Doveton and Springvale, where he regularly achieved Team of the Year honours. Most recently, Sam completed a B&F winning season with Fair Park in the EFNL.

James Somervaille has signed at Upwey Tecoma.Picture: Facebook

James Somervaille: The highly-regarded talent returns from Belgrave. The pull of playing with close mates was a huge factor in getting him back to Tigerland, deepening the pool of young talent coming through the ranks. Somevaille is a tall, athletic mid/forward with the ability to win his own ball as well as take a strong contested mark. His versatility makes him a big inclusion.

Corey Wakefield: A big-bodied midfielder who possesses explosive running capacity. Expect him to also do some damage off half-forward with his ability to take a strong contested grab. Wakefield joins the Tigers from South Belgrave, having had stints at Dalyston in the West Gippsland League and Upper Ferntree Gully previous to that, where he tasted premiership success. He was also a member of an Eastern Ranges TAC team in his younger years.

Jeson Poompech: Fresh from an excellent season for the Ferntree Gully Under 19’s, where he finished third in the League B&F, he will add firepower to the Tigers’ front half as a lively small forward. His pace and skills will be a huge asset.

THE RETURNEE

Sam Waters: With the retirements of a couple of key defenders at the end of last season, regaining the experience of former club captain Waters down back will be of vital importance, and he will play a crucial role in the development of the Tigers’ emerging backline. Waters donned the “pinks” of the runner from time-to-time in 2023. He clearly liked what he saw, with the senior side producing some of our most exciting footy in years, and it was a major factor in his decision to dust off the boots after a season off.